Fascinating facts about U.S. National Parks

Preserving the country’s rich natural and cultural heritage, U.S. national parks feature some of North America’s most stunning virgin landscapes and a plethora of natural wonders within them. Mighty mountains, towering prehistoric trees, and punctual geysers are all hallmarks of these magnificent spaces. However, even regular visitors like yours truly often get pleasantly surprised by the many fascinating yet little-known facts about these places, frequently hiding right underneath our noses (or even feet).

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Some of these hidden gems could even rival the main attractions of the parks themselves. Such was the case of the now well-publicized caldera volcano that makes up Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone caldera—responsible for the hot springs and the eruptions of the Old Faithful geyser, is interesting since it isn’t extinct. Due to its colossal size and the fact that it is long overdue for what scientists believe would be a cataclysmic eruption, it inspires awe and fear.

Other park facts inspire a different kind of awe. The rangers at Denali National Park in Alaska trended relatively recently for showing a video of the puppies they were raising as the successors of their sled dog teams. Hey, nothing draws the crowds in the age of the Internet than baby animals.

Beyond saving natural wonders and ancient cultural heritage (including ruins and land sacred to many native cultures), national parks often preserve bits and pieces of contemporary history; segments of the historic Route 66 are preserved in Petrified Forest National Park.

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The best ways to find out what these parks have in store would be to visit them. I’m Jack Elway, photographer, hiker, and nature enthusiast. Follow me on Twitter for more on my post-retirement adventures.

The Ways of Photojournalism

Photography documents moments in a snap, using the element of time and light to reproduce a moment as it is recognized. For its quick access and production, photography has been the go-to tool for documentation, together with other media that supplement other storytelling techniques.

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The impact of photography in society has been immense, with it being used to create awareness about issues otherwise unbeknown to many. Photojournalism keeps the stories alive even after it has been reported in the news, via television, print, or radio. Truth in this form of documentation is hard to break, unlike in other forms, where a single word altered may alter the whole event.

Now that we’re bombarded with information more than ever (thanks to social media), almost anyone can become a photojournalist. While camera phones don’t compare to professional cameras, amateur photojournalist who take on social media as their main platform gain more attention than professional ones, with their skills honed through time. Because of this, photojournalism has drastically changed, and has morphed into videojournalism. With options to go live, social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have been the biggest tools for creating awareness through the Internet. Their quick access has lured users of their apparent right to record anything that’s newsworthy.

Photojournalism, when partnered with newswriting, is bound by the rules of journalism used for broadcasting. It tells the truth without being rude, taking in consideration photos that have to be censored or reports that require disclaimers before being broadcast—unlike in unregulated platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

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Hi there! My name is Jack Elway and I’m a retired photographer traveling around the country to take photos of national parks. I’m currently in Denver to shoot its wilderness. Follow me here for quick updates.

Product Photography: Shooting Great Photos On The Cheap

Product photography uses specific techniques to showcase products attractively and entice potential buyers to purchase a product.

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If you’re looking to put up an online store. Here are photography tips to make attractive product photos without breaking your bank.

Get the right photography equipment

Fortunately, consumer DSLR cameras are getting cheaper every year, so if you’re planning to get tons of product photos, it’s best to invest in a good digital camera. But, if that isn’t in your budget, a smartphone with a good camera can do the trick. Apps like VCSOCam and Snapseed can help you make some pretty cool photos.

Perfect your lighting setup

The quality of your lighting setup is as important as the quality of your camera. Start by figuring out what kind of background and lighting you will use for a specific product. The way you would set up lighting for a wine bottle would be different than what you would set up for a pair of sneakers.

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You don’t have to spend too much on lighting equipment if you can have a set for $50 or less. Sites like Pinterest can help you set up your DIY studio.

My name’s Jack Elway. I’m a retired photographer from Denver taking pictures of national parks. Visit my blog for more photography tips.

The future of photography: Three benefits of drone photography

We’re all used to seeing beautiful photos of majestic landscapes, and admit or not, sometimes it gets boring, especially when it’s the same mountain in the same spot. So, imagine that same landscape, but taken from above.

