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Behind the shot
Documenting trail work

Documenting trail work

This past summer I volunteered for Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC), a statewide nonprofit that engages volunteers in stewardship projects across the state.  This includes restoration work, invasive weed control, trail maintenance, new trail construction, and more.

Previously, I had photographed other trail work trips I had been on (see previous post, American Hiking Society (AHS) Annual Report Cover), but this was the first time where I got to primarily photograph, rather than primarily work while occasionally grabbing the camera for a quick shot. It was a fun change of pace (not that hard labor isn’t fun too!) and a good excuse to photograph something besides landscapes.

Behind the shot: Mills Lake flowers

Behind the shot: Mills Lake flowers

I don’t often do a lot of blending in PS (Photoshop) of my photographs, but when I was out recently in Rocky Mountain National Park I knew I would need to.

My goal in shooting this stream (shortly before sunrise) was to have both milky smooth water and sharp flowers. Since the former requires a longer exposure, the flowers are unlikely to stay perfectly still. Even on a very calm morning (which it was), the flow of the water itself would create a little breeze.

Behind the shot: Full moon over RMNP panoramic

Behind the shot: Full moon over RMNP panoramic

Originally posted on Facebook.

The below photograph was taken recently up in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a 10 shot panoramic at dawn as the moon was setting. While I don’t do a lot of panos I thought I’d post my process in case it gives others any ideas; if you have questions or additional ideas, please share as well!