St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

From VOTING http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-256315-1.html

The winners of Autumn with 250 entries and (703) votes are...

1st place = aerials with 13.10 points and (28) votes (2nd) taken 2014-10-13
2nd place = Cooper45 with 8.39 points and (13) votes (1st) taken 2014-10-21
3rd place = mrjcall with 7.10 points and (21) votes (1st) taken 2014-10-09
4th place = Bobster with 5.81 points and (17) votes (2nd) taken 2012-10-04

Congratulations everyone - especially those who added a little more by telling us about their photos!!!

> http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/photo_contest.jsp?pcnum=141 <
- Click (ratings) to see all the entries at once

Running Totals - Underlined equals multiple time winners
1st = fad2000, u02bnpx, PW4GDF, edlcsre, mcdykes, lifenprism, zuke, Robeng, Shaughnessy, gwigley, Pixelpixie88, Shaughnessy, qhorse, louelke, melequus, ptipton, PhotosBySteve, gene McKinnon, aerials, Mr T, Paradox, freeseframe, charben, 111USMC, DavidT, Indy5, Nikocarol, alissaspieces, fes22, manofhg, gemartin, melequus, gjoseph302, maryln, melequus, Wrongway1947, mcdykes, Double E, isisthecat, DavidT, Coolcameragirl, YPhotoGuy, aerials
2nd = Fuzzycoach, GreyGeek, abby, Beaubeau, KWKathy, howlynn, DavidT, PeterM, gpro111, DavidT, mcdykes, lensbaby007, phys406, dragonswing, JimGuy, Raz Theo, photojack, rps, cat2560, kirk s, wowbmw, Captain Tom, SQUIRL033, DrPhrogg, Jstreet, regionabove, Lorima, Tony R, greg vescuso, charben, Angishore, Captain Tom, blairt, cat2560, chantel, sxripps23, BruinsFan, glenntuma, DavidT, Bobbee, dandelion, coach44, Cooper45
3rd = mcdykes, Moonsey, Ken Mahar, roger2012, plessner, mopinia, Gary K, Shaughnessy, Nikonian72, PW4GDF, bob44044, Tony R, jimmya, abby, wowbmw, Zulu inc, Songalolo, Scoutman, Captain Tom, cifuent, Indy5, Gryffon, firtree, Daleg, freeseframe, j_c42, melequus, take5, Lorima, Jbranum, kpassaur, Sefferdog, Shaughnessy, Nikocarol, BasqueLady, jvcookies, alissaspieces, counselor1938, Hoops12751, JoeS, ptsusan, MontanaTrace, mrjcall
4th = tjoyce0528, pithydoug, catfish252, plessner, kirk s, xen, DrPhrogg, Captain Tom, cat2560, bhatch, plessner, KWKathy, JoeS, ColdSnap, Wild Life, bob44044, Fuzzycoach, ColdSnap, Hoops12751, susano, Zelle, Nikonian72, Captain Tom, Mr T, alissaspieces, taylorzacre, LPigott, Dan Copeland, Shaughnessy, greg vescuso, warogers, JoeS, ChunOn, fad2000, mffox, CarolynP, fyrlife, BigEasy, Bobster, jvcookies, Harmo, fjrwillie, Bobster

Babcock State Park, West Virginia


Fall leaves peaking out of a foggy morning


Blue Ridge Parkway Autumn Sunset


Western Color

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

To help this weeks Photo Critique Volunteer please visit http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-256864-1.html

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

An interview with Cooper45,

1) How long have you been into photography and what got you started?
I've been taking photos for about 10 years. I entered a few contests and did well and thought I would take it to the next level.

2) Do you have any formal training and what kind of photography do you do most?
I have no formal training. Wildlife from birds to landscapes.

3) In your opinion, what makes a good picture stand out from the rest?
Natural light and knowing your subject and it's traits.

4) What equipment did you use and was there any special setup? Can you walk us through it?
I shot the photo with my SonyA77 Mach 2 using a 150mm x 600mm Tameron Lens. I was on top of a bluff looking down on a very foggy morning covering the city that I live in "Red Wing". As I was getting my camera set up I noticed the trees coming as the fog settled. The shot was there and I took it:0)

5) Do you post process your final images, and if so can you describe your workflow?
I do process my own photos.

6) Who or what has influenced your photography and what inspired you to take your winning shot?
I love the outdoors and i'm and avid hunter so i feel I know my subjects very well.

7) Would you change anything if you could do it again, and if so what?
I would change nothing.

8) What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
How important a good camera is and how you use it and believe in it and in some ways trust it.

9) What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
My lens.

