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The Valley of Fire, Nevada

A few months ago I received an email from one of my readers, Don Davis. He said he lives in Nevada near a beautiful spot called the Valley of Fire and also happens to own a small RV park. He offered my husband and I a free RV spot in exchange for some photography advice and help with his website.

After looking at some images from the Valley of Fire I decided this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up and so we made plans to visit in March.

The RV park, Palm Creek Gardens, is about 45 minutes from the park in Moapa. Don and his wife Marsha have a few acres of property beside a hot spring, dozens of fruit trees, a yard with a huge barbecue pit for the campers, a whole bunch of dogs and horses, and about a dozen RV spaces. It’s a beautiful spot that I highly recommend to anyone who is planning an RV trip to the Valley of Fire.

As for the Valley of Fire itself, I think it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to! The east entrance to the park has more rock arches than I’ve ever seen. They are not as big as those you find in Arches National Park, but there are hundreds of small arches.

Please click the images to view larger versions.

The park is a photographer’s paradise full of stunning rock formations in all the colours of the rainbow. Red, orange, pink, yellow and even blue and purple!! The photo below is the view you will see from your car on the park’s scenic drive.

You don’t even have to hike anywhere to see beauty like that. But I couldn’t stop myself from taking the opportunity to explore this amazing land. There is an endless supply of stunning views with fabulous colour, lines and textures.

This is only the beginning! I will have many, many more images to show you from this astonishing place.

Spring is here! Are you ready to get out your camera and start making some beautiful images? I hope so because I am ready to help you!

My next eBook/eCourse is coming out soon and it contains 8 weekly lessons and assignments. I will show you a combination of camera skills, the elements of good image design, and creative photography techniques.

I’m super excited about it because this time you will have the choice of learning on your own or getting personalized feedback on your assignments!

As always, my newsletter subscribers get the best price so if you want to receive a discount code and have the opportunity to get one of the limited spots for personalized feedback, enter your email address below and I’ll let you know as soon as it’s available.

Apr 02, 2013 | Categories: Nevada | Tags: nevada, rock formations, vally of fire | 23 Comments »

The Fountains of Bellagio, Las Vegas

One of the must-do things in Las Vegas is watching the Fountains of Bellagio in a show of water, music and light.

Because it’s so crowded down there (and I’m sooo not used to crowds anymore) I decided to go with my tripod and only one lens.

Whenever I go with one lens I almost always choose my 24-105L because it’s so versatile. In the case of the fountain it would have been nice to have my wide angle, but these are the sacrifices we make!

As the water danced across the pool in intricate designs and patterns I was photographing at as wide an angle as I could: 24mm. I wasn’t staying in one of the fancy hotels with a view of the fountain either, so I had to make due with the street level view.

I tried to get as far back as I could, without stepping onto the street behind me, so I could include some other features like the street lamp and silhouettes of the onlookers.

Please click any of the images to view larger versions.

In my first attempt at photographing the fountain the show went by very fast! I realized I was missing half of the potential shots because after I take an image it is displayed on the LCD screen for 2 seconds before I can take the next shot.

Before the next show started, I turned that feature off which allowed me to take continuous shots throughout the show.

Once I got that right I moved to a new location on the other side of the fountain where I could get the Eiffel Tower from the Paris Hotel in the background.

It’s a bit tricky to get the exposure right because it changes based on the amount of water visible at any given moment.

If a ton of water suddenly shoots up into the sky, the lights on the water will be extremely bright and totally blow out all the highlights in your image.

What I did was set my camera to ISO400 and f/16 and then if there was only a little bit of water I would do a 2 second exposure. If there was a lot of water, I would quickly change it to a 1 second exposure.

I just kept taking images throughout the show without attempting to time what was happening with the water.

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Mar 28, 2013 | Categories: Nevada | Tags: bellagio, fountain, las vegas, nevada, night | 12 Comments »

Reflections of Paris

No, I didn’t go to Paris.

But I found a cool reflection of the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas!

Here’s what the hotel looks like in case you haven’t seen it before.

And … here’s the cool reflection!

Please click on the images to view larger versions.

Next up, the Bellagio …

Mar 27, 2013 | Categories: Nevada | Tags: las vegas, nevada, paris hotel | 12 Comments »

New York New York, Las Vegas

We usually avoid cities in our travels since my husband and I both prefer the wilderness and less crowded spaces. We are always trying to get away from the people!

But on our way between the sand dunes in California and the Valley of Fire in Nevada, we decided to stop in Las Vegas since the RV club we belong to has a resort there.

