Summer Solstice, 2013

Today was a great day for sky photographs. Most days here in Terlingua are but this one offered three awesome views to record. To begin I watched the Sunrise. and being the summer solstice it is as far north as it will appear. A nice arrangement of clouds were leftover from the previous evening's storm. Just the right blend of blue sky and clouds to my taste. I remember thinking as I watched it unfold that the coloring on the clouds made them look as if they were made of spun gold fibers. ¡Muy Bueno

With perfect timing at sunset two storms, one to the north and one to the south, began to merge.  Backlighting is always dramatic, especially with the big sky views ever-present here. I was able to record the drama but didn't like the power poles and lines in the composition. I scurried about a quarter mile to my north for a clear sky view but alas when I arrived the drama was gone and the two storms were one.

But... about an hour and a half later that newly combined storm gave even more dramatic images. Lightning strikes and internally lit clouds. I opted to stay close to shelter and accepted the power poles in those exposures for safety. I don't stand out in the open near thunder storms without some shelter close by. It was OK though, I am still very pleased with the results.

I have been complemented on my photographic technique and asked to share some of my secrets. Thanks I say with all humility but there are no real secrets. I have many hours in front of a computer screen using the program PhotoShop. In fact I have been using it since 1996.

I must state my philosophy regarding digital manipulation. If you used 'canned filter techniques' as found in abundance on cell phone apps and many imaging sites you are using some programers idea of creativity. That is Ok but not the way I work. I have spent many hours trying many different effects on different parts of the image, and in unlimited combinations. Some results I like, many I do not. Those I do like are saved and archived for possible future use with other images. I do this both when I am working on scanned large format film or digital images.

Loosely adapting a technique named 'pre-visualization' by the Master Ansel Adams has become my routine. Saint Ansel learned see his image before he even made the exposure. Then he would use various degrees of exposure, negative development, and complex dodging and burning of the print. He said, "Dodging and burning are steps to take care of mistakes God made in establishing tonal relationships." I have added digital manipulation and third party filters to dodging and burning. When using a digital camera exposure bracketing has become the replacement for film development variations.

Caution, Photo Geek Stuff...
Camera brand does not mater, I use Nikon because that is what I have been using for 40 years. For me it works best.

All three of the above images were recorded using a Nikon D700 mounted on a sturdy tripod, with a Nikor 17-35mm f2.8. The focal length varies but I tend to prefer around 20mm for my fine art scenic work. (D700 is a full frame camera)

ISO 200 is my usual daylight setting.

Usually I set the exposure mode to aperture preferred but often use manual. Focus is usually manual. I bracket five exposures at .7 stops per exposure. (-1.4 | -0.7 | on | +0.7 | +1.4 )

The tripod is ESSENTIAL if you want to combine parts of one image onto another. ie if normal exposure yields a good foreground and two stops under gives better sky you can more easilly combine the two. I combine images occasionally but always bracket.

With the aforementioned lens a lot of depth is the norm and I set the f-stop to either f8, f11, f16 depending on the composition. Choosing the smaller opening if there is something close in the foreground. Usually I allow the aperture preferred setting to select the shutter speed.

The Lightning image is considerably different from the daylight images. First the ISo was set to 800. The final image is three separate 10 second @ f5.6 exposures sandwiched together using photoshop. I chose to combine those 3 from over 50 exposures I made. All while the camera was mounted on the tripod thus allowing some ease to assemble them into one. There is much more to this technique though. Enough for a complete tutorial in itself.

All these words can be shrunk down to a simple statement. Know what you want to see, and know how to create it. In this last image on the top is what the camera recorded on the bottom is what I saw/created. The difference is in the pre-visualizing.

Recently I posted that I was going to attempt an in-camera moonrise photo of the Terlingua Ghost Town Cemetery. Here is the result. The original on Ilford Delta-100 4x5 negative film. This image is not what I want just yet but close. Next full moon hopefully I will get my moonrise and sunset times correct. The sun was way to low, thus the flat light on the foreground for what I envisioned. On the other hand as an experiment I am Very Pleased. Once I get this technique worked out there are MANY locations here in The Big Bend area that it can be applied to.

