48 after the 24

[walterick]

I'll admit, I didn't have much to offer to the 24 Hours project this season.

The day after, however, I took off on the road heading north to hit the ski slopes in Flagstaff, where the local resort had just opened for the season. I looked forward to doing some skiing for the first time in several years.

Well, I should have known better than to bring my cameras then.

I got there in time for sunset colors from the ski slopes. Then I set up and started taking night shots. Taking night shots at the ski slope turned into "why don't I go take night shots of the ruins?!" Turned into taking sunrise shots of the same ruins in the morning. Turned into driving around Flasgstaff taking pictures and playing in the snow. Turned into driving through Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon...

To make a long story short, I ended up not skiing at all But, I did have a great trip. I got to play in the snow up there around Flag (they had plenty of it!) and got to burn a couple rolls of Velvia in the process. I'll post those (including the night shots) when I get them back. But I wanted to share my digital pics with you guys.

They're calling for more snow up there this week. I may have to go not skiing again

[poker]

Nice shots Rick. I've been trying to figure out how to get out of the city and do something similar. I guess I just need to do it.

Ever consider doing a panorama with stiching software?

[walterick]

Thanks Eric

I'm not much of a digital whiz. I leave all that stuff to the other 95% of photographers I may play with it someday, but for now I'm happy just snapping away.

There's talk of a Las Vegas mini-gathering in March for the PMA. Have you thought of coming up?

Rick

[poker]

Thanks Eric

I'm not much of a digital whiz. I leave all that stuff to the other 95% of photographers I may play with it someday, but for now I'm happy just snapping away.

There's talk of a Las Vegas mini-gathering in March for the PMA. Have you thought of coming up?

Rick

I noticed a mention of the PMA in a post by PJ. The thought crossed my mind. We are in Vegas like every three months and we were there last in December. It might be possible. You going?

Has the other Photogatherings come about in other parts of the world?

[walterick]

Yup, I should be there. As for other gatherings, I think the only one in the mix right now is the national one in Memphis this fall? They do pop up like this vegas thing though.

Watch the PMA thread and let us know if you can make it! It would be good to meet with you again.

Rick

[Old Timer]

Wonderful images form your not skiing trip Rick. I have had similar things happen to me along the way as well. Usually though Joy and kids would force me back on track. The Kids would be anxious to off on some adventure I would be standing in some field along side the road waiting for eh sun to get in just he right position or horse to lift it's head and look my way.

[walterick]

Thanks Larry

You're lucky to have such an understanding family to facilitate your photographic endeavors. I have not always been so lucky with my significant others, but they usually eventually learn

[walterick]

I got my rolls of Velvia back today. Here are my night shots from the Snowbowl ski resort and the Wupatki ruins northeast of Flagstaff. This is my first time shooting night shots with the 100 Velvia. I am very pleased with the result. Not only does it cut my shooting time in half over Velvia 50, but it gives me an extra stop of brightness in my stars and also seems to control its colors better. Where Velvia 50 goes to green often in long exposures, the 100 speed stayed remarkably true, and pleasantly saturated. These shots were about 11 minutes each at f2.8, under a quarter moon. I used my traditional star-shooting setup: Nikon FM2n on a tripod, with my venerable 24mm Sigma out front. Oh yeah, and a hat and gloves!

[walterick]

Some more from the daylight hours These are on Velvia 50.

[livin4lax09]

love the long exposure shots. I need to read up on it so I can figure out how to take some like that. I'm very impressed, and they are mighty cool! looks liek you have some...dust?... on that last photo.

[schrackman]

Rick, beautiful shots. I LOVE the colors in the first photo. Sure wish I was with you right now on a mini Arizona photogathering!! It's been two years since the wife and I went to Flagstaff for a few days and took pictures all over grand canyon, oak canyon, indian ruins, etc. One of these days I'll make it back.

Can't wait to see the Velvia!

[Old Timer]

Rick I am always just blown away by your long exposure night photos. I think I've said it before but I'll repeat it here again. Your night time photos were one of the main reason I kept coming back day after day to PR as a lurker long before I become a regular contributor. Your most resent endeavors are even more of a reason to tune in everyday just to see what will be posted. Thanks for your long time contribution of quality images.

[ken1953]

Rick, your shots are marvelous....you make me so homesick with all your fantastic shots of the Arizona mystique. I think for a transplant, you have really done our state proud. As a native Arizonan, I'm proud to have you as a transplant and a friend. I really look forward to meeting you someday.
Ken

[MarcusK]

Rick, well i did not get to post for the 24hr thread and i feel bad about it...but in any case, i have been laughing a lot as i read your first post, "Not ski trip" You've been diagnosed sir with Acute Photo Attachement Syndrome whence the only cure for you is unfortunately unavailable.... We would have suggested you quit all together and go cold turkey, however the risk of withdrawal symptoms is simply too great! hehehe!

Those are some very nice shots.... and besides after many years, it would have taken you some time before you start enjoying the slopes no?

Marc

[Speed]

Great shots Rickster! The digitial shots are very nice, and the Velvia shots are great!!! I love those night shots you do. Flagstaff is a very photogenic place, as is Sedona. I love that red contrasting with the snow.

I spent 11 months in Arizona while in pilot training. I lived in Chandler, and I had a blast, living, working, and playing in "The Valley". I wish I had been into photography back then...

[walterick]

Thanks Brent!

Night shots are fun, just make sure you've got plenty of batteries and warm gloves if you're doing it at night!

If the dust you're looking at is the one of the trees and the road, that is actually dirt on the windshield that I felt added to the realism so I decided to leave it

Rick

[walterick]

Thanks Ray!

We'll have to get a little Arizona gathering together out here one of these days. There was one tentatively planned for this fall but the National Gathering has taken precedence. No matter, we'll swing it one of these days!

Oh, and the Velvia ones are up now too!
Rick

[walterick]

Wow, Ken those are SUPER NICE words! I am not sure if I am worthy of them!

I will try to continue to do your homestate proud. I look forward to meeting you an Kim one of these days!

Rick

[walterick]

Thanks Marc,

Glad you found my post funny There's always room for humor in photography, yes?

I fully admit to my debilitating condition APAS. I have trascended Stage 1 Denial and am in full acceptance of my diseas

Rick

[walterick]

Thanks Speed,

Well when you pick me up next week for Santiago we'll have to take a few days and drive around the state, taking pictures and getting lost in the desert. That way you can re-live your training days. Then, it's off to South America to see that comet!

Thanks buddy!

Rick