A little more than two years ago, I decided it was time quit working for others and pursue photography on a full time basis. I started this blog to document my journey and share what I’ve been learning. While I’ve learned much about controlling light through digital media, I’ve learned two things that I think are more important. First – the more I learn, the more I’m surprised at how much I don’t know about photography. This realization keeps me motivated to continue the journey and helps to make it fun! Second – I’ve realized that I’m looking at the world much differently than I used to.
During my trip through Oregon in July, I watched the scenery go by with a different eye – evaluating the light and view to see if it was worth stopping and consuming a few pixels. I just returned from a 2,600 mile trip through Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. My father turned 85 last week, and we also celebrated Mom and Dad’s 65th wedding anniversary, which actually happens in November. The whole family came for the party! We had a great reunion – the great grandkids put on quite a show and it was good to see my brother, sister, and all the nieces and nephews.
While on the road, I found some great pictures. A couple times, I saw something fun and had to turn around to make the image. Here’s my view from the road.
UTAH:
This rock formation is on I-80 in eastern Utah, near the Wyoming state line. The best camera is the one in your hand, and I took this picture with my mobile phone.
I got out the big boy camera, too, and shot this panorama handheld from the same spot, but looking a little left.
WYOMING:
West of my home town of Cheyenne, Wyoming, is the Vedawoo Recreation Area. The rock formations are phenomenal. This is an HDR of this formation.
This is a common scene along Happy Jack Road, Wyoming Highway 210, between Cheyenne and Laramie. When I was a Boy Scout, we frequently camped in this area. I chose a monochrome theme for this panorama.
As we got closer to Cheyenne, the rock formations changed in color and shape. A storm was coming from the north (left side of the picture).
COLORADO:
My lovely bride had to return home early, so I drove her to Denver International Airport. I returned to Cheyenne on US Highway 85, the Can Am Highway, instead of the interstate highway. Traveling on US 85 is old school – primarily 2 lane road and slow downs through the many communities. I drove by this scene, but turned around to make this panorama. The two bridges in the foreground were part of the original highway alignment. They were not razed when the new road was constructed, and they were the impetus for this image.
I drove home through Rocky Mountain National Park, but that’s a blog all by itself!
The Big Thompson River flows through the Big Thompson Canyon in Colorado. US 34 between Loveland and Estes Park shares the canyon. This waterfall is located near Estes Park.
I found this scene along US 40 in northwest Colorado, west of Craig.
Also along US 40.
UTAH:
This is Bridal Veil Falls, along US 189 in Utah’s Provo Canyon (between Provo and Heber City). I was please that there was enough water to flow this late in the year.
NEVADA:
Nevada markets US 50 as “The Loneliest Road in America,” but the stretch of US 6/50 between Delta, Utah, and the Nevada state line was a little more lonely. In Nevada, I saw Pronghorn Antelope and Deer. I also got all the stamps in my ‘US 50 Survivor’s Guide.’ I mailed in the card and am waiting for my reward!
After a smoky stop at Great Basin National Park, just south of US 6/50 on the Nevada/Utah line, I found this scene in Nevada’s Spring Valley. Behind me, wind turbines spun slowly to generate electricity.
Also in the Spring Valley. I was channeling my inner Ansel Adams while I processed this image.
I couldn’t stop at just one monochrome shot.
If you go to Cave Lake State Park south of Ely, Nevada, , you’re greeted by this view on Nevada Highway 486.
This is the view from Stokes Castle, near Austin, Nevada, looking west.
As you can see, I had a wonderful trip. The Expedition ran great, got excellent fuel mileage, and I saw some pretty country! Watch for more blogs from this trip.
Enjoy – PHOTOROGR
The PHOTOROGR Project 