Platinum

larrybuckley

5294_Painted Hills

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument-Seven Wonders Of Oregon-2015 Oregon Travel-Colors Nature Autumn-

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument-Seven Wonders Of Oregon-2015 Oregon Travel-Colors Nature Autumn-
Read less

NIKON D750

settings

Aperture 4/1 ISO 100 Shutter 1/640 Focal Length 31/1

upload_date

Mar, 2023

Views

510

Likes

Awards

Picture Perfect Award

Peer Award

Behind The Lens

Location

I was on one of my many photography journeys traveling the pacific northwest states. This image was taken at The Painted Hills a geologic site in Wheeler County Oregon. I had read an article about about the John Day Fossil Bed National Monument and the Painted Hills were listed as one of the seven wonders of Oregon. The drive in was relatively easy, parked then wandered through the trails up and along some of the ridges snapping several shots at different angles and positions of the multi colored hills, this one was the most intriguing capture in my opinion as it showed the grandeur of the hills.

Time

As usual when traveling in my motorhome I'm typically a slow starter, this was my first and last stop of the day as I had to prepare for another travel day the following morning. This capture was in the late afternoon in November on a mostly cloudy coolish fall day as a weather system was blowing through with sun and clouds.

Lighting

It was a breezy fall day, when first arrived at this location the clouds were quite thick so I took some shots and decided to go back later in the day in the hopes that I could capture the late afternoon sun on the hills. The late afternoon gave me the best opportunity for light just before the sun set behind some mountains. This provided just the right amount of light to where I didn't have to bump the ISO up much. I used a tri-pod and hand hold as I walked through the trails.

Equipment

My camera is a Nikon D750, was using my go to 24.0-120.0 mm f/4.0 lens. I was capturing multiple images so I used both a tri pod and hand holding, this capture was 1/640th sec at f/4, ISO 100 so I could capture the beauty of the multi colored hills.

Inspiration

I've always been interested in unique landscapes and this area being one of the Seven Wonders Of Oregon intrigued me. Once I saw the location it inspired me even more than when reading about it.

Editing

I have a standard work flow that I try and use on every image so the answer is yes I did post process. I start in Lightroom, use masks as necessary for local adjustments such as sky/foreground/background and any special objects. I then use the basic panel for global adjustments, transform leveling, lens corrections, minor noise reduction and sharpening before jumping into Photoshop. In PS I go through specific toning with luminosity masking, blend if adjustments and dodge & burn, then to color adjustments with possible color grading depending on the shot, the last technique I use is final adjustments, mostly local curves/levels/gradients/vignette/noise & sharpening and last minute fixes before sending back to LR with the finished product.

In my camera bag

I carry two camera bags with my D750 and backup D70 camera's, 5 lens's that incorporate a wide range of capacity, extra batteries for each camera, remote camera shutter, flash unit, tripod, monopod, miscellaneous cleaning articles, journal, rain guards and battery chargers. The key to success is to always have all of the equipment for any photog opportunity.

Feedback

When your on a photo journey always carry all of your equipment so you are prepared for any shooting opportunity. Be on the lookout for objects, architecture, vehicles, landscape, seascape, bridges or interesting people and scenes as you travel around, take the opportunity to get out of your car and wander around a bit, be brave. Always dress in layers with a pair of good walking shoes or boots, prepare for wet conditions just in case. It's a good idea to have someone else with you as a spotter for additional opportunities that you can miss - two sets of eyes are better than one.

See more amazing photos, follow larrybuckley

larrybuckley

larrybuckley

5294_Painted Hills

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument-Seven Wonders Of Oregon-2015 Oregon Travel-Colors Nature Autumn-

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow larrybuckley

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes. Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.