Rule #32 "Enjoy the Little Things"

Sometimes we forget about the little things. We can be so focused on the grand scene that the details tend to be overlooked. To quote rule #32 from the movie Zombieland, "Enjoy the little things". The end goal may be the focus, but those little things can create an entire picture sometimes more powerful than the initial goal. At least this was my experience last week as I headed up Big Cottonwood Canyon. The end goal was sunset at one of the small lakes in the area. Something similar to the shots I was able to capture at Cecret Lake one canyon over. Maybe a yellow tree here or there, some dramatic storm clouds, but it just didn't happen. I worked the scene for what it was and still ended up coming up short. It was a beautiful night, but I wasn't able to capture my vision in the final scene. My images of the hike in, however, were able to sum it up beautifully. I didn't need to capture that grand sweeping vista to convey the beauty that evening. I often forget this "rule" and can get distracted by the grand landscape. I'm not saying the grand landscape isn't, well, grand, but it is important to keep your eyes and mind open to the details and "less grand" scenes, too. Sometimes you just need to stop and enjoy the little things. 

Autumn and Fall Colors

Side lit trees contrast against a dark background in Little Cottonwood Canyon

Fall is just around the corner. The mornings are cooling down and the leaves have already started to turn in the mountains. I am really excited for fall this year. I've got ideas galore and I can't wait to get out and make some unique imagery. I've got plans ranging from Ogden Valley, Utah to Banff National Park, Canada. I'm especially excited for Canada. I've never been, and many of those I look up to photographically have thrived in places like Banff and Jasper National Park: Darwin Wiggett, Chip Phillips, Marc Adamus, and all contributors to Photo Cascadia to name a few. Hopefully I'll make it back in time for the peak fall foliage here in Salt Lake. If you're looking to up your photography game there is a fall workshop in Northern Utah at the end of September hosted by Adam Barker. I would highly recommend it. The most exciting of all is that fall is another excuse to get out and enjoy nature. So take a drive, climb a mountain and enjoy the fall scenery this Autumn!

Here are some old photos to get your fall senses tingling. 

Light filtered through the smoke of campfires illuminating the fall leaves in Millcreek Canyon

Abstract of fall leaves in a snowstorm 

A small stream leads the way through the fall foliage near Mountain Dell golf course

Yellow leaves contrast the blue and pink sky near Guardsman Pass in Big Cottonwood Canyon

A lone yellow tree sits in a field of brown grass near Mountain Dell

Happy Christmas

Wanted to wish everyone a happy and joyous Christmas!  Enjoy the holidays!

Donut Falls

Nothing like a cold morning hike with a friend as crazy as myself to a sweet destination like Donut Falls.    

Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. 

40.6296717 -111.6549256 7,933 ft.

100 ISO 17mm f/5 2 sec

100 ISO 24mm f/5.6  0.6 sec

100 ISO 23mm f/6.3 1 sec

100 ISO 24mm f/6.3 2 sec

Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon

ISO 320 40mm f/4 1/160 sec

ISO 200 17mm f/13 1/1250 sec

ISO 100 25mm f/5 1/100 sec Singh-Ray Warming Filter

A drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon is filled with photo opportunities without leaving sight of the road.  You don't have to go far to get some good images.  All of the above were just steps from the road.  It required a bit of venturing through snow, but when you want to get the most out of a couple hours in the canyon staying close to the road is a good option.  It doesn't hurt that Big Cottonwood Canyon offers amazing views throughout.

Adjusting to the Light

These past few weeks have produced some great summer light with the late gathering storms coming over the Wasatch Mountains.  Some of the best light and color comes from dramatic clouds.  Which is why getting out before and after the storm can produce some really stunning imagery.  So, don't shy away from clouds.  Even complete cloud cover can break up at the last minute and give you a light show at sunset.  It's all about being patient.  Even if nothing happens nine times out of ten, it's that one time that will keep you coming back for more.  

Salt Lake City Downtown Library in the foreground of summer storm lighting

You don't always get that light show you were hoping for, so what do you do when the sky is boring?  Cloud cover can be a great "soft box" for flowers and moss and produce much needed saturation in foreground elements.  It can also be useful for slowing your shutter speed for river and waterfall shots.   With a boring sky, go to the ground.

Cloud cover at midday made this photo without a filter.

Most people head in during a storm, but for photography, getting out in the wet and cold can be very gratifying in the end.  Note: Just make sure to protect your gear and yourself.  Plastic bags are a must in wet conditions.

The subtle snowfall and icy conditions give this photo depth.

Being a weekend warrior of adventures and photography, I find myself taking what I can get.  Weather and light conditions can make or break a photo, but being able to adapt to those different conditions can make the photographer.  Sure, that one photo you were hoping to capture may not work out, but try something different.  What makes the conditions unique?  How is the scene different?  Explore, discover, adapt.