Hoodoo Hill By Wayne Pinkston Via Flickr: Website, Instagram, Facebook Hoodoo Hill, New Mexico Badlands.

Teardrop Arch, Monument Valley by Wayne Pinkston Via Flickr: Website Instagram Faceb ook Teardrop Arch in Monument Valley. Funny story showing how blind I can be. My guide in Monument Valley was Quanah Parker, and he suggested going to Teardrop Arch. I had 'never' seen or heard of it, but his suggestions were always good, so I agreed, and we had a fabulous night shooting this Arch, and some adjacent sites. I got back to the motel in the early morning, and there was a 36 inch, 1 meter photo of this same arch over the bed. I had been looking at it the better part of a week and had no clue what I was looking at. Wonder what I'm missing out in the open, lol. Shot at 14 mm, f 2.8, 25 sec., ISO 8000. Lighting with Low Level Lighting, www.lowlevellighting.org You need a local guide to take might tours in MV. If you want an excellent guide for night photography in Monument Valley, google Majestic Monument Valley Tours, contact them, and schedule a night tour with Quanah Parker. For more images like this please take a look at Wayne Pinkston Photography . Thanks for all the kind support! Hope you enjoy! A big thank you to the wonderful Flickr family. It's a pleasure to post here.

Life on the Edge by Wayne Pinkston Via Flickr: Anasazi Part 7: This is False Kiva in Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA. an Anasazi (or more properly Ancestral Puebloan) ruin. They are better known as the Cliff Dwellers. The exact purpose of this structure is unknown. It resembles a Kiva, or Ceremonial Center, but does not fit all the classic characteristics. The back left corner of the alcove or cave is roped off, presumably for possible future excavations. The Ancestral Puebloans literally lived on the edge in many ways. In the 13th Century, many of the structures were built in cliffs that were difficult to access, possibly because of raiding or strife. Archeologists have found evidence of massacres in some locations, that academics sometimes kindly call "warfare events". Anyway, life was perilous and frequently short. Examination of skeletons show many "stress bands" in the long bones from periodic episodes of starvation. Surprisingly, they also suffered from osteoporosis, or softening of the bones from loss of calcification or mineralization. We think of osteoporosis as an older person problem, related to aging an inactivity. They were most definitely not inactive, and did not live long. As game meat became scarce they relied more and more on corn they grew. A predominately corn diet lacks at least one essential amino acid, resulting in osteoporosis and weakened bones. They lived on the edge of survival every day, a truly amazing people living in a harsh land. As a side note, about 1 meter in front of that wall is a long straight drop down a cliff. There is also some smoke on the horizon from wildfires in California. Thanks for taking the time to look. Hope you enjoy!  Please join me at: Website Facebook Instagram Blog

Recapture Pocket Panorama by Wayne Pinkston Via Flickr: Website, Instagram, Facebook Recapture Pocket is an area on hoodoos near Bluff, Utah. There are 2 fields of hoodoos here. I call this Hoodoo Arch because it is an arch that is mostly just 2 connected hoodoos. There is Low Level Lighting (LLL) with a Gaol Zero Micro Lantern behind the arch and an LED Light Panel on a tripod about 50 meters behind me and to the right. Panorama: 11 images, 20 mm, f 2.0, 20 sec., ISO 6400, Nikon 810A Hope you enjoy! For more images like this please take a look at Wayne Pinkston Photography . Thanks for all the kind support over the last year, it is much appreciated! A big thank you to the wonderful Flickr family!

Messages from the Past by Wayne Pinkston Via Flickr: Website, Instagram, Facebook Messages from the Past: It seems like a basic human urge to communicate our thoughts to the world. Are our ideas likely to be as long lasting as these carved in rock, or will all of our digital wonderings and our paper renderings fade away over the millennia like dust in the wind? There is something to say for permanence. If only we knew what they were saying... ___________________________________________ Full disclosure: This is a composite image. It was cloudy the night I was there so I did a panorama of the foreground and added the sky in later. Note, the Milky Way and sky are aligned in there proper position so this is not a make-believe scene, but reflects what you would see if the sky was not cloudy. ___________________________________________

Questions and Answers

About lighting: Which lights and Equipment to take with you

Question: 

From the picture you posted recently, you already went to Bisti Badlands area.  My friends and I are going to go there in May and we start to prepare lights for night photography. From the links you sent to me while ago, we can see what lights you used for your night shooting. However, we tried it recently when we went to Death Valley and we were not sure how many lights we need and how to setup the lights. Would you mind to share your experience with us? Do you use stands, how tall do you normally use? I bought total four CI-160 lights with two tall stands and two low stands. Since we have a weight limit when we do backpacking, I'd like to know whether I need to bring all the stands or four is not enough.

