JMG-Galleries - Jim M. Goldstein Photography

Day Dreaming About The Antithesis of Gear Lust

Jim — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:43 +0000

In a predictable fashion I often read a flurry of activity in photo forums, social media sites and photography blogs about the latest and greatest camera body announcements. This predictability is dictated by the fact that modern cameras are as much computer as they are anything else and have a regular upgrade cycle much like traditional computers. Hard hitting discussion points about frames per second, megapixel resolution, battery life, image sharpness and so on fill the tubes of the Internet with bonus debates about one camera body/make being better than another. I’m sure you’ve seen the same as it’s incredibly difficult to avoid.

The funny thing about photography is that the majority of people viewing photographs don’t care about the gear. They care about the connection they make with the subject and the body of work produced by the photographer. I don’t recall ever reading how Edward Weston’s photos, for example, sucked more or less because he used a Graflex 4×5 camera versus an 8×10 camera. The same is true of Watkins, Muybridge, Adams, Hyde, Porter, Cartier-Bresson, Lange, Evans, etc. What mattered most in the great work of these and other artists was the vision, creativity and consistency of excellence.

Fretting over camera models and their specifications is great for the purchase decision, but it’s nothing more than a void of distraction when it comes to developing one’s creative vision. I’ve followed the development of digital cameras since 2000 and the same discussions predictably repeat themselves again and again. Yet I’ve never heard a conversation about older digital photographs being considered a classic or of historical significance because of the model of camera used. If anything such a conversation centers around the subject of the photo, the photographer’s creativity and body of work.

Imagine if we consistently talked about the creative merits of photographers as we do new camera models and their features. As an example Weston 1925-1935, Adams 1940-1945, and Gursky 1999-2001 versus Nikon 4D, Canon 1D X and Phase One IQ180. Talking about how and why a photographer was at their creative pinnacle is far more likely to inspire a photographer to think creatively than worrying if a camera has 21, 36 or 60 megapixels.

So my proposition to you is the next time you start up a debate about a camera model and its latest features ask yourself if you’d be better served having a more difficult discussion about photography styles, techniques, philosophies, approaches, etc. that might just enhance you’re development as a creative artist instead. If the answer is yes, then seek out and strike up a conversation with someone that will help you develop as a better photographer versus a camera model savant.

Technorati Tags: photography, philosophy, creativity

Mono Lake Star Trails

Jim — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:46:29 +0000

A little over a week ago I was working with a great client in the Owens Valley on a private workshop at Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve. Our session was timed perfectly after a large storm passed through the area and we were treated to great star trail photography conditions. At the time the moon was at 20% visibility which provided just enough light to give the tufas some needed side lighting and made them a great foreground element. . Utilizing the star trail photography techniques discussed in my recent ebook we walked away in the dark dodging sagebrush with the images needed to make this final photo. Cold, a little smellier thanks to the sagebrush and picking up a few minor scratches here and I’d say the effort of was well worth it.

Mono Lake Star Trails - Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, California

Photo Details:
Canon 5D Mark II, 16mm, ISO 3200, f/3.2, 66 minutes [(132) 30 second images, stacked]

Technorati Tags: photography, star trails, fine art, night, mono lake, Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, California, photoshop, ebook, photo art

Recommended: Videos by Circle of Confusion

Jim — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:16:28 +0000

Just in case you’re unaware Circle of Confusion have kicked off a new series of educational photography videos with the first discussing Dynamic Range (click for a definition). Their first video is full of great info, is entertaining and is a great window into the behind the scenes of landscape photography. Peter, Neil and Roger have a great sense of humor which they infuse into each segment of the video. Topics of discussion include dynamic range (obviously), lighting, filters, gear, format differences (color, B&W and Infrared), composition and as a bonus includes great image comparisons. The video is 53 minute and 54 second in length and is an exceptional way to see the majestic landscapes of south western Ireland short of visiting yourself.

Peter Cox, Neil McShane and Roger Overall who make up Circle of Confusion are great guys and worthy of supporting. Their video Dynamic Range, Episode 1 is currently available for €9.95.