10) If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
My favorite lens is my Sony 400mm. It fits most situations and the weight and size come up real nice. I shoot most shots without a tripod so this is important to me.

11) What lighting equipment, if any, do you take on a shoot?
I use natural light, so getting up early for shots is important.

12) If you couldn't do photography what else would you do?
I own a Wine shop for the last 30 years and Photography is a hobby I hope to turn into more then a hobby.

13) Do you have any funny or interesting stories about your experiences?
I photographed an Eagle flying with a blackbird on his back and the whole town was talking about it.

14) Is there somewhere we can see more of your work?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kipearney and http://kipearney.smugmug.com

15) Do you have any advice for the rest of us?
Try to shoot you photos with out depending on post processing... I do not use photoshop. I shoot my photos with natural light and do very little touch up.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

An interview with mrjcall,

1) How long have you been into photography and what got you started?
My interest in photography began in the Navy in 1967 where I attended A&B Photography school after which I was trained as a Combat Photographer and a photojournalist.

2) Do you have any formal training and what kind of photography do you do most?
I left the Navy in 1970 to attend Rochester Institute of Technology where I completed my BS degree in Professional Photography. Following graduation, I went into Real Estate and Finance and didn't touch a camera again for almost 40 years. Following that hiatus, I again pursued my interest in nature photography and recently made forays into landscapes and architectural photography

3) In your opinion, what makes a good picture stand out from the rest?
There are a number of things, but understanding how to put yourself into the right time and right place, along with the right equipment, is primary. A good dose of a creative eye, to try and find that special view, that special angle that the ordinary person does not normally see, can seal the deal.

4) What equipment did you use and was there any special setup? Can you walk us through it?
For this sunset on the Blue Ridge Parkway, I used a Nikon D800 and a Nikkor 16-35mm, handheld. The sun was setting so fast that I had no time for a tripod setup. I exposed for the highlights to make sure the sun was not blown out. I'm sure I broke the Parkway speed limit numerous times racing from one vantage point to another with the sun about to disappear.

5) Do you post process your final images, and if so can you describe your workflow?
I use LR 5. Since this photo had almost black shadows having exposed for the sun/sky, to bring the photo into balance, highlights at 0%, shadows at 100%, clarity at 100%, vibrance at 88%. The rest tweaked as needed. I always turn on the histogram limits and adjust white to no red and blacks to no blue.

6) Who or what has influenced your photography and what inspired you to take your winning shot?
My primary focus in the last 5 years has been nature close-up/macro photography, but this summer, I decided to try some new things including landscapes which prompted shooting on the BRP. Parkway sunsets, if properly captured, can be spectacular. My love of all things nature and outdoors has been my primary motivation.

7) Would you change anything if you could do it again, and if so what?
If you mean this photo, I would have preferred to have a few more clouds in the sky, but it was clearing rapidly from an evening storm.

8) What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
That I probably should not have waited over 40 years to start my photography journey again...

9) What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
Having an easily useable/accessible camera bag, along with a light, but sturdy tripod, are essential items.

10) If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
Probably would say the Nikkor 14-24mm, but I make do with my 16-35mm since I do not own the 14-24mm. It's on my camera most of the time unless I'm shooting macro, then it's my 105mm. Great piece of glass!

11) What lighting equipment, if any, do you take on a shoot?
Rarely use use anything other than natural lighting since I'm not a studio photographer and most of the time, I do not like the artificial quality of flash with what I shoot. Instead of flash or fill, I usually compensate when needed in LR PP.

12) If you couldn't do photography what else would you do?
Probably spend more time with my interest in radio control model aircraft

13) Do you have any funny or interesting stories about your experiences?

14) Is there somewhere we can see more of your work?
Website in progress

15) Do you have any advice for the rest of us?
Ground yourself in the basics, decide what subject matter interests you, then shoot, shoot, shoot. Then stretch yourself and shoot subject matter you don't think you like. Put yourself in difficult/unfamiliar situations and see what happens! It's all good!

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

An interview with Bobster,

1) How long have you been into photography and what got you started?
Maybe 20 years. I have always used Nikon cameras. I started with a N6006.

2) Do you have any formal training and what kind of photography do you do most?
No formal training. I like shooting moving tqrgets (wildlife, racing etc.) but I shoot anything that I see.

3) In your opinion, what makes a good picture stand out from the rest?
Unique subject and point of view. Great light on the subject and selective focus.

4) What equipment did you use and was there any special setup? Can you walk us through it?
I used a Nikon D300s and a Nikon 70-300 lens on a tripod.

5) Do you post process your final images, and if so can you describe your workflow?
I only use Lightroom with its most basic tools: white balance, exposure, saturation and a bit of sharpening. I try not to overdo it and to make the photo look realistic.

