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Updates from Death Valley and Big Sur ๐๏ธ ๐ผ ๐
Published 7 months agoย โขย 7 min read
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Hello Reader,
We hope the transition from winter to spring has been smooth for you and you're looking forward to all the photographic opportunities that late spring and early summer provide.
It's been a busy few months, and we just returned from two and a half months on the road. We had a very productive spring photographically and personally, which was nice after a very challenging fall season. We spent our first month in Death Valley, where we spent most of our time getting out and exploring the backcountry and enjoying new adventures. We hiked 100 miles and enjoyed seeing and photographing new subjects. Death Valley is an explorer's park, and we took full advantage of that in February. We also had one of the most dynamic weather patterns we've ever experienced, and Lake Manly was full in all its glory, with some extra rain expanding it even further into the valley. By the time we left after our night workshop in April, it was starting to evaporate and much smaller than its former self. It made for a fascinating subject to watch and photograph throughout the months, as it was so dynamic in form and color.
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After Death Valley, we headed to the Monterey Peninsula, where we taught at the Out of Big Sur conference. We had a fantastic time teaching and photographing around the area, and I (Jennifer) developed a new photography project. We were grateful for the opportunity to visit Ansel Adams's home and darkroom and take a tour of the Edward Weston house and darkroom. It was surreal, and we won't soon forget those experiences. We walked away with new inspirations and appreciation.
After Big Sur, it was time to head back to Death Valley to teach our night photography workshop. The weather challenged us, with 50mph winds and overcast conditions the first day, but we kept busy with our group photographing the beautiful wildflower blooms around the valley. We were graced with clear skies the last two nights and had a lovely time with our group. Everyone walked away with beautiful desert nightscapes.
We are now back in Denver until mid-June, working on catching up on processing, projects and our workshop schedule for next year. We're excited and can't wait to share what we've got in store regarding new educational opportunities, workshop locations and much more!
Warmly, David and Jennifer
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Jennifer on Brews n' Views
Looking for a fun and unique take on nature photography? Check out Eric Bennett's latest creation that combines his passions for craft beer and stunning imagery. Enjoy a mix of lighthearted banter, beer discussions, and incredible photographs from a diverse group of talented nature photographers. Not a beer enthusiast? No worries โ simply skip ahead to the captivating visuals. Don't miss Jennifer's feature in the latest episode!
2025 is coming up fast and we have our workshop schedule ready! We just need to put the final touches on a brand new website that we will be launching very soon. Let us know how excited you are by clicking the button below and we will let you know first!
Our friends, Sean Bagshaw, Eric Bennett, Joshua Cripps, Sarah Marino, Alex Noriega, Nick Page, and Michael Shainblum have formed a new photo education group called Learn Nature Photography. Their first offering, "The Workflow Collection," comprises video tutorials showcasing their unique workflows for creating powerful nature photographs, covering planning, shooting, editing, printing, and sharing across different landscapes and lighting. To launch on May 11th, they are hosting a free live "Ask Us Anything" webinar focused on photographic workflows where you can register and submit questions.
I have reviewed the videos offered in this course and must say it is a treasure trove of insider information from some of the best in the business. This video series will be well worth the cost, don't miss out!
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Our friend Sarah Marino, has unveiled a groundbreaking update to her captivating ebook, "Beyond the Grand Landscape." With meticulous dedication, Sarah has elevated this edition to new heights, expanding its content to an impressive nearly 300 pages. For those seeking to sharpen their perception and uncover the intricate beauty of nature's intimate scenes, this comprehensive guide is an indispensable companion on your photographic journey. Sarah's profound insights and expert guidance will undoubtedly illuminate the path to refining your artistic vision and capturing the essence of the natural world's hidden treasures.
Yellowstone Forever Calendar
We're thrilled to announce that one of Jennifer's photographs has been selected as a winner for the 2025 calendar. You can view all the winning images โhereโ.
