Wanna be a good landscape shooter? Just stand next to Moose Peterson at his next workshop. There was just this recent story that popped up in the New York Times, something about waiting for light to hit this waterfall In Yosemite. If it does, just right, it’s called “firefall,” and it is a coveted picture amongst landscape afficiandos, at least some of whom go around, collecting these famous vistas like ball cards.
I personally didn’t even know there was a waterfall in Yosemite, until I went there with Moose. During those halcyon days of the Digital Landscape Workshop Series, I was brought along pretty much for comic relief, and to teach some lighting and portraiture out there in the great beyond. I would mostly sleep in the van during those early morning roll outs, tumble out of the door when they woke me, then stumble along a path to some great natural wonder. Inevitably at the better known of these places, there would be some lone, grumpy, shivering soul already there with a 4×5 Wista field camera on a wooden tripod, with his shot staked out and a baleful glance towards anyone who might infringe on the sovereignty of his composition. This person would always take a rather dim view of the arrival of 40 or so enthusiastic DLWS’ers, and their eyes would grow dark and menacing under their hooded Carhart all weather, all terrain, camo overcoat. I always felt safe though, ’cause we had Kevin Dobler with us. Kevin’s such a good guy, with such friendly demeanor, he would invariably win the individual over and all would be well. The fact that Kev’s the size of a large barn door might have helped, too.
But, courtesy of Moose, I got to really see some of the true natural wonders of the US, and I’m forever grateful. They are not places any right minded magazine editor would have ever sent me, given my asphalt upbringing. And, I did get a firefall.
Moose and I will be at PhotoShop World in April, but not together this time. Scott K and Kathy Siler I think looked at the fact that during our historically mutual Safari Pre-Con, we were basically just making fun of each other, and in general cutting up. So, like unruly kids in class, we’ve been separated. He’s doing an airplane thing, which is cool. (He can’t do a critter thing, ’cause it’s Orlando, and all the wildlife there is animatronic and sing songs.) I’m doing a portrait thing, all day, the Tuesday before PSW officially starts. See you soon, Moose!
More tk….
Wow, that´s cool that you went to Yosemite, that place is where i started my passion for Photography in 1989, i was 11 years old….. Always my favorite place to go !
Best
Héctor Segovia
PhotoXperience México 2013
Us..unruly kids…I’m just not seeing that!
Mr McNally, the honor is always standing next to you, under you or just around you, you sweet lug you!
Moose
We have critters here in Orlando. It’s just that they’re more of the varmint variety instead of being cute & cuddly in appearance.
I, for one, am glad you were there in Bozeman, MT, you made me take my speedlight back out of its box and actually enjoy using it. Of course, stories of you and wildlife make any workshop worthwhile.
that was me under the hood-
What’s the point of having friends if you can’t mock them? 😉
Joe, I enjoy your blog posts and I’m really looking forward to your visit to South Africa in June – would be awesome if Moose joined you – think we would laugh even more 🙂 Moose, we have great wildlife here …. come along !
One day I was up at Brooks Falls photographing bears. The bear viewing stands were packed shoulder to shoulder, overlapping tripods — the whole scene gave a new meaning to “combat photography.” The photographers were pretty cranky, all of them desperate to get a shot of a bear catching a salmon before having to catch a plane home from their one day excursion. There was one lady there, though, who was unflaggingly cheerful. She introduced herself as Sharon Peterson. And there, standing right behind me, was Moose and family. So I well know what kind of pictures I can get by standing right next to Moose Peterson. 😀 I also know that this is a guy who can improve your whole attitude for the day with just a smile.
But I think both Moose and I got our best pictures after the crowd left. The sun started to set, shining straight up the river, and the bears took on a beautiful golden glow in their coats.
I will never forget the day the bus loads (yes, plural) of Japanese tourists arrived at Mesa Arch… The panic among the guys in the hoodies was hilarious
There is nothing wrong with the two of you cutting up. Only reason I ever thought about working PSW (I hate mornings) was to go on your pre-con, but competition for those work slots is fierce. Still chuckle at the story of you being pick-pocketed by a bison. Not surprised Moose didn’t warn you.
This is great post! Thanks for your help.