We didn’t want to get anywhere near downtown with our big truck though so we drove in and parked in the big lot at the Stratosphere and took the bus in from there to photograph some night lights.

Our first stop was the hotel New York New York.

Please click the images to view larger versions.

I really wanted to get an image of the traffic in motion in front of the Statue of Liberty and it looked like there would be a good perspective from the pedestrian overpass.

Unfortunately there was a grid like fence above the railing on the overpass making photography difficult. My tripod was useless because I had to put my lens right up to the fence to shoot between the wires.

It seems to me there was also something else in the way if I took the photo from a standing position. So I tried my best to get my feet solidly on the ground while resting my elbows on my knees and pressing my camera to my face to hand hold the long exposure. It’s not as sharp as I would like, but given the circumstances I think I did ok!

This image is a half second exposure at f/14 ISO 1250. I don’t usually go below 1/100th of a second hand held.

Next time I’ll have to try street level but I liked the idea of the cars moving directly below me.

Next up, Paris…

Mar 25, 2013 | Categories: Nevada | Tags: hotel, las vegas, nevada, new york, night | 20 Comments »

Sunset at Imperial Sand Dunes

So far the images I have shared from Imperial Sand Dunes in California have been wildly disparate.

On one hand I had the untouched sand dunes sculpted by the wind. On the other the raging dune buggies, ATVs and motorcycles.

I decided to make an attempt at combining the two concepts and I got a chance at sunset one evening when the “duners” were just coming home.

Please click on any of the images to view larger versions.

I really like how the peacefulness of the evening sky contrasts with the excitement of being on the top of a dune ready to race down.

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Mar 21, 2013 | Categories: California | Tags: ATV, california, dune buggy, glamis, imperial sand dunes, motorcycle, sunset, twilight | 11 Comments »

Action Shots at Imperial Sand Dunes

Before I visited Imperial Sand Dunes in California I always thought of dunes as being peaceful places where only the footprints of the people before you can be seen. That was the case on one side of the dunes where I made the images you can see here and here.

But on the other side of the dunes it was a different story. I guess my notions of dunes being peaceful was due to visiting dunes that were protected from ATV’s, dune buggies and motorcycles!

When we first arrived at the campground in Glamis there were only a few other RVs and we set up a little ways away from everyone else. (Those are RVs in a storage yard in the background.)

RV at Imperial Sand Dunes, California, by Anne McKinnell

But it wasn’t long before the weekend crowd started to arrive and unload their toys.

ATV's at Imperial Sand Dunes, California, by Anne McKinnell

Soon the place was roaring and it was anything but peaceful! I took the opportunity to practice making some action shots as the buggies raced by only a few feet away from our RV. It certainly was exciting!

These images are very different than the type of images I usually make so it took a little practice. Below are some of the more successful shots. Please click any of the images to view larger versions.

As the sun set I did manage to combine both buggies and the peaceful setting in a few images and I’ll have those to show you on the blog next time.

Mar 19, 2013 | Categories: California | Tags: ATV, california, dune buggy, glamis, imperial sand dunes, motorcycle | 11 Comments »

Do You Want to Become an Outdoor Adventure Photographer?

I know I do!

I don’t usually include a lot of action shots in my photography, which is something I have been wanting to change, and I just finished reading an eBook that has given me the knowledge I need to get started.

Of course I love doing my landscapes but I think adding a little action into the mix will add a new dimension to my photography.

One of my favourite ways of learning photography is by reading eBooks and when I find a really good one I like to share it with you because I know you’re here to learn photography too.

But it has to be a really really good one! I don’t just share every eBook that comes along or my recommendation wouldn’t mean much, would it?

I just finished reading “Behind the Action — Creating Adventure Imagery Step By Step,” the latest eBook by Dan Bailey, in which he invites you to go behind the scenes with him and learn how to make outdoor adventure photographs.

I enjoyed this eBook so much that I am prepared to offer you a bonus if you purchase it through the links in this post! More on that later…

In “Behind the Action,” Dan lets you look over his shoulder and learn his creative process from the initial concept right through to post-processing the final image. The reader actually gets right into Dan’s mind to learn how he came up with the initial idea and plan for the image. Then we go behind the scenes and learn how he went about coming up with alternate ideas if the initial plan didn’t work out and we see all the photos that led up to the final shot.

This 64 page downloadable guide will show you how Dan plans, chooses his equipment, sets up the shot, and executes each of 12 amazing outdoor adventure photographs.

