Fascinating video with amazing images and a sublime bit of comedy Shakespear would have been proud of. You and Alan Brock must be two of the fittest photographers on UA-cam, most landscape photographers have a decent workout getting their shots but you two are multiplying the weight they carry by a phenomenal amount.
I love the shallow DOF image, something that I don't see often enough in landscapes. I love that Alan left you a message underneath your rocks, you guys have a proper Bromance going on, it's a great example of the photography/youtube community spirit.
P.S. I did have one thought that crossed my mind: When you left those rocks in place to return the next morning, were you not a little concerned that you might arrive and find that you can't place your tripod back in that position due to the possibility of getting in somebody elses shot? Somebody who may have arrived even earlier than you? I say this because I know how much of a popular spot it is.
The choice of the shallow DOF is one of those things where the limitation of the equipment "forces" creativity. If I was taking this photo with my D750, I could easily stop down and get both, or focus bracket and get both. With LF, I had a choice between a very OOF background, or a slightly-OOF-might-look-like-a-mistake kind of background. To be honest, I don't really like that photo. Though it turned out technically good, it just doesn't speak to me for whatever reason. That's one of the things that is interesting about photography, and one of the reasons why I film the film reveal videos. It's interesting to capture my initial reaction to a photo, and see how it changes with time. My initial reaction was that I didn't like it. I also didn't like the first photo I showed in this video. I dismissed them right away. The first one is starting to grow on me just a bit because it's a very "honest" portrayal of the East side of Zion -- though it isn't in very exciting light. We'll see what happens. That's why I reserved judgement in the video itself and didn't say anything about what I thought about the images. I was curious to see what others thought, and I definitely value honesty in that regard. With regard to Alan, he's a fantastic photographer and you'll probably see some more content from us next year. :-)
Since it was during the winter, I had the place to myself. I was setup quite a ways in front of where the typical flock of photographers stand. I got there quite a ways before sunrise so even if there was a crowd, I probably would have been there ahead of anyone else. Also, I realize there is a bit of irony in this video with me talking about the sheep on the bridge, then immediately talking about myself taking the other big iconic photo in Zion -- but such is life. ;-)
These days continue to be gorgeous cinematic adventures, thanks to both your videography and the final results you're capturing, so keep up the good work! I know it is probably exhausting to shoot all this video footage, let alone edit it, so I really appreciate it. Wish I could donate to support this content more frequently!
Thanks for the kind words Matt! Though it is a lot of work to setup the video shots, edit everything together, etc -- I have a blast doing it. It'll be fun to see what happens in Death Valley this year. ;-)
Superb and inspirational as usual! Like Tom, I really liked the last image where the background was out of focus, it really enhances the beauty of the Maple. Take care 🍀👍
Thanks! I've definitely been focusing my details on the smaller scenes this year, but I hope that my next trip (Death Valley) will allow me to widen my view a bit. It's hard not to in a place with such vast views. I think it's good to find a balance between the big scenes, and the small scenes.
Thanks so much for your videos Ben, stunning images! I'll be in Zion in a few days and will make it a goal to approach things with a patience similar to yours. We'll see, only so many days off in a year.
I'm glad you enjoyed the note! However, I am kicking myself for not thinking to also leave you the CR23 battery!! Next year... I'm going to go against the grain a bit and say I actually like the first image better. Really captures the feel of the east side well. There is a good organization to the chaos. That being said, the second image is really good as well. I bet the 3 dimensional feeling when viewing that on a light table is out of this world!!