Da Boy Riley has a new job here in Terlingua, namely he must water daily the plants on both sides of River Road from BJ's RV Park to Desert Sports. He takes me out with him every morning and since I really have nothing to do I use the time to contemplate the meaning of life and other mysteries. Today's musing was "Why am I so comfortable here in Terlingua?" 

This town doesn't have a traffic light, no super stores, only one gas station, and no digital wireless signal. SO WHY? Me thinks 'tis because of all the aforementioned and one other major thing. I NEVER feel as if I have to be on guard. The daily stress burdan of urban chaotic life is lifted. My stride is lighter without that load.

No one is trying to take advantage of me or get more of my money than they deserve. People are always friendly and genuinely accommodating. 

I bet that there is a study somewhere that show people living in these 'stress free' environs live a sizable time longer on average. 

I mentioned this to Riley at the conclusion of today's sojourn and he said, "What? I just like to water the plants." We have decided that Terlingua must be our winter (and more) headquarters!

A view on our morning walks.

Four weeks and counting down...soon to be where it is warm and mostly sunny. Yes!

I have been studying hard, reading everything I could get my hands on regarding large format photography and the zone system of exposure and development. The traveling film lab is working quite well. The film and chemicals are stocked. Now all that is missing are the scenic vistas. Hang on Terlingua, we're coming...

Here is the first printable image I was able to create using the new-retro equipment and developing system.

Where to from here...

Mike Darr, December 2012

Phase Four is in the Planning stages. We hope to depart the Philly area by mid February heading first to Terlingua Texas and then to Moab, Utah by the first of May. I have been setting up a 4x5 black&white film processing lab and practicing with the 'old School' 4x5 field camera. I am not abandoning digital photography merely adding, or I should say re-adding, classic photography skills.

The End of the Beginning

Twenty-one months and some days – wow, it feels as if we just started.  I might get a bit introspective here so I am giving you a fair warning.

It doesn’t feel like we have been on the road for 21 months and some number of days.  From this man’s perspective, we just started. You can believe that I have thoroughly scratched the itch. But, there will always be a bit of wanderlust in my soul.

The Special Days

On a trip far from one’s home you would expect the most memorable days to be at some exotic location along the chosen path. There were many special days on the road but it turns out that the most memorable were all close to home.

Beginning with the pre-sendoff party with all my friends and family at the house I was vacating. That was a great night.

The small dinner party at Craig and Jonnie's place, with Bob, Arlene and Jacky all singing “Happy Trails” is another of the great nights.

The birth of granddaughters Orlagh Sweeney and Greta Craney are absolutely high on the Special Days List.

The shared birthday party for daughter Jenn Fritz and I, which she hosted, with all of my children and grandchildren in attendance. Yes, it too was a very special day.

Going to the prestigious Pennsylvania Ballet’s performance of “The Nutcracker” with Granddaughter ‘Sula performing professionally – WOW, I still get choked up thinking about it.

The Special Places

Every place we spent more than one night at was special. Since I am a desert lover I would put West Texas, Arizona and Utah at the top. Followed very closely by the Black Hills of South Dakota. Not slighting Eastern North Carolina and South Central Mississippi either, we really enjoyed our time there.

The Special Photos

A modest coffee table book is in the planning phase. Of the thousands of photographs taken I hope to cull them to about 50. This will not be an easy task. For this edition of the blog I will post a few of my favorites if I can decide which ones.

Cover photograph for 'da Book.'

My favorite photograph of Rex.

Simply Amazing.

Back cover photograph of 'da Book.'

Riley, the best dog, and companion I could ever have.

Photos and Peaches

It took this old dog a long time to become comfortable with his photography. For many years I was more concerned with what others would think of my creations. Finally I know that the real goal is to please my eye, and if it happens to please others that is a bonus.

Let me explain this with a metaphor but first a bit of background. Many of you know I am partial to peaches; anything peach-flavored is great with me. Harriette Alexander, mother of my good friend Craig, has the ALL TIME best peach cobbler recipe; in fact, it is a near orgasmic experience when eaten.

