Jerry Coupe
You will have a marvelous time at both locations GCNP and MV which as you probably know is not a national park at all. It is on the 'Navajo Nation' land. My last time in MV was 2006, having a met a tour guide in the parking lot and showing him a picture from an issue of 'Outdoor Photographer' that being 'Teardrop Arch'. This is knesser's second shot, the one which framed a mountain in the background. Teardrop Arch is NOT in MV, it is across the street (behind 'Gouldings') on private Native American land and requires a four-wheel drive vehicle to get to. At about 5:00 PM in July, we ventured off to that location, arriving around 6:00 PM when the sun was setting. I used the same guide to get into the park very early the next day, about 6:00 AM and he escorted me to 'Yei Bi Chei' to get the wind swirls in the sand over night as well as the first animal foot prints of the day. The two private tours were about $200 each day in 2006, likely more now. I was shooting Velvia Readyloads in my 4 by 5 at that time and had the park to myself for about two hours. No traffic, no crowds, no one bumping into you as you set up your camera on a tripod. Fabulous experience, highly recommended.
Arca
azemon
It appears to me the Z5 produces slightly more contrast and resolution. Perhaps this is a function of the elapsed time of 16 minutes, but I don't really think that is the case. Both are fine shots.
Arca
Cany143
Your second photograph is a knockout. Very nice job.
Arca
CHG_CANON
That was an extremely thorough explanation of fungus do's and don'ts.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Arca
CHG_CANON
You have been helpful before, maybe you can do so again. What causes fungus to develop on or in lenses or any other camera equipment for that matter? Does it begin 'out of thin air', airborne such as a virus, or does it only spread from one infected object to another? Now I am curious, and wondering if I should be concerned. What preventive measures should one take to prevent a fungus from developing in the first place, if this is possible?
Arca
These are extremely good photographs. Thank you for sharing them.
Arca
biggin1A
The colors of the petrified trees in PFNP are more brilliant when they are wet. So if it is raining, or has just completed raining, so much the better for you. If it has not rained, you could take a spray bottle of water with you to wet down the colors of the tree remnants you wish to photograph to bring out the color. I suppose to be extremely conscientious about the environment etc., use distilled water in your spray bottle. I think some of the angles of the trees are better photographed in the early, or especially the sunset light. Experiment with a polarizing filter to accentuate the colors even further. Be sure to use 'Fuji Velvia' to bring out the colors. Uh oh, that is the wrong metaphor. Sorry about that.
Arca
biggin1A
If you choose the Petrified Forest N.P. I would like to suggest an extremely nice, hotel, on the National Historic list of hotels. It is 'La Posada' with rooms designated as places where some famous people have stayed, such as 'John Wayne', other celebrities and political figures. It was designed by the famous architect, 'Mary Coulter' who designed several buildings for the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It is her tower which is the last building on the east side of the park prior to entering the Navajo Reservation. The hotel also has an excellent restaurant, the 'Turquoise Room'. Not cheap, but it is great. The hotel is in Winslow, Arizona just off of I-40.
'Vermillion Cliffs' are also wonderful to view and photograph, but it is on the north side of the Grand Canyon, and that would be several hours of picturesque driving, north of I-40 prior to getting there from Flagstaff, Arizona. That is a very desolate location and not many hotels or restaurants to choose from in that area. That of course is the location of the famous 'Wave' in sandstone and other rocks. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon opens usually in May, so that may or may not coincide with your plans. It is closed seasonally due to overabundance of snow. But still, there is a dearth of places to stay and eat, some, yes, many, definitely not. Based on convenience, you would be better off with Petrified Forest National Park, Painted Desert National Park and the Winslow hotel location.
Arca
Dan,
These are gorgeous, I especially liked #3. The lack of snowfall in the Rockies may result in even lower water levels in 'Lake Powell' and result in high electricity rates in Phoenix and other areas of Arizona this year. I just saw a local newscast on that issue this past week. If the lake drops beneath 35% capacity, the dam cannot generate hydroelectricity. That lack of snowfall is sad in many, many respects.
Getting back to your photographs, they are wonderful and I enjoyed looking at them very much.
Arca
It IS some consolation. I hope your team prevails to the end.
Arca
I wish for you a very speedy and complete recovery.
Arca
Congratulations to your team's victory. My school, 'Loyola University Chicago' (LUC) was defeated 54-41 in the first round by Ohio State. Four years ago, LUC was in the final four and it is a wonderful feeling having your alma mater in that esteemed class of distinguished and accomplished teams. I know the good vibes you must be feeling right now. I hope your team goes all the way.
Arca
Very, very enjoyable.
Arca
These are good ones Jerry. Thanks for brightening up the morning.
Arca
Edward Weston had a black and photograph entitled 'Peppers 39'. Do you have a name for your tasty display? This selection/display of apples is nicely arranged and beautifully captured.
Nice work.
Arca