"Seeing Tahoe" Photo Workshop in May 2013

“Seeing Tahoe” Photography Workshop

First weekend in May, five great photographers joined me and my co-leader Jon Paul from the Jon Paul Gallery, for a Photo Workshop “Seeing Tahoe” in South Lake Tahoe.  Spring is a beautiful time with nature reviving and aspens clothed in very faint new green.  In the higher elevations, winter was still full in swing and not surprisingly, on the last morning we woke up to light snow fall even at lake level.  The weekend was jam-packed with activities starting on Friday late afternoon with a gallery visit at the Jon Paul Gallery to get inspired by Jon Paul’s beautiful images exhibited there.  Jon guided us and answered questions, and we plunged into an animated discussion on a variety of topics from how to shoot a great landscape to post-processing our digital files.

Over dinner in town, we got to know each other and shared our experiences and preferences in our photographic work.  Driving back to our accommodations, the sun was just setting and some of us rushed out to the beach to capture the blue hour over the calm water.

Knowing that sunrise and sunset offer the best light for landscape photography, we left both days for the shooting locations way before the sun rose when it was still pitch-dark – leaving the house before 4:30am is not for the faint of heart!   Headlamps ready, on the first morning we walked about 20 minutes to our location while on the second day, tripods went up in the dark right outside the cars.  As the light came up, we were rewarded with beautiful scenes from the grand landscape to the intimate close-ups of nature renewing itself.  In the quiet morning as the birds began to sing, the clicking of cameras was the only man-made sound.  We tiptoed through frozen grass marveling at the beautiful patterns of leaves and grasses backlit by the raising sun.  We captured the still snow-covered mountain reflection in the water moving out tripods and cameras around for the best angle.

Chris capturing water reflections

Beth, Alice and Jon

Since it was too early in the year for the spring flowers in the meadows, we practiced what I call ‘creative photography’ by experimenting with panning and zooming while the camera is open. The collective creative energy was inspiring and we learned from each others examples.

We finally made it back to town by about 11am for a hardy breakfast at Red Hut Café – well deserved and hungry.

After a bit of downtime with downloading and a short rest, we were on our way up the Eastern Shore of the Lake by 2:30p and stopped at many locations even as a drizzly rain started to make things a wet affair.  Pulling out raingear most important for our camera gear, the new growth of snow flowers, grasses and brush around the beaver  pond offered intimate close-ups as the drops rippled the surface of the pond.  Mr. and Mrs. beaver nowhere to be seen except for the effects of building a dam and creating this beautiful oasis.

Exotic snow flower - 

we learned that this is a fungus raising its beautiful head.

Raindrops are falling on my head....

Alice, Dan and Jon taking in the scene and talking about how to photograph in the rain.

Chris lost in the landscape

Alice, all bundled up to stay dry.

 Dan with great camera rain gear.

Chris having fun even when it rained.

Dan and Alice during a quick stop along the way.... using their cell phones to capture the scene.

We found a gorgeous spot for sunset and the clouds added interest to our images.

Thank you, Jon Paul, for your insight and gentle teaching.  It was great spending the day with you!!

The next day – very early morning again – found us out at the iconic spot overlooking Emerald Lake.  Clouds partially obscured the setting moon and we marveled at the scene as the light came up. 

emerald

As the sun made its way over the clouds, we photographed the creek with its waters from the snow-melt rushing over the boulders.

Chris zooming in ...

Alice and Beth in Hope Valley along the Carson River

Don't disregard comfort while shooting!

Sun, rain and clouds persisted throughout the day as we drove over Luther Pass into Hope Valley and ended another full day of images and learning with a great dinner at Sorenson’s Resort.  

Probably to all of our surprises – although I have experienced snow even later in May in Tahoe – we woke

up to snow on Monday morning with Echo pass having chain requirements that persisted to the time of departure.  So the northern route through Incline and Highway 80 seemed to be the better bet to meet the return timelines.  Although several inches of snow had fallen over night, the ground was already warm enough for only leaving wet slush – so everyone safely drove home.

