Moose News Blog

From the entire Peterson Family…Merry Christmas!

I know, I know, 2009 dates being announced already, BUT….the response to our Yellowstone 2008 DLWS being the biggest we’ve ever had (heck, we’re just about full for all of 2008) the DLWS staff elected to go back to Yellowstone again. 11-14 Jan, 2009 we’ll be working out of West Yellowstone and heading into Yellowstone Nat’l Park for three FULL days of shooting. Unlike our typical DLWS schedule, we spend the whole day shooting and the night teaching in the digital darkroom. We have our own, private coaches and guides taking us into the park and our own Joe McNally singing mountain tunes to entertain us along the way (if you pay him enough, he’ll stop singing).

Our Yellowstone 2008 DLWS event filled up more than 6 months in advance. If you are considering this incredible adventure, you’d best act sooner rather than later. We’ll be announcing our two other spring 2009 events just after New Year. Come join us, it is one hell of a good time!

Photo captured by D2Xs, 14mm on Lexar digital film

There’s no secret I’m a HUGE Nik fan using their products in every image I process. From NX , Dfine2.0, Color Efex 3.0 to Sharperner Pro 2.0, I use them all. You’d probably wouldn’t be surprised to find out that I’m also involved in the beta testing of all of these products. I mention all of this because it all comes back to help you! Nik, to say thanks for my voicing my two cents worth is offering YOU a heck of a deal for the holidays. Good until 01.31.08, when you head to this page and put in the code MP2008 (wonder what that stands for), YOU receive 10% OFF (offer expires 01.31.08). You’re buying this directly from Nik right from their site. It’s just a real nice way of their saying thanks that benefits you!

Now the photo you see here is a prime example of how I use Color Efex 3.0. With this particular image, I first used the Darken/Lighten Center filter and then I applied the Glamour Glow filter on top of that. The finishing of the photo took no longer than simply clicking on these filters. CF 3.0 is all new with a UI that’s to die for! There are a bunch of new filters, my favorite I’m not telling you about, it’s my secret weapon. But, updated are old favorites such as Classical Soft Focus, Darken/Lighten Center, and Vignette filters with exciting new filters like Film Effects, Glamour Glow, High Key, Tonal Contrast, Bleach Bypass, and more (two of these are demoed here).

Here’s an opportunity to give yourself (or drop the hint) an early Christmas present and save yourself some dough. Thanks Nik!

Photo captured by D3, 24-70AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film

Sharon & I along with the dogs went for a walk this afternoon to see the new snow on Mammoth Mtn. And than the light started to dance so up we went.

And while I was loaded for photographing wildlife, none was around but darn if the light just didn’t keep kissing the mtn side. I just couldn’t ignore it. So up we continued.

It was just a fine afternoon to take the dogs (or they took us) for a walk.

To make the most of the warm glow of the light, I switched to Vivid Picture Control. Since I’ve added this to My Menu in the D3, it’s real easy to switch to it when desired. At this point, I’m still playing with Vivid to see when it does and doesn’t work for my images.

We have been receiving many a phone call asking if WRP has gift certificates. You can’t get them off our webstore, but you can call our office and talk with Sharon. You can get a “gift certificate” for just about anything we offer from DLWS, Base Camp, gallery print or private tutoring. And for xmas, we send out an autographed “gallery print” gift card as your gift certificate. Give us a call if we can be of service.

Photos captured by D3, 24-70AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film

After looking at dirt, literally for way too long all about the Sierra, we finally received our first real snow for the winter. More than I wanted the dirt to disappear, I wanted the birds back in the feeders. I got my wish. These Pygmy Nuthatches are just two of a group of five that kept coming in today during the storm. They are a blast to watch. These little guys which are smaller than your thumb take on Hairy Woodpeckers at the feeder, a bird easily 4x their size!

And just at sunset, a window in the snow appeared long enough to let the glow come into the forest behind our home. Ah…winter is here!

Photos captured by D3, 600f4AFS II & 24-70AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film