When I create a good photo, it is like regular peach cobbler. But when I create a great photograph, especially if I planned it from the beginning, it is like Harriette’s cobbler, just fantastic. And when my valued friends approve, that just puts creamy vanilla ice cream on top of the cobbler. Hungry now? I am!

Many photographs posted here and on Facebook are my B-list, regular peach cobbler, and a few are my A-list, Harriette’s peach cobbler. The compliments I have received from many of you are the toppings. I really appreciate ALL of the kind words. THANKS!

The Special People

So where do I start? I am scared as hell about making a list for fear I miss someone. So I will not try to list everyone. To everyone I have met, shared a moment with, or maybe just said hello, Riley and I say thanks for the good times and great memories. And to ALL of the readers of this blog that I could not meet up with:  I value your friendship and have high hopes we can meet in person some day.

What’s Next?

As I mentioned there is still a lingering wanderlust. Riley and I will take up some sort of semi-permanent residence in PA. Then travel as the whim and need arises. The next destination is to winter over in Terlingua, TX. Good winter weather, great friendly people, and hundreds of landscape photographic opportunities to explore.

Scratchin-the-itch is not closing, merely evolving. Riley and I will still post from time to time.

Northeast Wyoming ABATE Dice Run

The weather forecast for the day was sunny, highs in the mid eighties, and light winds. When I took Riley for his early morning walk I wondered if they were right. What we saw was heavy cloud cover.

Whenever I dress to ride and start Rex to warm him up I get the normal silent / shun treatment from my Boy. Today was an exception, it was worse. He wouldn’t even take the pseudo bacon treat I offered.  Hey buddy; if you could ride I swear I would take you. Honest!

Leaving a sad puppy behind I departed the RV Park at 8:00 to meet up with my friends. The sky still looked gloomy, but after a few miles the cloud cover thinned, and after about 20 miles it was clear. Yes!

My good friends, Claudia and Clay, were ready to go when I arrived at their house. So were their pups, Cheba and Chico. They ride in special carriers made by Claudia. You can bet these little canines got lots of attention at each of our five stops.

Claudia and Chico.

Clay and Cheba. Is she a ham or what?

The scenery today was mostly high undulating prairie with intermingled dips into deep valleys and cresting the occasional hill. The hills and valleys were the fun part. A few tight turns and many sweeping ‘S’ curves.  A drive by Devil’s tower was a highlight. The planners laid out a good run.

Scene at one of the Run Stops. Is that car Orange enough?!?

Remembering ABATE members that are gone.

 We planned to end the day with a ride through Spearfish Canyon. On the way to the canyon we rode past the Spearfish Hospital. As my thoughts returned to memories of Sweet Sophie I choked a bit and my vision blurred from too much water.

Spearfish Canyon is a beautiful canyon ride of about 25 miles. Beautiful views peppered with some tight turns. Too bad the speed limit is 35mph for I wanted to hit a couple of those turns hard. Now you know I would NEVER speed.  Wink Wink, nudge, nudge…

At the southern end of the canyon is a restaurant called Cheyenne Crossing. A few days ago when Claudia mentioned that they serve great Indian Tacos (sometimes called Navajo Tacos) I immediately said, that’s where we have to go for dinner.

Mine was fantastic! I haven’t had one for a couple of years and it was every bit as delicious as I remembered.

Internet photo of an Indian Taco.

MMmmm, soon going back I am to have another, thank you very much, I will.

Riley I am sorry. When I got home you were - as always glad to see me.  Even though I was a bad parent and left you alone for 12 plus hours while I played (I didn’t plan this and it weighed heavily on my mind). I promise not to be gone that long again. And I thank you for not leaving any thing for me to clean up. You are the BEST!

A casuality of the Interstate Highway System

Upton, WY is a sleepy little town on US route 16 between Newcastle and Moorcroft. A nice little town but it would be easy to pass by without noticing the hidden beauty within. A few days earlier I rode through and saw the fifties era truck stop. Right then I decided to return with serious photography on the agenda. Here are the results of two separate forays.

