Thursday, October 27th

I found an interesting article in National Geographic titled, "Best of Montana Year-Round: Nature and Wildlife". It contains interesting information regarding Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, the National Bison Range, the Wild Horse Island State Park, and Lone Pine State Park as well as beautiful photographs. The photograph I chose to display captures a bison crossing the Madison River at dawn in Yellowstone National Park. I love the color pallet in this photograph, especially the purples shades of oranges and pinks. Another thing I think really helps the bison "pop" in the photograph is the light fog effect and the bison itself being a dark figure with a clear reflection in the water. I actually visited this particular river while touring Yellowstone National Park. I would love to try and capture an image like this-but especially the color pallet it gives.

Photograph by Russell Burden, Getty Images



The next picture is from Glacier National Park. To me, it has a lot of elements such as the sky, the mountains, the snow, the water and it's reflection, the tree line, and the bright colors of the canoes. First, the broad sky gives such depth to the photograph and the clouds themselves don't hide other images in the photograph. The tree line going across the side of the photograph and in front of the mountains shot also gives the image some finesse. The reflection in the water is straight beautiful. The calmness of the water gives a crisp, even reflection of the other images in the photograph. Lastly, the canoes give some character to the photograph itself (especially the red one). It's definitely something that catches your eyes and bring you in to the rest of the photograph.

Photograph by Don Johnston, Getty Images

Sierra R. Hentges


http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/local-montana/nature-and-wildlife/

Tuesday, October 25th

Share 2 & Critique:


A picture I decided to share today is a picture taken at Yellowstone National Park. This photograph was taken at a low angle, looking towards the horizon. I admire that this picture captures that depth and image of the trees on the side. If I could do this photograph over again, I would have taken the picture much further back-making the road (and depth) look much much further (or longer). Some editing that is suggested is highlighting the tree line and darkening the broad aspect of the sky.

The second photograph I chose is also a picture taken at Yellowstone National Park. When visiting the Yellowstone National Park, it was a slightly overcast day-later in the afternoon. This photograph appeals to me because of the dark, ominous feeling it gives. The angle of the photograph is looking up (slightly) towards the top tip of the tree line and overcast sky. I decided to take the picture at this angle because on the bottom ground, new developing trees are shown-which I think is also an interesting image. It gives the illusion of dead trees with new life beginning at the bottom.

Sierra R. Hentges



Thursday, October 20th

During Midterm Break I went on vacation to my girlfriend's hometown located in Sheridan, MT near the Ruby Valley area. Sheridan is approximately 100 miles away from Bozeman and covered with luscious green grass, tall mountains, beautiful waters, and changing trees. This area includes Sheridan, Alder, Laurin, Virginia City, Nevada City, and Ennis that are closely spaced together. Throughout all these destinations there seem to be unlimited amounts of photograph opportunities with all the beautiful landscape and naturistic scenes available.   The photograph I chose to write about today shows a rare 3-legged deer. I think this is an extraordinary photograph capturing a rare deformity in its beauty. This animal lost one of it's legs, but is able to adapt and live well as you can see. Also, the placement seems to be nice and mid-level, with the animal looking in a positive direction.

The next picture I chose to write about today is a stream of water coming from a hot spring in Yellowstone National Park. I especially like the how the oranges, yellows, and reds as well as the light source in this picture because they seem to compliment each other nicely. The only thing I would try to adjust is the light source itself, particularly in making it slightly darker (less prevalent). This is not something typically seen coming from a stream of water. The hot spring itself was interesting to observe, but I also like the effects it has on the environment around it. Yellowstone National Park was definitely a sight to see with many wonderful photography opportunities. I can't wait to go back and visit again!

Sierra R. Hentges

Thursday, October 6

While doing my research concerning common beliefs and misconceptions regarding vaccines held by people throughout the state of Montana, I came across a hospital website that had beautiful photography. A lady named Lynn Lowder, from Twin Bridges (approximately 8 miles from the Ruby Valley Hospital in Sheridan, Montana). Lynn is a active volunteer for the Madison County DUI Task Force. I decided to share her pictures because they are done exceptionally well.


Her first photograph, a beautiful picture of the Ruby Valley Mountains with a river running through. I especially like this picture because of the vibrant colors and reflection of the sky in the water. She was able to capture a lot of land and nature in just one photograph.

Her second photograph I chose is a picture of a weasel. I like this photograph because the weasel itself is mostly in focus and the side light source emphasizes the weasel's details nicely. The white fur of the weasel stands out vividly in the brown dirt and tan weeds. Overall, this is a nice portrait shot of the weasel.

 

Sierra Hentges

http://www.rubyvalleyhospital.com/



Thursday, September 29th

Share Two and Critique:


My first photography was taken at Fort Peck Lake. I attempted to capture a rainbow in the photograph.

For my second photograph, it was taken in Wolf Point, Montana and is of the Missouri River.

Sierra R. Hentges

Thursday, September 29th

I found an interesting e-book "Photo Guide to Iceland" written by Finnur Frodason (Finn) and Haukur Parelius Finnsson (Hawk). These two men traveled throughout Iceland taking beautiful photographs and detailed notes of their experiences. Each photograph at various locations come with a description of the subject, area of Iceland it was taken, nearest town, accessibility, GPS coordinates, description, driving directions, sample photographs with metadata, seasonal information, and sometimes a fun fact or useful tip. This guide gives advice to future photographers of what subject is best to shoot in summer, autumn, and spring seasons. Together, Finn and Hawk visited approximately 50 locations within Iceland along with photographs of the Northern Lights, volcanic eruptions, and aerial shots.


The second portion of the e-book contains a summary of general information on Iceland, a guide of the best times to visit Iceland, weather conditions/patterns, roads in Iceland, safety information, gear that would be useful/necessary, sunset and sunrise times, and Icelandic nature words. I believe this is the ultimate guide for planning and conducting a photography trip throughout Iceland. It gives experienced details and great advice. These guys have provided everything from locations to gear, hotels and rental cars and helicopter tours so that any potential future photography will have ever resource to prepare for an amazing trip.


http://www.natureexplorer.is/assets/Photo-guide-to-Iceland-spreads_9485265.pdf

Wednesday, September 21st

This picture is of the Missouri River located seven miles from Wolf Point, Montana. Wolf Point is my hometown and located on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. I can remember when I was a kid coming down to the river to fish and swim, going across the old bridge and counting the beams on top looking up towards the sky, and watching the annual tiny boat race at Harry's Nite Club. I enjoy this picture because of the vibrant colors in the water and trees. The bridges, strategically placed in the middle of the photograph, make it pop. I also admire the light source in the photograph. I would say the light source is either back light, or slightly side light-I can remember standing slightly side ways when shooting the photograph. This photograph was taken at sunset on a clear day.

This photograph was taken at Fort Peck Lake, Montana. Fort Peck is in the northeastern corner located approximately 50 miles away from Wolf Point, Montana. I enjoy the various color aspects in the water depicted from the front light source. This photograph was taken at late sunset. You can also see the 45 degree angle, showing that the photographer was standing and looking down at the water. An interesting element of this photograph is that it was raining during the sunlight.