The votes are in and it appears that May 19 & 20 works best for the majority of folks to attend the RMNP Moab Spring Fling. I think it's the best choice as the weather will be more moderate and we should catch the wildflower bloom at a good time, if that even happens.
Now that we know the dates, let's get to the fun part: planning! I'm willing to volunteer my gallery on either day for workshops, slideshows, presentations, etc. Does anyone have something they'd like to present?
We'll plan to photograph sunrise on May 19 & 20 and sunset on May 19. We can do this as an organized group event or we can all do our own thing, which sort of defeats the purpose of the event. I propose that we set up a couple locations for each shoot: one location that's easy to access for those who are less inclined or unable to hike very far and another location that requires some effort.
I'm seriously considering camping in Taylor Canyon on Friday the 18th. Anyone who is arriving early enough is welcome to join me. You'll need a 4WD to get there but trust me, it's worth the effort!
Last year's picnic lunch was a blast and I'd love to do it again this year on the afternoon of the 19th.
There you have it. Let's get started! I'm open to any and all suggestions y'all may have.
Bret, where is Taylor Canyon and does one need a high clearance 4WD for it? I have a Subaru Outback.
Also, new moon is on the 20th, which would allow great star trails. Would it be possible to try again for Balanced Rock which did not work out last year due to clouds.
Corinna: Taylor Canyon is an off-shoot of the White Rim Trail on the western edge of the plateau. It is accessed by descending Mineral Bottom Road to the White Rim and then proceeding south to the turn for Taylor Canyon. It's been a couple years since I was last there but I don't recall anything un-doable by an Outback. You would be wise to call the NPS to verify that my recollection is accurate, though.
Taylor Canyon is out. The campground is booked on the 18th. I may find somewhere else to camp that evening and will post here if I do.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on March 12, 2012 at 3:30 PM
Bret, you might want to consider the head of Long Canyon. Easy access, no reservations required. Great sunset view of the La Sals and Behind the Rocks.
Wow, where to start: Here's what I've been thinking since last year's fling. Night photography at Determination Towers. (Balanced Rock is a lot more accessible but everyone on the planet has photographed it at night) For sunset, what about the view of Fisher Towers reflected in the river....Sunrise, I don't know. I'm pretty much burned out on Mesa Arch and DHP unless there are some amazing clouds. I've never been to False Kiva or anywhere in the Needles district so I'd be game for that. Maybe a run down towards Cedar Mesa or the goosenecks on Sunday. It's a damn shame there are so few photo ops around Moab.
The lunch in town was one of the highlights for me and I'm all over that again. For programs, maybe one of the PS wizards could demonstrate some of the selective masking techniques that Tony Kuyper and the guys on Cascadia practice. (John Mumaw and Jack Garret, are you listening?)
Posted by Karl Buiter on March 16, 2012 at 3:53 PM
I am fairly likely for this trip, pending some details to be worked out - its my 49th birthday so I got to figure out the other friends and family calendar :). But this trip sounds all too compelling + the opportunity on the annular eclipse later on Sunday down at Shiprock. Likely in on Friday afternoon.
I would really like to do a False Kiva run since this looks definitely to be a buddy hike.
I am fully 4x4 capable (32"+locker+air lift) and have run many of the mid-level trails out there, and can take me + 3 as needed to locations. Of course there should be another 4x4 for safety if a need for 4x4 access becomes an interest. I may have friends out from Denver if that somehow comes together - its still all a bit mixed up right now since we often do trails in Moab in mid-May anyway.
Thanks Brett for setting this up. It was great to meet you briefly at the gallery in late February, paint not even dry!
Posted by Anne K. Rusk on March 26, 2012 at 10:50 PM
JR and I have plans to be there for a quick weekend trip! Love the area and the company!
Hmmm... I thought I replied to this. Anyways, I plan on being there.
Posted by Kathryn Engle on April 2, 2012 at 10:04 AM
Are the photograph locations all in a certain area or throughout the Moab region. Could I just get a motel room in town and still get to the shoot locations easily?
Hey Kathryn, I don't know that any locations have been firmed up so I don't know what travel time would be. I can tell you that last year for the Dead Horse Point shoot Saturday morning we all met at the Information center at 0dark thirty and caravaned to the site. I'll be camping this year but last year I stayed in a hotel and had no issues hooking up with everyone for travel to the group locations.
I just checked rooms. Moab Valley Inn is fully booked. There is room at the La Quinta but pricey for that weekend.