I stayed a bit longer capturing this misty scene as the snow turned into rain.

Misty light over the Tahoe

Reflecting on the weekend, I am always grateful when my workshops participants are so inspired and inspiring.  Helping those who are newer to photography learn some new ways to see the scene in front of us, mastering their gear better and becoming more comfortable is rewarding to see.  Having an experienced photographer capturing landscape practically in the dark of the pre-dawn and noticing that the camera can ‘see more’ than our eyes through cumulative light capture is thrilling.  Sharing creative ideas of capturing images even when the light is not optimal or just ‘playing’ with the camera not knowing whether panning will yield any interesting image, always inspires me.  We can all learn from each other and the workshop setting is ideal to experience this. 

Thank you to all of my participants and to my co-leader Jon Paul for a wonderful weekend, great camaraderie, and beautiful images and memories to take home.

Reaching up among the Giants

Til next time,

Meggi

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Please check out my next Lake Tahoe Photography Workshops In October:  

"Tahoe in Fall Colors" 

on my Photo Workshop page.

in combination with a Wildlife Photo Workshop in the desert beyond Reno:

Cheetahs - at 60 miles per hour

Majestic and unforgettable - the best opportunity outside Africa!

Registration deadline for both Photo Workshops is September 1, 2013.

Milky Way and Night Sky

A Beautiful Night with the Milky Way Cresting in the Eastern Sky

Last Saturday I was camping away from light pollution in search of clear night sky and hoped for millions of stars.  By leaving the Bay Area and driving about 2 hours south I found a perfect spot with a small campground in the hills above Hollister.

As you might remember from some of my posts from last year,  after discovering how beautiful night sky images can be, I have focused on learning more about the art of capturing the stars and I shared some of my earlier images in the following blog-posts:

November:  Focus Night Sky
August:  Milky Way Video

After settling at the campground and preparing my car as it is my night refuge thanks to my Subaru that serves as my sleeping pad, I first found a spot perfect for a beautiful sunset over the valley towards the west.

Sunset over the Valley with low-hanging thick fog/clouds.

As with all images, finding the perfect composition is important in all images and this is equally important at night since just pointing the camera towards the sky can get a bit boring.  So I had hiked around in the afternoon to find a spot that gave me some nice trees in the foreground.  I went back after sunset and prepared my camera to capture the stars and to create star trails.  Pointing north always adds interest since we can visualize the earth rotation around Polaris.

Star Trails around Polaris

At 3000ft, I was well above the valley and above the valley fog which is illuminated pink by city lights in the lover part of the image.

Changing positions and using another composition later at night, the clouds and light from the valley add a nice glow to the lower part of this image.

Looking over the valley in direction San Jose, the lights in the clouds made a beautiful pattern.  And as I hoped for there were millions of star in the sky!  Unfortunately, when we look up from our homes in the city, so much fewer stars are visible.

 Star Points over the Valley with Clouds illuminated by city lights.

Using a  long exposure - this one was taken over a time period of 50 minutes - we again see the earth rotation in the star trails.  This is taken at the same location as the one above.

These last 2 images were taken at around 2 am in the morning and we can see that our busy cities never sleep and never get dark.

From studying the milky way at this time of the year and its appearance over the horizon, I knew I had to stay up late - or should we say early? - but I was rewarded by ~3 am with a beautiful full profile of the milky way when looking east.  This is a panoramic image stitched together from 4 individual images.

Tired but a happy camper, I was ready to snuggled in my sleeping bag to dream of more stars....

If you are intrigued by the beauty of the night and want to learn more how to make images of the night sky and the milky way, please join me for another night under the stars.  I have planned another night out in August and would invite you to join me for a Photo Workshop 'Under the Stars'.  Please email me if you are interested at mraeder33@gmail.com.  Prior to night fall, I will give a tutorial at the campground in the late afternoon on how to set your camera and how to capture beautiful night sky images.