10 Ways To Improve as a Photographer

Jim — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:12:19 +0000

Recently I was presented the question, “How does one improve as a photographer? This question came from a well seasoned photographer and it got me thinking of the things I’ve done in the past. While the things listed below worked for me they may not work for everyone. Which leads me to wonder what do you do to improve as a photographer when you feel you’ve hit a wall?

Viewing "99 Cents" by Andreas Gursky

10 Ways To Improve as a Photographer

Cut off participation on photo critique forums. Over time many of the submitted photos start to emulate each other converging into a common style versus diverging to original work.
Begin viewing art web sites more frequently to get inspiration from contemporary artists
Begin going to more museums and traveling exhibits to see the work of other artists (not just photographers)
Begin looking at and reading classic and contemporary art books
Force yourself to use different lenses
Intentionally avoided taking the same types of shots by recognizing one’s habits in the field
Identify and start personal art projects that you’ll find fulfilling even if they’re unlikely to resonate with others
Monitor new technologies (hardware, software or even things out of left field that are unrelated) to see if they might be creatively applied to make something new and never before seen.
Take a lot of iPhone photos as a creative white board to see things you might pass over otherwise
Ask yourself “What if…?” a lot and try to formulate something new from your basic curiosity.

As I see it this desire to continually improve is healthy and a great sign. I see far too many photographers (well known big names) fall into the habit of trying to reproduce work they had success with many years earlier. Photography is moving at such a fast pace that these older styles and techniques are now easily reproduced by lesser experienced photographers. The result is people losing respect for them or just becoming jaded by them. I wrote about this a bit here in The Subtlety of Greatness and Today’s Loss of Appreciation.

Now more than ever it really takes a lot of skill, self-discipline and motivation to dig deeper and push farther. Great photographers are always pushing the limits and having seen this in my study of photography over the years it has served as a very strong source of motivation.

Personally I can’t help but think if you’re not looking back at your older work and being dissatisfied you’re not growing as a photographer. This is why I run the Best of Photos 20XX blog project. Every year I look back and think I should trash my old photos. It’s not where I want to be. The day I lose that feeling is the day I know I’m done. There should always be new creative horizons to aim for and explore.

Break in the Storm, White Sands National Monument

Jim — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:13:49 +0000

Fitting quote for the week as we wrap up a week here in the United States commemorating the life of Martin Luther King Jr.:

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Break in the Storm, White Sands National Monument - New Mexico

If you ever show up to a location you’ve had your heart set on to photograph only to find that the weather isn’t up to your expectation this photo is a reminder to clear your mind of preconceived ideas and start fresh. Mother Nature always has a way of revealing a facet of her beauty, you just have to be open minded enough to see it.

Technorati Tags: landscape, nature, photography, New Mexico, White Sands National Monument

The View That Could Be

Jim — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:44:52 +0000

The View That Could Be

Learn more about SOPA and its ugly twin PIPA in this short 4 minute video.

Write your US Congressperson and Senator to urge them to vote no on SOPA and PIPA. Do customize the title and at least the first line of the email that is generated so staffers know its not just a form letter with out thought.

Best Photos of 2011 by JMG-Galleries Blog Readers

Jim — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:45:39 +0000

This year we had an amazing turn out for the Best Photos of 2011 blog project with 289 entries, topping the results for best photos of 2010, best photos of 2009, best photos of 2008 and best photos of 2007! Participants spanned a spectrum of skill levels from hobbyists to professionals and covered a wide variety of genres including landscape, macro, nature, photojournalism, portraiture, event, wildlife, fine art photography and more. There are likely many names you’ll recognize below and many others you won’t. I highly recommend visiting each entry as I have. Even after 5 years of running this blog project I’m blown away by the talent of those that take part. It is truly inspirational to see so much creativity and beauty. If your curious to see photos I personally enjoyed look out for the entries with *** next to them.