In past trips to Moab, I have sometimes arranged for a rental condo / duplex that usually has three bedrooms. Split three ways, it can be a more economical way to deal with lodging there + you get a kitchen. The duplexes along Cottonwood are fairly nice.
I presently have a standing res at the LQ. If anyone is interested in a splitting a rental, email me. Fri and Sat nights only.
Posted by Bob Maynard on April 19, 2012 at 10:44 AM
Bret: Just a reminder that False Kiva is off-limits for commercial guides this year.
Yes it is, Bob. But, what we're doing in May isn't a commercial activity. No one is making any money off the venture which means it doesn't qualify as a commercial activity.
I hope to make it (just 1). I just got a case dumped on me that is set for trial in a mere 6 weeks, so I may have to work a few weekends, but I'm going to try my best to make it out.
I will be there. Arriving Friday late afternoon after a run through Antelope. I will be heading to Shiprock on Sunday morning after any dawn / early day activities. Post that, I'll be in the San Juans on Monday before heading back to Vegas.
Note on early post, I never did get a rental, so nothing to split. Just staying at the LQ one bed on points.
I plan on attending again this year. Is there a schedule yet for shooting locations? Any tutorial type stuff again? Picnic? Thanks Bret for putting these Moab events together.
Joshua: No schedule yet. I'm working on that. Bill Pelzmann is doing a tutorial on focus stacking at my gallery on Saturday. We are also doing a picnic/potluck on Saturday. Details on that are forthcoming. Stay tuned!
I gotta stop looking at this thread. It's making me really crabby that I can't attend this year. I'm telling you, this regular job sure cuts into my fun time.
Hey folks: Sorry it's taken so long to post up an itinerary for this weekend. I've been a bit busy lately. I'll most likely be at my gallery Friday afternoon and evening so please do stop in to say "hi" when you arrive in town.
Here's my proposed itinerary:
Sunrise on Saturday is at 6:02. Let's plan on meeting at my gallery (137 N. Main St.) at 4:50 w/ intentions to hit the road at 5:00 for the drive up to Canyonlands. We'll head to Grandview Overlook for sunrise. If we've got a really good sky I might detour to Marlboro Point, which requires a 4x4. I can carry 3 people in my vehicle and am happy to transport a few folks from town to Canyonlands.
After sunrise we'll come back to town. Bill Pelzmann has generously offered to do a presentation on focus stacking. This will be at my gallery at 11:00 and will take approximately 1 hour. You might want to bring a camp chair if you don't want to stand during the presentation as I've only got enough chairs for about 6 people.
After that we'll meet up at the City Park (400 N. 100 W.) for a group picnic/potluck. Bring your own food and drink although alcoholic beverages are not permitted. I very much hope that John shows up with another amazing chocolate cake!
We'll take a break mid-day and reconvene for a sunset shoot. Sunset is at 8:27. I'd like to hike out photograph sunset on Washer Woman Arch, Monster Tower and Airport Tower from the canyon rim generally north of these features. There is no trail and it will require a rim walk. I'm just guessing but it looks like a distance of about 3-4 miles round trip. For those who are less interested in hiking or are unable to do the hike I would suggest a sunset at Green River Overlook. It takes about 1 hour to drive to the trailhead and we should plan another 1 hour to do the hike, so let's plan on meeting at my gallery at 6:00. This should allow ample time to arrive at our destination in time for the sunset. Bring a headlamp for the hike out!
Unfortunately, I can't make it on Sunday morning. Anyone interested in leading an outing? If so, let me know and I'll recommend some possible locations to consider.
How does this sound to everyone? Please let me know if I can answer any questions. I'll keep an eye on the forum and will respond as quickly as I can to questions that arise. Looking forward to seeing you all!
>>If we've got a really good sky I might detour to Marlboro Point, which requires a 4x4. I can carry 3 people in my vehicle and am happy to transport a few folks from town to Canyonlands.<<
Not having done this trail, is this a rocky 4x4 trail, or pretty much dirt with some sandy areas? I am driving a full-time 4x4 with low and lockers, but went back to my rain/snow road tire set after a recent blowout, so no air-down or sidewall protection unless I work on a new BFG AT KO spare and switch back.
If its a soft 4x4 trail, I should be ok and could also provide transport for up to three additional people.
If anyone is in town Friday night and wants to hook up for a sunset shot or just find some food, let me know. Email is my name @ yahoo.com I have not determined my exact route, but staying in St George/Zion Thursday night and either doing Antelope Cyn Friday or maybe a run up 89, so should be Moab by late afternoon.
