david_huff1

<p>A few weeks ago we visited the Delta Water Works in the Netherlands. Sea Lion was wet, kids were more wet, Dad and Mom - absolutely drenched. 1D Mark IV, 70-200L f/2.8 II. (FYI - the weather-proofing works.)</p><div></div>

<p>Every photograph this week is remarkable. Great stuff, colleagues. Below is another shot from my short journey as a night photographer in Paris earlier this month.</p><div></div>

<p>We just returned from our family vacation through Western Europe. Before going, I asked about photographing the Eiffel Tower and was questioned in the forum why I would be interested in doing so at all. This was the last photograph I took in Paris. I saw the shot developing, set up and when I knew I had it, put the camera down, enjoyed a glass of wine, and took in the moment. I am lucky to have a few ladies in my life that can make the moon shine - and this is one of them.</p><div></div>

<p>Have been traveling through Europe with the family these last few weeks. We visited Heidelberg and in that area watched an amazing birds of prey demonstration from one of the castles along the Neckar.</p><div></div>

<p>Left Paris this morning. Last night the Lady lit up the moon to say farewell. Am lucky to have a few ladies in my life that can make the moon shine.</p><div></div>

<p>Thanks everyone for the tips. I took photos from Montemarte and the Alexander Bridge that I am very happy with, but this one was special to me. I am lucky to have a few ladies in my life that can actually make the moon shine, and here is a picture of one of them.</p><div></div>

<p>Thanks everyone for the tips. Can't wait to try shooting from these locations shortly.</p>

<p>G.K. - Didn't see your shot before posting - wow. I really mean wow. I have that lens and understand just how difficult that capture must have been. Congrats.</p>

<p>Lee, Rob, Bruce - great photos.<br>

Took an impromptu walk on Santa Monica Beach this weekend with my son after his torturous haircut at the mall. He chased sand crabs in the surf while I turned and snapped this shot.</p><div></div>

<p>You will regret not spending more time in the Tetons. I believe you should split your time 50/50 between the two. The shooting in the Tetons in the Fall will be glorious. Stay in Teton Village outside of Jackson and you will have quick access to early morning shooting. When reserving your room at the Old Faithful Lodge, ask for a geyser view room. Also, note that some rooms do not come with a private bathroom.</p>

<p>Shooting the lagoon on the UC Santa Barbara campus and then moving to the cliffs beyond the lagoon is as good of a spot as any in the Santa Barbara area. Fall a much better time to visit Santa Barbara though.</p>

<p>There's no business like show business - even in the 5th Grade.</p><div></div>

<p>Regarding your second question, I have no idea. That's what makes pursuit of this challenge important to me.</p>

<p>Hmmm, I am guessing your question is premised upon some view that because the tower has been so commonly photographed, there is no photographic merit to do so further. But, if that is the case, your question begs a further question, why have some many photographed the tower in the first place? For me, I am looking forward to photographing the tower for two reasons. <br>

First, I marvel at the accomplishment the tower represents. At its time, it was the tallest structure in the world. It was constructed using amazingly advanced techniques, including for safety. Further, its engineering, especially with regard to structural wind resistance and lift technology, was truly leading edge. I appreciate the human accomplishment that the tower represents and I am inspired by its stand against time.<br>

Second, I am invested in pushing myself to become a better photographer. I have photographed the tower earlier in my progress, and I am looking forward to returning to the same subject to test my evolution. I am challenged to make a photograph that captures the spirit of what I described above. <br>

So, in sum, I do not adhere to a view that just because millions have photographed an object, it is no longer worthy of further pursuit in this art. Thanks for the question.</p>

<p>Great idea on the local guide. No, I don't think a GPS is necessary. All of the roads and trails are very clearly marked. Obviously, try to see Hidden Falls on Jenny Lake as well - but you don't need to be there for a sunrise-sunset shot. If you are up to the hike, it is a nice hike to the falls and then take the boat back. If you are not, then the boat back and forth works just fine. If you do the hike, remember to bring your macro lens - great opportunities for flowers and fallen trees right along the path. Also, you must remember to apply insect repellant for this area! Be sure to ask your guide exactly where he/she would recommend setting up for Oxbow Bend - it is a larger area than some realize. If you drive the Moose-Wilson Road before 10:00 a.m., you are likely to see moose in the ponds.</p>

<p>Thank you, Dieter. Montparnasse Tower looks like a great idea. Went through your portfolio on Flickr - great shots.</p>

<p>I am returning to Paris again soon and I want to do a better job of photographing the Eiffel Tower than before. I am looking for advice on where to position around the tower for taking those iconic shots (both day and night) - any recommendations? (I have a full range of lenses (wide, long and tilt to work with). Thanks in advance.</p>

<p>For the Tetons, I cannot recommend daybreak at Schwabacher's Landing more highly. The iconic shot of the barn along Mormon Row (Antelope Flats Road) is great too, but there is magic along those pools at the landing each and every time I go there, including in the rain. Sometimes, though, the bison will not cooperate with you setting up - so watch out. From the parking lot, follow the trail to your right about 300 yards - you will know the spot when you get there. Also, the Moose-Wilson road between Teton Village and Moose Junction (as you approach Moose Junction) is teeming with wildlife in the pre-dawn hours, so bring along a superfast lens (1.2-1.8) and you will be thrilled. Once done at Schwabacher's, move north up the road just a few miles to Cunningham Cabin. What I like about this spot is not so much the cabin, but how the fence rails stand in such sharp relief to the Tetons. Wish I was going again soon!</p>

<p>All good ideas above, especially second the Lamar Valley when raining. Glad to hear you are going for the rainbow at Lower Falls. Yeah, "everyone" has done it ... but there is a reason ... Mine is framed in my house. (Be there by 8:45 a.m. to get a good spot and figure out the best shot(s). I like setting up right at the top or the bottom of the stairs of the observation area - you will understand once you see it.)</p>

 

<p>Two thoughts: on location, I definately agree to try to save the Old Faithful area for a sunny day - not just for the geysers, but for the highly colorful reflecting pools which when still can be brilliant. When raining, if in Yellowstone, I would see Mammoth (rain shouldn't matter that much) as well as travel to the top of the canyon for the vista. The Tetons can be special in the rain.<br>

On gear, if you don't have aquatech type protection, I have seen visqueen with acco clips work great in a pinch.</p>

<p>This is a great week of pictures. I am posting this picture because not only does it warm my heart, but that it is an example of the amazing power of these machines. Taken in a completely dark room with only a small amount of light coming from the hallway.</p><div></div>

<p>The 1D Mark IV will center point auto focus with the 2x teleconverter. The image quality of a 300m f/2.8 and a 2x converter is good, but the 500mm remains in my view the superior choice in the framework of this question.</p>

<p>Robin, I can't recommend enough spending half of your time in the Grand Tetons south of Yellowstone. Great wildlife on an unbelievable canvas.</p>

<p>I have the 500mm and could not agree more with the contributors saying get this glass first. I use this lens for bird photography all of the time and you will love it, regardless of the body you attach to it. I also second the vote for the 7D. You will capture so much more with the 8fps with the 500mm on a good tripod and gimbal head. The 5d at roughly 4fps is just not suited as well for this type of photography. If you can squeeze in a 1D Mark IV instead of a 7D, all the better. Good luck.</p>

<p>My brown-eyed girl.</p><div></div>