JMG-Galleries Best Photos of 2011 – Jim M. Goldstein
Dalal al-Dhubaib’s flickr – Dalal al-dhobaib
www.mawpix.com – Matthias Wassermann
2011 Retrospective – Alex Wise
Jon McCormack Photography – Jon McCormack ***
Top 10 of 2011 a Exploring Light Photography – Chris Moore
The year in review: My favorite 2011 Photos – Ed Rosack
Dave Wilson Photography – Dave Wilson
Top 10 from Behind The Clicks – Mohammad Noman
Art in Nature Photography: Best of 2011 – Floris van Breugel ***
Alaska Photography – Mike Criss
My best photos from 2011 – Lasse Sørnes
http://www.500px.com/photo/3230405 – Keivan Zavari
My Five Best Images of 2011 – Peter Cox ***
My Top 10 images of 2011 – Charlie Widdis Photography
MY TOP PHOTOS FROM 2011 – Chaz Curry ***
Best of 2011 – Juan Guevara
Stories From Home – David Patterson
My Best Of 2011 – The Photographs – Sven Seebeck
The Uprooted Photographer – Zach Frailey
Top ten wildlife photos of 2011 – Burrard-Lucas Wildlife Photography ***
Eleven From Twenty Eleven – Jacob F. Lucas ***
My ten favorite photos of 2011 – Stefan Bäurle
Changing Perspectives – Jenni Brehm
2011 Top 10 Photos – Andrei Olariu
Best Photos of 2011 – Ahmed Almuhairi
Favorite Photos of 2011 – Pat Ulrich ***
Top 11 of 2011 – Younes Bounhar
Natural California – John Wall ***
2011 – A Review – Jim Denham
yeeehah.com – William R. Bullock
2011Top11 – Kate Church
Top Ten Photos of 2011 – Steve Cole
Top 10 of 2011 – Brian Rueb ***
http://www.davidjohnstonart.com/index.html – David Johnston
7 Images of Denver in 2011 – Neil Corman
My Top 10 for 2011 – Lon Overacker
Craig Ferguson Images | The Year That Was – Craig Ferguson
My Best Images of 2011 – Clark Crenshaw
“Sort of the best of 2011: ants – Jeroen Mentens
Best Photos Of 2011 – Dawnstar Australis – Daniel McNamara
Skolai Images – Carl Donohue ***
Favorite 10 of 2011 – Alan Dahl ***
Tony’s Blog – Tony Unwin
Best of 2011_Laurie Rubin – Laurie Rubin ***
FlixelPix Best Photos of 2011 – David Cleland
Ilja Melnikov – Ilja Melnikov
Best of 2011 – Rob Tilley ***
Free Roaming Photography 12 Best Photos from 2011 – Mike Cavaroc ***
Adventures Through the Lens: 2011 in Review – Rebecca R Jackrel ***
Top Photos of 2011 by Gary Crabbe / Enlightened Images – Gary Crabbe ***
My 10 Best Photos of 2011 – Michael Russell
Digitized Chaos’ 2011 faves – Rian Castillo
Top 10 Photos of 2011 – Mike Chowla
John Fujimagari’s Best of 2011 – John Fujimagari
10 Best Landscape Photos of 2011 – Cody Duncan ***
Best photos from 2011 – Janis Janums
Best Photos Of 2011 – David Leland Hyde ***
PhotogAbby’s Photoviews – Abigail Gossage
Do Not Get On or Off While in Motion – G. Kaltenbrun
Tony Wu’s Underwater Photography Blog – Tony Wu ***
12 Months – 12 Favourite Images – Petr Hlavacek | NZICESCAPES IMAGES ***
Alpenglow Images | Greg Russell Best of 2011 – Greg Russell ***
An End of Year Retrospective for 2011 – The Top 11 Images of ’11 – Derrald Farnsworth-Livingston
11 from ‘11 – Dru Stefan Stone
William Neill’s Top Forty Images for 2011 – William Neill ***
Dave’s Best Of 2011 – Dave Reichert
10 Best Photos of 2011 by Scott Thompson – Scott Thompson – Scott Shots Photography
My best 10 images of 2011? – Duffy Knox
My 5 Top Photos from 2011 and Photography Year in Review – Tommy Holt