Bret, If nobody has taken you up on seats in your car for Sat. sunrise can jason and I ride out there with you? My jeep is getting older and I'm not sure how much 4 wheeling it can take Thanks!
Sounds like a good plan! I'll be in a wimpy Honda Civic, so I will need to hitch a ride with someone if any 4 wheeling is involved. I have a new toy to play with this weekend, and I've been working waaaaay too much OT lately, so am really looking forward to it
Huge thanks to everyone who joined us at this year's Moab Spring Fling! I had a blast and I hope y'all did, too.
Special thanks to Bill Pelzmann for his fantastic focus stacking presentation. It certainly didn't hurt that he shared a whole bunch of stunning images to illustrate the technique.
I'd also like to thank Rod Chandler for bringing some great prizes that he generously gave away after Bill's presentation. What's in your drawers? (Inside joke amongst those of us who were here. )
Last, but not least, thank you to John Mumaw for once again bringing the best chocolate cake on the planet. Yum!
I would like to apologize for missing not being as well organized as last year. Opening the gallery left me without much time to plan the event. Even so, I think it went well and I had a great time hangin' out with some truly fantastic folks.
Thanks Bret for putting it together, I think everyone enjoyed it. Good company, good food, good times I hope all you dudes didn't mind the lone gal tagging along. I enjoyed putting some faces with the names, and Bill's presentation was great (not to mention his prints!) Hopefully in a few days I can post a few pics I took of the participants.
Thank you to Bret and Melissa for the use of the gallery and ramrodding the event. Bill, your presentation was timely for me as I have been contemplating either Helicon or Zerene. And has been mentioned, it was nice to meet everyone in person. Looking forward to seeing everyone images from the Fling locations.
Posted by Jack Garrett on May 21, 2012 at 10:20 PM
Sorry it took so long to post this but I left for Bryce Early Sunday and just got home. I want to say thanks to Bret for hosting the second annual Spring Fling in his new gallery in Moab. We had approximately 12 folks show up. Bret Had an emergency PD call in the middle of the night for a lost child...they found him!!! We split up for some great sunrise photos then met back at the gallery for an 11:00AM presentation on DOF by Bill Pelzmann...thanks Bill! That was followed up by a picnic lunch in which John Mumaw showed up with his infamous chocolate cake...if you never do anything else, you have to try a piece of that!!!
That evening Bret took us to a laser known location for sunset shots...I would tell you where but then I'd have to kill you!! Seriously, it was an awesome location and I came away with one of my best ever Moab shots...to be posted later when I finish processing it.
Thanks to everyone who came and also to Rod Chandler who donated some door prizes to 3 lucky attendees!
Thanks to Bret, Melissa and Jackson for being such gracious hosts. This was my first trip to the photography rich Moab region and as I told the group, my bucket list just became a barrel list!
Thanks to the group for some great advice on where to go to the various places to shoot.
I'm going to have to take my own advice on how to be a better photographer, "Stand in front of better things"
Discussion
44 repliesNow that we know the dates, let's get to the fun part: planning! I'm willing to volunteer my gallery on either day for workshops, slideshows, presentations, etc. Does anyone have something they'd like to present?
We'll plan to photograph sunrise on May 19 & 20 and sunset on May 19. We can do this as an organized group event or we can all do our own thing, which sort of defeats the purpose of the event. I propose that we set up a couple locations for each shoot: one location that's easy to access for those who are less inclined or unable to hike very far and another location that requires some effort.
I'm seriously considering camping in Taylor Canyon on Friday the 18th. Anyone who is arriving early enough is welcome to join me. You'll need a 4WD to get there but trust me, it's worth the effort!
Last year's picnic lunch was a blast and I'd love to do it again this year on the afternoon of the 19th.
There you have it. Let's get started! I'm open to any and all suggestions y'all may have.
Also, new moon is on the 20th, which would allow great star trails. Would it be possible to try again for Balanced Rock which did not work out last year due to clouds.
Thanks for getting this started.
The lunch in town was one of the highlights for me and I'm all over that again. For programs, maybe one of the PS wizards could demonstrate some of the selective masking techniques that Tony Kuyper and the guys on Cascadia practice. (John Mumaw and Jack Garret, are you listening?)
I would really like to do a False Kiva run since this looks definitely to be a buddy hike.
I am fully 4x4 capable (32"+locker+air lift) and have run many of the mid-level trails out there, and can take me + 3 as needed to locations. Of course there should be another 4x4 for safety if a need for 4x4 access becomes an interest. I may have friends out from Denver if that somehow comes together - its still all a bit mixed up right now since we often do trails in Moab in mid-May anyway.
