Eyes For The Road - Places & Travel & Photography Podcast

Should I Use A Filter? Landscape Photography- Get it in the Field!

A Tale of 3 Filters-

Filters-

What are filters, why would I want to use one and using them for landscape Photography.

UV- zero filter- screws onto the lens- protects the lens from scratch, sand etc

UV filter- vary in price $10 to about $30+ you should ideally get one to go on each lens.

Maybe get an extra when traveling.

Polarizing Filter- like putting on a pair of sunglasses for your lens- saturate the colors- bold landscapes.

Enhance what is there in front of you. Define the clouds-intensify the leaves, the colors of the landscapes.

Dan Holmes says he always uses a polarizer all the time.

Circular Polarizer Filter- $10-$95

Neutral Density Filter- Circular style

Uses: milky waterfalls, blurring moving action- lights- clouds

Tiffen= $99.00

Singh Ray Vari-ND Filter: 390- $ 500.00

Lee Filters: Little Stopper- 6 stops, Big Stopper= 10stops and Super Stopper=15 stops

$ 125.00 (LeeBrand)

Split Filter- gradual- hard line-

Singh Ray- $99

Galen Rowell

Cokin- landscape kit- with blue/brown/tobacco- $48

Red Intensifier filter for Night photography-  $34-$225.00

Companies – Filters

Cokin

Singh Ray

Tiffen

Lee

Podcast – Eyes For the Road

Today we will join Host April Bielefeldt as she takes you to a great place for Springtime photography – Charleston!

Charleston South Carolina comes alive in the Springtime- the air is full of blossoms and the springtime breezes coming off the ocean keep it comfortable. Charleston is a historic destination full of stories- give some thought how you want to capture this and how to translate one of those stories.

Tips for going to Charleston- 4 days

Where to stay –

Plantations;

Drayton Hall- http://www.draytonhall.org

Middleton – https://www.middletonplace.org

Magnolia Plantation: http://www.magnoliaplantation.com/

Charleston

Helpful guides:

Photographing Charleston, Savannah, and Coastal Islands- Jeff Dodge

Frommers Portable Charleston-

Seeing Charleston – Ron Anton Rocz

Charleston Icons- Ida Becker

Podcast- Wildflowers 101

Join Fine Art Photographer and Travel Guide April Bielefeldt as she shares tips for exploring California Wildflowers.

Growing up in Iowa, after winter ended we took to the woods to seek out the tiny blooming gems- wildflowers- in the woods I learned about jack-in the pulpits, columbines, wild roses, and other small flowers that would appear after the snows had melted. That same excitement of going out after “winter” stayed with me and after viewing carpets of California poppies one spring north of Los Angeles I was hooked to come week after week-seeing the hills change from bright orange, to purples to yellows and finally to a burnt gold color.

Not every year is a super bloom but generally there are places you can discover Wildflowers somewhere in the state!

Join me as I share with you tips-inspiration and tools I use to return with some Fine Art photos to enjoy even after the wildflowers have left.

Spring can begin as early as March .. or even late February depending on conditions!

Southern California places

Theodore Payne http://theodorepayne.org/- 818.768.1802 ext 7

Socal – Desert USA- http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/ca.html-

Poppy Preserve- Lancaster CA- http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627-661.724.1180

http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/topcalifornia/a/california-wildflowers.htm

Carrizo Plain= 805.475.2035 phone

Tips for going out:

Proper Footwear- covered toes- boots-

Look for snakes- prickly plants-

Walking stick-

Long pants- long sleeves- protect yourself from allergies- sunrash-prickly plants

Take a buddy-

Knee pads- http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/topcalifornia/a/california-wildflowers.htm

Stay hydrated- water- power bars- nuts-

Too much exposure to sunlight could dehydrate you

Camera tips:

Flower setting or a vivid setting-

Intensifier filter-

Magnifying filters –

Mirror

Spray bottle with water- add water drops to your flowers

Location- road- bank with flower-or hill above you to give the look of the flowers touching the blue sky over you-

Get high or low- either with standing on the running board of your car- getting low via a bench-

Camp stool folds flat and can help you stay low yet slightly a bit above the ground