Russ Bishop Photography – Russ Bishop ***
My Top 10 Favourite Images of 2011 – John Dunne Photography
Asif Patel Photography – TopPhotos2011 – Asif Patel
The Best of 2011 – Neil McShane (aka Mononeil) ***
Top Nature Photographs of 2011 by Mark Graf – Mark Graf ***
Year 2011 in 10 photos. – Filip Lucin
Views Infinitum: Best of 2011 – Scott Thomas
Dobson Central Photography – Top 10 Photos of 2011 – Ken Dobson
“The Best of Myrmecos – Alex Wild ***
Your Favorite Shots from 2011 – Fred S. Brundick
Patrick Gensel – The Best Of 2011 – Patrick Gensel
100 Favorite pictures from 2011 – Patrick J Endres
My Ten Favorite Photos of 2011 – Randy Langstraat
KennethVerburg.nl – Kenneth Verburg ***
Naturography: My Top 5 for 2011 – Mike Spinak ***
Edith Levy Photography – 2011 A Year in Review – Edith Levy
G Dan Mitchell Photography – G Dan Mitchell ***
Jonesblog – Bryan William Jones
Timages’ 2011 Top Ten – Tim Mulcahy
naturalvision-photo.com – Derek Griggs
Favorites of the Year: 2011 – Ken Trout
Beetles in the Bush – Ted C. MacRae
Chuqui 3.0 – Chuq Von Rospach
Peter Carroll Photography – Peter Carroll
My photos of 2011 – Frederico Quintao
http://raptorgallery.wordpress.com – Glenn Nevill
Best of 2011 – Brad Barton Photography – Brad Barton Photography ***
Rocky Mountain National Park 2011 / Non-Rocky Best of 2011 – Erik Stensland
My Favorite/Best Photographs of 2011 – Inge Fernau
Best Photos of 2011 – Ryan Golias
Best of 2011 – Larry Rosenstein
Best of 2011 – Mellimage
The Quiet Picture – Year 2011 In Pictures – Minna Kinnunen
My personal Top 10 images from 2011 – Alexander S. Kunz / Daylight Colors
11 Best of 2011 – Olivier Du Tré ***
Best Photos of 2011 – Jim Coda ***
Living Wilderness: Best Images of 2011 – Kevin Ebi ***
Oxherder Arts – Best of 2011 – Don Schulte
my best images of 2011 – Rhoda Maurer ***
http://www.stamates.com – Jim Stamates
Organic Light Pan – Youssef Ismail ***
Rick Diffley Photography – Rick Diffley Photography
Best Images of 2011 – Robin Black ***
PhotoWalkPro – Jeff Revell
Highlights from 2011 – Roman W. Schatz
Uncommon Depth – Roberta Murray ***
TKM Journal – Highlights of 2011 – Kent Mearig
Amanda Herbert’s best of 2011 – Amanda Herbert Photography
Google+ – Umes Shrestha
Anne McKinnell’s Top 10 Images of 2011 – Anne McKinnell
Best Photos of 2011 – Jim Maher
www.fredmertzphotography.com – Fred Mertz
Top 10 Photos of 2011 – Ireena Worthy
11 in 2011 – My Favorite Photos – Debra Feinman
2011 Top Ten Plant Photos By John Manuwal Photography – John Manuwal
www.azaelmeza.com – Azael Meza
David Sharp – The Best of 2012 – David Sharp ***
Looking back at 2011 – Ivan Makarov ***
Best Photos of 2011 – Pete Miller – USKestrel Adventography
My favorite 10 of 2011 – John Christopher
Neil Creek – Photographer – Neil Creek ***
JohnLPhoto Best of 2011 – John Lemen
Momentary Awe – Catalin ***
2011 Top Ten – Andrew S Gibson
“Crest, Cliff and Canyon – A. Jackson Frishman
2011 – A Good Year – Margaret Summers
Favorite Photos from 2011 – Richard Wong *** – Richard Wong
latoga photography – Favorite Photos of 2011 – Greg A. Lato
Looking Back – 2011 – Derek Fogg
My Photo Blog – Ron Niebrugge’s favorite photos from 2011 – Ron Niebrugge ***
My 10 Favorite Photos of 2011 – Dan Bailey ***