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Photos and videos taken from the drone’s perspective literally take photography to new heights. Here’s why you should include a drone in your photography gear.

1. It can make something out of nothing

When taking a photo of what may initially seem to be an uninteresting, monotonous landscape, look for something in the scene. A drone can give you that perspective.

2. Time and budget-saving

Once upon a time, the only way to get a spectacular overhead shot is by helicopters. This takes a lot of time – getting to the locality and finding the right angle – and it’s going to put a hole in your pocket for the expense.

Drones are getting more and more affordable these days, and you don’t need to have a license to operate one.

3. Safer operations

There are complex environments, structures, and locations where people may find difficult to reach that drones can reach easily. Drones can fly high, far. Some drones give you a live feed so you can adjust your shot real-time. Plus, it’s fun to drive a drone!

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Hi there, my name’s Jack Elway. I’m retired photographer from Denver. Follow me on Twitter to get regular photography tips and updates.

Timeless Beauty: Learning How To Shoot Film

Classics will never go out of style. Innovations to the classics may make the original version seem irrelevant, but a legacy will never be replaced. Learning the history of the camera and its development through the years will bring our passion to another level. Analog cameras have a way of making you feel good as it brings you back to the start of your career or hobby. It isn’t as popular and well-used as before, but it’s still good to shoot using those.

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Film cameras are easier to use than digital ones as there are no electric focus points to determine. And the resolution and white balance have a limited menu unlike in DSLRs. It’s simple. I feel more attached to the art when I use an analog camera because it makes me feel more in control of what I want to see, rather than editing my work during and after I take it.

Once you start shooting with film, you won’t want to stop. The warmth it gives to your shots is amazing and natural. Lighting is so much better with film than with digital. Although taking pictures with a DSLR lets you edit your shots using a software to achieve the color you desire, it doesn’t compare to the satisfaction film photography provides as the process and the outcome are more natural.

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There’s not much to learn about shooting with a film camera since it’s almost the same as shooting with a DSLR. The main difference is in the photos you take.

Jack Elway here. I’m a retired photographer now living in Denver. I travel around the country to take photos of national parks. Follow my blog for more posts on photography.

The Shortcut To Mastering Long-Exposure Photography

Have you ever looked at photos with streaking lights or smoothened water waves and clouds while the stationary elements remained sharp and wondered how those images were captured? The answer is long-exposure photography, which is also known as time-exposure or slow-shutter photography.

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Its process involves using a slow shutter speed for a longer exposure while compensating the values of the aperture and ISO to ensure that the right amount of light is captured in the image.

However, capturing the best long-exposure shots is easier said than done. But with these tips, you are a few steps closer to mastering this type of photography.

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Use a neutral density (ND) filter: An ND filter is considered the most essential accessory for long exposure. It blocks out some of the sun rays and prevents color casting from ruining the image. It also allows for a much longer shutter speed during daytime.

Do not forget the tripod: One problem that could spoil a long-exposure photography is that if the camera moves while the image is being captured. This will lead to the entire photo getting blurred. Thus, a tripod should be used to ensure the stability of the camera. And not just any tripod would do, a high-quality one is needed.

My name is Jack Elway. I used to work as a photographer, but since I have long retired, I practice the craft out of passion. I travel around the country to take photos of national parks and nature. Read more about what I do here.

 

Best Spots For Taking Photos In Denver

There are tons of scenic views and memorable vistas in Denver, and often the problem is deciding on the best places to go to for those extra gorgeous photos. Here’s a list of several must-visit sites for great photos when taking a trip to Denver.

Denver Art Museum
The Hamilton Building at the Denver Art Museum is an iconic, popular tourist spot in the city. Its unique, jagged architecture is directly inspired by the Rocky Mountains and rock crystals found in the range’s foothills.

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Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Park doubles as a 9,000-seat amphitheatre carved out of 300-foot high red sandstones. Everyone from the Beatles to U2 and Bruce Springsteen have performed here. The view of Denver from the theater itself is stunning and worth taking tons of photos from.