Upton is another in the long list of towns seriously injured by the Interstate Highway System. When I-90 opened the "D and R" truck stop / cafe closed as a result of the traffic rerouting. Sadly Route 16 is now a small line on the map, but I certainly enjoyed my time on it and in Upton.

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From an original photo I saw these doors were the room entrances for the motel.

Junior, my guide and local historian, and yours truly.

On the second visit I met with Junior, who graciously unlocked the buildings and tolerated my meandering. And I must also thank Jeanette and Jerri who manage the 'Red Onion Museum' in Upton. Without their help I would not have met Junior, and would not have learned that the truck stop / cafe was originally a small motel and Skelly gas station. I bet they even checked your oil and cleaned your windshield.

Thanks Jeanette, Jerri, and Junior! You are the kind of people that have made my journey through this great country a true pleasure.

This piano is inside what is a school house. I wonder how many happy hours were spent around it.

The remains of an old stove.

An Aermotor Windmill, I understand this company is still around.

This water tank needs repair, Junior is looking for help. Any Volunteers?

One of the original RVs. A sheepherders wagon.

One more for my Doors and Windows.

And another.

Interior door of the Soddy, notice the dirt floor. No need for vacuums here.

Entrance to the Soddy.

Devil's Tower, WY is one of the most spiritual places in this Great Country. For my ride today the weather was perfect, mid seventies and sunny with light winds. The loop I chose was over roads we have traveled before. I knew it would be a great ride. Below is a short video, only about 1 1/2 minutes, of this great 250 mile ride.

At the end of the ride I visited my good friends Claudia and Clay in Newcastle, WY. We had great conversation and an Awesome Country Rib dinner. Thanks Claudia and Clay!

The First stop on the route was a, never missed by me, stop to see the place where Sweet Sophie was born. A sad moment at first but then uplifting for I knew her spirit would ride with me the rest of the day. This humble presentation is for you Sophie. We all miss you.

The Hospital where Sophie was born.

I left the boy in this image to give some scale.

And they have these Giant Rock Lizards here...HA!

Corkscrew Bridges and Great Roads

After a great month in Utah, Riley and I decided to move a bit north to cooler nights and days. The Black Hills area of South Dakota is pleasant in June, with temps from the mid 40s-50s at night and 70s-80s in the sun. Great riding weather for certain. Caveat is there always seems to be the threat of afternoon and evening thunderstorms. I just plan the day so I will be back home by 3 p.m.

Tenacious Pine
While eating dinner outside our first night here this was the view. A mere 40 yards away.

Our first campsite in the 'Hills.'

But great weather alone doesn't make for perfect riding. The roads complete the  package, and the Black Hills has some of the absolute best motorcycle roads this old dog has ridden. That's the main reason I visit this area so often – six times since 1998, including every year since 2009. Perhaps that's why Sturgis has become the most popular biker event in world. Ya think?

The Sun about to be covered by a storm. This one brought lots of pea and marble sized hail.
It is good that Rex has a portable garage.

Iron Mountain Road has become my favorite road here. It has everything for a mildly aggressive motorcycle rider like me. Ample sweeping turns, lots of switchbacks, and three corkscrew bridges, all correctly banked. The bridges are actually turns greater than 360 degrees. Riding this road (when not following a timid cage driver) is the closest thing man can experience to flying and not leave the ground.I will try to get some still images of the bridges but it is difficult.

I wish I had my old ’73 Triumph Bonneville here now. Compare Rex to a slightly overweight thoroughbred while Bonnie is a seasoned and trim cutting horse. Rex is fun but Bonnie was seriously exciting.

I have a new gadget toy, a small HD video camera that I can mount on Rex’s handlebars. So far I have recorded two roads: Iron Mountain Road and the Needles Highway. I plan on capturing more. All I need now is some more experience in creating videos that work well with the internet. They have to be modestly small in size but retain the quality I demand. That is a skill I have yet to master. 

My Security Service on Duty.

Riley is happy to be here, too. He is full of energy on the cool morning walks we take. And he now gets to hunt squirrels and marmots (a kind of groundhog) instead of the lizards in Utah. Hey, it saves on the food bill. HA. Do not worry; I really don’t let him get to them but he enjoys the hunt.

