Grand Canyon - Part 3

[Teton Chuck]

As if my Think Tank full of cameras and lenses was not enough, I took along a carbon fiber tripod equipped with an Acratech ballhead. It was a necessary piece of equipment but it took a beating. It allowed me to photograph at night and at the shoulder hours at dawn and dusk. We had a full moon when we started the float, and that provided some opportunities for special night photography. There is no problem with light pollution in the Grand Canyon. However the brightness of the moon compromised my ability to capture the stars like I would have liked. I was careful to monitor how much battery I was using, and I skipped night photography a couple of times to be sure I did not run out of battery. Some people brought solar chargers for their iPods, but they didn’t work very well. During the day the boats were to wet to use them, and when we camped there was not enough daylight to be useful. I took four batteries, and that was enough for the way I was photographing.

Here are some shots that were taken from dawn to dusk. I hope you enjoy.


15 sec., at f/2.5, ISO 500, 27mm



13 sec. at f/2.8, ISO 500, 24mm


18sec. at f/2.8, ISO 500, 24mm


30 sec. at f/10,ISO 100, 32mm


30 sec, f/10, ISO 100, 56mm

[Marie Hass]

Wow!!!! I love the night time shots the very most!!!!

Please pardon my ignorance, but why do the last two images look essentially the same?

'Rie

[FrankMi]

A dramatically beautiful set, Chuck! The last two look identical?

[Teton Chuck]

The last two looked identical because they were. It's not ignorance on your part Marie. It was a function of the fact that I am old and mess things up on a regular basis. Thanks for helping me out.

[rpcrowe]

Chuck, I'm sure glad that I am not old enough to mess things up because of my age. Now let me see, where do I click to post this reply

[CNelson]

Love the night shots...especially #3. You have inspired me to give it a try when in a good location.

[dje]

All good Chuck but 3 and 5 are my favourites. Love the compositions and light in these.

Dave

[Shadowman]

The last two looked identical because they were. It's not ignorance on your part Marie. It was a function of the fact that I am old and mess things up on a regular basis. Thanks for helping me out.

I don't understand the inquiry as both were shot with different lenses, different settings and don't look anything alike (I mean the exposure, white balance, etc.), yes the scene is the same but the exposures are totally different. Perhaps if you explained your reasoning for making the camera setting changes, were these taken at different times of the day, different day then you won't feel that age is creeping upon you.

[IzzieK]

+1 to John's remark...I would have said the same thing because looking at the texture of the sky says it all, not just the colour of the sky, mind you...

Anyway...everyone like the brighter shots here but I like #1 -- there is a subtle feeling of being "alone" in this place...the softness of the surroundings you have captured so beautifully, like how near nighttime is supposed to be...it is very hard to put it in words but in different settings I have felt this feelings before and being in this place feels like a prayer...I can't explain very well, sorry.

[bnnrcn]

Very nice images Chuck I especially like 2,3 and 5. Great light, compositions and colors indeed.

[Teton Chuck]

Thanks to all for the comments. John, the confusion results from the fact that in my original post I posted the same (identical) photo for numbers 4 and 5. After it was pointed out to me I made the correction to post two different photos. Photo number four was taken in the morning, number five in the evening. I was shooting AP and the 30 sec. exposure was not intentional. I hope this help resolve the confusion.

[Teton Chuck]

Izzie, there were many times on the trip that the beauty resulted in a quiet reverence. I think you explained it very well.

[Rebel]

All good Chuck but 3 and 5 are my favourites. Love the compositions and light in these.

Dave

I'm with Dave on this one.

[Kaye Leggett]

More great shots. particularly like the 3rd

[Teton Chuck]

Thank you Matt and Kaye.

[Nicks Pics]

I was just browsing at the time, but thought needed to log in so I could post when I saw these. These are shockingly beautiful. #1 is one of my favorites, I like this sort of stars/landscape shots. I like it a little better than the other night ones because it includes the water. The last is my other favorite. Those colors are fabulous and so is the composition/scene layout.

[Teton Chuck]

Thank you Nick. I'm glad you enjoyed them.

[FrankMi]

They are all superb Chuck, but the first and last really stand out for me. Well done!

[terrib]

Chuck, these are amazing. I especially like the composition in #3. I think it is the diagonals creating by the opposing banks and the river. Really nice work. And #5 is stunning. The colors are amazing and the light on the river that still leaves a sense of movement around the bend. Not enough adjectives...

[Brownbear]

An especially beautiful set of images! #5 is my favourite (breathtakingly beautiful!) followed by #3.