Peaceful Morning on the American River. Wm Pond Park, American River Parkway, Sacramento, CA, APR 2015 (Click on image to enlarge)Irises on the Bank. Wm Pond Park, American River Parkway, Sacramento, CA, APR 2015 (Click on image to enlarge)
As often as I have walked along the banks of the American River, at William Pond Park, I never realized that much of the vegetation I saw was wild irises. But, imagine if you will, clumps of the brilliant yellow blossoms outlining both sides of the shore for perhaps a half mile or so, complimenting the lupine and other wildflowers. Though there are some wild irises that are native to northern California, I haven’t been able to find if this particular species is or is not and even if it is, whether they are native to the banks of the American River. Regardless, they provide a real treat.
A few weeks ago, Donna and I spent a balmy Saturday exploring the Emerald Bay area of Lake Tahoe. One of the features of Emerald Bay is Eagle Falls. Eagle Falls is a big, beautiful waterfall; well worth the hike to see. But I was more intrigued by a small fingerling stream at its base. The early rays of sun illuminated the miniature canyon through which it flowed. Its miniature boulders created whitewater as the stream flowed over a waterfall into a deeper canyon. All the while, Eagle Falls rumbled in the background adding ambiance to the miniature world it helped create. I love to see ecosystems that replicate the grandiose in miniature. I think about how every stream and river started as a trickle and eroded their way into mountainside, plateau and delta, forming the spectacular scenery we see and appreciate. But, the next time you are at a grand vista, look for the small, hidden, treats also. They are often as worthy of appreciation.
Regards
Larry
Images displayed on this page, and many others can be viewed and purchased on my website:http://www.earthwatcher.us or by contacting me directly.
Here is a brief explanation about why you get noise on some images, particularly on night shots with long exposures.
Noise is an extraneous electrical signal that is picked up by your camera’s sensor which translates into a pattern of color and graininess on your image. Look at the image above, you’ll see specs and small streaks of magenta against the dark sky; this is the most common symptom of noise. Heat is the primary culprit that generates the extraneous electrical signal.
Heat is generated in one of 2 ways: high ISO settings and long exposures. The pixels on your camera sensor are very tiny. The longer you hold the shutter open, the more electricity gets fed to your sensor which causes heat to build up in your sensor. Increasing ISO is like turning up the volume on your radio. When you turn up the volume on your radio, you are amplifying or increasing the strength of the signal to your speakers by pumping in more electricity. Likewise, when you increase ISO, you are increasing the strength of the signal to your camera’s sensor. The more electricity you feed it, the more the heat builds up and the more extraneous electric signals are picked up.
Each camera model has different noise characteristics. Camera manufacturers are always trying to improve their noise reduction. But, noise is a reality of digital cameras. If you are planning to photograph night shots, experiment with your camera ahead of time to find your best noise performance so you can judge how to set up your camera when you are shooting for real.
Software such as Photo Ninja, Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom have ways to reduce noise. They work well but need to be used in moderation. As you apply more noise reduction the more you loose sharpness in your finished image.
A Playful Moment in the Life of Water – Perspective 1A Playful Moment in the Life of Water – Perspective 2
A river; water molecules traveling in unison; herded by rock and dirt; their progress blocked but not deterred. They flow until captured and stored; until they drift apart, their individual courses changed to serve the purposes of nature, or of human civilization. But here, in unrestricted freedom, they frolic, they crash, they splash and foam. Basking in early morning light, they appear to enjoy the moment unperturbed; as if they know they can play now, before they must get to work. They will do their part then some day will be reunited in the vast ocean, carried into the sky, and begin the journey anew. Such is the life of water.Regards,
Larry
Images displayed on this page, and many others can be viewed and purchased on my website: http://www.earthwatcher.us or by contacting me directly.
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