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Items of Interest
We're always on the lookout for new and exciting things to share with you; here's what we found this month:
Cole discusses the different artistic approaches of Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin, highlighting the importance of finding one's own creative path. Despite conflicting advice, both artists found success by staying true to their unique methods. The lesson is to embrace individuality in art and not simply follow others' paths to success.
Josh believes a good photograph should be technically sound, aesthetic, interesting, and meaningful. These four elements work together to create a powerful and impactful image that conveys a message or emotion to viewers. By understanding and mastering these elements, photographers can improve their skills and create more compelling photos.
Atmospheric perspective enhances depth in images by adjusting color and contrast to create a sense of distance. Bright, warm colors with more contrast appear closer, while darker, cool colors with less contrast seem farther away. By selectively adjusting colors, you can make your images more believable and visually appealing.
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Just in case you missed the last email, you can still sign up for my webinar next week that may very well change the way you process you photos. It's not to be missed!
Inspiration in Big Sur
In March, Jennifer and I had the privilege of teaching at the Out of Big Sur conference, an experience that left us incredibly inspired. From the insightful talks by John Sexton to the intimate visits to the homes and darkrooms of Ansel Adams and the Westons, it was an unforgettable journey.
As instructors at the conference, Jennifer and I had the opportunity to connect with an amazing group of attendees. I was paired with Michael Frye, a true pleasure to work with, who summed up the trip more eloquently than I ever could. I highly recommend checking out his blog post for his perspective on this enriching experience.
The conference not only provided a platform for us to share our knowledge and passion for photography but also allowed us to immerse ourselves in the rich history and legacy of some of the most influential photographers of our time. Walking in the footsteps of giants like Ansel Adams and the Westons, we couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to our craft.
This trip to Big Sur served as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of photography and the importance of continually seeking inspiration from those who have paved the way before us. It was a true honor to be part of such a meaningful event, and we left with our hearts full and our minds brimming with new ideas and perspectives.
Rocky Shores by David Kingham
Anemone by Jennifer Renwick
Crashing Waves by David Kingham
Participant Images from Our Death Valley Night Workshop
Our Death Valley night photography workshop in April was a resounding success, thanks to the park's incredible dark skies. On the final night, we were treated to exceptionally calm conditions, allowing us to capture stunning reflections in Lake Manly. Although the first night presented challenges with fierce winds, we more than made up for it the following evening by photographing a breathtaking display of wildflowers against a backdrop of dappled light and snow-capped peaks.
Image by John Morrison
Image by John Morrison
Image by John Morrison
Adventures in Death Valley
This season, Death Valley National Park became our playground for adventure and photographic exploration. Between December, February, and March, Jennifer and I embarked on backcountry hikes, covering 160 miles through the park's captivating landscapes.
We witnessed incredible weather conditions, ephemeral mud patterns, and the rare formation of Lake Manly. These elements transformed the landscape, offering unique opportunities to capture the interplay of water and desert.
As we reflect on our time in Death Valley, we can confidently say that it was our most rewarding and productive season yet. We walked away with a wealth of experiences, memories, and a new portfolio of images that showcase the park's raw beauty.
Our appreciation for Death Valley continues to grow, and we eagerly anticipate our next opportunity to return and immerse ourselves in its captivating landscapes once more.
When we hit 100 miles
Remote canyon glow
A typical Death Valley hike, quite the slog!
The park said there wasn't a superbloom, we disagree heartily!
More fields of wildflowers, the smells were out of this world!
Surreal mud patterns kept us entertained for weeks
Phenomenal rock walls
Stunning night skies left us in awe
Lake Manly from Dante's View
This is just a small glimpse of what's to come. I am nearly finished processing my Death Valley images (over 200!) and will be releasing them soon. To stay updated on when these images become available, please sign up for my mailing list here. You can also sign up for Jennifer's mailing list to be notified when she releases her own collection of Death Valley photographs.
Looking forward to sharing more with you next month!
โ David and Jennifer
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