It’s good to be back in Utah after a five-day fishing road trip through Idaho and Montana. It was an adventure for sure–weather was gnarly at times and fishing was challenging. Weather, however, always makes for interesting photos. While I wasn’t on assignment for this trip, I often take advantage of work/play vacations and treat them as if I were shooting a story for a publication. Practice, after all, makes perfect.
If you’re interested in being an editorial photographer, start looking for opportunities to work on your visual storytelling. With a background in fine art scenic imagery, it took me a while to look for the smaller, mundane photos that carry weight and meaning. I had trained myself to find that one iconic image that people would want hung on their wall large and in charge. Telling the whole story requires commitment and dedication on the part of the photographer. Many times, the grittiest moments carry the most impact in telling a story. Sometimes the most mundane or boring images tell a big part of the story, and it is the photographer’s job to make that image visually engaging. Regardless, you must have your camera close at hand and your head in the game at all times. Challenge yourself this week to tell a story through your imagery–you’ll be surprised how much you grow as a photographer.
Below is the story in images from this past week. Hope you enjoy!
Nick Granato enjoys the view from his drift boat along the South Fork of the Snake River
Rainbow trout from the South Fork with a bit of leftover hardware...
Fishermen hanging out in the drift boat on the South Fork of the Snake River
On the road.
Nick Granato preps for a day of fishing at sunrise on water in Montana
Matt Warner dips a line in paradise. AKA Montana.
Early light and fog spotlights cabins near West Yellowstone, MT
Fishermen wait for the take on Montana water.
A fine stretch of Montana water, captured with Singh Ray's Gold N Blue Polarizer
Sunrise along the Beaverhead River
Viva El Tacobus! Dillon, MT
Exiting the revered Tacobus with full stomachs in Dillon, MT
Matt Warner and Nick Granato enjoy some time in the drift boat on the Big Hole River, MT
Brook Trout caught on the Big Hole River, MT
Matt Warner tries his hand at some wood cutting along the Big Hole River, MT
Matt Warner replenishes the streamer selection along the Big Hole River, MT
A hefty brown trout caught by yours truly on the Big Hole River, MT
Fishermen relax on a bench with beer in hand after a lengthy float on the Big Hole River, MT
Tags: Adam Barker, Adam Barker Photography, AdamBarkerPhotography, Beaverhead River Photos, Big Hole River Photos, Clackacraft Drift Boats Photos, Fly Fishing Photography Adam Barker, Fly Fishing Photos Idaho, Fly Fishing Photos Montana, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Singh Ray Filters, Singh Ray Gold N Blue Polarizer, South Fork of the Snake River Photos
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Do you use a filter on the image above? I like the color.
Hi Joshua–
I used a Singh Ray LB Warming Polarizer and 3-stop reverse ND grad filter on this image. Saves you all sorts of time on the computer as well. This image looked like this virtually right out of the camera. Thanks for checking in!
you’ve got some nice photos here. great work!
Thanks for the reply. Reverse ND for the horizon? or waterfall?
Is the spot in idaho or montana?
You really have some sweet shots. You have so nicely conveyed the scenic beauty as well as the fun and general feeling of the participants in a handful of pics.
As a side note, one of these days can you do an instructional blog of capturing an image and breakdown the short time frame in which you determined and adjusted exposure, composition, ND filter selection, etc.
Adam,
Beautiful shots as always. I need more human element in my shots (I tend to try and avoid all signs of civilization in my shots when I can, but I really like them when done by someone with skills, like yours). I really need to follow your advice and have my camera “close at hand” more frequently.
I noticed some vignetting on a few shots. Is that post-process or is it caused from using wider angle lenses with filters? I get that with even one filter on my 14-42mm.
Joshua, I’m sure Adam will answer, but that is Fall Creek Falls on the South Fork of the Snake River just a few miles west-northwest of Swan Valley, Idaho.
-scott c
Hey Joshua–
The reverse ND was used primarily to hold back the bright clouds on the horizon. Looks like Scott answered your question on the waterfall!
Steve–
Thanks for checking in. I’d be happy to put up a blog post regarding the issues you posted about. Look for it in the next little bit.
Hi Scott–
It definitely takes a bit of a shift in thinking to start including human elements in your imagery. The truth is, in many images, it provides a connection for many viewers. As mentioned in previous posts as well, it also provides a great sense of scale. As for the vignetting, I apply that in my post processing most times. In many of my lifestyle images I’ll vignette the corners to draw the eye to the center of the image.
You’re pictures are great. Makes me really miss Montana.
Thanks Melanie!