Subject matter- ask people to model in your images- – either a back view- with a hat- or holding hands-

Basket- props-old book- anything you might want to carefully sit to add interest in your photo

Weather:

Poppies need a lot of sun to open up= wind may be harder to get still shots

Overcast makes a nice soft light for flowers

High contrast- split filter- polarizer

Search artwork-precompose an image that might inspire you- Monet, VanGogh, Georgia O’Keefe,

http://www.mapplethorpe.org/portfolios/flowers/

http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/artwork/claude-monet-giverny-paintings2.htm

http://www.georgiaokeeffe.org/flowers/

http://www.vangoghgallery.com/painting/floral.html

What to do with your photos later:

Mpix for printing- www.mpix.com

Michaels- affordable frames, black note cards and more!

Shutterfly- www.shutterfly.com

Groupon- deals-promos for inexpensive printing or items with your photo on them!

Should I Use A Filter? Landscape Photography- Get it in the Field!

A Tale of 3 Filters-

Filters-

What are filters, why would I want to use one and using them for landscape Photography.

UV- zero filter- screws onto the lens- protects the lens from scratch, sand etc

UV filter- vary in price $10 to about $30+ you should ideally get one to go on each lens.

Maybe get an extra when traveling.

Polarizing Filter- like putting on a pair of sunglasses for your lens- saturate the colors- bold landscapes.

Enhance what is there in front of you. Define the clouds-intensify the leaves, the colors of the landscapes.

Dan Holmes says he always uses a polarizer all the time.

Circular Polarizer Filter- $10-$95

Neutral Density Filter- Circular style

Uses: milky waterfalls, blurring moving action- lights- clouds

Tiffen= $99.00

Singh Ray Vari-ND Filter: 390- $ 500.00

Lee Filters: Little Stopper- 6 stops, Big Stopper= 10stops and Super Stopper=15 stops

$ 125.00 (LeeBrand)

Split Filter- gradual- hard line-

Singh Ray- $99

Galen Rowell

Cokin- landscape kit- with blue/brown/tobacco- $48

Red Intensifier filter for Night photography-  $34-$225.00

Companies – Filters

Cokin

Singh Ray

Tiffen

Lee

Podcast – Eyes For the Road

Today we will join Host April Bielefeldt as she takes you to a great place for Springtime photography – Charleston!

Charleston South Carolina comes alive in the Springtime- the air is full of blossoms and the springtime breezes coming off the ocean keep it comfortable. Charleston is a historic destination full of stories- give some thought how you want to capture this and how to translate one of those stories.

Tips for going to Charleston- 4 days

Where to stay –

Plantations;

Drayton Hall- http://www.draytonhall.org

Middleton – https://www.middletonplace.org

Magnolia Plantation: http://www.magnoliaplantation.com/

Charleston

Helpful guides:

Photographing Charleston, Savannah, and Coastal Islands- Jeff Dodge

Frommers Portable Charleston-

Seeing Charleston – Ron Anton Rocz

Charleston Icons- Ida Becker

Podcast- Wildflowers 101

Join Fine Art Photographer and Travel Guide April Bielefeldt as she shares tips for exploring California Wildflowers.

Growing up in Iowa, after winter ended we took to the woods to seek out the tiny blooming gems- wildflowers- in the woods I learned about jack-in the pulpits, columbines, wild roses, and other small flowers that would appear after the snows had melted. That same excitement of going out after “winter” stayed with me and after viewing carpets of California poppies one spring north of Los Angeles I was hooked to come week after week-seeing the hills change from bright orange, to purples to yellows and finally to a burnt gold color.

Not every year is a super bloom but generally there are places you can discover Wildflowers somewhere in the state!

Join me as I share with you tips-inspiration and tools I use to return with some Fine Art photos to enjoy even after the wildflowers have left.

Spring can begin as early as March .. or even late February depending on conditions!

