Merced Morning – Yosemite

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).

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).

First Glow at Yosemite

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).

Swampscapes

Swampscape #2

Another spectacularly serene morning on the swamps of Loxahatchee. The Arthur R. Marshall Refuge Complex is part of The National Wildlife Refuge System.The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.

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).

Swampscapes

Swampscape #1

This infrared image was captured at The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Refuge Complex. It is composed of two national wildlife refuges in southeastern Florida. The refuge includes 145,800 acres of the northern Everglades habitat and has become my go-to place for peaceful serenity. The beauty of Infrared photography is that if you aren’t too excited about greeting the dawn or  waiting for sundown as is generally required with much of landscape photography, you can shoot when the sun is high in the sky which provides great opportunity.

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).

Our Elephants are Disappearing

A recent article  in The Washington Post by Darryl Fears is titled “Forest elephants are vanishing, and they might never recover from poaching.” It points out the startling decline in birthrate as well as the negative impact of poaching. I found it both saddening and alarming. This particular image was taken at The San Diego Zoo. Though I have been to East Africa (Tanzania and Kenya), this particular photo sticks with me.

Our Elephants are Dying

 Is there something we can do as individuals to stem the tide and protect these magnificent animals? I encourage your thoughts.

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).