Til next time,
Meggi

Yosemite Nat Park Moonbows

Rainbows and Moonbows At Yosemite National Park

We are all fascinated by rainbows following a storm or signaling an impending one.  With the sun light reflected in the water droplets, it's colorful and beautiful sight.  On full moon nights, there is enough light that the 'moonbow' -the same phenomenon - can be seen in waterfalls.  Althouhg many waterfalls can produce a moonbow under the right conditions, the Yosemite waterfalls have become known for their moonbows specifically in spring when the rivers and waterfalls are swollen with water from the snow melt.

The below video was published by the Yosemite National Park and produced by Steven Baumgardner.

I hope you enjoyed this stunning video.  

I am off to Yosemite for the next full moon and will share my experience in a later Travel TidBits blog.

Til then, Meggi

Comments?  I love to hear from you.  

Please use my email mraeder33@gmail.com to reach me.

Ref: Yosemite National Park Notes, Produced by Steven Baumgardner

Tribute to PAWS Pat Derby

Pat Derby, the  co-founder of PAWS passed away in March 2013.  

So revered was PAWS co-founder Pat Derby, her passing has been commemorated internationally at the highest levels of government. 

PAWS is proud to share these special tributes with you.

Pat Derby

United States Congress

One of the greatest recognitions of Pat's contributions to the cause of animal protection was a flag flown in her honor over the nation's Capitol in Washington, D.C. on March 29, 2013. The actual flag (pictured above) was given to Pat's life partner and PAWS co-founder Ed Stewart. Flags are flown over the Capitol to observe the remarkable works of individuals and groups, as well as to mark special events and national holidays. We would like to thank United Activists for Animal Rights' President Nancy Burnet, a great friend to PAWS, and Congressman C.W. Bill Young and his wife, Beverly, for arranging this very special honor.

On March 13, 2013, U.S. Representative Sam Farr introduced into the Congressional Record (below, right) a statement in honor of Pat, in which he lauded her "lifetime commitment to protecting the welfare of performing animals." Congressman Farr is a long-time champion for animals with whom PAWS has worked to introduce important legislation to protect captive wild animals.

In his statement, Representative Farr stated: "She was a true hero in the animal rights world whose sole crusade was aimed at helping animals that could not protect or advocate for themselves. Pat realized that even wild animals need someone to look out for them, and she dedicated her life to that belief." PAWS thanks Rep. Farr for this meaningful accolade, and PAWS friend Barbara Baldock for helping to facilitate this honor.

California Assembly

On April 10, 2013 in Sacramento, California State Assemblyman Ken Cooley adjourned the meeting of the Assembly in Pat's honor, memorializing her extraordinary achievements and recognizing her service to the State for her involvement in the California Department of Fish and Game's Committee for the Humane Care of Captive Wildlife. (View video below) PAWS thanks Assemblyman Cooley for this distinguished remembrance, and long-time PAWS supporter Linda Gibboney and her colleague, Larry Murman, for arranging it.

CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY HONORS PAT DERBY

Ed Stewart and Lily Tomlin (right) listen as

Los Angeles Councilmember Paul Koretz addresses the City Council

during his adjournment tribute honoring Pat Derby.

City of Los Angeles, CA

In Los Angeles, Councilmember Paul Koretz adjourned the April 17 meeting of the L.A. City Council with a tribute to Pat in which he praised her for dedicating her life to protecting captive wild animals. (View video below) Cm. Koretz gave special thanks to Pat and to PAWS for giving refuge to former Los Angeles Zoo elephant Ruby, who lived out her final years in peace at ARK 2000. Actress and producer Lily Tomlin followed Councilmember Koretz. She movingly spoke of Pat, stating, "She was a hero of mine. She set the standard for the care of elephants in captivity in a way that no one else ever attempted." Ms. Tomlin recalled Pat telling her about the ARK 2000 sanctuary, saying, "If there's a paradise, this is paradise for the elephants."