Answer:  

Abouts lights of night photos - Remember, you are exposing for starlight, and you do not need much light. You only need to match the intensity of starlight. I have used the Chromo CI 160, the Neewer CN 160, and the F&V Z96, among others. I have these and use them, BUT most of the time they too bright even on the lowest setting, especially if you are close to the area of interest. So, to make them dimmer, I cover them or drape them with a white handkerchief or white napkin, cloth or paper. Both work, I use white cloth. Many times I fold it in two or double it up to dampen down the light even more. I always use the warming filter. I have found that there is some blue light leak around the edges of the filter. This looks bad if you have the light in an arch for example. You can get a combination of blue and yellow light. To fix this I tape around the edges with black gaffers tape. $4 on Amazon.

www.amazon.com/Adorama-Gaffer-Tape-Yards-Black/dp/B00370WU2G?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

I have found that smaller lights are very useful. I now carry two F&V Z 96 and two smaller lights that have 36 LEDs. They are smaller and lighter and very good. They are dimmable and come with a warming filter. $19.50 on Amazon:

www.amazon.com/Neewer-CN-LUX360-Dimmable-Camera-Camcorder/dp/B0098G9LHU?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00

I tape the edges on this also. If you want to convert any blue LED to a warmer temperature light color you can make your own warming filter. I use Roscoe theatrical gel. It comes in various colors and you can mix and match to get the color you want. It comes in sheets of 20 X 24 inches, and costs about $6-8 on Amazon or B&H. Just cut out a piece and cove your light with it. Here are some that I use:

www.amazon.com/Rosco-Roscolux-Effects-Lighting-Filter/dp/B000N7Y9ZW?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/163130-REG/Rosco_102302042124_E_Colour_204_Full_CT.html

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/163132-REG/Rosco_102302052124_E_Colour_205_1_2_CT.html

For small areas I use use reflected light from a halogen xenon hand held spotlight. I reflect it off of sometime off to the side at 45-60 degrees. Halogen lights have a nice warm color. Reflecting the light diffuses the light, and if you can make the light come from the side, then you will create shadows and depth and a more 3D effect. If you shine the light on the foreground from the camera position the scene will look flat and less interesting. Get all of your lights off to the side somehow. This can be difficult in rough terrain, but at least try, This is the Li-ion halogen light I use. $24 on Amazon:

www.amazon.com/Performance-Tool-W2435-Li-Ion-Light/dp/B00EDE7X7W?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

It is rechargeable. On continuous use it only lasts about 12 minutes, but I only use it for about 6-8 seconds a photo, so it lasts for many photos. It usually lasts the whole night. Occasionally it runs out. Use a snoot on the light. This prevents side scatter and makes the light more controllable. A snoot is a dark tube around the barrel and source of the light. Examples:

www.google.com/search?q=snoot&client=safari&rls=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj-8cOJk6DMAhWDWz4KHQzZDsQQ_AUIBygB&biw=1498&bih=1231

Just make your own. I have used empty cereal boxes, rolled up plastic dinner place mats, etc. It is better if the snoot is black or a neutral color. Some people like a more neutral light. 

If you want a neutral light you can use the Hi CR LED lights. It has a much more neutral light than a typical blue light LED. I use this one:

www.amazon.com/EagleTac-D25LC2-Clicky-Nichia-Flashlight/dp/B00IK9HID0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00

It is about $62 on Amazon. It is rechargeable, lasts a long the, and is incredibly bright. Also use a snoot. Other examples:

www.amazon.com/Bundle-Nitecore-Flashlight-Searchlight-EASTSHINE/dp/B017KHTJ98?ie=UTF8&keywords=LED%20hi%20CR%20LED&qid=1461256808&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2

www.amazon.com/Tactical-Flashlight-EdisonBright-Lithium-Batteries/dp/B00AIBFZME?ie=UTF8&keywords=LED%20hi%20CR%20LED&qid=1461256808&ref_=sr_1_8&sr=8-8

These are also called CREE LEDs. 

www.amazon.com/Mikafen-Flashlight-Torch-Adjustable-Zoomable/dp/B0183JMQ9C/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1461257049&sr=8-8&keywords=CREE+LED

www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Brightest-Flashlight-External-Waterproof/dp/B0166NXRCM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461257049&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=CREE+LED&psc=1

If I do not have to hike very far I use a 10 foot or 3 meter tripod stand for lighting. It is very light and it gets the lights well off the ground and creates less shadows from rocks and bushes on the ground. $57 USD on amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Q7B0WA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also use very small and lightweight tripods for lights. I carry 2. I use small cheap tripods for the lights. Here are some I use:

Cheap, light 50 inch tripod from Amazon,  $16 on Amazon:

www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-50-Inch-Lightweight-Tripod-Bag/dp/B00XI87KV8?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01

Here is a 42" tripod that works better in my opinion. It is a little more sturdy, and still pretty light and compact. $20 on Amazon:

www.amazon.com/Polaroid-Carrying-Digital-Cameras-Camcorders/dp/B004W4BAUO?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00

These are very light, and can blow over in the wind. I have never lost a light to breakage though, but maybe I have been lucky. They do blow over, but that is the result of them being lightweight.