Hey Ben, these last 2 episodes have been fantastic, thanks so much. Interesting about mountain lions, good precaution (but I am guessing with your camera pack, you look way too big :-) ). Quick question what wonderful music is playing at the conclusion (last couple of minutes).. thanks again.. Paul
In our local mountains here in San Diego, there were some attacks back in the 80's. In one case, the cat attacked a person on horseback. I don't think the backpack would factor in at all, I'm just a slower than usual meal. Those cats can attack deer and bighorn sheep, so it could get me in a split second and I wouldn't see it coming. They are fascinating creatures and one of my favorite animals. You'll see some more stuff about Mountain Lions on my Day 5 video. With regard to the song it is titled "I See You From the Clouds" and is a song that I paid to License from Premiumbeat.com
OKAY! Now that part in Alan's teaser video makes sense! Haha XD Also, that bridge man...that bridge in Zion is a great shot but it's just crazy. There is another bridge a little down the path that isn't as epic of a composition because it doesn't show the right side cliffs and mountain but it has some potential. Brendon and I were going to search that whole walkway next time down in Zion to see if there was a much less populated gem we could make our own. -Aaron
I had a dream one time that I rearranged some very large rocks along the river so that when viewed from the bridge, it read "Be More Creative." That was a good dream. :-) That being said if the bridge wasn't there for all the people to flock to, they might wander into some of the better areas that I would prefer to have all to myself. Maybe it's not such a bad thing after all?
With the shallow DOF, it's very fun to look at under a loupe, but I definitely think it's something that would have to be printed very large to get the full effect of it. I'm still undecided on that one, but we'll see what happens with time.
Great shots and video. Really liked both of the shots. Now you've had a chance to reflect, how do you feel about the shallow depth of field in the second shot?
To tell you the truth, I really didn't like that shot when I first saw it. It doesn't have anything to do with the DOF, just one of those "upon first glance" sort of things. While filming the film reveal, I was quick to dismiss it because, for some reason, I just didn't feel like it did the scene justice. I'm not sure how my thoughts will change with time though. I plan on doing a video on that topic to see what other people think. I put it out there in this video without giving my opinion to see what the reaction would be. I always encourage people to tell me what they really think about the photo, so often it's the most critical feedback that I pay the most attention to. That being said, I have some more shots coming from this trip that I really AM excited about. :-)
Going back over them, I love the colours of the first shot. The contrast be between the red and the greens is a really great anchor to this image and something I was looking to try and capture this autumn (and somewhat did: instagram.com/p/BNXCb-khyiX/). And the way it is framed in yellow by both the trees at the bottom and the cliffs at the top really give this image a cohesive feel that ties it together and stops it from being chaotic. Looking at the second image again, I realised that I much preferred the cropped in detail shot that panned across the frame to the reveal of the whole image. I think this has to do with being able to see the fine details of the structure of the tree along with the individual spots of colours of the leaves both set against the OOF and more neutral coloured background. When I see the whole thing (at least on my 15" laptop screen at 1080p) that effect is mostly lost and my interest is diminished, so I could see why during the film reveal with only the 8x10" to look at you might be underwhelmed. I think this is the type of image that is going to sing but only if you print it large. I'm thinking that I'd love to see it up close in person printed at 30x40" or larger. I feel that anything less and that detail wouldn't come across. However, I guess this is unlikely unless you get a huge amount of positive feedback because I'd guess it's not cheap to scan and print at that size! Anyway, strong work on both, and I'm glad that even if you don't like it you took a risk on it rather than walking away from a shot that wouldn't have worked in your traditional style.
Thanks for your additional thoughts on the images Chris! I really do appreciate the feedback, and I think that you're correct about the second photo and how it would have to be seen very large for the effect of the shallow DOF to be appreciated. When it is small, you just don't quite have the same sense of depth. I've warmed up to the first photo a bit, but I chose not to put it in my book this year just because I don't think it's the best light I could have on a scene like that. I'll file it in the category of "I can do better next year" I'm not quite sure what light would be best, but the mid-day overcast was a bit more dingy that I would want. I'm spoiled by reflected light -- but the only chance of reflected light on this scene would be in the extreme late afternoon early evening. Thanks again for the additional feedback. I really do appreciate it.
I use a Nikon D750 w/ a 20mm 1.8 lens as my primary camera, and a G7xII as my small setup when I want to travel light. This video is a combination of the two cameras.