For each photograph Dan shares all the details:

The Concept: The basic idea behind the shoot and what he was hoping to achieve in the final shot.
The Gear: An exact inventory of what gear was taken along and what gear was used.
Lighting Conditions: Dan’s assessment of the light and the challenges that each scene presented.
Dan’s Approach: Dan’s unique ideas on how he planned to tackle the shoot.
The Execution: What ACTUALLY happened after all the planning.
Final Thoughts: Reflections on what went right and what went wrong.
Post Processing: Exact notations of how Dan adjusted the image in the digital darkroom.
Quick Tips: Thoughts and advice on how to get these kinds of results for yourself.

Here is the Table of Contents from the eBook where you can see the 12 images that are reviewed in detail:

BTAIndex

One thing I learned in this eBook is that when it comes to photographing a person doing an activity, rather than approaching the scene from the standpoint of the person being photographed in the image, Dan says “You start by choosing an appealing background, approaching it during the best possible light and then adding your subject with different variations of framing, placement and exposure until you get it right.”

When I first looked at the image to be analyzed in each chapter I tried to figure out how it was made before I read Dan’s description. Each time I was surprised by what I learned.

In his image of the trail runner, which Dan says he tried for years to accomplish, he is so close to the runner’s shoe that I figured he must have used a telephoto lens to zoom in to the spot. I was surprised to learn that he in fact used a wide angle lens and had the runner jump over the camera and land immediately in front of it. Looking at the image a second time I can see now that it is a wide angle shot because you can see the forest on either side of the trail. I just never would have thought of doing it that way.

“Try imagining what you want your ideal “final” image to look like, even before you pick up your camera.” — Dan Bailey

Reading Dan’s tips I realized that two of the things I do out of necessity because I have a really bad back are things that Dan does because it’s helpful in outdoor adventure photography! Who would have thought?

First, he usually only carries two lenses because he is able to move faster and cover more ground throughout the day. Second, he uses a chest pack to keep his camera accessible. When you have all your stuff in a backpack it takes time to get your camera out and at-the-ready each time you need it. Plus, for me, it’s the on and off with the backpack all the time that is hard on my back. These are great tips not only for being ready at the critical moment but also for saving yourself from back pain.

By the way, I love using my Cotton Carrier Vest to carry my camera in the front where it is quickly accessible. And a side-note for you fellow female photographers out there, our bodies are designed to carry weight in the front! It’s much easier than using a backpack.

I don’t think I’ll be doing any rock climbing or downhill skiing, but I learned many things I can do that will improve my action shots.

“Great subject matter doesn’t live at your desk.” — Dan Bailey

In his description of photographing the rock climber, Dan explains how persistence pays off. He scouted the location and tried out some ideas with one rock climber, “sketching” the image with his camera and experimenting with different settings. Then he returned to the location another day under optimal conditions to make the final image.

“Consider making a location notebook with potential scenes and write down your ideas for potential photos that you can create there.” — Dan Bailey

Here is an example of the kind of detail Dan goes in to with each shot:
layout

In his description of photographing the mountain biker, Dan explains how his initial intention was to photograph the mountain biker in action with the mountains in the background. But when he made the test shots they turned out just OK. Noticing that the beautiful light was behind him, Dan switched gears and quickly came up with a new approach. He ditched the mountains in favour of the dramatic sky as a background.

“You’re in complete control of whether your photo shoot is a success, in fact, that’s the mark of a pro. Even if you can’t control the ambient light or the weather, you can control your own creativity and your own equipment.” — Dan Bailey

Another thing I learned from Dan’s eBook is how he goes about getting his “models (a.k.a. friends)” to cooperate and look good. Whenever I have tried using my friends as models they seem to adopt an awkward and uncomfortable look!

Dan’s trick is that he is always in the middle of the activity with his friends. He is an active participant in whatever sport they are doing. If they are biking he is biking too and, in the middle of the adventure, he will suggest they stop for a photo break. At that point everyone is all relaxed into their adventurous day and warmed up into the activity. They spend a couple of hours riding, a quick 15 minute photo break, followed by another couple of hours riding.

“Don’t overwork your models. A happy model will be a more willing model next time.” — Dan Bailey

If you are interested in learning outdoor adventure photography, this eBook will show you some time tested techniques and methods that you can use to create your own dynamic and exciting images.

Right now you can get the eBook for 20% off by using the discount code EARLYBIRD in the shopping cart. That brings the price of learning how to make your own inspired and dramatic adventure images down to only $19.95!

I know you wont be disappointed when you see the difference Dan’s techniques will make in your own images. And, it comes with a 100% money back guarantee.

