Ice Crystal Sunset

Matt Kennedy and Clay Wells (future member here) invited me to go hiking at Petit Jean State Park last Sunday after the snow had melted off the roads. After taking in the Cedar Falls area, we hiked back out in time to catch the sunset. My sunset didn't tun out as good as Matts, so here's a icy branch at sunset. This was shot with a 50mm lens with a vari-star filter. I need to get a lens shade. There is a slight hint of sunset flare on the leftside.

I know everyone gets tired of images of Cedar Falls, but I never do. It was my first time to capture it in the snow. This is a 7 shot HDR.

Mike, I like you never get enough of Cedar Falls. From the first time I visited I enjoy every image and memory. I have only been there in Spring and Summer. I like this shot. Just envy you the experience.

I don't think anyone gets tired of Cedar Falls shots. It is probably the most spectacular waterfall in Arkansas, even if it is shot to pieces. The snow just makes it that much better. Your ice shot turned out much better than mine. I said something about getting the tree out of my shot when I was next to you. As I was moving I immediately thought, "I may want to include that tree", and I just knew you were and you proved me right and wrong in my decision. I hope Clay will move from lurker to poster here.

Both of these are very nice photos, Mike. But the first steals the show. I like the lighting as well as the shallow DOF.

I do need to stop my lurking! :)

Fun trip and beautiful shots here Mike. I ripped off your glowing icicle shot too but haven't processed any of them yet.

Not that I'm a master photog by any definition but I told Matt on the way out yesterday that I never have left PJ feeling like I "won". Doubt I ever will.

For me, it's not about making money or feeling that I have to win. If I walk away with a image that I'm happy with, then it's just icing on the cake. It's a pure hobby for me. I enjoy being outdoors and taking a few photos here and there just adds to the moment. The image only happens when you see it or imagine what it could look like, and then start the technical process of what do I need to do to capture this moment. It's mostly about getting out of the house and communing with nature.

Oh that's more what I mean. More of a feeling like I've left shots on the table.

Of course halfway up the climb out I'm pretty much only feeling pain in my legs. But that's because I'm not 24.

you had your shot at 24, I'm looking forward to 25 now. If it makes you feel better my feet hurt terribly up on Red Bluff from standing in the creek.

I think the first shot is very original. I like it a lot!

That has stock photo written all over it

Thanks! It's a full screen, no crop, and very little was done. It had a tree limb cloned out and most of the sun burst was removed. Very little sun burst in the tree and I can't get it any better. Not bad for a lense from the late 70's. It's a F1.4 50mm and I'm not sure what f-stop it was at because it doesn't register on EXIF. I got the vari-star for $5 and the lens for $75 on ebay. There are some good deals if you willing take a risk.

The wide image is the same limb with a 18mm. There was too much clutter. As you can tell, it's not a very good image. I switched to the 50mm because of the star filter and moved over about a foot. Small change can make a big difference.

Very very nice!