George Loch I use a Nikon D750 for when I have time to get things setup, and a Canon G7xII for when I want a lighter/smaller setup. The video is rather seamless between the two. I don't let either one autofocus though. With both cameras, you would hear it in the audio, and the Canon in particular is rather "twitchy" with the AF. I also have a Sony Actioncam for POV shots.
i really dont get why most of the landscape photographers wanted everything in focus. shadow depth is great. it adds artistry than a clinical f64 landscape photos. it has more emotion. pictorialism rules. just my opinion.
That is very true! Often times I try to get everything in focus just because I want to relay the feeling of standing there and looking at the scene in person where you can look at all the different textures, colors, etc. In that case, the emotion of the scene is based on the subject itself rather than the photographer's input. With a shallow DOF, it definitely gives a different impression of the scene, and it is the photographer placing emphasis on a certain area. There is a lot of value in that with art, but one of the things I love about a landscape where everything is sharp is that if you stand in front of a sizable print, it tricks your brain into thinking that you're looking at reality, and that photo almost becomes a window to a different reality.
Ben, your work brings me to my knees every time. The captures are so simple yet the beauty is magnificent...
Fascinating video with amazing images and a sublime bit of comedy Shakespear would have been proud of. You and Alan Brock must be two of the fittest photographers on UA-cam, most landscape photographers have a decent workout getting their shots but you two are multiplying the weight they carry by a phenomenal amount.
I love the shallow DOF image, something that I don't see often enough in landscapes. I love that Alan left you a message underneath your rocks, you guys have a proper Bromance going on, it's a great example of the photography/youtube community spirit.
P.S. I did have one thought that crossed my mind: When you left those rocks in place to return the next morning, were you not a little concerned that you might arrive and find that you can't place your tripod back in that position due to the possibility of getting in somebody elses shot? Somebody who may have arrived even earlier than you? I say this because I know how much of a popular spot it is.
Hi Thomas! I'm here because of Your recommendation:) We are waiting for Your next video!:D
The choice of the shallow DOF is one of those things where the limitation of the equipment "forces" creativity. If I was taking this photo with my D750, I could easily stop down and get both, or focus bracket and get both. With LF, I had a choice between a very OOF background, or a slightly-OOF-might-look-like-a-mistake kind of background. To be honest, I don't really like that photo. Though it turned out technically good, it just doesn't speak to me for whatever reason. That's one of the things that is interesting about photography, and one of the reasons why I film the film reveal videos. It's interesting to capture my initial reaction to a photo, and see how it changes with time. My initial reaction was that I didn't like it. I also didn't like the first photo I showed in this video. I dismissed them right away. The first one is starting to grow on me just a bit because it's a very "honest" portrayal of the East side of Zion -- though it isn't in very exciting light. We'll see what happens. That's why I reserved judgement in the video itself and didn't say anything about what I thought about the images. I was curious to see what others thought, and I definitely value honesty in that regard.
With regard to Alan, he's a fantastic photographer and you'll probably see some more content from us next year. :-)
Since it was during the winter, I had the place to myself. I was setup quite a ways in front of where the typical flock of photographers stand. I got there quite a ways before sunrise so even if there was a crowd, I probably would have been there ahead of anyone else. Also, I realize there is a bit of irony in this video with me talking about the sheep on the bridge, then immediately talking about myself taking the other big iconic photo in Zion -- but such is life. ;-)
Sheep! I was wondering what you said there.
These days continue to be gorgeous cinematic adventures, thanks to both your videography and the final results you're capturing, so keep up the good work! I know it is probably exhausting to shoot all this video footage, let alone edit it, so I really appreciate it. Wish I could donate to support this content more frequently!
Thanks for the kind words Matt! Though it is a lot of work to setup the video shots, edit everything together, etc -- I have a blast doing it. It'll be fun to see what happens in Death Valley this year. ;-)
Superb and inspirational as usual! Like Tom, I really liked the last image where the background was out of focus, it really enhances the beauty of the Maple.
Take care 🍀👍
Great work again Ben! Thank you for the video
Ben, I just love how intensely red those maples were this year. Perfect for Velvia!
Haha, loved the 'sheep' cut after the photographers. great videos Ben! I thoroughly enjoy them although I am a wide vista kind of photographer.