These are 42 to 50 inches high. The higher the better. You need to get the lights off the ground or they will create many ground shadows. I try to find a big rock to place the tripod on if possible. I also try to avoid any large rocks that may cast shadows on the area of interest.

I usually carry 2 F&V Z96 lights, 2 of the smaller 36 LED lights, the high CR LED, my Halogen hand held spotlight, and a couple of headlights. I carry my camera tripod and head, with a leveling head. I carry 2 small tripods for the lights. I carry a remote shutter release device. Extra batteries for the headlights. I have never had the LED light panels run out down the batteries in one night. If I know I am going to photograph something big, then I take the larger 160 LED light panel. I carry a number of white handkerchiefs to cover the front of the lights if necessary. (Sometimes I double up or triple up the handkerchiefs).

I also carry a small canister of Mace or Pepper Spray, and a gas powered Boat Horn. These look like a spray can with a cone on top. It is a gas powered horn that is incredible loud, and I hope it will scare off any wildlife that might be dangerous. Examples on Amazon, $5-20 :

www.amazon.com/Falcon-Safety-Super-Sound-Horn/dp/B0000AXTVF/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1461261495&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=boat+horn

www.amazon.com/Shoreline-Marine-Horn-Mini-Ounce/dp/B004UOVAO2/ref=sr_1_cc_9?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1461261495&sr=1-9-catcorr&keywords=boat+horn

I wear tall boots, 8" above the ankle, and watch for snakes.

I use either Canon or Nikon. I carry 3 lens. 1) Nikon 14-24 mm f/2.8 2) Rokinon (same as Samyang or Bower) 24 mm f/1.4 3) Fisheye lens Sigma 15 mm f/2.8 or Rokinon 12 mm f/2.8

That is what I carry. It's a lot but it is manageable.

Cheers,Wayne

2016

The Potholes of Escalante by Wayne Pinkston Via Flickr: Website Instagram Facebook Escalante Utah Pothole. These are giant eroded holes in the rocks and many have their own isolated landscape or ecosystem. Very fascinating! This was captured during a workshop with Royce Bair. I highly recommend his workshops. This is a reprocess. I think this is the hardest image I have ever processed. I just did not have the skill to do it adequately at the initial time, and I am not so sure that I have it now, lol. The difficulty comes from the wildly colorful sky (with bands of color and brightness, all the airglow, and all the clouds. I did several short panoramas over the pothole, and I did another 10-12 photos all from the same spot and with the same exposure factors. I was waiting for the clouds to clear, which they never did. I went back and pieced together the parts of the MW without clouds from the various frames. I “borrowed” parts of the MW and sky from the other photos I took at the same spot. The wild air glow makes it hard to know just what the sky is supposed to look like. Thanks for taking the time to look. Hope you enjoy! A big thank you to the wonderful Flickr family for all the support and encouragement! Cheers, Wayne

Questions and Answers

Do you hire guides?

Question: Do you hire Guides to find locations?

 Answer:  Do I use guides? Mostly no. Rarely I hire a guide. Sometimes I go with other photographers that know the area. Typically I go to scout an area before I shoot it. I research it on the internet and I have many hiking books for the West and Southwest USA. I thoroughly research the area online and in hiking books. 

Many times I see a photograph online that looks like a good night location, and I start researching that location. I prefer to go to places that do not have many people or one that has not received much attention at night. I like to find new places rather than just photograph the classic old ones. 

I go there and scout the area out in daylight. I record the GPS track or hike on my smart phone with the Gaia GPS app. It is a very good app. 

I check the place out to see if it is suitable for night landscapes. I mark the sites I want to photograph. I then follow the GPS track back there at night. Everything looks different at night. Everything, lol. 

I do a lot of hiking at night so it is easy to get lost. Use the GPS! Recording the GPS data is also great for using the next year or later, and also for communicating with other people. For example, there is a good place to photograph that I found in the Bisti Badlands of New Mexico that I found before I used the GPS app, and I never found it again, despite looking several times. 

For a big overview of a place that is new to me I might hire a guide to take me around and give me the big picture before I start exploring on my own. 

Learn how to use a GPS app on a smartphone! You can get the GPS signal even when you are out of cell phone range. Many of the places I go do not have a cell signal, but GPS still works.

