Antelope Island and the Great Salt Lake

Always be on the lookout for something a little different. While everyone else was gathered around the basket, I got this great shot. I did ask if I could get as close as I did so the handler wouldn't think I was strange and he accomodated.

Pentax K20D w/12-24, f5.6, 1/80 Shutter, ISO 400, Aperture Priority, Evaluative meter

Another favorite for the day. What little light we did have, backlit this balloon well. This poor guy was about as full as it would get. The wind was just a little too much to get filled properly.Pentax K20D w/16-50, f9 Aperture, 1/15 Shutter, ISO 400, Aperture Priority, Evaluative meter

Of course the main reason for heading out was the balloon festival. As this was being filled, I got as close as I could stand from the heat of the propane filling the balloon. (A good photograper can never be shy!)

Pentax K20D w/12-24, f4 Aperture, 1/20 Shutter, ISO 400, Aperture Priority, Evaluative meter

The smoke froma few fires around and a sunrise combined for this beautiful image. I am not quite sure what is in the water. I thought it was just a few rocks at first but on closer inspection it seems to be something else.

Pentax K20D w/55-300, f18 Aperture, 1/60 Shutter, ISO 400, Aperture Priority, Evaluative metering

I though the sand felt a little different and it surely was. A high salt content mixed with sand to create a uniquely beautiful image.

Pentax K20D w/55-300, f18 Aperture, 1/30 Shutter, ISO 400, Aperture Priority, Spot metering

All along the shoreline can be found remnants of a diverse ecology. The contast in texture and color here was great. I in a hurry though and forgot to readjust my aperture. Still turned out ok though.

Pentax K20D w/ 55-300, f18 Aperture, 1/18 Shutter, ISO 400, Aperture Priority, Spot metering

As the sun was beginning to rise on my way out, the water was exceptionally smooth and a few of the birds had not quite awakened yet. The contrast of the grey mountain reflection and the golden colors of sunrise was beautiful and very calming.

Pentax K20D w/55-300, f18 Aperture, 1/50 Shutter, ISO 400, Aperture Priority, Evaluative metering

A little Desolate huh? It's hard to imagine only 5 miles to the left are a few million people. I love the hard cracks and stark contrast in this image.

Pentax K20D w/12-24, f22 Aperture, 1/80 Shutter, ISO 400, Aperture Priority, Evaluative metering, B&W created in Lightroom

I have seen this log a few times as I went out to the Island as always thought I should stop and take a few pictures of it. I am glad I did this time. The storm clouds and the desolate landscape exagerated the rough log even more. I would have liked just a little more contrast, but it was pretty flat lighting.

Pentax K20D w/12-24, f22 Aperture, 1/40 Shutter, ISO 400, Aperture Priority, Evaluative metering, B&W in Lightroom

Ishot images as I went out as the sun was coming up and on my way back. The heavy cloud cover started to break and presented this beautiful opportunity. This is one of my favorites for the day.

Pentax K20D w/55-300, f18 Aperture, 1/100 Shutter, ISO 400, Aperture Priority, Evaluative metering, B&W created in Lightroom

The Antelope Island Ballon Stampede is a great photo opportunity...if they can get those darn things in the air. Although they didn't fly, I still managed to get a few good images in the time I spent there.

Pentax K20D w/12-24 lens, f9 Aperture, 1/125 Shutter, ISO 400, Aperture Priority, Evaluative metering,
B&W Adjustments in Lightroom

SUN-flower

As I was driving ome from work today, I couldn't help but notice the huge summer sun and the beautiful color as it began to set. When I pulled over to get a shot, I noticed the lone sunflower straining to get the last drop of sun.

Pentax K20d w/ 55-300, f16 Aperture, 1/1000 shutter, ISO 200, Manual Exposure, Evaluative metering