Now THAT's a Fence!

Finally a blog from Moab

I have been very lazy regarding the blog. We have spent a month in Moab, UT, and now almost two weeks in Custer, SD, without an entry. Apologies are offered and I will catch you all up on our doings.

Moab, UT. One of the most beautiful scenic locations I have ever seen. This area is a landscape photographer's nirvana. The Moab Photography Symposium was scheduled to begin on May 3 and we arrived a couple days early. We stayed at  Archview RV Resort -- a nice place with great staff. Only nine miles (a very quick trip) from town, it is away from the light pollution and noise.

The symposium (produced by Bruce Hecko) was fantastic. I met a lot of like-minded photographers and learned quite a bit. Now if I could only just apply some of that knowledge -- HA. Some of the photographs I was inspired to create are below. You can bet I have already marked my calendar for next year's event.

I happened upon one of the symposium's groups while they were
on a field trip to Arches. Photo by Daniel Dunn,
Thanks Dan. See you next year.

One of the fantastic scenic vistas presented while riding along
Utah route 128. It follows the Colorado River.

The LaSal Mountains moon rise at Sunset.

Balanced Roch time exposure by moon and starlight.

Balanced Rock at moonrise. This was the 'super moon' largest we will see this year.

I don't usually like these cliche photos but this one works for me.
Cisco, UT, Pop 2.

LaSal Mountains reflection.

After the symposium we just took it easy, walked every day (almost), rode a couple of good highways, and explored the area for photographic opportunities. We caught the Art in the Park festival one weekend and a local thrift store (Wabi Sabi Thriftique) was sponsoring an Art Car creation for the parade leading up to this event.

Every day for a week I hung out with Laurie and Amanda (ladies running the Art Car event) taking photographs while people were preparing their creations. I was especially fascinated by the interest of the children. You can see all the photos from this event here. Hey North Penn Art Alliance people, this would be a GREAT thing for our kids classes!

We weathered one very severe windstorm too. It was the worst wind/dust storm I have ever experienced, and that opinion was echoed by the staff at Archview. Steady winds at 35 MPH with gusts to 65MPH. Brutal, and even today I am still finding dust in the RV from that storm. The dust was finer than the screens so doors and windows had to be kept closed.

My recent purchase of a small video camera that mounts on Rex’s handlebars has been taking up a lot of my time. We will be making some ride videos so you can see what fuels this madness I have. More on that as I figure out the video editing software and can make a decent presentation. The Black Hills of South Dakota will be my prime video practice area.

Hot in Phoenix, Snow in Flagstaff

We are in serious weather shock. All last week the AC had to be turned on by 9:00 AM and was kept on until at least an hour after sunset. Today as we climbed the mountains around Flagstaff (now we are at 7000 feet) it got chilly. So much so I turned on the heater. When we left I was wearing cutoff jeans and a t-shirt. You can bet I am wearing a lot more now. And a jacket when Riley takes me for a walk. It was 38 degrees at noon, with a predicted low of 33 tonight.

Snow on the tops, cold rain on us. (cell photo)

The ride north from Phoenix was stormy. Most of the wind was blowing up the tailpipe until we reached the mountains. Then it started coming from all directions. It is a bit breathtaking when you are pushed half a lane one way then another half lane back, all in 2 seconds. It is raining now and snowing just a few hundred feet above us (see photo).

The old mare Roz did well, chugging along interstate 17. She pulled the mountains very well considering all. There were several info signs along the road that said ‘Caution, slow moving vehicles next five miles.’  We played the old trucker’s game of Dragonfly, drag up one side of the mountain and fly down the other. At one point we followed a ‘Pumpkin’ (truckers know what that is) up one long extreme hill and were down as low as 25 MPH.

During a fortuitous refueling stop I checked the weather at Gallup, NM, which was to be our destination for today. Dust storms, and winds gusting to 50 mph. Certainly not good RV driving weather. I spied a nice RV park next to the gas station. We parked for the night after only 150 miles. Tomorrow should be much better.