IPA – International Photography Awards


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PRESS RELEASE

                    IPA One Shot Themed Photo Competition: Winners Announced!

The International Photography Awards (IPA) has just concluded our special single-image photography competition centered on the theme Harmony, and we want to congratulate Rich Smukler of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida who was awarded Honorable Mention for his image “At Rest” in the category of Nature.

IPA received thousands of superb entries from all around the world and our illustrious Jury reviewed each submission based on originality, creativity, excellence of execution, and overall impact.

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 acquire his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

International Photography of the Year (honorable mention in Nature:Landscape


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“This grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never dried all at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.” John Muir

An amazing week in Yosemite led to this lead image (one of six) to be honored by IPOTY.

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 acquire 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


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Naples Art Association’s 52nd Founders Juried Awards ExhibitionNAA_Logo

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).

Merced Morning – Yosemite


The Merced River, in the central part of California, is a 145-mile  tributary of the San Joaquin River flowing from the Sierra Nevada. It is most well known for its swift and steep course through the southern part of Yosemite National Park and the world-famous Yosemite Valley. The river’s character changes dramatically once it reaches the foothills and the lowlands, becoming a slow-moving waterway meandering through irrigated fields.

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).

San Diego Museum of Art Show


Fine Art Landscape Photography by Rich Smukler

Sierra was taken in the Alabama Hills just outside Lone Pine, California.

Sierra will be presented at the upcoming San Diego Museum of Art‘s Documents and Pictures Show with exhibition dates running from February 1 thru February 28 at The Poway Center for the Performing Arts located at 15498 Espola Road, Poway, CA 92064. An Artists’ Reception will be held on February 4, 2-4 PM. The show is sponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art’s Artist Guild and is open to public. You can call (858) 668-4693 or email sdmaag@gmail.com with any questions about the show.

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


Fine Art Landscape Photography

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


Landscape Photography, National Parks, Yosemite National Park

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).

Fire in the Sky – El Capitan


Landscape Photography, Travel and Fine Art Photography in California

El Capitan – Yosemite National Park

El Capitan is located in Yosemite National Park. This granite monolith stands 3000 feet tall from base to summit. It imposes itself upon you and leaves an unforgettable mind-print.

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).

First Glow at Yosemite


Black and White Fine Art Photography

First Glow at Yosemite National Park

If you haven’t updated your bucket list lately, Yosemite National Park is a must. I recently spent a week at this magnificent location and remain in awe. This Black and White image was taken from one of Yosemite’s meadows as dawn began to peak on the monolith above.

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


Nighttime Photography Tip

Alabama Hills, California

Tools for Night Shooting

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!


National Park Photography

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).

Crowley Point, Death Valley


The majestic scenic overlook at Crowley Point is nothing less than breathtaking. It is located at the west entrance to Death Valley National Park and provides a wide variety of panoramic photographic landscape possibilities.

Magnificent Landscapes in National Parks

Crowley Point, Death Valley National Park

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).

Lost in the Sierras


Outside Bishop, California with the Inyo National Forest mirrored in the distance

Lost in the Sierras

I stumbled upon this quirky image in the prairies outside Bishop, California. The tires serve as a marker to a farm hidden back in the brush. Mountains from The Inyo National Forest serve as a backdrop and curiously mirror the contours of the tires.

For those who are unaware, the Inyo National Forest covers part of the eastern Sierra Nevada of California and the White Mountains of California and Nevada. The forest covers 1,903,381 acres and includes nine designated  wilderness areas which protect over 800,000 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).

Alaska – Our Last Frontier


untitled-5025 copy 2Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of Alaska’s Inside Passage and part of a 25-million acre  Alaskan World Heritage Site—one of the world’s largest international protected areas. Place a big check next to this amazing bucket list item!

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).

Glade Walker


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The Everglades National Park in Florida covers over 1,500,000 acres. This amazing ecosystem provides quite the photographic challenge and opportunity. Typically, the winter months are the most sane time to visit, due to the heat and thirsty mosquitos.

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).

High in the Sierras


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Heading down to Bishop, California from The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, I was stopped in my tracks by Mother Nature’s handwork.

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).

Aspen in The High Sierras


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Taken in The Inyo National Forest, California.

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).

Lake Tenaka – Yosemite National Park


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Taken in Yosemite National Park, California

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).