Thanks! I've definitely been focusing my details on the smaller scenes this year, but I hope that my next trip (Death Valley) will allow me to widen my view a bit. It's hard not to in a place with such vast views. I think it's good to find a balance between the big scenes, and the small scenes.
Thanks so much for your videos Ben, stunning images! I'll be in Zion in a few days and will make it a goal to approach things with a patience similar to yours. We'll see, only so many days off in a year.
You are the Bob Ross of photography.
I never tire of watching your videos. Someday I will get there as well.
Thanks James! It's a fantastic place to visit. I'll be back there again in January.
Loved the note under the rock! Little moments of memory. :)
Lovely stuff, Ben.
Hey Ben! Thomas send me here! I really enjoy your Videos! Keep up the good Work ;) Best Regards!
BenPx same, I think Thomas and ben are some of the few you tubers who show the stories of the photos and they are two of my favorite youtubers
Yes... You´re right! It is a good way to describe the Picture. For now i got one more Photography Channel i like to watch ;)
Sub-rock notes is like sub-space communication between nature photographers 😀
Awesome shots!
I wish I had money to give to you dude. These videos are incredible.
I'm glad you enjoyed the note! However, I am kicking myself for not thinking to also leave you the CR23 battery!! Next year... I'm going to go against the grain a bit and say I actually like the first image better. Really captures the feel of the east side well. There is a good organization to the chaos. That being said, the second image is really good as well. I bet the 3 dimensional feeling when viewing that on a light table is out of this world!!
Exactly. Those who have been to the East Side, know just what that 1st image does for Zion as a whole. Gorgeously done...
Hey Ben, these last 2 episodes have been fantastic, thanks so much. Interesting about mountain lions, good precaution (but I am guessing with your camera pack, you look way too big :-) ). Quick question what wonderful music is playing at the conclusion (last couple of minutes).. thanks again.. Paul
In our local mountains here in San Diego, there were some attacks back in the 80's. In one case, the cat attacked a person on horseback. I don't think the backpack would factor in at all, I'm just a slower than usual meal. Those cats can attack deer and bighorn sheep, so it could get me in a split second and I wouldn't see it coming. They are fascinating creatures and one of my favorite animals. You'll see some more stuff about Mountain Lions on my Day 5 video. With regard to the song it is titled "I See You From the Clouds" and is a song that I paid to License from Premiumbeat.com
Thanks very much!
Superb as ever.
OKAY! Now that part in Alan's teaser video makes sense! Haha XD Also, that bridge man...that bridge in Zion is a great shot but it's just crazy. There is another bridge a little down the path that isn't as epic of a composition because it doesn't show the right side cliffs and mountain but it has some potential. Brendon and I were going to search that whole walkway next time down in Zion to see if there was a much less populated gem we could make our own. -Aaron
I had a dream one time that I rearranged some very large rocks along the river so that when viewed from the bridge, it read "Be More Creative." That was a good dream. :-) That being said if the bridge wasn't there for all the people to flock to, they might wander into some of the better areas that I would prefer to have all to myself. Maybe it's not such a bad thing after all?
HAHAHAHA! Yeah like a bug zapper to the flies, something to attract the crowds and leave the rest of the porch open for us. :D -Aaron
The shallow DOG gave the rocks a lovely contrasting texture with the in focus main subject.
DOF not dog 🙄
With the shallow DOF, it's very fun to look at under a loupe, but I definitely think it's something that would have to be printed very large to get the full effect of it. I'm still undecided on that one, but we'll see what happens with time.
Great shots and video. Really liked both of the shots. Now you've had a chance to reflect, how do you feel about the shallow depth of field in the second shot?
