I was driving home yesterday and thinking about how I missed the ‘golden hills’ window in California this year – I was traveling when the hills turned gold, and now they are baked!! At the office, I was pulling images of Washington for a project, and came across this image of the Palouse, made very early in August some years back. It reminded me of how much fun it is to get out in the golden fields and work with the light in any hilly agricultural area. The pattern was so wonderful and I recalled how excited I was to have clean light and the rich pattern of gold, green and brown hues mixed in this scene. Being a graphic kind of person, I was jumping up and down at that moment – ok, after I made the exposure so I didn’t bump the camera. It really shows the wonderful patchwork and sea of rolling hills of this region. Jed and I are really looking forward to our Mentor Series trip there next August. We can’t promise the same light but there will be many wonderful photo opportunities during our week!
This image was post-processed with Nik’s Viveza 2 Software. If you’d like to save 15% on your purchase of their software, use the code “BTHARP” at checkout on Nik’s site.
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Hi Brenda,
This is one of the most amazing pattern photos I have ever seen! It is stunningly beautiful. Thank you for posting it!
Sincerely,
Greg Lessard
Thanks, Greg! It’s what the hills look like in late July early August – which is why we’re leading a photo tour there next year. We were lucky to get clean light for that session, too, which always helps!
Many of us have been to Steptoe, but I haven’t seen this creation before. A masterpiece for sure. I have never used that word in a blog comment. The compo, with the “river of dirt”, and the lighting, is just superb. Well done Brenda!
Thanks, Bob!
I like the look of film, too! There, I said it. But I still do think it has a different feel than digital pictures. Can’t quite put my hands on it though. Perhaps it’s just that digital is so young still, we haven’t seen years of it and so in comparison to all the years we’ve looked at film, it’s noticeable. Dunno. but thanks for the kudos.
Funny you should say that, John! I just happen to have that image, too! But I loved the way the hills rolled on in this one I posted. There are so many options from this viewpoint, aren’t there? You’ll love it! I can’t wait to go back and work it again next year myself. 🙂
In the for what its worth column… I see a very strong square image in the bottom half.
Sure am looking forward to spending time there during the harvest next year.
Well, you’re right there are still some golden hills out there. I feel like they are a little baked, where I live, but to be honest with nice afternoon light on them they’d probably be great – we just haven’t had as much great light this summer – with all the fog and haze. And yes, with Diablo catching fire, we can lose what’s left to that! It’s 103 here right now. Feels like many things could spontaneously combust in this heat, eh?!
Wonderful light and leading lines. We still have the golden hills, Brenda. I’m looking across the Bay at Fremont thought it is not nearly as pretty as this shot. Another problem is the fact that Mount Diablo caught fire this afternoon.
You’re welcome – when the light’s right, the view from Steptoe Butte – I forgot to mention that’s where this was made from – is just superb!
This is an amazing shot! Thanks for posting it.
Wow–really, really nicekly done. Simply brilliant color.
Mind if I ask what body/lens you shot it with? Thanks!
Best
David
Hi David –
Good question! Since it was made a few years ago it was with a film body – I hadn’t switched entirely at that point – so it was with my EOS 1V on Fuji Velvia film and I used my 300 f4 lens. I’m looking forward to going back to do this all again with digital now.
Awesome.
I actually like film quite a bit–it’s got that intrinsic quality, almost soul-like. Maybe it’s all in my head, but even if it is, it’s worth something :).
Well anyways, again, really great shot, kudos to ya.