Southern California places

Theodore Payne http://theodorepayne.org/- 818.768.1802 ext 7

Socal – Desert USA- http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/ca.html-

Poppy Preserve- Lancaster CA- http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627-661.724.1180

http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/topcalifornia/a/california-wildflowers.htm

Carrizo Plain= 805.475.2035 phone

Tips for going out:

Proper Footwear- covered toes- boots-

Look for snakes- prickly plants-

Walking stick-

Long pants- long sleeves- protect yourself from allergies- sunrash-prickly plants

Take a buddy-

Knee pads- http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/topcalifornia/a/california-wildflowers.htm

Stay hydrated- water- power bars- nuts-

Too much exposure to sunlight could dehydrate you

Camera tips:

Flower setting or a vivid setting-

Intensifier filter-

Magnifying filters –

Mirror

Spray bottle with water- add water drops to your flowers

Location- road- bank with flower-or hill above you to give the look of the flowers touching the blue sky over you-

Get high or low- either with standing on the running board of your car- getting low via a bench-

Camp stool folds flat and can help you stay low yet slightly a bit above the ground

Subject matter- ask people to model in your images- – either a back view- with a hat- or holding hands-

Basket- props-old book- anything you might want to carefully sit to add interest in your photo

Weather:

Poppies need a lot of sun to open up= wind may be harder to get still shots

Overcast makes a nice soft light for flowers

High contrast- split filter- polarizer

Search artwork-precompose an image that might inspire you- Monet, VanGogh, Georgia O’Kee

San Francisco Photographer Brian Simuro

Join host April Bielefeldt as she interviews Professional Wildlife and Nature Photographer Brian Simuro: http://privateguidesf.com mention EYES4THEROAD and get a discount!

Facebook FanPage- PrivateGuideSF

Began as a Digital Nikon Photographer who got his “bug” in Vancouver Canada

He has photographed animals around the globe and has had his work featured on National Geographic. He shares how you can also share images of animals to save these beautiful creatures. Giving back is part of his being and he gives tips on how you as well can get involved!

Elephants, eagles oh my- join me as I interview Brian and share other ways to take your photography to another level!

Brian is also available to share his city of San Francisco- 415.810.7676 contact him.

PBS- http://www.pbs.org/about/producing-pbs/proposal-process/

Nature Photographers wanted: http://www.naturephotostore.com/photogs.htm

Marine Mammal Center: http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/Get-Involved/volunteer/

Elephant Sanctuary- Volunteer- https://elephantsanctuarythailand.com/

What’s in Brian’s Bag?

4 different bags – Lowepro-

Go Pro:

Lenscloth-Nikon 8072 Microfiber cleaning cloth or Spudz makes one also

Lens:

200.-500mm lens

20-70mm

70-200 mm

Lenswipe: Nikon 7072 Lens Pen Cleaning system about $10

UV filter for our lens-

Headlamp= red light/white lamp-

Model release-

Favorite places:

San Francisco, USA

Lake Como, Italy

Vancouver/Victoria Island-

Baja-Cabo

Kancamagus Highway- A Classic Fall Foliage Driving and Photography trip

Join photographer and travel writer and guide April Bielefeldt as she shares one of her favorite Fall October drives, full of photography opportunities or just enjoying for good foliage colors. This road is featured in National Geographic’s Driving Guides to America New England edition- page 44 in most editions.

This is one of my favorite drives- it includes a covered bridge, waterfalls, lots of trees, overlooks and a possibility for reflections and scenics that grace my walls- maybe you will feel the same once you take a day and explore it!

How long- the Scenic Portion= 32 miles

How much time- can drive it probably with a couple of hours but to stop, take the waterfall walk and take some photos allow a good 6 hours.

Due to the trees- light sometimes does not get into this area right away so in the fall I would advise get a good breakfast and then start your drive. Stop at the Ranger station as you turn onto Route 112 for maps or any questions you may have. There are also flush toilets at this location. The rest of the drive to Lincoln there are limited facilities- some toilets are not flush- you may want to have toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you.

No food anywhere along the route- between Conway and Lincoln.

Water-drinks- and things like a roll of toilet paper

There is traffic – buses and big trucks – so be aware of these vehicles – pull off at one of the many gravel areas if you start to stack traffic behind you.

