Waiting for autumn

Waiting for autumn

by | Oct 18, 2012 | Locations, Waterfalls

Faery Falls is one of the lesser known waterfalls around these parts, and therefore usually not overrun by people on a Saturday. Knowing this, and thinking the fall colors should be looking great about now, I headed out. The colors were not quite there yet, although some of the leaves had definitely started to change. But, even without peak foliage, it’s still a very pretty waterfall this time of year.

Some people prefer waterfalls in the spring, but I actually think they photograph better when they are not so full and rushing. Also, you can get much closer without getting wet!

Faery Falls

Faery Falls

Light on Faery Falls
Light on Faery Falls

 

Later in the day, we hiked up a huge hill overlooking Lake Shastina and the Shasta Valley. It was a very pretty sunset view.

 

Autumn Vista

Autumn Vista

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes, I feel like such a rookie!

Sometimes, I feel like such a rookie!

by | Oct 7, 2012 | Blog

Full moon over Mount Shasta

Full moon over Mount Shasta

After my last couple of photo shoots, I was frustrated about all the editing I had to do to remove ugly dust spots from my photographs. I’ve only had this camera for three months. How did it get so dirty? I suppose it doesn’t matter all that much, but dirty it was. So, I did a bunch of research and ordered some supplies to clean the sensor. I’m happy to say I did it! My sensor is now spotless and ready for another photo shoot.

So, since I am obviously not an expert at this, I will not even attempt to post a tutorial on how to do it. Instead I will share the resources that I found most helpful in venturing into this uncharted territory. First, I read this very helpful, multi-page article on the many options available and how to use them. Then, I watched this equally helpful video, showing how it’s actually done. As it turns out, it’s really not nearly as scary or difficult as I imagined.

Waterfalls…

Waterfalls…

by | Sep 26, 2012 | Waterfalls

Undoubtedly one of my favorite subjects to photograph. Middle Falls on the McCloud River has been photographed many times. Even many times by me…

The only times I’ve ever been there to photograph have been on day trips. As a result, I have some nice sunset shots from previous shoots. This time, I wanted to camp there so I could get to the falls in the early morning, before sunrise. I also tried zooming in and capturing the abundance of flowing water.

I think it worked out pretty well. What do you think?

Close up view of Middle Falls, McCloud River, northern California.

Close up view of Middle Falls, McCloud River, northern California.

Turning 50

Turning 50

by | Sep 23, 2012 | Blog

Montague Balloon Fair ascension in front of Mount Shasta
Montague Balloon Fair ascension in front of Mount Shasta
The dawn ascension underway at the Montague Balloon Fair.

I never thought I would be happy about turning 50. All my life, it seemed 50 was OLD. But, instead I look forward to this next chapter in my life. And, I went to a party with lots of balloons! The Montague Balloon Fair is held every year right around my birthday. I always love to go and see all the colorful balloons launch at sunrise.

 

This year the weather was very cooperative, and it was a big year for me. Not only did I turn 50 this year, but I also made a major life decision. Most of my life, I have traded my time for money. This year, I decided to retire early and instead give up the money in favor of time. I guess the older you get the more valuable time is and money starts to mean less. It’s going to be a big change. I have some downsizing to do and I hope to chronicle the transition from being a full-time IT Director to being a full-time photographer in this blog. And that is why I’ve entitled it “Endless Weekend.” My last day of work is November 2nd. Up, up and away!

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