6) Who or what has influenced your photography and what inspired you to take your winning shot?
I am into flyfishing too and spend a fair amount of time in California's Sierra Nevada and the camera is always close. This area had great, not often seen, split rail fencing. Very primative and picturesque.

7) Would you change anything if you could do it again, and if so what?
No. I have been to this area several times as there is a nearby lake that my wife and I like to fish. I have taken other photographs there but this is the one I like the best and keep going back to.

8) What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
Everything. I never had much luck with film. But for some reason kept at it.

9) What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
I have an old Sigma 50-500 (the original bigma) without image stabilization. When I use it on a tripod shooting wildlife I feel like a real photographer. Also Lightroom is a really tool for bringing out the best in a capture.

10) If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
I recently purchased a new camera (Nikon D750 and two lenses (Sigma 24-105 f4 and Nikon 70-200 f4) so I think that I will probably need a wide angle lens next.

11) What lighting equipment, if any, do you take on a shoot?
I have an old Nikon flash, SB-800 (which is great but I use it rarely).

12) If you couldn't do photography what else would you do?
Flyfish.

13) Do you have any funny or interesting stories about your experiences?
Not really.

14) Is there somewhere we can see more of your work?
I post pictures on Shutterfly but in order for anyone to see them I have to add them with their email address. This is so only people I know can vew them. I would use a more publiclly availabe site if I knew which one to use.

15) Do you have any advice for the rest of us?
I really enjoy pushing the button. I enjoy the whole process of acquiring and learning to use equipment, seeking out new subjects and trying different equipment and photo taking techniques (fast and show shutter speeds, different aperture. Then viewing and editing the pictures.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

An interview with aerials,

1) How long have you been into photography and what got you started?
I have been in photography for about 30 years. I saw things happen over the years that needed to be recorded. One picture is worth a thousand words.

2) Do you have any formal training and what kind of photography do you do most?
I am self taught...I like to do wildlife and landscapes. I do not like to do weddings. They want and expect everything to be perfect.

3) In your opinion, what makes a good picture stand out from the rest?
A way to take good pictures is to take a lot of photos and just show your good ones. First you need a good and interesting subject, then comes composition, the right angle and lighting is important. Next comes focus......Not all photos have to be tack sharp. Color also is very important when taking photos in the fall.

4) What equipment did you use and was there any special setup? Can you walk us through it?
This photo was taken on a very windy day. To make the leaves and tree limbs in focus, I took the first photo on a tripod, 1/100 sec. f/5.6 ISO 200 55mm with a canon T2i, then I took the second photo time laps of 1.5 sec.

5) Do you post process your final images, and if so can you describe your workflow?
I layered them in photoshop and added the flowing water.

6) Who or what has influenced your photography and what inspired you to take your winning shot?
I live about 125 miles from this location. I have been trying for years to get a good photo like this. The light and colors were never right other times I was there for the photo. To get a good photo, you have to be there and ready when the everything is right.

7) Would you change anything if you could do it again, and if so what?
I was glad to get what was there at that time. Minutes later the sun came out and changed everything.

8) What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
I have taken pictures over the years and when reviewing them, I just wish I would have had a better camera.

9) What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
I shoot wildlife. I have a canon 100-400 lens that I use to do this. I really enjoy shooting with this lens.

10) If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
I use the kit lens EFS 18-55 most. I think it is a very good lens for the price. Someday I will breakdown and purchase a new 24-105. I have an older 24-105 without stabilization but I use the 18-55 most.

11) What lighting equipment, if any, do you take on a shoot?
I use natural lighting when possible. I have a 430 EX flash that I use on occasions when natural light will no cooperate.

12) If you couldn't do photography what else would you do?
I am also a pilot. I had a aerial photography business after I retired in 2000, but could not make enough money to justify the airplane, so I sold the airplane and am now flying model helicopters inside our church gymnasium on bad weather days.

13) Do you have any funny or interesting stories about your experiences?
I like the Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway for taking pictures, although anywhere in the Appalachian mountains is good picture taking country.

14) Is there somewhere we can see more of your work?
I have had some of my work displayed in local banks and retail stores in the past. Most of my work is on display at home. Our hospital, here in Elkins, WV has about 30 pieces of my work displayed in their new addition which was finished in June this year. Some are framed and matted 20 X 30 photos, Most are 30 X 40 enlargements on canvas. One canvas is 6 ft. X 10 ft. of Seneca Rocks in the fall colors.

15) Do you have any advice for the rest of us?
My advice is do your own thing, take pictures of what you like. Take plenty and just show your best ones.

Thanks
Jerry Pastine