Thanks Brett for setting this up. It was great to meet you briefly at the gallery in late February, paint not even dry!
In past trips to Moab, I have sometimes arranged for a rental condo / duplex that usually has three bedrooms. Split three ways, it can be a more economical way to deal with lodging there + you get a kitchen. The duplexes along Cottonwood are fairly nice.
I presently have a standing res at the LQ. If anyone is interested in a splitting a rental, email me. Fri and Sat nights only.
I will be there. Arriving Friday late afternoon after a run through Antelope. I will be heading to Shiprock on Sunday morning after any dawn / early day activities. Post that, I'll be in the San Juans on Monday before heading back to Vegas.
Note on early post, I never did get a rental, so nothing to split. Just staying at the LQ one bed on points.
I'll be attending the event. Is there anything we need to bring? Food, wine or a bottle opener?
Thanks,
Rod
http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/moab/recreation/campgrounds/highway_313/horsethief.html
Here's my proposed itinerary:
Sunrise on Saturday is at 6:02. Let's plan on meeting at my gallery (137 N. Main St.) at 4:50 w/ intentions to hit the road at 5:00 for the drive up to Canyonlands. We'll head to Grandview Overlook for sunrise. If we've got a really good sky I might detour to Marlboro Point, which requires a 4x4. I can carry 3 people in my vehicle and am happy to transport a few folks from town to Canyonlands.
After sunrise we'll come back to town. Bill Pelzmann has generously offered to do a presentation on focus stacking. This will be at my gallery at 11:00 and will take approximately 1 hour. You might want to bring a camp chair if you don't want to stand during the presentation as I've only got enough chairs for about 6 people.
After that we'll meet up at the City Park (400 N. 100 W.) for a group picnic/potluck. Bring your own food and drink although alcoholic beverages are not permitted. I very much hope that John shows up with another amazing chocolate cake!
We'll take a break mid-day and reconvene for a sunset shoot. Sunset is at 8:27. I'd like to hike out photograph sunset on Washer Woman Arch, Monster Tower and Airport Tower from the canyon rim generally north of these features. There is no trail and it will require a rim walk. I'm just guessing but it looks like a distance of about 3-4 miles round trip. For those who are less interested in hiking or are unable to do the hike I would suggest a sunset at Green River Overlook. It takes about 1 hour to drive to the trailhead and we should plan another 1 hour to do the hike, so let's plan on meeting at my gallery at 6:00. This should allow ample time to arrive at our destination in time for the sunset. Bring a headlamp for the hike out!
Unfortunately, I can't make it on Sunday morning. Anyone interested in leading an outing? If so, let me know and I'll recommend some possible locations to consider.
How does this sound to everyone? Please let me know if I can answer any questions. I'll keep an eye on the forum and will respond as quickly as I can to questions that arise. Looking forward to seeing you all!
Not having done this trail, is this a rocky 4x4 trail, or pretty much dirt with some sandy areas? I am driving a full-time 4x4 with low and lockers, but went back to my rain/snow road tire set after a recent blowout, so no air-down or sidewall protection unless I work on a new BFG AT KO spare and switch back.
If its a soft 4x4 trail, I should be ok and could also provide transport for up to three additional people.
Your rain/snow tires will be fine. The last mile or so is rough slickrock, so your 4x4 will be quite adequate for the ride.
Bret,
Thank you so much for all of your time and effort in putting this show together.
Special thanks to Bill Pelzmann for his fantastic focus stacking presentation. It certainly didn't hurt that he shared a whole bunch of stunning images to illustrate the technique.
I'd also like to thank Rod Chandler for bringing some great prizes that he generously gave away after Bill's presentation. What's in your drawers? (Inside joke amongst those of us who were here.
Last, but not least, thank you to John Mumaw for once again bringing the best chocolate cake on the planet. Yum!
I would like to apologize for missing not being as well organized as last year. Opening the gallery left me without much time to plan the event. Even so, I think it went well and I had a great time hangin' out with some truly fantastic folks.
That evening Bret took us to a laser known location for sunset shots...I would tell you where but then I'd have to kill you!! Seriously, it was an awesome location and I came away with one of my best ever Moab shots...to be posted later when I finish processing it.
Thanks to everyone who came and also to Rod Chandler who donated some door prizes to 3 lucky attendees!
Thanks to the group for some great advice on where to go to the various places to shoot.
I'm going to have to take my own advice on how to be a better photographer, "Stand in front of better things"