Moving southeast, we’re encountering two things: better weather, and lots of motorcycles. And all those do-ragged, bulging biceped, middle aged outlaws can mean only one of two things: we’ve stumbled onto a huge convention of Hulk Hogan impersonators, or we’re in the throes of famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally!
We were told to avoid the Devils Tower National Monument today because it was Ham and Jam day in Hulett, when all the bikers converge on Hulett, right next to the distinctive monument, and more or less jam the place up. Well, there were thousands of them, but there was plenty of room to drive and hike around the monolith made famous in Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
But these bikers are friendly and so-far, well behaved traveling companions, and I didn’t want to miss today’s spectacular cloudage around the Tower. I’ve been shooting black and white infrared almost exclusively so far. Despite the lyrics of “Kodachrome,” on this trip at least, everything seems to look better in black and white (sorry, Paul Simon!). And I need some North American B&W scenics for my 2010 calendar.
I’ll be resuming some more instructional type posts as soon as I get home, so don’t let all this black and white belly-aching about the weather and such get you down!
Larry
7 Aug 2009I wouldn’t say you’ve been belly-aching at all. Overall, looks like a great trip and some great IR images!
A technical question since I’ve never shot IR. Do the skies (with the IR filter) come out that black, or do you need to darken them?
Bob
7 Aug 2009Clive: Sounds like you’re doing the original way. Good on ya! I don’t have the patience or the darkroom! cheers, Bob
Bob
7 Aug 2009Larry: IN most cases, a clear sky will go really dark in infrared. Glad you’re enjoying them. It’s a lot of fun for me. cheers, Bob
Clive Evans
7 Aug 2009Love the 2nd one Bob.
I’m currently shooting on w.coast of Ireland with Konica 750 IR in a pair of Fuji 6x9s,the other way of doing the IR thing I guess!
Clive
Dave Hutchinson
9 Aug 2009Hi Bob!
Great infrared. I just read your article on Peru in the latest Outdoor Photographer. Your trip brought back many memories. Machu Picchu and Lake Titicacca are equally great places to shoot. And shooting Machu Picchu in the early morning fog after rain is an incredible experience. Great work as usual!
Bob
9 Aug 2009Dave: Peru is a great shooting spot. Thanks for the kind words. Bob