Photographic meanderings

Because I had to work, I could not go to any really cool spots like Mono Lake, Reno, or Tuolumne Meadows for the Eclipse.  And because I didn’t have a variable neutral density filter, I couldn’t take any shots of the eclipse itself!  But since I work at Glacier Point in Yosemite, I did have a chance to photograph a large number of people viewing the annular eclipse, and the variety of ways they were projecting it.  This gentleman had made a tube projector, but opted to use an optical device to project the last stages of the eclipse on the side of the box.  

Pinhole viewing was popular, with varying degrees of success.  Often people would cooperate, one person holding the card with the pinhole, and another person holding the display card.  Focusing the image is tough! 

Some folks would make a lattice of their fingers, and the resulting shadows looked like shadow plays. “Do deformed rabbit, it’s my favorite!” as my favorite author said in one book.  Note the distinct crescent shaped light in the shadow hands on the left.  

This raven was probably drawn by the large number of human beings, because humans=chance of food. But I got the impression it was a bit put off by the crepuscular light.  It’s not uncommon for birds to display roosting behavior during an eclipse.   

Zeke works for Spectral Instruments, and he’d like to make a camera with a 112 megapixel black and white sensor.  He needs to convince his company that there is a demand for such a beast, and so he’s asking for feedback from the internet.  Send Zeke an email telling him you’d like to see this camera in production, and if you’re so inclined, put my name forward for the tester.  Thanks! 

His email is: Zeke@specinst.com

Due to this year’s low snow pack, fires will be a big problem. Please be careful, mind your campfires carefully.

This is why I’m not a portrait photographer.

Over at Pictureline.com, photographer Markus Reugals provides some information on how to photograph water droplets.  Lovely! 

I took a trip across Tioga Pass yesterday, and can report the following observations. 

The road itself is completely clear of snow, with only small amounts of run-off from nearby snow banks.  It’s also in good conditions, with some repairs evident, and only a couple of odd dips, marked by signs.