As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing

“As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can”.”
― John Muir

The Sierras can either stop your heart or remind you that it is there. On the way to Bishop, California I was blessed with this scene.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

MORNING TOUCH to Exhibit at The Von Liebig Art Center in Naples, Florida

Naples Art Association’s 52nd Founders Juried Awards Exhibition

Preview Reception: March 2, 2018 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (reception and awards presentation)

Date: March 2 – April 16, 2016
Location: The von Liebig Art Center

The fine art exhibition will be installed on the ground floor and second level of The von Liebig Art Center in six galleries and will be on view from February 24 through March 25, 2018 . The von Liebig Art Center is located in Naples, Florida at 585 Park Street in the heart of the 5th Avenue South shopping, dining and arts district. The Naples Art Association’s Founders Exhibitions are a long-held tradition honoring the founding members of the Naples Art Association. The exhibition will feature recent work in all media by Naples Art Association members.

“Morning Touch” is part of a photographic essay of Yosemite National Park which can be seen in full on Rich Smukler’s website at www.richsmuklerphoto.com. Rich specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Another Gift from Mother Nature

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Black & White Spider Awards 2017: Rich Smukler honored

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

LOS ANGELES (11/19/17) – photographer Rich Smukler of the United States was presented with the 12th Annual Black and White Spider Awards Nominee title in the category of Nature for three of his images at a prestigious Nomination & Winners PhotoShow streamed Saturday, October 14, 2017.

Meadow Morn – Yosemite National Park – United States National Park Photography – Black and White Landscape Photography

The live online gala was attended by over 11,000 photography fans around the globe who logged on to watch the climax of the industry’s most important event for black and white photography. 12th Annual Jury members included captains of the industry from The Armory Show, New York; Christie’s, London; McCann, Singapore; GQ, New York; Hot Docs Film Festival, Toronto; Y&R, Malaysia; Sharon Calahan, Pixar Animation Studios, Emeryville; Bloomsbury Auctions, London; and Donald Schneider Studios, Berlin who honored Spider Fellows with coveted title awards in 31 categories.

BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER AWARDS is the leading international award honoring excellence in black and white photography. This celebrated event shines a spotlight on the best professional and amateur photographers worldwide and honors the finest images with the highest achievements in black and white photography. http://www.thespiderawards.com.

Bejeweled

 

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

 

Roman Rain

Waiting for the rain to stop

The beautiful weather turned quickly, but opportunity came calling.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

LandEscape Art Review features Rich Smukler

I am very proud to share this with you. For me, a wonderful way to start the new year. As always, I remain excited to share any questions or comments that you might have. Are there any images in the article that move you? And thank you all for following my work. It means a lot to me.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Davidson Glacier

Davidson Glacier, Alaska

Davidson was one of my favorite memories of 2016 despite the schlep to get there. From the cruise ship in Skagway, to a small boat, to a bus, to a hike and finally a kayak. Pshew! But believe me, it was worth it.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Meadow Morn – Yosemite

Meadow Morn – Yosemite National Park – United States National Park Photography – Black and White Landscape Photography

As the sun  starts to peak over the mountains of Yosemite and into the meadows below, the magic show begins! The glow begins to spread and summons a new day.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Meadow Mist

Meadow Mist – Yosemite National Park

The cold rain of Yosemite is a blessing to photographers. As the  early sun rises and warms the dampened meadows, an eerie, ghostlike mist and fog permeate the area.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Misty Fjords National Monument

Misty Fjords National Monument

Misty Fiords National Monument  is a national monument and wilderness area administered by the U.S.Forest Service. Misty Fiords is about 40 miles (64 km) east of Ketchikan, Alaska, along the Inside Passage in extreme southeastern Alaska comprising 2,294,343 acres.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Night Photography Tip

Alabama Hills, California

Fenix HL21 Headlamp

Low light Photography creates some extra challenges. One tip I learned the hard way is to have adequate lighting to set up and adjust your equipment. It sounds so basic, but if you shoot long enough, you are bound to make every mistake in the book. As I have mentioned in the past, preparation prior to going out into the field is a must. But recognizing that there is always more to do once you get out there is the essence of this recommendation. It seems so simple, but a standard flashlight will not free both hands up  (unless you place the flashlight in your mouth)!  Aha! Consider a headlamp!!!! They are relatively inexpensive (around $30.00), are light weight, take up little space, and are extremely effective. The light follows your eyes! I have had luck with a company called Fenix, but I am certain there are others out there.

The dawn shoot above was at The Alabama Hills, just outside Lonepine, California. It is near the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada in the Owens Valley. I was facing east (slightly to the south) which set up this silhouette with the morning sun’s rays coming from behind the image and slightly to the right.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Your Tripod – Wake up and Smell the Roses!

Zabriskie Point at Dawn – Death Valley, California

I know. The tripod is a burden, takes extra time, just something else to do. Wake up and smell the roses! If you are serious about your photography, your tripod is a major asset and critical if you want to be the best that you can be. Of course there are times when it isn’t necessary, as in street photography. However, if you are shooting close up shots, the slightest shake can cause distortion. If you are in the field shooting landscapes, using a telephoto lens and waiting for the light, it is a must! Again, the camera becomes heavy with your long lens, and even with image stabilization, you will be unsuccessful. The above image was a dawn shot at Death Valley’s Zabriskie Point. When I first arrived, it was dark and cold. I set my camera on the tripod and waited for the right moment. I had time to review my settings and sat back for that golden moment.

Additional tip: Learn how to use your tripod and practice set-up before going out into the field. Time can be fleeting and you don’t need to be fussing around while it passes.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Tips for Cold Weather Photography

Denali National Park, Alaska

A recent trip to Alaska caused me to revisit some basic tips when shooting in pretty extreme weather conditions. The temperature varied from near freezing to the low 80s and provided quite a challenge when it came to preparation for the trip. A few things you should keep in mind:

1. Camera Preparation: Consider your settings beforehand (to the best of your ability) and before you step outside. You don’t need to be fussing with your camera when you get out in the cold. Also, try to get your camera out in the cold for a significant period of time before you shoot. Otherwise, going from a warm lodge or car directly to the cold weather will cause condensation to form on your lenses and camera – not a pleasant thing.

2. Clothing: Layers of course, the conditions can change quickly and you’ll need to be ready. Gloves are a critical piece of the puzzle. There are some winter gloves available that allow you to remove the fingers which permit you to manipulate the camera when outdoors. I personally prefer using thin glove liners. When you are looking for subject matter or waiting for the light you can wear the glove shells and slip them off when ready to get to work.

3. Coming Indoors: Consider an airtight plastic bag for your camera to avoid condensation and remove your memory card as soon as possible for the same reason.

Happy Shooting!

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).