Christopher Harrison Photography

Chasing the Firefall

Christopher — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 01:31:30 +0000

Each year, at the end of February, if all the conditions conspire with one another to allow for the show, there exists a miracle of nature the likes of which are simply amazing. Horsetail Fall, in Yosemite National Park, is transformed during precisely perfect conditions into what has become known as the “Firefall.” This was the first attempt I made to view the phenomenon and after hearing story after story from fellow photographers who have tried numerous times in the past with no luck, I realize how fortunate I was to see it. The show lasted for all of twelve minutes, throughout which time the colors changed from a golden to dark orange hue, until finally, as the sun set, it was gone. An amazing sight and experience to be sure and one that left me absolutely awestruck. What an incredible privilege it was to behold alongside an array of fellow photographers and travelers; all searching together to catch a glimpse, if only for a moment, of the divinely incredible beauty this world has to offer.

Photographers prepare hours in advance

Photographers line the banks of the Merced River

Yosemite Firefall – the show begins

Early golden hues of the Firefall

A golden Firefall spray

Transitioning from gold to orange

The Firefall in all its splendor

The Firefall glows at Yosemite National Park.

With the sunlight hitting the falls at exactly the right angle the true “Firefall” effect can be seen

The Firefall begins to disappear.

The Firefall vanishes

The post Chasing the Firefall first appeared on Christopher Harrison Photography.

AMC Hike to Madison Spring Hut

Christopher — Mon, 02 Sep 2013 18:53:45 +0000

Any hiking adventure for me begins with the excitement of planning out the route I am going to take to get from here to there and back again. During a recent adventure to Madison Spring Hut (part of the Appalachian Mountain Club’s High Hut system) I was reminded that it is all about the choices we make along the way. Reaching the Shapleigh Bunkhouse late at night on Friday I checked in with the last remaining attendant on duty and was careful to make as little noise as possible as I found my bunk. Awaking the next morning it was clear the weather would be a continual factor throughout the weekend. Departing from the Highland Center in the morning after a full breakfast and after picking up a sandwich to pack for lunch I made my way to the Appalachia trailhead about 20 minutes away by car. I had a few different choices of trails that would take me to Madison Spring Hut where I would spend the night and narrowed it down to either Valley Way Trail or Airline. Valley Way, while easier, would not lead to the stunning views my guidebook advised Airline would. Airline would be steeper and more treacherous, a much more difficult hike in general. Those views were what I was after though, and so the choice was clear: Airline it was.

Shapleigh Bunkhouse

AMC’s Highland Center

White Mountains at night

A hiker departs from AMC’s Highland Center

The view from AMC’s Highland Center in the morning

Looking out from Shapleigh Bunkhouse

Airline Trail Entrance

AMC Appalachia trailhead

Airline Trail

Alpine Zone warning sign

The hike did prove quite challenging. About halfway through I was seriously questioning my decision. But I carried on, put one foot in front of the other, and upon passing treeline was able to find a nice place to stop for lunch and enjoy the view.

Airline Trail view

Airline Trail panorama

Airline Trail

Airline Trail Cairns

I didn’t stay put long, however, as some weather was fast approaching. Had I not made the choice to reserve my bunk at Madison Spring Hut I would have been in quite a predicament. As I began the approach to the hut I could now see in the distance I couldn’t help but marvel that just up ahead awaited a shelter in the clouds, with a bunk and hot meals to boot. A welcome sight, indeed.

First view of Madison Spring Hut from the Airline Trail

Weather approaches

View of Madison Spring Hut as the weather approaches

Hikers arrive at Madison Spring Hut

AMC Croo member Maya packing in provisions

Bunk area of Madison Spring Hut

Weather report at Madison Spring Hut

I had originally planned to drop off my pack and make the summit before returning for dinner, but the current weather conditions prohibited that plan. I removed my boots and made myself at home, taking the opportunity to take some images from around the hut instead. The traditional turkey dinner that was served by the Croo was perfectly prepared and the conversation with companion travelers equally enjoyable.

AMC Croo members preparing dinner

Croo members serve the soup of the day

Dinner at Madison Spring Hut

After a hearty breakfast the next morning and a hilarious skit performed by the Croo it was time to depart. The weather was still an issue and the way down (as discussed at breakfast) seemed an easy choice: Valley Way.