Confluence Park
This spot is historically important for Denver as this is where the city was founded. It’s so named to refer to the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek. There’s plenty to here, from biking to kayaking to visiting the rapids, to taking stunning photos.

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Washington Park
A trip to Denver won’t be complete without a visit to this, the city’s most-renowned park. Photo opportunities abound here: from the dual lakes, well-designed and colorful flower gardens, and people enjoying the Denver outdoors.

Hello there. I’mJack Elway, a retired photographer and travel enthusiast. I’m currently exploring the outdoors here in Denver. For more tips and tricks about photography, visit thisblog.

Digital Photography Myths and Misconceptions

The emergence of digital photography changed the photography landscape forever. It allowed even the most novice of photographers a chance at creating more striking shots. But just like any endeavor, a lot of wrong beliefs exist about digital photography. For maximum results, people need to get rid of these myths. Here are two of myths you should stop believing.

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The bigger the size of the file, the higher the quality of the image

One of the most popular myths people believe is that if a file has more bytes, then the image is better. Not necessarily. How many bytes only relates to the resolution. It may be clearer, but not of higher quality. There may be more info from a pixel, but no amount of bytes than rescuing a poorly-shot image. Always remember that the quality of an image depends on more than just one element.

ISOs can change sensitivity

Another misconception many new photographers believe in is that ISO can affect sensitivity. False. People should know that digital sensors have a single sensitivity setting. ISOs, however, can affect signals, gains, and noise. A great analogy would be a live recording of a song. If the recording itself were done haphazardly, as much as you increase the volume, there’d still be a lot of ambient sounds ruining it.

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Hello! I’m Jack Elway, a retired photographer. I’m currently exploring the wilderness in Denver. For more on the stuff I love, check out this page.

Gear Up: Lenses Needed For Wldlife Photography

Wildlife photography is a challenging, yet fulfilling activity. It produces the most awe-inspiring photos, but the process it takes to capture those images requires much effort. To help you in this pursuit, bring the necessary lenses.

Packing light is often not an applicable tip for wildlife photographers because there can be numerous potential subjects that might either be too close or too far from the photographer.

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First, be sure to bring a telephoto lens having at least a 400mm equivalent range for capturing photos that are far-off. Certain models can produce sharp images even if the fauna is very distant and the light is low; examples are the Canon 100-400mm and Sigma 150-600mm lenses with fast zooms (f/2.8).

Bringing a teleconverter is also a great way of extending the reach of long lenses. It is important, however, to research the compatibility of the teleconverter to whatever lens you brought.

For extreme close-up shots (for little animals), a 1:1 macro lens would suffice. The Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens is a popular choice among novice and experienced photographers alike.

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If you choose to get close to your subjects, you can use a general purpose lens. For landscape-style photos, a wide-angle zoom lens is needed; and for environment-type shots, a medium-range zoom lens would work fine.

Hi, thanks for dropping by this blog. My name is Jack Elway, and I’m a retired photographer. Right now, I’m in Denver shooting wildlife and nature photography. Follow me on Facebook for more articles on photography.

Keeping Your Creative Juices Flowing

There are days when artists, including photographers, may feel uninspired. They feel they have run out of great ideas and have to push themselves really hard just to get things going again. But take it from me, a retired photographer; it’s not just a case of pushing yourself – you have to know how to push.

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We create based on who we are, defined by our background and experiences. If we want to extend that, we need to start experiencing other things. This can mean starting with something familiar and going a bit further. Like shooting food? Photograph food you’ve not shot before and style the whole shot. Give it a complete transformation or try new lighting. The possibilities are endless.

Photographers are known to have an eye for details, but many forget that the eye can be trained to look at things differently. Do you usually shoot standing up? Kneel or lie down with your chest on the ground. See things from an angle that you’re not used to or even comfortable with.

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Experiment with found frames — those elements in a scene that can help create a frame for your main subject such as trees, walls, arches, windows, and the like. Use things in scenes that you haven’t used before or employ old stuff differently. See these things even without the camera to your face. Visualize a scene with elements that are there and imagine other possibilities.

Doing new stuff in your photography is one way to continue being creative. Jack Elway here. For more photography tips, subscribe to my blog.