Cheers, Wayne

Dec, 2016

Questions and Answers:

What color is the night sky?

Question: (more like a comment) Great composition and exposure, but the Milky Way is not blue, the color balance is not correct. 

http://www.clarkvision.com/articles/color.of.the.night.sky/

Answer: Thanks for looking, and thanks for the comment. Much appreciated. 

What color is the night sky? Excellent article you mentioned:

www.clarkvision.com/articles/color.of.the.night.sky/

I have been thinking about writing about this for a while, so thanks for stimulating me. Please bear with me for a few minutes.I have had this conversation multiple times, actually being on both sides of the argument. It took me a long time to come to a conclusion on how I wanted to present the night sky. 

I actually agree with you entirely, the darkest night sky is a warmer color physically, but...

There is a difference between:

1) What color the night sky really is optically (we cannot see the real colors because our night vision is mostly B&W). 

2) What we perceive the night sky color to be (our eyes are poor receptors at night), and what our eyes actually perceive is not what we may remember or what the colors really are. By the way, different people have somewhat differing ability to see color at night.

3) and what we remember the color of the night sky to be. 

For events that we see repeatedly, like looking at the night sky (or going to the beach, etc.), it has been shown that we do not remember every detail in every instance of looking at the night sky. We may remember the meteor we saw that night, but our memory fills in the background details, like the color of the night sky, the smell of night air or desert air, the feel of chill on your skin, etc., with a combined memory of conglomeration of all the night skies we have seen. When you replay the memory in your mind you remember the unique details, and the background is filled in from averaged memories. 

So... if you think about it, most people see most night skies in light polluted places or with a moon in the sky, all of which makes the sky lighter and bluer. The moon is above us more often than not, and lightens the sky, and that is what we mostly remember, a bluish sky.When I started out I thought the night sky was black. 

When I got out there in the really dark places, it was not black. I look at photos with black skies and that is not what I see out there. Never. The sky also never looks brown to me, unless there is smoke on the horizon. It never looks brown. As I stand out there for hours and hours, it looks to me to be a deep blue tending towards back. It mostly looks "dark" in away that is hard to explain.

I have processed them every way you can think of, including like in the article you quoted. It's actually a lot easier that way. When you make the Milky Way warmer and yellow brown (forget about airglow for now), the background sky, especially near the horizon frequently turns brownish. It has never looked that way to me in person, in weeks and weeks of being out at night. It just looks unnatural to me. 

So what do you do? Well, the answer in photo circles seems to be you do just about anything you want.

Once I got in a discussion with a very famous and respected photographer about the color of the sky. At that time I was arguing the point from the view you take. I finally asked what color is the night sky?His answer was "any color I want it to be". It bothered me at first, but less over time. 

So, do you want to make a photo that is true to physics, but is not what anyone can ever see (and at times may be ugly), or make an idealized view of the sky, or simply try to make a work of art, or something people can identify with?

It is a question each person has to answer for themselves, and the answer will be different each time. 

For me, I decided, for now, to try to make a work of art that people can identify with. Next year my choice may be different.

Cheers, and thanks for stimulating me to finally write this down!

Wayne Pinkston

Horseshoe Bend of the Little Colorado River by Wayne Pinkston Via Flickr: Website, Instagram, Facebook Horseshoe Bend of the Little Colorado River. There are 4-5 horseshoe bends in the Little Colorado River within the Grand Canyon, and this is one of them. Different bends line up with the Milky Way at different times. This is in the Navajo Nation so you need a permit to go there. The Grand Canyon is not as deep here as it is more west, but is still really impressive, and the river views are excellent. That is the real color of the water. I have not changed it at all, only mildly increased contrast. The sky is a stack processed in Starry Landscape Stacker. This is one frame at 14 mm. Foreground was a long exposure of 5 min, f/2.0, ISO 1600. Sky was a stack of 20 images at f/2.0, 20 sec, ISO 6400. Images blended in PS. There was a LOT of airglow which I find appealing. Cheers, Wayne

Abandoned Cathedral by Wayne Pinkston Via Flickr: Website, Instagram, Facebook Abandoned Cathedral in Madagascar. This is the shell of an old abandoned cathedral in Madagascar. This was adjacent to a girls school and the priest was very nice to let us shoot there at night. There was no electricity in this region and the red glow on the horizon originates from multiple fires. The local people burn the fields to clear them and there are always multiple fires in the distance. Also bandits steal the cattle and set the villages on fire to keep the people from chasing them. 😳😬 This is a panorama of multiple vertical images. There is a Goal Zero lantern in the bell tower and a single light panel off to the right to provide Low Level Lighting on the outside. BTW, we had 3 armed guards at all times. Thanks to WorldPix and Ryan for setting up this trip! Thanks for looking! Wayne