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Home > Blogs! > Richard Charpentier's Blog
Glad to be near Sedona: Another post from a Newbie     posted on 19th of september, 2007

Yesterday I'd posted about sorting through my old photos. And the sorting is coming along nicely, with several photos currently "in the hopper" for approval or denial.

While waiting to see how those photos go over I've still been uploading a few of my latest shots, and I have to say I'm happy to be where I am right now. Of my last 9 shots, 7 were accepted. They were all photos of areas in Sedona, AZ. You know, the place with those amazing Red Rocks, Vortexes, and way too many psychic shops! :)

A friend who hikes with me says all the time, "You can't take a bad picture in Sedona." They're right to a degree. The sweeping views, contrast of Red, Green, & Blue (hey, RGB) make for interesting photos. But you can in fact take a bad photo in Sedona. Just go there and start shooting at Noon. Everything will be washed out, the rocks won't jump out at you. Go there a little after dawn or close to dusk and my friend is 100% correct!

And yes, I've hiked there mid-day and was disappointed with almost every photo. I wasn't disappointed with the hike though (always fun).

So, on your next big vacation trip I'd suggest popping by Sedona. Not only will you come away with photos that make you super happy, you'll have some amazing hikes that you won't soon forget (and maybe a vortex experience or two).


Tags: hiking nature newbie outdoors travel

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Comments (18)

Comment by Gadgetat on September 27, 2007
Ah, there's another book I should look into. Maybe this time I'll hunt the library first. :)
Comment by Maigi on September 26, 2007
:) They are already. Thanks for your tips! I just ordered Peterson's "Understanding Exposure" book. Can't wait to have it...
Comment by Gadgetat on September 26, 2007
Maigi,

Mostly I shoot in aperture priority mode now. If things seem too washed out I'll drop the exposure a touch.

I've picked up several wonderful ideas from Scott Kelby's book, "The Digital Photography Book." Got that 2 months ago, and his tips are great. Plus his writing gives me a laugh now and then which is useful too. I've also been dragging another book in my pack, "Canon EOS 30D Digital Field Guide." I seem to re-read the same pages. :)

Looking forward to adding more than landscapes, but I really do like landscapes. Prints are plastered all over my walls of favorite places! :)

Thanks for checking out my shots. I'm still learning, so I hope they improve over time for those, "Wow" photos. :)
Comment by Maigi on September 26, 2007
Well, that's amazing. I always have to work hard to have some colors in the sky... I need more knowledge about correct exposure... Thanks for your reply!
Comment by Gadgetat on September 26, 2007
Maigi,

Hi there! No filters, no post processing of anything I've posted here.

2 weeks ago a friend sent me Adobe's Lightroom because they were impressed with my improvements and thought I could use Lightroom. On my personal website (in my profile here there's a link) I have experimented with Lightroom on a few photos. You want to see ultra vivid blue skies??? Check it out.

So far everything I've submitted here has not been retouched at all. I'm now shooting in RAW (need to upload my RAW files too), and learning more about post processing. Maybe at some point I'll upload modified files, but not yet, I'm still learning.

So, what you see in my portfolio is what my camera saw. Sedona's landscape and colors really come through.

Oh, I'll post a link to my personal blog here too....

Gadget's Airstream Chronicles
Comment by Maigi on September 26, 2007
Are you using some kind of filter for the sky or modify it later in PS? It has so beautiful deep blue color in the middle of the day.
Comment by Gadgetat on September 25, 2007
Thanks Maigi! It is a great area indeed, and I'm glad to be here. :)
Comment by Maigi on September 25, 2007
That's really beautiful area to walk around with a camera. You have a lot great landscapes in your portfolio. Good luck with sales!
Comment by P-squared on September 19, 2007
We've lived all over and I fell in love with Taos, NM but we couldn't afford to live there...way too expensive. After five years west of Phoenix I'd had enough heat and wanted the mountains, cold, snow, a fireplace and freedom from traffic. I love the open space up here.
Comment by Astargirl on September 19, 2007
Yeah, I know what you mean. I'd like to move out there, but I'd have to find a job first :) Unfortunately stock photography can't quite support me!
Comment by Gadgetat on September 19, 2007
Hey there P-Squared. Near Flag & Williams? That's great. I've been in Prescott since March, and I'm thinking this place just might be the new home!

I haven't been by Slide Rock, so I'll add that to a weekend outing as well. :)

Astagirl, I'd love to try a Balloon ride! I'll look into your dad's company!
Comment by Astargirl on September 19, 2007
No, I've been to slide rock, too, but I think it was probably Oak Creek that I'm thinking of.
Comment by Astargirl on September 19, 2007
Yes, I'm pretty sure I've been through there. If you want to go on a hot air balloon ride, that's what my dad does. He owns Aerozona Balloon Company. It's a great photo op, although they can't fly in the red rocks. Enjoy the rest of your stay!
Comment by P-squared on September 19, 2007
Astargirl, are you thinking of Slide Rock State Park which is in Oak Creek Canyon. We've passed Slide Rock on several occasions but I live north between Flagstaff and Williams.
Comment by Gadgetat on September 19, 2007
You can go to West Creek or Oak Creek to see water flow. Boynton doesn't have a river, but it does have vortex sites. Of course, a vortex would make for a dull photo, as you can't see it. :)

I have some old photos at my personal blog of Boynton that you're welcome to check out. I don't think I'll submit any of those, but I will return there soon and take some new shots.
Comment by Astargirl on September 19, 2007
Yes, underneath the rocks are very cool.
I know I've been to Boynton Canyon, but I can't place it right now. I've been going to Sedona since I was 11, so I don't remember all the good places. Is that the area with the river running through it? That's a great place, too, but I haven't been there in years.
Comment by Gadgetat on September 19, 2007
Devil's Bridge is such a fun short hike, and provides so many unique scenes in a short distance. I love the texture of the rock below the bridge!

Another fantastic one is Boynton Canyon, and I'll be returning soon with my camera. The walk is amazing. One more recommended spot is Doe Mesa.
Comment by Astargirl on September 19, 2007
One of my favorite places! I got to spend a few days there last month (my dad lives there) and unfortunately only had time for a little photography. A few got accepted here though. Devil's Bridge is one of my favorite hikes.

Comments (18)

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Photo credits: Richard Charpentier, Richard Charpentier.
 
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    About Me
Richard Charpentier (Gadgetat)
Prescott, US

I'm very new to stock photography, but not photography itself. I've shot scenes from an Appalachian Trail Hike in 2001, moose of the great north woods (loons too), and my travels across the US over 2006 in a 25 ft Airstream.

A friend suggested trying Dreamstime and posting some of my latest photography. I sure hope you enjoy what I share here. If you're curious about photos I don't post here, stop by my website listed on my profile.

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