Photo – Surprise Lightning With Skyrockets

Published / by adminjc

Hi Everyone,

The other day I was getting some firework photos ready for a stock site and had a real surprise. I noticed a bright area at the bottom left of the photo. At first, I thought it was light reflecting off of smoke, but when I zoomed in I saw that I had captured a lightning bolt during the show.

Click to enlarge

How often do you get a skyrocket exploding with lighting in the background?

I made some adjustments in ON1 Photo RAW to bring out the lightning. What do you think of the image?

What happy surprises have you found in your photos?

Check out ON1 Photo Raw at https://on1.sjv.io/15Mjdz

Have Fun,
Jeff

Tracking Fall Colors 2022

Published / by adminjc

Soon, fall colors will be here. The reds, yellows, oranges and other colors will be popping up everywhere, so grab your camera and take some great photographs of Mother Nature’s big show.

To help you get the most out of your shooting, I’ve updated my annual list of links about fall colors and where to find them. Since I live in Arizona, I’ve put together a special section for my state. But I also have an extensive listing for the rest of the country and a listing for Canada. There are also links to articles to help you take great photographs of Nature’s display of color.

As you go to these websites, you will often find many links to other sites. You could easily spend an entire day following link after link, or just go to the main pages I have listed here.

I hope you get some fantastic photographs this year. Feel free to leave a comment with a link to your images of changing colors. I’m sure everyone would love to see them. And if you have a favorite place to shoot that’s not on my list, let me know.

I process my images with ON1 Photo Raw. Check it out at https://on1.sjv.io/15Mjdz

Have Fun,
Jeff

Leaf in a log

Arizona

  • Fall Colors on the Coconino – This Coconino National Forest site explains why leaves change colors, what trees produce what colors, and hikes to see this wonder of nature.
  • Fall Colors in Arizona – Links to sites for fall colors, broken down by the month they change color.
  • Leaf-ometer – It tells how the leaves are changing around Flagstaff.
  • The Pinal Mountains near Globe offer several trails with maples, sumacs and sycamores that change color. Colors usually peak in late October. Check out the Ice House Canyon trial, Six-Shooter Canyon trail and the Pinal Mountain Range. Ice House can be hard to find, so get directions from the Ranger station in Globe.
Aspens on the Kachina Trail kachinatrail-0098
Aspens on the Kachina Trail kachinatrail

The Rest Of The Country

There’s a National Fall Color Hotline too, 1-800-354-4595. Call this number and choose the area of the country you’re interested in and get information on leaf color, scenic drives, peak times for the colors and other fall activities.

Leaves changing color
Leaves changing color

Canada

Articles

More Photos Added To Redbubble

Published / by adminjc

Hi Everyone,

I’ve added more of my photos to Redbubble. They can be put onto T-shirts, mugs, phone cases and much more. Check them out at my RedBubble shop here www.redbubble.com/people/jeffcolburn/shop

Pillow
Pillow
sticker
Sticker
tote bag
Tote Bag

These new photos are designed to inspire you to achieve more in your life. Head on over and take a look.

If you don’t see the photograph you’re looking for, let me know. I can always add it to my shop.

Have Fun,
Jeff

Video – My Lightning Bag – Part 2 Of 3

Published / by adminjc

Hi Everyone,

In this second of three videos, I talk about the equipment I use to photograph lightning. These tools will help you easily capture photographs of lightning in the daytime or nighttime. And I include some useful tips on lightning photography and safety too.

You can see the video on my YouTube channel here https://youtu.be/vFAdGv4F4dI

You can see my other videos on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcd8nqgH0CiaveaIlKbE1mA

You can find the equipment I talk about here:

Check out my helpful articles too:

Have Fun,
Jeff

Photo – Shots In The Rain

Published / by adminjc

Hi Everyone,

While shooting on a sunny day is nice, I also love shooting in “bad” weather. I’ve photographed in rain, lightning storms, snow, wind, fog, blowing dust and sand and more. All of these weather conditions really add an interesting element to your photographs.

knot hole
55mm / 1/80 / f/11 / ISO 200 / Tripod used

As long as you have the proper clothes to protect yourself, and covering for your gear, you can have a great time.

These photos were taken near Snowbowl in Flagstaff, Arizona. It had been raining before we got there, and rained off and on all day.

split log
55mm / 1/100 / f/5.6 / ISO 200 / Tripod used

The only scary part of the day was when a large aspen tree fell. We heard it snapping branches on other trees as it fell, followed by a loud thud as it crashed onto the ground. We never did find the tree, but it was close. Nature always keeps things interesting, so stay on your toes.

leaf on a log
51mm / 1/80 / f/5.6 / ISO 200 / Tripod used

Equipment used:

Have Fun,
Jeff

New Photos On Redbubble

Published / by adminjc

Hi Everyone,

I’ve added more of my photos to Redbubble. They can be put onto T-shirts, mugs, phone cases and much more. Check them out at my RedBubble shop here www.redbubble.com/people/jeffcolburn/shop

Head on over and take a look. If you don’t see the photograph you’re looking for, let me know. I can always add it to my shop.

Have Fun,
Jeff

Shirt
Tote Bag
Phone Case
Pack
Zippered Pouch
Mouse Pad
Laptop Sleeve

Photo – The Old Bell

Published / by adminjc

Hi Everyone,

Canon Rebel T5i / Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS at 70mm / 1/60 / f/11 / ISO 100 / Tripod used

This photograph was taken at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, https://btarboretum.org. It’s a great place to photograph plants, trees, birds, flowers, old buildings and some great scenery. 

I liked the patina on the bell, and the texture of the rocks. The shadows from tree branches also added a touch of mystery. I used the rule of thirds to get good composition, and to make blank space on the right. This space can be used by a business to add text to the image for a sales or marketing campaign, or in a magazine article.

If composition allows, take several photos of your subject, each with space on a different side. And shoot both horizontally and vertically. This increases the usability for any potential buyer.

I processed this image with ON1 Photo Raw. Check it out at https://on1.sjv.io/15Mjdz

Have Fun,
Jeff