The route follows the Swift river:

Elevation – does hit a high point at 3000feet- sometimes in October you will get snow at this elevation. Wear layers or keep that coat handy.

Best to wear a hiking boot to walk some of the uneven paths – trails to Sabbaday falls.

Lens suggestions- wide angle, zoom for close-ups of leaves, close ups of forest scenics such as mushrooms, bark, or other details. Filters such as a graduated ND to create milky waterfalls. Polarizer to intensify the reds- blue skies- define the clouds.

Working from Conway to Lincoln – highlights listed below:

Covered bridge – parking pass

http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/road-trips/articles/kancamagus-scenic-byway

http://www.kancamagushighway.com/

Tripod – for long exposures= a must for getting a good waterfall photo

Polarizer– define the clouds- intensify the colors like a pair of sunglasses for your lens

Lee Filters- http://leefilters.com/index.php/camera/bigstopper

Big Stopper– 10 stops –slow exposure time to create images that have a timeless quality- slow moving water-waterfalls-passing clouds- even crowds of people

Rain gear– either a plastic bag with a hole for your lens or op-tech makes these or movo – go to Amazon:

New England Itinerary Planning 101:

Today we will discuss how to begin planning your own trip to New England.

There are 6 states in New England- Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts

These states cover about 62,000 square miles vs California which is approx 164,000 square miles

What to consider when planning your trip to New England

April Bielefeldt has been leading tours in New England specifically focusing on Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts during the prime Fall Foliage Fall Colors season each year since 2003.

The internet is full of sites like Tripadvisor.com, Yankee.com, Newengland.com, jeff-foliage.com for input.

How many days are you able to spend in New England- is it a weekend, 7 days or 2 weeks.

Prime time to go is the first couple weeks of October.

Average road speed when you get off the interstates is about 50miles per hour max.

Daylight- sunrise/sunset – use sunrisesunset.com for accurate times. On average sunrise October 1 is about 6:50am and sunset 6:15pm and will vary slightly as the month progresses.

What types of activites do you want to participate in- train rides, boating, any hikes, maple syrup tastings- tours etc.

Make a list of must see or do for all individuals going on the trip so you can plan in hours for historic homes, money or days they are open or closed.

How much driving do you want to do per day?

Transportation – where are you flying into- renting your own car?

What type of budget?

What kinds of lodging? The first few weeks of October in New England is considered high season, there will minimums, or black out dates for one nights. Rooms that may go for under $100/night may increase to double that during “Fall Foliage season”

**Columbus Day weekend is usually a 3 day minimum on bed/breakfast lodgings and sees high occupancy

(Be aware of small towns- weekends may have small colleges with homecomings, events, other visitors etc.)

Interests: Vermont still has 106 covered bridges in 1996 count. Places like Hildene- a Lincoln Historic home- many locations to see and visit.

About 7 million visitors to Vermont in 2015 – important to plan ahead-

Use sites like Tripadvisor.com for lodging suggestions, VRBO for longer rentals, bedandbreakfast.com, hotels.com

Regional magazines to use – Yankee Magazine, DownEast, Vermont Life, New Hampshire, Boston, Connecticut Magazine, Portland Monthly.

Jeff Foliage- jeff-foliage.com

Priority: Dates first, itinerary for getting your lodging reserved, fill in itinerary with must sees = parks, historic homes, etc, map it out and then make sure to leave some time to do nothing or edges – for unexpected finds- or weather delays!

Try not to overbook your days.

**IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A CUSTOM ITINERY. LET ME HELP YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP!

Tripods:

Height of tripod- measure how tall you need it to be –eye level

Length: under 24” to fit in a suitcase for travel

Weight:-

How much does your Camera Weigh

Canon 7D= 1.8pounds without lens or flash attachment

Lens: Tamron 18-300mm= 1.7pounds

Travel tripods:

Manfrotto – BeFree-aluminum tripod-collapses down to 15.7 inches in length can hold up to 11 pounds

Joby- gorilla pod- small-packable-bendable

http://joby.com/

Slik: Slik Sprint Pro II- affordable-compacts down to 19inches and goes up to 63inches –weighs about 2 pounds- more casual photographer