Photography | Russ Bishop Photography | Nature Photo Blog

October 1, 2015April 18, 2018

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

Fall color along the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California

In landscape photography we often previsualize a scene in our mind’s eye prior to arriving at a location in order to achieve the final image. Then, working backwards with our equipment selection and knowledge of the scene, we assess the conditions and create that vision.

At the center of this process, our brain is constantly switching back and forth between two ways of perceiving and processing the reality around us — one verbal and analytic, the other visual and perceptual. While the left brain is logical, rationally using words to describe concepts and able to manipulate abstract ideas, numbers and the concept of time, the right brain, in contrast, takes on a holistic approach, sensing relationships and patterns, and tends to be intuitive, emotional, and irrational with no sense of time – much like a child.

When we photograph it is our left brain that confirms the proper exposure, balances the histogram, levels the horizon, and insists that the rule of thirds be followed at all times. From a creative standpoint, this is where we want the right brain to take over and make a subjective leap of faith. By recognising how our brain functions, we have the ability to tap into our creative side and develop new ways of seeing.

Betty Edward’s treatise “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” takes a thoughtful look into the fascinating way that our brain works in tandem to balance our creative and cognitive traits. Based on this premise, that the left and right hemispheres of the brain process information in very different ways, she suggests that we can subjectively stimulate our creative responses to the world around us by suppressing the dominant and calculating left side and focusing on the right. Though the book references artists and drawing in particular, it is equally relevant to any of the visual arts.

So the next time you feel the need to expand your visual horizons, resist the temptation to buy another lens or Lightroom filter (as your left brain would likely suggest), and pick up this book instead. The development of your creative perception is an invaluable tool that will serve you well the rest of your life, and the only requirement is time and practice.

May 20, 2015October 30, 2015

Don’t Leave Home Without It

Dusy Basin, Kings Canyon National Park, California

When planning a photo shoot many items are obvious and not likely to be left behind such camera bodies, tripods, or a favorite bag. But there’s a reason surgeons and pilots use a checklist before every flight or operation. Even though they have performed these tasks a hundred times, the possibility of forgetting one important item is not acceptable.

Granted photography is not quite as extreme, but we can still benefit from this time-worn ritual. A checklist will alleviate much of the anxiety both when you’re packing, and when you’re far from home and realize you’re missing an important piece of gear. Every trip is unique. Duration, location and expectations will determine whether specialized gear or extra food and clothing is required, but even the short trips close to home can benefit from good preparation.

Here’s a simple list of action items that should be included on any photo trip:

Do your homework – create a visual idea file of images to develop a sense of place for where you are traveling and images you hope to make. Google Earth can be a huge help in determining landforms and cityscapes alike, and with the Photographer’s Ephemeris you’ll know exactly when the sun will set and where the moon will rise.

Gear List – Make a list of personal gear and camera gear you feel you’ll need for your destination. For extended trips, start these lists at least a month prior to your travel to allow time to modify. Check the online forums for recommendations from those who have been to the location. Often less is more when trying to travel light.

Rentals – If you’re planning to rent a piece of gear, be sure to reserve it well in advance to allow plenty of time for availability and shipping.

Location List – Create a checklist of locations you plan to visit and subjects you’d like to photograph. You won’t make it to all of them, but having options will allow flexibility when the weather or other obstacles alter your plans.

Batteries & Memory – Make sure you have batteries, chargers and memory cards for the specific camera bodies you’ll be taking. Portable solar panels are great for extended backcountry trips, and 12 volt inverters are perfect when working from a car.

Card Reader – Memory card readers for the cards you’re taking are much quicker than downloading directly from the camera. Especially on longer trips when evening social time and sleep are often at a premium!

Software – Make sure your laptop or tablet has the software or apps you plan to use and that they are up to date.

Camera Manuals – Download the PDF instruction manuals for your camera bodies to your phone or tablet. No one likes to read manuals, but knowing what the error code is when you’re miles from home can be a real asset.

Camera Cleaning – Clean all lens elements and filters prior to leaving, and pack a sensor cleaning kit. Dust is the bane of digital photography and it will find its way onto your sensor every time you change lenses.

Repairs – Pack a small photo repair kit, including jeweler’s screwdrivers, pliers, tweezers, and super glue.

Quick Release – QR plates and L-brackets are a real time-saver in the field, but are specific for each camera body. Make sure to bring the correct ones.

Weather Report – Check the weather for the location of your destination both for comfort and alerts. Services like Weather Underground have great apps for phone and tablet with highly detailed forecasts.

Clothing – Pack clothing items such as gloves, a jacket and shoes or boots that are appropriate for the destination. The layering system including a base layer, insulating layer, and waterproof shell has been the standard for mountain travellers for years, but it will serve you well anywhere.

Nutrition and Hydration – Take a water bottle and energy bars (even if you only plan to be out for the afternoon). A water filter is a great option to save on weight if you’ll be near a water source.

First Aid – Always carry a small emergency first aid kit.

Obviously this list will vary depending on the location and duration of your trip, but it’s a good starting point for any photographic outing. There will always be surprises and setbacks, but as the saying goes, “Luck favors the prepared!”.

The confidence of knowing that you’ll be comfortable, and that your gear will be up to the task, will enable you to focus your energy on creativity and the photographic opportunities that present themselves.

August 7, 2014March 13, 2018

Bonsai Rock – Lake Tahoe

Bonsai Rock at sunset, Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Lake Tahoe is a land of superlatives. Straddling the border of California and Nevada at over 6,000 feet, it’s the deepest alpine lake in North America and second only to Crater Lake in overall depth. It also has the largest volume of any lake in the United States behind the Great Lakes. By day, the crystal clear waters of this mountain oasis entice with a cerulean hue that sparkles like a jewel amid the surrounding peaks. But dusk and dawn have a special quality all their own for photography or just soaking up the magic hour experience.

Bonsai Rock shown here has become an icon of the lake, and the partially submerged boulders surrounding it make this a wonderful destination at sunset. Located on the northern Nevada side not far from Sand Harbor State Park, it’s a bit tricky to find but well worth the short hike down from the road (providing you find parking along the narrow highway, and have a headlamp for the return). The wind really sets the mood here for photography as it can be strong or non-existent, but a long shutter softens the scene when the lake is restless and adds to the timeless feeling of this beautiful location.