My 11 favorites from 2011 – Kurt M. Lawson Photography ***
Happy New Year – Lori Ann Cole
My Top 10 Mixture – Ashley Cottle
Google+ Beach Photography – Jennifer Brinkman
Top 10 images of 2011 – Denise Goldberg
www.azaelmeza.com – Azael Meza
Erwin Kessing Photography – Erwin Kessing
The Closing of the Year – Eustace James
Mark Feenstra Photography: 10 Favourites from 2011 – Mark Feenstra
Best Photos of 2011 – Ingo Meckmann ***
Dynamics of Light and Shade – Richard Murphy
My 20 Best from 2011 – David Maurer
Top11 2011 – Patrick Ottoy
Best of 2011 – David Edenfield
Little Time Machine – This was 2011 – Pete Carr
The Owl and the Wildcat – Jen Joynt
Best of 2011 – Alison Wells
My 2011 Best Nature and Landscape Photographs – Steve Sieren ***
Best photos of 2011 on Flickr – Jono Hey
Best Photos of 2011 – Ken Snyder
Best Photos of 2011 by Ilya Genkin – Ilya Genkin ***
My best of 2011 – Terri Jacobson
Piya Trepetch Photography – Top Ten Images from 2011 – Piya Trepetch
My Best 10 Pictures for 2011 – Barbara Newson
Woo’s 2011 in Pictures – Gary Woo
My (Possibly) Ten Best Photos from 2011 – Jim McCoy
Favorites – 2011 – Daniel Leu ***
Closescapes Favourites From 2011. – Marshall Black
Nature and Landscape – Small Choice 2011 – Ben Schreck
http://wernerpriller.wordpress.com/ – Werner Priller ***
Peter de Rooij’s Top 10 for 2011 – Peter de Rooij
Best photos of 2011 by ISIK MATER – ISIK MATER
Best Photos of 2011 – ysvry
Focused Planet Photography – Justin Scicluna
Best of 2011 by Carl-Johan Rådström – Carl-Johan Rådström
Western Skies Top 11 From 2011 – Björn Göhringer
My Best People Shots – Matt Goode
Darin Rogers Photography: Best Of… – Darin Rogers
http://www.juzno.com/ – Rob Castro
Remembering 2011 in Photos – Aaron Hockley ***
Favorites From 2011 – Brad Mangas ***
Robb Hirsch Best of 2011 – Robb Hirsch ***
Best Photos of 2011 – Sathish Jothikumar ***
My best underwater photos 2011 – Suzy Walker ***
Year 2011 in review and favorite images – QT Luong ***
“10 From Michael Toye – Michael Toye
Photoimagery.net – Peter McCabe
2011 – Our Favorite Images of the Year – Isabel & Steffen Synnatschke ***
ylitalot.net – Juha Ylitalo
Top Ten Photos of 2011 – by Brian Grzelewski – Brian Grzelewski
Jim Nickelson Favorites of 2011 – Jim Nickelson
2011: My Top Ten Images – Michael Frye ***
My Top Images of 2011 – Andrew Kee
Favorites of 2011 – Simon Ponder
2011’s Top 10 Picks – Vidya Narasimhan
My Top Ten Favourites from 2011 – Adriana Glackin
Top Ten of 2011 – Fedor G Pikus
Best Photos of 2011 – Hady Moslehi
Mara @ Fantasia – Photo Round up of 2011 – Mara Acoma
My Journey through 2011 – Kevin Thornhill
My 10 personal favorites of 2011 – Marleen Hallaert
Favorite Photographs From 2011 – Seung Kye Lee ***
Best Photos of 2011 – Michael Gerken
Simple Photography – Jay Shah
My Top Ten Photos of 2011 – Mike Isaak ***
http://lensmankc.com/?p=811 – Amit Jung K.C
baliultimatephoto.blogspot.com – Hendra Wiguna
My Favourite photos from 2011 – Alan Owens
John Dusseault’s top 10 of 2011 – John Dusseault
Favorites of 2011 – Plastic[Picture]
Farsighted – Ron Artigues
Google Plus – Darren Harmon
Bill Hornbostel Photography – Bill Hornbostel
Korwel Photograpy blog – Iza Korwel
Favorite Photos of 2011 – Elizabeth Brown Photography PhotoBlog – Elizabeth Brown