To tell you the truth, I really didn't like that shot when I first saw it. It doesn't have anything to do with the DOF, just one of those "upon first glance" sort of things. While filming the film reveal, I was quick to dismiss it because, for some reason, I just didn't feel like it did the scene justice. I'm not sure how my thoughts will change with time though. I plan on doing a video on that topic to see what other people think. I put it out there in this video without giving my opinion to see what the reaction would be. I always encourage people to tell me what they really think about the photo, so often it's the most critical feedback that I pay the most attention to. That being said, I have some more shots coming from this trip that I really AM excited about. :-)
Going back over them, I love the colours of the first shot. The contrast be between the red and the greens is a really great anchor to this image and something I was looking to try and capture this autumn (and somewhat did: instagram.com/p/BNXCb-khyiX/). And the way it is framed in yellow by both the trees at the bottom and the cliffs at the top really give this image a cohesive feel that ties it together and stops it from being chaotic.
Looking at the second image again, I realised that I much preferred the cropped in detail shot that panned across the frame to the reveal of the whole image. I think this has to do with being able to see the fine details of the structure of the tree along with the individual spots of colours of the leaves both set against the OOF and more neutral coloured background. When I see the whole thing (at least on my 15" laptop screen at 1080p) that effect is mostly lost and my interest is diminished, so I could see why during the film reveal with only the 8x10" to look at you might be underwhelmed. I think this is the type of image that is going to sing but only if you print it large. I'm thinking that I'd love to see it up close in person printed at 30x40" or larger. I feel that anything less and that detail wouldn't come across. However, I guess this is unlikely unless you get a huge amount of positive feedback because I'd guess it's not cheap to scan and print at that size!
Anyway, strong work on both, and I'm glad that even if you don't like it you took a risk on it rather than walking away from a shot that wouldn't have worked in your traditional style.
Thanks for your additional thoughts on the images Chris! I really do appreciate the feedback, and I think that you're correct about the second photo and how it would have to be seen very large for the effect of the shallow DOF to be appreciated. When it is small, you just don't quite have the same sense of depth. I've warmed up to the first photo a bit, but I chose not to put it in my book this year just because I don't think it's the best light I could have on a scene like that. I'll file it in the category of "I can do better next year" I'm not quite sure what light would be best, but the mid-day overcast was a bit more dingy that I would want. I'm spoiled by reflected light -- but the only chance of reflected light on this scene would be in the extreme late afternoon early evening. Thanks again for the additional feedback. I really do appreciate it.
Appreciate the dedication and patience of the large format artisits.
OMG that second "sheep" moment made me laugh out loud :D
I had some fun when editing that part of the video. :-)
Thomas has said it all !
love the content
Thank you Sami!
Rewatching and noticed the lucky numbers were large formats. Well, 6x17 sort of large format. Same area as 45
I had to go and rewatch that one to remember the reference. I must say though. Alan sure has fantastic handwriting!
The second one is wooow!!!
Which camera do you use for recording videos ? love the quality
I use a Nikon D750 w/ a 20mm 1.8 lens as my primary camera, and a G7xII as my small setup when I want to travel light. This video is a combination of the two cameras.
BTW what are you shooting these vlogs with?
D750 and gopro. I am not sure if it is right.
Hmm. Does the D750 have such good AF in video mode?
George Loch I use a Nikon D750 for when I have time to get things setup, and a Canon G7xII for when I want a lighter/smaller setup. The video is rather seamless between the two. I don't let either one autofocus though. With both cameras, you would hear it in the audio, and the Canon in particular is rather "twitchy" with the AF. I also have a Sony Actioncam for POV shots.
i really dont get why most of the landscape photographers wanted everything in focus. shadow depth is great. it adds artistry than a clinical f64 landscape photos. it has more emotion. pictorialism rules. just my opinion.
That is very true! Often times I try to get everything in focus just because I want to relay the feeling of standing there and looking at the scene in person where you can look at all the different textures, colors, etc. In that case, the emotion of the scene is based on the subject itself rather than the photographer's input. With a shallow DOF, it definitely gives a different impression of the scene, and it is the photographer placing emphasis on a certain area. There is a lot of value in that with art, but one of the things I love about a landscape where everything is sharp is that if you stand in front of a sizable print, it tricks your brain into thinking that you're looking at reality, and that photo almost becomes a window to a different reality.