eric_silvi

<p>If you do the Lake Photo Safari and you have Doug Hilborn as your guide, tell him I said "hi". </p>

<p>I worked (and lived) in Yellowstone for two seasons in 2012 and 2013. I know the park fairly well. I worked for Xantera at Lake Lodge. I get no compensation or any type of reward for what I'm about to say.<br>

I attended the Photo Safari's at both locations. I especially like the safari that is in the Lake area. The tour guide knows and loves the park. He plans the safari based on exactly what is taking place in the area. He will do his best to have you at a great sunrise location. After that he will try find the best locations for wildlife. You will probably go for a drive towards the East Gate. Eventually you will go through Hayden Valley to Lower Falls. Weather permitting, he will have you at the falls to photograph the falls with a rainbow. I think he does a great job. Of course, its the luck of the draw with wildlife, but I got to photograph a spectacular sunrise, 5 grizzly bears, many bison in the valley, and the rainbow at Lower Falls. <br>

The safari run out of Old Faithful is also a good way to see that area of the park. We didn't get to see much in the way of wildlife, but the guide did his best in getting us to various areas looking for the animals.<br>

For the money, I think the photo safaris are a deal. I think you can tell that I enjoyed the Lake safari the most. The guides at both locations do a great job. I just found the Lake area to be more photographic. </p>

<p>I recommend the photo workshop led by John & Barbara Gerlach. They do a 5 day workshop that is spectacular! They base it out of West Yellowstone. The fee includes everything:hotel, meals, snowmobile rental and snowmobile suits, etc... Often we were among the first people in the park and would leave the park after dark. </p>

 

<p>Stop at the visitors center and ask for the brochure about photography in the park. The brochure lists several locations for both sunrise and sunset. I have a copy but I'm not sure where its at. </p>

<p>I was there in May.</p>

<p>I photographed both the Everglades and Big Cypress earlier this year. <br>

For landscapes, I thought Big Cypress was much better. Like everyone else said, stop at Clyde Butcher's gallery. One of the nicest areas to photograph is just to the right of his gallery. It's a river with some great looking trees and usually wildlife.<br>

Stop at the National Park visitors center for the latest info on where to visit. I found them very helpful when I asked for ideas on where to photograph. They told me a great road to take for both landscapes and wildlife, but I don't remember the name of it. (sorry) </p>

<p>I visited the Everglades last month. It was already past 'peak" for photographing birds or other wildlife. I stopped just about every where and saw very few birds. I enjoyed "Big Cypress National Preserve" more then the Everglades. The landscapes are spectacular. I saw more birds and alligators at much closer distances in the preserve then the 'glades. Stop at the Big Cypress Visitors Center and they will give you advice on where to see the wildlife. </p>

<p>Using a Lexar 32 GB CF card with mine. No problems.</p>

<p>Since you're going to have the negatives scanned, why not use color? Once scanned, you can always convert to B&W. That way, you have the original color in case you decide the color version os stronger.<br>

It's been a long time since I've used film, so I'll let others comment on what you should use.</p>

<p>The belt and "Belly Dancer" are two completely different things. The belt is obviously a belt to attach you pouches too. The Belly Dancer is a harness (suspenders) to help carry the load. You need a belt to connect the Belly Dancer too, along with the pouches.<br>

With the pouches you have listed, personally I don't think you would need the harness, as long as you don't pack a lot of heavy stuff in the pouches.<br>

Personally, I don't really care for the "Lens Drop In". I have one but have never actually used it. I prefer to have the drawstring or flap closure on the pouch.</p>

<p>Since you mention sunrise, try the Ocanaluftee Overlook. Its the first overlook (large parking lot) just south of the Newfound Gap. (the border of NC & Tenn). Clingmans Dome is also a good spot for sunrise and sunset. If you're over by Townsend, the first pull off on the West Foothills Parkway is also a great sunrise location. <br>

For sunset, Clingmans Dome and Morton's Overlook. Morton's is a little north of the New found Gap. I think it's the second overlook north of the Gap.<br>

As mentioned above, get Bill Campbell's and Nye Simmons' book "Smoky Mountains Photographers Guide". </p>

<p>I have made a spring trip to the Smokies several times. I usually like the 3-4 week of April for the wildflowers. But with the time frame that you mention, one warning: check the National Park Service web site for road closures! I think most of them are in May, but there will be road closures involving Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove, and Roaring Fork Motor Trail. All of these are very popular areas that most everyone would suggest you visit.</p>