2011 Highlights – Alan Grinberg
TJTPhotography.com – Ted Truex
Thamer Al-Hassan Photographer – Thamer Al-Hassan
Top 11 of ‘11 – Brian Arnold
Looking Back – 2011 Top Ten – Jessica Sweeney
Light Coming Back – Favorite Images of 2011 – Jennifer Durham
My Favorite Landscape Photos of 2011 – Joshua Cripps
Favorites Photographs from 2011 – Sudheendra Kadri
João Almeida Photography – João Almeida
Le meilleur de 2011 – The Best of 2011 – Francis Gagnon
Five Pictures for 2011 – David Lloyd ***
Ian Ference – Google+ Top Photos 2011 – Ian Ference ***
Marcin P?kalski – Google+ – Marcin P?kalski
www.thephotographerblog.com – Mandy Jones
My Top 10 of 2011 – Clement Biger
russell.tomlin at Flickr – Russell S Tomlin
Yosemite – Sheldon Neill
My Top 10 shots for 2011 – Greg Berdan
Best of 2011 – Dan Baumbach ***
Top Photos 2011 by Mark Dodge Medlin – Mark Dodge Medlin
The Carey Adventures – Peter West Carey ***
http://www.wildernessadventureimages.com/ – Michael Burkhardt
“Looking at the West – Andrew McAllister ***
Photos and Ramblings by Steve Mattheis – Steve Mattheis
My Favorite Photos of 2011 – Brandon Doran ***
Shanti Gilbert – Best Of 2011 – Shanti Gilbert
“10 of 2011 – David S. Ottavio
Best photos from 2011 – Mark J P
Heather’s Flickr – 2011 Top 10 – Heather Wallace
Ben Chase Photography – Benjamin Chase
Hypo-theses – Ian Stimpson
“Best photos of 2011 – Robert Kusztos
“Best of 2011 – Anton Huo
Best of 2011: JMG Gallery – Stephen Zacharias
Flickr Best of 2011 – Esther Reyes
My Top 10 of 2011 – The Siggins Photography – Richard Siggins
Andrew Benson | Best of 2011 – Andrew Benson
http://www.johnpaulcaponigro.com/blog/ – John Paul Caponigro ***
Google+ – Jim Davis
Beckmann Images – Best of 2011 Images – 500px – Matt Beckmann
Google + – Paul Conrad
Avelino’s Best of 2011 – Avelino Maestas
JMK Photography’s Best of 2011 – J. Krasner
Rob Dweck’s Top 10 From 2011 – Rob Dweck ***
www.myFedoraPhoto.com – Neal Fedora
Best of 2011 on Google+ – Robert Mann ***
My Top 10 Best Photos from 2011 by Matt Suess – Matt Suess ***
My Favorites from 2011 – Michele Wassell
My Top 10 Images of 2011 – Tom Bushey
A Selection of Favorites from 2011 by Christine Hauber – Christine Hauber ***
Favorite Images from 2011 – James B Martin
Kauai 2011 – Sharon Willson
“Best of 2011: Top 10 – Mark Hespenheide ***
shirley lo photos – shirley lo
Google+ – Christina Lawrie – Christina Lawrie ***
My Ten 2011 Faves – Rich Greene
Sunset at Vizhinjam – Agnisoonu K
Gary Randall Photography – 2011 – Year in Review – Gary Randall ***
2011 faves – Anthony Chiong
NewmanImages: 2011 in Retrospect – Jay and Sue Newman
My 11 favorite pictures of 2011 – Marc Perkins
My Best Images of 2011 – Vaibhav Tripathi
My Best Shots 2011 – Annika Ruohonen
Top 11 Photos of 2011 – Shane Srogi ***
Wolfcats Top 10 images – Wolfcat
Alexander Filatov Photography – Alexander Filatov ***
Wendy Baker Photography Best of 2011 – Wendy Baker
My 6 best of 2011 – Patrick Smith
randomfire: The best of 2011 – Ramin Miraftabi
Closing California Parks – Eliya Selhub ***
MY BEST OF 2011 – Stan Rapada
2011 Top 10 – Kyle Jones
2011 Studies | Best of 2011 – Oskar Bruening ***
Special Thanks To Oskar for his technical contribution to this list!

