Posted by Derek Sedillo on February 23, 2009 at 2:40 AM
I just got back from a family trip to Yosemite. I did manage to break away from sledding and making snow men to grab a few shots.
This was my first attempt at shooting this event and I must say I learned a few things in the process. The main lesson was the crowd scene. There were way too many photographers for the number of parking spaces at the various viewing locations. So I ended up jogging from a far away spot to just to catch the light in time. But my efforts were not in vain as I got there just before the show began. This was shot from the south side of the Merced on Thursday(2/19).
Way to go, Derek. A very fine capture of this seasonal event.
Posted by Dan Truong on February 23, 2009 at 5:58 PM
Is that a lava flow or is that a lava flow!
Posted by Derek Sedillo on February 23, 2009 at 7:53 PM
Thanks guys,
Yeah Floris, the crowd factor was pretty crazy. It reminded me of shooting the Maroon Bells in the Fall. There were literally hundreds of ppl all trying to capture the same event. Some who were more familiar with the scene got there hours ahead of time to stake their claim for a good viewing spot.
I still enjoyed watching and shooting it. I just wouldn't try to do it on a weekend or even a Friday evening. While I don't mind shooting icons I do like getting away from the crowds. That is why I hiked above Tunnel View to Inspiration Point. There was snow on the ground and no ppl around at all in the AM.
Derek
Posted by Eric Good on February 24, 2009 at 2:19 AM
I always enjoy viewing these images, but knowing that it takes one to stand elbow to elbow to get the shot kind of makes the experience a little less satisfying (even for the viewer). Glad the clouds finally worked in your favor and you were at least able to get the shot one of the days. Nice work!
Posted by Lon Overacker on February 24, 2009 at 2:51 PM
Derek,
This is a real nice take-away from Horsetail. I'm glad you were able to catch it - I assume on Thursday evening? Friday's show was very weak and of course Saturday was complete cloud cover.
Personally, I think this could use a little more work in PS. Mostly in the brightness and contrast. If you darkened this a bit I think the glow would stand out nicely. Of course you can use the hue/sat adjustment and tweak this to taste - but of course it's always a matter of personal preference on how far one would take an image like this.
It was nice "meeting" you and shooting briefly together at Tunnel View - although we didn't even know it! I'm going to make a post after that explaining our brief meeting in the rain. :-)
Lon
Posted by Derek Sedillo on February 24, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Thanks for the feedback all.
Lon, I was thinking along those same lines. I may try a selectively darkened version with some increased contrast tonight after work. Originally these were darker. However I wanted to bring out the color of the falls and the lines in the granite face. In looking at them again they may be a little too brightened overall (eg - the snow covered top and some of the rock face).
It was good to finally meet you this past weekend BTW. We have got to get out and do some more shooting.
I may do one last kamakazi day run (ok maybe one day plus a night) up there this Winter if the Valley gets another 'cold' storm. I am finding that timing these storms can be a real challenge with work, home life, vacation plans, etc... But it is still fun to try.
Derek
Posted by Steve Sieren on February 25, 2009 at 1:28 AM
I'm glad you got what you wanted Derek. Way to go the extra mile too.
Posted by Greg Cope on February 25, 2009 at 4:29 PM
Nice shot of the "firefalls' Derek. Its nice to see you were able to tough it out amidst the crowd and come home with a great shot in the process. I'll echo Lon's comments regarding processing.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on February 26, 2009 at 12:16 PM
The one different with this is that the crop isn't quite as tight. I think I like the closer crop factor of the original better. But this one does bring out the color of the falls more.
Discussion
10 repliesThis was my first attempt at shooting this event and I must say I learned a few things in the process. The main lesson was the crowd scene. There were way too many photographers for the number of parking spaces at the various viewing locations. So I ended up jogging from a far away spot to just to catch the light in time. But my efforts were not in vain as I got there just before the show began. This was shot from the south side of the Merced on Thursday(2/19).
Here is another:http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/7006312_tzV5E#479110517_WKJHA-XL-LB
Both are cropped due to trees/branches in the way. I was late to the party so I had to take whatever opening in the crowd I could.
Friday was a dud due to clouds and there were at least twice as many photogs gunning for a spot.
Derek
Yeah Floris, the crowd factor was pretty crazy. It reminded me of shooting the Maroon Bells in the Fall. There were literally hundreds of ppl all trying to capture the same event. Some who were more familiar with the scene got there hours ahead of time to stake their claim for a good viewing spot.
I still enjoyed watching and shooting it. I just wouldn't try to do it on a weekend or even a Friday evening. While I don't mind shooting icons I do like getting away from the crowds. That is why I hiked above Tunnel View to Inspiration Point. There was snow on the ground and no ppl around at all in the AM.
Derek
This is a real nice take-away from Horsetail. I'm glad you were able to catch it - I assume on Thursday evening? Friday's show was very weak and of course Saturday was complete cloud cover.
Personally, I think this could use a little more work in PS. Mostly in the brightness and contrast. If you darkened this a bit I think the glow would stand out nicely. Of course you can use the hue/sat adjustment and tweak this to taste - but of course it's always a matter of personal preference on how far one would take an image like this.
It was nice "meeting" you and shooting briefly together at Tunnel View - although we didn't even know it! I'm going to make a post after that explaining our brief meeting in the rain. :-)
Lon
Lon, I was thinking along those same lines. I may try a selectively darkened version with some increased contrast tonight after work. Originally these were darker. However I wanted to bring out the color of the falls and the lines in the granite face. In looking at them again they may be a little too brightened overall (eg - the snow covered top and some of the rock face).
It was good to finally meet you this past weekend BTW. We have got to get out and do some more shooting.
I may do one last kamakazi day run (ok maybe one day plus a night) up there this Winter if the Valley gets another 'cold' storm. I am finding that timing these storms can be a real challenge with work, home life, vacation plans, etc... But it is still fun to try.
Derek
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/7006312_tzV5E#481038840_GDeff-XL-LB
The one different with this is that the crop isn't quite as tight. I think I like the closer crop factor of the original better. But this one does bring out the color of the falls more.
Derek