<p>Brenda Tharp</p>

<p>That happened with me once when I purchased a Sandisk card from another store. I called the number listed on the "rejection post card" and they apologized. They said it was their error. I ended up getting the rebate.<br>

I get the feeling they like to make it difficult so the customer will give up on the rebate. I've bought more Sandisk cards since then, and still enjoy getting their rebates.<br>

I had on Sandisk card go bad. They made me jump through hoops to get the card replaced, but I still got the replacement.</p>

<p>Nice photos. "Dawn Over Firehole River" is my favorite. I have been to Yellowstone in spring and fall. This winter I'm returning for a week long trip. I can't wait, what an amazing place!</p>

<p>I know you said you want to avoid the Newfound Gap Rd, but, the most spectacular sunrise I have ever photographed was from the Ocanaluftee (sp?) Overlook. Traveling from G'burg to Cherokee, it's the first overlook past the halfway point. It isn't marked with a sign, but it's a large, paved parking lot. When we were there last October, we were the only one's photographing sunrise from that location.<br>

For sunrise, I like to shoot from the West Foothills parkway. I'm pretty sure it's from the first overlook. It's usually a pretty nice view.<br>

I have photographed both sunrise and sunsets from Clingman's Dome and you are correct, there can be a lot of people in the parking lot.</p>

<p>You will always get varying opinions when comparing something. I don't think the Sidekick is the "gold standard", but I can tell you it's perfect for me. I don't use my 500mm lens all the time, so I got the Sidekick and it works great. </p>

<p>www.kgear.com is the site for Kinesis Photo Gear. I've been shopping for the same set up for my Nikon 500 lens. I've settled on the kinesis set up. The bag can be set up in a variety of ways. (Extra pouches that can be attached, etc)</p>

<p>It's been many years since I lived in Colorado Springs, but.....<br>

First, you have to visit Garden of the Gods! It's only a "city" park, but it's a great park. Plan on spending some time. You really want to try catching sunrise light reflecting off the rocks.<br>

I remember going on a backpacking trip from Buena Vista to a place called Bear lake, or something similar. Amazing scenery the whole trip!<br>

If you have the time, I would consider driving to Rocky Mountain National Park. (west of Denver)</p>

<p>I've been to GTNP twice and photographed Mormon's Row. You don't need permission (the buildings are part of the NPS) . Arrive early, you will be surprised how many photographers will be there.<br>

Sorry, I didn't really get off the beaten path, so I can't help you with that.</p>

 

<p>Personally, I would take the 100-400. You're covered from the 17mm to135mm area. The 100-400 will cover quite a bit of the zoom range beyond the 135mm. The 70-200 doesn't give you much reach beyond what you plan to bring already. I've been to Yellowstone a couple times and by far, the most popular lens I used was my (Nikon) 80-400. Enjoy your trip, what ever you decide to bring!</p>

<p>I have only been to Yellowstone twice, but here's my two cents:<br>

#1, What they said above. You have to have a quality tripod for a long lens.<br>

#2, Since you use Canon, I would suggest a Canon 100-400. The IS on the lens will come in handy. (I used my 80-400 (Nikon) most of the time I was there. If you can afford a second lens, go with something longer, a 500 or 600. You will be surprised at the difference going from a 400 to 500.<br>

I've been to Yellowstone in the spring and fall, never the winter, so I can't help with that.<br>

Enjoy Yellowstone, it's an amazing place!</p>

<p>I forget the exact title of the guide, but Joseph K. Lange has a great photo guide that covers Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. I would also contact the Yellowstone Assoc. They sell several Yellowstone items. They have a nice "package" of a couple different books/maps to plan your trip. One of the maps gives ideas of what to see/photograph along every mile of the main road. I can get the names of the exact titles when I get home.</p>

<p>Another vote for "Digital Darrell" Young's book, Mastering the D300. His writing is very easy to read and understand. Excellent book!</p>

<p>I carry a very similar kit in a Think Tank Photo Digital Holster 40. Inside it carries my D300 with MBD attached and an 18-200 lens. If I decide to carry a longer lens, the lens portion of the holster unzips to allow the longer lens. There is a zip pocket on the inside flap, and a  zip pocket on the side of the holster. You can wear it on a belt, it also comes with a shoulder strap to be carried over the shoulder. Yes, I like the combination!</p>