Grand Prismatic Abstract
Steam rising from the hot spring on a chilly, overcast autumn afternoon obscured my view of the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. I...
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Steam rising from the hot spring on a chilly, overcast autumn afternoon obscured my view of the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Instead, I focused on the terraced, volcanic rock surrounding the spring, which is streaked with dramatic colors from the various species of bacteria that grow around the edges of the mineral-rich water.
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Apr, 2012Views
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Awards
People's Choice in Natural Abstract Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Emotions
Happy
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This image was taken at the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.Time
I arrived at the hot spring on a cool, cloudy and overcast afternoon in October with the cool temperatures leading to thick steam obscuring the overall view of the hot spring.Lighting
The afternoon was overcast and cool with thick steam obscuring the overall view of the spring, leading me to focus on the terraced ground surrounding it.Equipment
This was shot handheld with a Sony a350 dslr using a Tamron 10-24mm lens.Inspiration
While on vacation in Jackson, Wyoming I ventured up to Yellowstone National Park for a quick day trip. I had seen beautiful images of the rainbow coloration of the Grand Prismatic Spring and it was high on my list to visit. But when I arrived the hot spring was all but completely obscured by the steam rising from it. Instead, I focused on the terraced volcanic rock surrounding the spring, which is streaked with dramatic colors.Editing
Very minimal post-processing was utilized consisting of slight cropping and sharpening the image.In my camera bag
Whether trekking through the wilderness or across busy urban landscapes, I try to keep things simple and travel as light as possible with a bit of a “less is more” attitude. Here are some of the tools that I use to create artistic images of the natural and man-made landscape. I shoot with a Sony alpha a77ii DSLR as my primary camera with a Sony alpha a350 as a backup. Most often I carry two lenses, a Sony SAL f/3.5-5.6 16-105mm and a Tamron AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 SP Di II LD. Depending upon the subject and location, I’ll also add a Tamron f/2.8 70-200mm DI USD telephoto zoom, a nearly silent, sharp lens ideal for wildlife photography or highlighting details in distant landscapes. My tripod is an indispensable accessory and I currently use a Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod with quick release 496RC2 ballhead. I keep a Lee filter holder and several Lee neutral density and graduated neutral density filters, plus a Lee Little Stopper in my bag too.Feedback
As with many well know features in Yellowstone photographing the Grand Prismatic Spring can be highly influenced by weather conditions as well as the potential crowds of visitors. My advice is be flexible and always on the lookout for unexpected photo opportunities and details that present themselves.