My Bonus Offer For You

If you purchase Dan’s eBook through the links on this page (which I do earn a commission from! This bonus is my way of thanking you!) I will give you a sneak peek into my upcoming eBook “The Compelling Photograph: Techniques For Creating Better Images” (that’s just a working title). The eBook will help you understand the elements of good image design, give you some fun photography techniques to try, and assignments that will help you hone your craft.

You will receive 2 chapters from my upcoming eBook absolutely free as my gift to you.

In order to get your free gift you must:

1. Purchase Dan’s eBook “Behind the Action” using the links in this post.

2. Forward a copy of your receipt to me at bonus@amckinnell.com

You can only get this bonus if you purchase the eBook using the links in this blog post.

Remember, by using the discount code EARLYBIRD in the shopping cart you can get “Behind the Action” plus two sample chapters from my upcoming eBook “The Compelling Photograph” for only $19.95!

Purchase “Behind the Action — Creating Adventure Imagery Step By Step” here.

Mar 16, 2013 | Categories: ebooks, Reviews | Tags: ebooks, reviews | Leave A Comment »

Imperial Sand Dunes in Black and White

At Imperial Sand Dunes in California, I was photographing at the point in the day when the last light is gone but the beautiful twilight colours have not yet arrived.

A few minutes after I made the second image in yesterday’s post, I took a few steps to the left so that the peaks of the two dunes crossed and created a different composition.

I really liked this composition too, but the colours in the sky were still pretty drab.

I decided to try a black and white version in post-processing and went a little heavy handed with the blacks to add drama to the final image. This was processed with Nik Silver Efex Pro.

Please click the image to view a larger version.

Mar 14, 2013 | Categories: California | Tags: black and white, california, dunes, imperial sand dunes, monochrome | 7 Comments »

Five Things I Learned by Photographing in the Afternoon

When I am photographing I usually go out in the afternoon to do some scouting in preparation for the evening twilight shoots that I love.

It’s when the last light is on the tips of the mountains and the sky begins to turn pale pink that I am in my zone.

I have written before about how most of the time my last shot is my best shot. But sometimes that isn’t the case.

Recently I visited Imperial Sand Dunes in California and, as usual, I went out in the afternoon looking for the perfect dune: the one with no footprints and great lines.

After climbing many dunes and doing some exploring, careful not to walk on any of the dunes that were potential subjects, I made this image one and a half hours before sunset.

This was the one. Please click the image to view a larger version.

After collapsing in the sand for awhile, my legs aching, and then doing some more exploring, I returned an hour later when the sky was starting to get some warmer colour. I just wanted to check on my dune and make sure there were still no footprints.

To see how the light was progressing I made another image and at first I couldn’t figure out what was wrong.

It wasn’t the same. Somehow it wasn’t as good as the first image. How is that possible?

It finally dawned on me – it was the shadow! In the mid-afternoon when the sun was higher in the sky the shadow was not as long and the shadow itself created a strong and balancing line in the first image. An hour later the shadow had crept up and filled the entire foreground. That strong line from the shadow was gone and the second image wasn’t as visually interesting.

I learned five things on this outing:

Sometimes the image I make during the scouting trip turns out to be THE image (so I should never go scouting without my camera);
If shadows are a factor mid-afternoon can be better than twilight;
An image should be made when the scene is most dramatic regardless of the time of day; [tweet this quote!]
People who never photograph in the afternoon are missing out;
Walking on dunes is really hard.

I have many more images from the dunes to share with you. Some are peaceful and serene images like this one. But on the other side of the dunes, where we were camping, it was anything but peaceful. I’ll share some of that excitement with you too.

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Mar 12, 2013 | Categories: California | Tags: afternoon, california, imperial sand dunes, photography, shadows, tips | 24 Comments »

Spring Sale This Weekend

Ok, I know it isn’t officially spring yet.

But the wildflowers are coming and everyone is dusting off their camera gear to get ready. Are you ready?

To help you get ready I have a great deal this weekend on my photography eBook “8 Ways To Accelerate Your Photography.”

Over the past year I have received literally thousands of emails from readers (I respond to all of them) and I’ve noticed one theme that comes up again and again.

There is not enough time to learn everything.

It’s true! Not only are you the photographer but now the jobs that used to belong to lab technicians, marketers, web designers and business managers also belong to you.

It can be overwhelming!

Almost two years ago I decided to devote my life to photography. Since then I have been travelling around North America photographing beautiful things, experimenting with photography, and building my business.

I wrote this eBook to share with you what I have learned: the quickest and most effective techniques in 8 core knowledge areas so you can accelerate your learning curve and start making great images right away.