PAWS co-founder Ed Stewart was the final speaker, telling the Council, "We are celebrating a warrior, because Pat was the warrior for elephants in this country, and also for lions, tigers and all the rest of the animals who have to live in a captive situation." He referred to advances made in recent years for exotic and performing animals, and explained that some "very enlightened decisions have come out of bodies just like this... I know that Pat is somewhere watching and waiting for our next enlightened decision." PAWS thanks Councilmember Paul Koretz for this meaningful recognition, and Melya Kaplan, Director of Voice for the Animals, for requesting it.

After the meeting, Councilmember Tom LaBonge invited Ed Stewart, PAWS' friends Kat Kramer and Karen Sharpe Kramer, and PAWS' director of Science, Research and Advocacy, Catherine Doyle, to join him on the uppermost floor of City Hall for a magnificent view of the city. There, he rang the Los Angeles City Hall bell in memory of Pat. (View video below) PAWS thanks Cm. LaBonge for his kindness and this heartfelt homage to Pat.

L-R: PAWS President Ed Stewart, Kat Kramer, 

Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge and Karen Sharpe Kramer.

Ways you can help:

Adopt A PAWS Animal If you would like to help our animals, one of the best ways is to become an "adoptive parent," or give a PAWS adoption as a gift to an animal lover in your life. PAWS adoptions are symbolic adoptions only. No animal will be sent! Learn more PAWS Partnerships Help us change the life of a victim of captivity by becoming a PAWS Partner. PAWS partnerships help support our sanctuary operations and the day-to-day care of the animals. Learn more .      Estates/Planned Giving You can help us make sure captive wildlife in need of shelter will always have a PAWS sanctuary to call home! Learn more Donate To PAWS Three ways to give and every donation matters. Learn more

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On my visits to PAWS, I was fortunate to meet Pat Derby and Ed Stewart and am so impressed about their tireless work for the elephants and for all captive performing animals.  Pat was a remarkable woman.  I hope her legacy will continue.

In quiet reflection,

Meggi

Please see previous stories on PAWS and elephants in the News on my Travel TidBits blog:

January 2013:  Sheldrick's Elephant Miracle Rescue

December 2012:  Elephants in Solitary Confinement

November:  Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

November 2012: Ban Elephants from Traveling Circuses

September 2012:  In the News: Topeka, Kansas, Zoo Elephants

August2012:  Elephant Mother and Baby rescue

July 2012:  In the News:  LA  Zoo Elephants

June 2012:  Elephants longterm survival?

May 2012:  Fundraiser Event

April 2012: Speak out for Elephants

March 2012: PAWS Ark 2000  

March 2012: New elephant for PAWS  

March 2012: The Elephant Whipserer

January 2012:  Loss of Sabu

Yosemite National Park

  

 After a very busy April with domestic tasks (helping my daughter’s kitchen remodel), spending some time outdoors again in the Sierra Nevada and in Yosemite National Park was a welcome and renewing time.  Spring is everywhere with wildflowers and California poppies, and even the 4+ hour drive to the mountains was so enjoyable.

Yosemite is my favorite National Park – not surprising - and the valley was green and all the waterfalls still had much water from the snow melt.  The dogwood was not yet in bloom, but the park has so many great spots to photograph that I never tire exploring new sites and revisiting old spots.

Yosemite Valley with Bridal Veil Falls

Upper Yosemite Falls - thundering down with lots of snow melt water

Mist over the base of Lower Yosemite Falls

Beautiful Water Patterns

Yosemite Falls

El Capitan

Bridal Veil Falls in last light

Valley View at the end of the day

Golden light on the Merced River

 Last light over Half Dome after sunset

as night fell over the Valley.

I stayed well into the night to capture the beautiful night sky and stars over Yosemite -  but that is for another Travel TidBits blog in the near future.  Stay Tune!

Til next time,

Meggi

Comments?  I love to hear from you.  

Please use my email mraeder33@gmail.com to reach me.