Madison Spring Hut Breakfast

Along the Valley Way Trail

As the seasons change and summer turns to fall I am reminded that it is the choices we make along the way that lead us to the tomorrows we find. While two trails may lead to the same destination, the experience along those trails can be quite different and end up leading to different perceptions of our destination. I am continually thankful for the opportunities and experiences these decisions provide and look forward to the adventures to come.

To view these photos in full resolution, as well as more photos from this trip, please visit my archive.

Until next time – CH

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CrossFit 860

Christopher — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:28:13 +0000

Photography for me is about so much more than the click of the shutter. At its best it is ultimately about taking risks, building relationships and finding new and unique ways to tell a story. Last year I had the privilege of attending the Adventure Photography Workshop in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (I wrote about that here.) During that experience I got to meet and draw inspiration from one of the most accomplished photographers out there today, the incomparable Corey Rich. I find daily inspiration by reading the blogs of many visual storytellers and Corey’s blog is one of them. In one of his recent posts Corey writes: “I hope you are inspired to get out and enjoy your own personal project.” I was. It so happens that a new CrossFit gym just relocated to my area; being that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and because I have spent the past couple of years studying lighting without putting that study to practice nearly as much as I would like, I decided to approach the owners and ask if they would be interested in a shoot similar to the one Corey recently undertook.

We scheduled for a Saturday and they agreed to close the gym early so we would be able to make the most of the space. I worked from an initial shot list and lighting setup that I had planned out using three Alien Bees B800 flash units, an ABR800 Ringflash unit and two Alien Bees Vagabond Mini Lithium power supplies. I used two Westcott Apollo Strips, an Alien Bees White Beauty Dish and a couple of reflectors with 20 and 30 degree grids. I also brought my fog machine. While I had a somewhat well defined starting point, things quickly evolved from there. I showed the team what I was going for and asked for their advice as to what shots they thought would work best for them. By keeping an open mind and improvising upon my original plan I think we were able to accomplish some great shots. We spent about five hours shooting and I can honestly say I didn’t leave anything on the table. As a matter of fact, after the shoot was over I felt like I had just been through a CrossFit workout myself!

This experience helped me in many ways; I got to meet some great new people, added a few shots to my portfolio and found my own vision through working from a defined starting place and listening to my subjects as we progressed through the day. It was a really great experience and I am looking forward to building on what I learned in future projects.

I would especially like to thank all the folks at CrossFit 860 for this opportunity, especially Jeff Wallace, Danielle Bernier, AJ Channey and Adam Durand. Thanks also to Corey Rich for the inspiration. You can check out all the images from the shoot in my archive.

Jeff Wallace – Kettlebell Push-up – Nikon D800: 24-70mm f8.0 @ 1/200th ISO 100

AJ Channey, Jeff Wallace, Adam Durand – CrossFit 860 – Nikon D800: 70-200mm f/18 @ 1/200th ISO 100

AJ Channey – Kettlebell Lift – Nikon D800: 70-200mm f/8.0 @ 200th ISO 100

Adam Durand (with Zoe looking on) – Rope Climb – Nikon D800: 70-200mm f/14 @ 1/200th ISO 200

Adam Durand – Rope Climb – Nikon D800: 24-70mm f/13 @ 1/160th ISO 200

Adam Durand – Rope Climb – Nikon D800: 70-200mm f/11 @ 1/80th ISO 200

Danielle Bernier – Kettlebell Push-up – Nikon D800: 70-200mm f/8.0 @ 1/200th ISO 100

Jeff Wallace, AJ Channey, Danielle Bernier – Portrait – Nikon D800: 24-70mm f/9.0 @ 1/250th ISO 100

AJ Channey – Portrait – Nikon D800: 70-200mm f/8.0 @ 160th ISO 100

AJ Channey – Snatch – Nikon D800: 70-200mm f/8.0 @ 1/160th ISO 100

AJ Channey – Hands – Nikon D800: 24-70mm f/8.0 @ 1/250th ISO 100

Danielle Bernier – Rings – Nikon D800: 24-70mm f/9.0 @ 1/200th ISO 100

AJ Channey, Jeff Wallace, Adam Durand – Portrait – Nikon D800: 24-70mm f/18 @ 1/200 ISO 100

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