Photographs: Central California, Photographs: Flight, Photographs: Nature, Photographs: Wildlife

Geese at First Light

July 7, 2016 G Dan Mitchell Leave a comment

A flock of geese catch the first light above the Sacramento Valley

I’ll begin by briefly repeating the background of my visit to this place. Last winter, after several years of photographing migratory birds enthusiastically at some wonderful and familiar locations, I decided it was time to expand my horizons a bit. I set out to explore a few other new (to me) places where the birds can be found, mostly further north in California that I typically go to photograph this subject. These trips eventually took me all the way up to the far northeast corner of the state and even into Oregon, but the first excursion was to some areas in the Sacramento Valley.

I had read about this area and passed by it many times, including once or twice during the “bird season.” Shortly after New Years Day I decided to make a visit focused on photographing birds — and, as is my habit, the landscapes they inhabit. Many hours before dawn I set out on the long, dark drive to the north. I arrived at this place moments before sunrise and had to work quickly on pure instinct to find photographs in this unfamiliar landscape. I quickly discovered areas where there were birds, including this flock of geese taking to the air in the first sunlight of the morning.

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Equipment, Fujifilm

Fujifilm Announces XT2 Mirrorless Digital Camera

July 6, 2016 G Dan Mitchell Leave a comment

Everyone knew it was coming — and knew most of the specifications — but Fujifilm has announced the new X-T2 mirrorless digital camera.

X-T2 Mirrorless Digital Camera

The X-T2 takes its place alongside the X-Pro2 as the second of Fujifilm’s two “flagship” camera bodies. Both use a 24.3MP X-trans 1.5x cropped sensor and both work with the excellent selection of Fujifilm lenses. Like its predecessor, the popular X-T1, the X-T2 has a DSLR-like design with an electronic viewfinder (EVF). Fujifilm says that it improves on the autofocus system of the X-T1. The camera also can make 4k video, a first for Fujifilm, it has impressive burst mode speeds, and a flip out view screen on the back of the camera. There are rumors that the X-T2 can be charged directly using USB.

If you are ready to go out and buy one… you’d better be patient. First deliveries are scheduled for around September 8, 2016.

Preorders are available now:

Fujifilm X-T2 Mirrorless Digital Camera (body only) $1599: B&H | Adorama
Fujifilm X-T2 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 18-55mm lens $1899 B&H | Adorama

X-T2 Vertical Power Booster Grip

Fujifilm has also announced the X-T2 Vertical Power Booster Grip, a long-rumored vertical grip for the X-T2. The grip holds two extra batteries (for a total of three in the camera), which extends shooting time without a battery change and also enables higher speed shooting and 4k video recordings of up to a half hour. Price is $329.99.

The XT-2 Vertical Power Booster Grip is expected to be available in September 2016. Preorders are available now: B&H | Adorama

EF-X500 Electronic Flash

One weakness of the Fujifilm system for some photographer has been the lack of support for electronic flash. Despite periodic rumors nothing has been released… until now. Fujifilm also announced a new EF-X500 electronic flash unit. List price is $499.99.

Expected availability for shipping is September 2016. Preorders are available now: B&H | Adorama

Updated “Lens Roadmap”

Fujifilm, unlike some other manufacturers, has provided a “lens roadmap” describing their overall system of lenses, including both current and planned future products. The roadmap was updated at the time of the X-T2 announcement to include three new lenses and planned introduction timelines.

Continue reading →

Photographs: Nature, Photographs: Sierra Nevada

Late Winter, Sierra Foothils

July 6, 2016 G Dan Mitchell Leave a comment

Bare trees, new grass, overlapping hills, and late-winter haze in the Sierra Nevada foothills

Back in late February we spent a few days in Yosemite Valley in connection with the opening of the 2016 Yosemite Renaissance show in The Valley. While we were there we also photographed in the Valley, which is always a pleasure in winter, a time of year full of special subjects and conditions.

We left the Valley to head home and had time to take a round about route that would take us past one of our favorite migratory bird locations at sunset, so we wandered a bit in the Sierra foothills around Mariposa. While driving one back road we spotted this landscape of bare trees, brand new grasses, and hills receding into the winter haze.

Commentary, Locations, Reader Questions

Visiting (And Photographing) Yosemite In Summer

July 5, 2016 G Dan Mitchell Leave a comment

Today I’m sharing something I wrote elsewhere in response to a question by someone who plans to visit and photograph Yosemite National Park in late August. I have changed elements of the original post, shortening the original question and editing my own response a bit. Enjoy!

“Spring Trees, Waterfall Mist ” — Waterfall mist fills the air around sunlit maple trees with new spring leaves, Yosemite National Park

I’ve never been to Yosemite but I have a chance to visit for a week in late August. I’ve heard that’s a very busy time, but that’s the time I have available and I’d love to see it.

I’ve ordered Michael Frye’s book but am hoping for some additional information. I’m thinking of coming in the south entrance and am wondering of this is a good approach. Also, if anyone has any lodging ideas I’d love to hear them.

Michael’s book (“The Photographers Guide to Yosemite“) is a great place to start. It will help you find some of the subjects that you probably have in mind to photograph, and it is full of Michael’s general situational knowledge and experience about the park. Michael has an intimate knowledge of the place — not just of locations, but of daily and seasonal variations and more.

You are right that this will be a very busy time in Yosemite — it is more or less peak season! This affects not only the Valley, but also high country areas such as Tuolumne Meadows. Here are some thoughts about your visit.