Technorati Tags: Best of, Photography, pictures, 2011

JMG-Galleries Best Photos of 2011

Jim — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:56:16 +0000

2011 was a fun year to be behind the camera. I was very lucky to witness some breathtaking moments and round out some projects that made their way into my eBook. As was the case in 2010 it is impossible to rank my best photos like I had been in years past (best photos of 2010, best photos of 2009, best photos of 2008 and best photos of 2007). So in no particular order here are my 10 favorite photos taken in 2011. Enjoy and feel free to let me know if you have a favorite!

Portrait of Blake
Technically this is my 11th selection, consider it an honorable mention. I had to include a picture of Blake with a big smile for reasons you’ll later understand as you scroll down.

Portrait of Blake

Ecliptic Star Trails – Nature and Landscape Photography by Jim M. Goldstein
I took several star trail photos in Death Valley National Park this year, but this is one that really stood out for me. Being able to photograph the curvature of the stars as they approach both poles was a real highlight of my October Death Valley Photo Tour. I’m looking forward to sharing the incredible night skies here with those in my February Death Valley Photo Tour. I still have room if you want to join me..

Ecliptic Star Trails

Road to the Sun View, Glacier National Park
Being atop the northern Rocky mountain range always yields dramatic views. Wafting clouds through a glacially carved valley made this view extra special from the Road to the Sun in Glacier National Park.

Road to the Sun View, Glacier National Park

Lunar Rainbow (Moonbow) at Lower Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park
Water levels were at record levels during my visit to Yosemite in June. As a result the waterfalls were flowing at a greater capacity than I’ve ever seen before. This made photographing moonbows a lot easier. In this instance I was being drenched from the mist, but it was so worth it. In April and June I return to hunt for Yosemite moonbows during two phototours.

Lunar Rainbow (Moonbow) at Lower Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park

Racetrack Star Trails
The Racetrack in Death Valley is dramatic enough, but adding star trails takes it to a new level. This was a 4 hour exposure resulting in nearly 60 degrees of rotation in the sky.

Racetrack Star Trails

Trying Moments
Remember that smiling photo of Blake at the beginning of the post. I didn’t want you to think he’s unhappy all the time. He’s a super happy kid. That being said even happy kids have their unhappy moments. I thought this moment was very telling of how challenging it is to be a parent sometimes.

Trying Moments

Stormy Sunrise, Glacier National Park
This fiery sunrise developed as quickly as it vanished. This fleeting moment was magical, but fear not I also took a time-lapse of it (see below).

Stormy Sunrise, Glacier National Park

With a bonus time-lapse:

Sunrise at Wild Goose Island Lookout from Jim Goldstein on Vimeo.

Rendezvous – Racetrack, Death Valley National Park
The mystery of the moving rocks on the Racetrack always fascinate people. Seeing two rocks paths on the verge of intersecting was particularly cool as it left me wondering how long it would be before they meet.

Rendezvous - Racetrack, Death Valley National Park

360° View of Star Trails Above the Racetrack
Ever wonder what the entire visible night sky would look like as a star trail photo? So did I so I made this photo with a Canon 8-15m lens that Borrowlenses.com (the best online lens rental store) made available to me for my trip. At the top of the circle is the eastern mountains that skirt the Racetrack playa. At the bottom of the screen are the western mountains that skirt the Racetrack playa. The small version of this image doesn’t do it justice so be sure to click the image to see a slightly larger version.

360 Degree View of Star Trails Above the Racetrack, Death Valley National Park

Under the Rainbow, Maui
In mid-December we took a family vacation to Maui. This was one of the more magical moments. I couldn’t believe how gigantic this rainbow was.

Under the Rainbow, Maui

Milky Way Over Death Valley (180° Panoramic)
This is a 70 megapixel 180° panoramic photo of the Milky Way stretching from horizon to horizon above the Racetrack Playa. There is nothing more humbling than seeing an infinite number of stars in the sky. Again this has to be seen large so you may want to check in on my Google+ stream to see it.

