Light Happens: January 2013

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The Last Moment Of Daylight

Photographing the Orange Glow of Sunset

Blue light dominates our atmosphere. The short blue wavelengths bounce freely off of dust particles and gas molecules spreading blue light across the sky.

As evening (or sunrise) approaches, light from the sun has to travel a much longer distance through the atmosphere. The easily bounced blue wavelengths fade and reveal the longer, slower wavelengths of yellow and red.

a photo of a bell tower in dubrovnik croatia in the orange glow of sunset

Bell Tower at Last Light, Dubrovnik

If the sky is clear and the setting sun is unobstructed by haze or clouds, the last moment of daylight can cast a strong orange glow on westward facing objects.

If you can catch this fleeting light before it fades, the glow will add a rich, saturated look to photographs. But you'd better work quickly, because it won't last long!

Camera:

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Lenses:

Canon 70-200 f/4L IS

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.

http://www.dansouthphoto.com

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Scotty's Castle

Death Valley's Mysterious Mansion

I won't attempt to tell the story of Scotty's Castle. No one knows all of its secrets, and even the 'facts' are murky.

Scotty's Castle, Death Valley National Park

The project started as a vacation home for Albert M. Johnson, a millionaire insurance executive with an interest in gold mines, and his associate, Walter E. Scott. Scott, also known as "Death Valley Scotty," may or may not have convinced Johnson to invest in non-existent gold mines in the California desert. Johnson didn't seem to hold a grudge, and the two became close friends. Death Valley Scotty lived in the 'Castle' for the rest of his days.

a photo showing detailed wood carving at scotty's castle

Scotty's Castle, Exterior Detail

a photograph of the interior of scotty's castle in death valley

Scotty's Castle, Interior

a photo showing the detailed tiles at scotty's castle

a photograph of the clock tower at scotty's castle

Scotty's Castle an attraction in Death Valley National Park in California. The National Park Service provides entertaining and informative tours of the property. The location is remote, but the tours are suitable for visitors of all ages.

Camera:

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Lenses:

Canon 24-105 f/4L IS

Canon 70-200 f/4L IS

Canon 16-35 f/2.8L II

Canon TS-E24 f/3.5L II

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.

http://www.dansouthphoto.com