Favorite Photo of 2011 by Derek Griggs

Gooseberry Falls State Park, Minnesota

 Nikon D7000, 24mm, f13, ISO 200, 2 seconds

Choosing just one photo this year proved to be more difficult than I expected. Maybe it was because last year I had a clear favorite? Or I took better photos? I'm not sure. I can say that I had a great year of photography. It started with picking up a new camera (Nikon D7000). No, its not a pro camera body, however, It does produce excellent photos. My very first outing with it was at the Minneapolis Auto Show. Then it's true test came when I was visiting Pensacola, Florida. I was extremely impressed with the cameras speed and auto focus. The rest is history

Back in August, I headed north from my home to Gooseberry State Park in northern Minnesota. Gooseberry was my last stop on a one day adventure. As I arrived the clouds rolled in and harsh light was gone. As I was making my way down to the falls and passed a professional Canon photographer that was talking with several people. As I passed him he gave me a look like that I didn't know what I was doing as to say all the "good light" was gone. Well, it wasn't. I took my time moving around the falls to an area that I was alone. After some minor rock climbing and walking across rocks so my feet wouldn't get wet I arrived at this location. Then made my way to a small sand bar to set up my tripod.

On my trek back home all I could think about was how the images looked on the back on my camera. As soon as I got home I ran upstairs and started downloading the photos. I started processing an image without the log. Once I finished it, there was something missing, so moved onto the photo with the log. As I completed it, I knew that my long day trip was worth it!

I can't wait to see what 2012 brings! I'm hopeful that I can make it out to Yellowstone again this time for a spring trip among others. Have a great 2012!

2011 Goals and Looking Forward

Well here we are in 2011. Now with 2010 wrapped up and looking back at my Top 10 of 2010, I've been thinking about what I'd like to accomplish in 2011.

There are some specific images I'd like to get. Last year it was a Ring-necked Duck, which I eventually got. This year is a Northern Hawk Owl. Not just any shot, but the shot. Possibly a Great Gray, but they are harder to come by here. There are other species that I'd like a chance at, like Grizzly Bears and Black Bears. And some long time species that I'd like are Coyotes and Red Fox. American Kestrels have long been on my short list as well.

I'd also like to make a goal of exploring and photographing northern Minnesota. I live in the Twin Cities area and don't make it up north often enough, especially in the spring/summer/fall. A book or calendar of northern Minnesota seems like a good project.

I'm also looking to accomplish some video projects. My "National Parks" video was the by-product of a vague idea, and some random video footage, mostly with a pocket video camera. This year I'm looking to make a few more purposed videos.

Lastly, but perhaps the most important is the continuation of this blog and website. Derek and I have maintained this website for a couple of years. Mostly off and on though. Since our recommitment in October we've watch the pageviews sky rocket from 0 in June of 2010 to 3,400+ last month. It keeps us motivated, it keeps us shooting and creating content. So thank you so much to everybody who visits!

So there you have it, my goals are written down for everyone to see. Now I'm commited! This time next year I'll have to own up to this post. Hopefully I will have accomplished my goals and maybe even experience some things that I didn't even think of. Only time will tell...

Photo of the Day! Cascade River State Park, MN

Nikon D90|Lensbaby Composer|F5.6|ISO 200|1/8

I went camping twice last summer at Cascade River State Park in northern Minnesota. I was playing around with my settings, lenses and angles. I decided to throw on my Lensbaby and see what I could get with it. Well, I think it turned out pretty darn good. This image took 2nd place in a contest last summer.

Photo of the Day! Whispering Creek!

 
 Nikon D90, Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 @ 13mm, ISO 200, f/22, 2.5 sec

This photograph is from the Lake Louise area of Banff National Park. There are a lifetime of photographic opportunities that include breath taking mountains  and vistas in the park. But there are also beautiful creeks, rivers and waterfalls seemly everywhere throughout the Canadian Rockies. I was really impressed by the beauty of these creeks and wanted to make sure to photograph them. In this photograph I was using a super wide angle lens and got in close to the water. The water was cold and the rocks were slippery so I had to concentrate on keeping myself dry! I titled this one Whispering Creek because of the peace of the creek as it was hidden in the mountains whispering the flow of water in its solitude.