Milky Way Over Death Valley (180° Panoramic)

Technorati Tags: best photos, best of 2011, photography, pictures, fine art, stock photo, White Sands National Monument, Glacier National Park, Death Valley, landscape, nature

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas

Jim — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 11:34:50 +0000

2011 has been an incredible year. It’s amazing to think that it has passed so quickly. Online this year my blog has seen some amazing growth in subscribers. If you’re one of the many new followers of my blog thank you for subscribing. I’m looking forward to sharing more great photography and articles with you. Offline I am incredibly excited to share the holidays with my son who is only 18 months old and just now appreciating all the gifts and celebrations. This Christmas should be a fun one.

Happy Holidays from my family to yours!

Rockefeller Christmas Tree, New York City

End of the Year – 2011 eBook Recommendations

Jim — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:32:45 +0000

2011 was a great year for photography eBooks. Below are some of my favorite releases from 2011 aside from my first eBook Photographing the 4th Dimension – Time. eBooks are easy to take for granted these days, but great photographers have a much easier time publishing content related to their expertise through the eBook format. It’s also worthy of noting it is no small task to create an eBook so try not to flip through them too quickly, appreciate them as reflections of the author’s passion for the subject.

Don’t let the year pass without taking a little extra time to indulge on yourself with some great eBooks to help you learn, stay inspired and improve your photography. Enjoy and have a great holidays.

Lightstalking.com released their first eBook titled Rabari – Encounters With the Nomadic Tribe, The Insider Series to Travel Documentary Photography. Author Mitchell Kanashkevich does a great job of walking through each photo of his photo project covering every facet of the creative process.

Guy Tal’s Creative Digital Printing and Creative Processing Techniques are essential reading. Guy’s eBooks are exceptionally well written striking the right balance between creative and technical discussions. They also feature his stunning photography bringing his discussion points to life. Guy has far more to offer than just these two eBooks so be sure to see all of Guy Tal’s Photography eBooks.

William Neill’s eBooks are both beautiful and inspiring. Specializing in nature and landscape photography William’s Impressions of Light, Meditations in Monochrome and William Neill’s Yosemite: Volume One are essential viewing for any outdoor photographer. Also don’t forget about his latest iPad app William Neill’s Yosemite Volume One (iPad edition)

DIYPhotography.net released a great eBook on Home Studio Photography with great content for those interested in creative solutions for DIY studio lighting. This eBook is full of great solutions to save a lot of money on off-camera lighting gear. You’re pretty much guaranteed this eBook will pay for itself with the many DIY ideas inside.

The Digital Photography School blog eBooks included Going Pro Kit: How to Make Money from Your Photography and Photo Nuts and Shots: Tools and Techniques for Creative Photography are incredibly informative and exceptionally designed. DPS eBooks are consistently among the best available. All worthy of checking out.

Craft and Vision put out numerous eBooks this year with my personal favorites being Light & Land by Michael Frye. In all Craft and Vision released 14 eBooks covering a wide spectrum of topics including Winter photography by Darwin Wiggett to David duChemin’s Vision is Better series. Be sure to check out their 2011 eBook bundle before December 31st to save some money.

Dan Bailey released Going Fast with Light, How to Become a Professional Photographer and Making the Image. Dan has a knack for sharing his professional experience in a concise and entertaining fashion. Each of his eBooks are comprehensive and well laid out for easy reading and reference.

Technorati Tags: photography, ebook, ebooks, recommended reading

Death Valley Photo Tour Participants Gallery

Jim — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:24:32 +0000

It seems like only yesterday, but it back in October I had the privilege of taking some great folks out to the Racetrack in Death Valley National Park. We had a blast even considering temperatures were unseasonably low, dipping well below freezing. The trip was timed to take advantage of the new moon in order to get in some great night photography. Those who joined me took full advantage of the dark skies to take some amazing star trail, Milky Way and light painting photos. Below you’ll find 3 photos from each participant.

If Death Valley is on your list of locations to visit and photograph join me on my next Death Valley Photo Tour (February 18-21, 2012). Space is still available.

From left to right: Rebecca R. Jackrel, Glenn Maslen, Maurice Moore, David Sharp, Tom Keenan, Russell Brown and Jim M. Goldstein

Russell Brown

Tom Keenan

Glenn Maslen

Maurice Moore

David Sharp

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Rebecca R. Jackrel (Co-Lead)

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Technorati Tags: photography, photo tour, Death Valley, National Park