Everything in the raw, right? I mean really, I buy “Sugar in the Raw”, but I don’t think it’s really in the raw. If it were, wouldn’t I be dunking plant pieces into my morning decaf?
Raw is good in many cases. Raw carrots rock, raw broccoli….not so much. I’m really digressing here, apologies.
It so happens that I also shoot in RAW mode. All the image data is collected and stored. That’s why when using an 8GB card with a 21 Megapixel camera I find myself running out of shots quickly. Good thing I carry extra cards with me.
In the case of this post though, I’m not talking Raw sugar or RAW image mode. I’m talking about the final photographic product. Unedited, untouched, and still, unbelievable! I’ve only started sorting through the images shot over the weekend and I’m blown away. I have flagged so many picks in Lightroom it isn’t funny. And many of the images stand on their own without work. Of course, that doesn’t mean I won’t be playing fun HDR games as well. It just means that White Pocket is so stunning that enhancement isn’t always necessary.
So, the typing for this post is over. Now comes the photos. No edits, no corrections, no color enhancements. These are all as shot. In time I’m sure some will experience edits, but I thought you might like to see how cool White Pocket is “naturally”, or, “in the raw.” 
The last bit of sand dune reveals White Pocket
Swirls, spirals, and unique patterns around every bend!
Interesting cross bedding is found throughout the formations
I have no idea how these curved patterns are formed, I just know I like them.
Shadows play across the formations in the late afternoon sun.
More patterns curve and swirl toward larger formations
Why do I think of ice cream while at White Pocket?
Moonlight, high ISO, and time. Want to know more about these early a.m. shots? Leave a comment
Sunrise comes to White Pocket
When I setup this photo I knew I'd love it. It's hard to show that these formations are rock islands in a sea of sand.
11 Comments
If I had to vote for a favorite, it’d be the moolit shot with the stars – although given how Orion is positioned, it looks like you might have a little lens distortion going on…
Jason´s last blog ..Do My Eyes Deceive Me?
Mr. Jason…..
Good eyes. Yes, there’s distortion indeed. 17-40mm lens at 17mm.
And while I was shooting a series of shots by moonlight I kept exclaiming, “These rock, as is.” Surprised Tom didn’t beat me to death with his tripod!
If you think the distortion at 17mm is bad, imagine how it looks on my 10-22 @ 10mm!
Would love to know your EXIF on these…I’ve seen moonlit stars early in the morning and tried a few times without much success. Do you crank the ISO and keep the aperture wide to avoid blur?
Jason´s last blog ..Useful Resource
Jason, here’s the settings I toyed with for the shots (I did a bunch)…..
27 seconds, 17mm, ISO 1000 (that’s the shot on the newest post on the blog today).
Others I liked? 26 seconds, f/7.1, ISO 1000
25 seconds, f/7.1 and ISO 1000 as well.
So, pretty consistent range now that I look at it. Longer looked bad, shorter was too dark.
Oh, and the limited noise from the 5D Mark II at ISO 1000 is manageable! Plus I do have Topaz DeNoise, and the noise adjustments in Lightroom to boot. All the toys, all the toys……
Your jawdropping photography consistently amazes me. Amateurs (ok, me) are always moved by scenic beauty but our snapshots NEVER do it justice. When I see your pictures I imagine that they are representative, at the very least in spirit, of how that landscape looked and felt. They feel like they capture what inspired you point your camera there.
Is it time for me to upgrade my point and shoot to an SLR? Do I need a digital darkroom? Will better equipment even help…or do I just need you to follow me around on vacation and take the pictures for me? : D
Wow RG, big thanks for the compliment. I certainly don’t think me following you on vacation would be a huge help. It might actually creep your friends and family out. “Who’s the guy with the Tiley Hat?”
I’ll tell you what really started the change in how I saw scenes. Kelby’s Digital Photography book. I was taking pictures people liked, but after that short read I had all of these folks asking what changed? New camera, new software, etc, etc. Just a few simple tips in there about light and scenes made me re-examine what I did. It’s really simple subtle changes.
Oh, and the fun part with the web site is pretty simple. I take a lot of photos that SUCK! Since I get to pick, I don’t show you those!
I will say, sorting this last trip’s photos I’m not deleting like a maniac. Going through shots the past few days I keep saying, “Keeper, keeper, keeper…..I’ve got to find something to delete…..my hard drives can’t take this.” 
Finally, I’ve taken some photos that I love with my Canon SD550 (pocket point and shoot). Just rethinking light and settings is a huge leap.
If you have to get one software tool out there, Lightroom 2. And one book series…Kelby’s Digital Photography Books. 3 volumes, go one at a time. They’re super easy reads, but you’ll keep going back to the simple tips.
Thanks again!
SO, let’s see, f7.1, ISO 1000, and either 25, 26, or 27 seconds….LOL
Such variety!
Jason´s last blog ..Useful Resource
A big LOL Jason. Yesterday I opened up Lightroom and went to answer your question. I started writing it down and then said to myself, “Not much variety eh?”
I tried many other settings, but when I got to 1000 and f/7.1 I found my spot. Then I would move the camera, hit the cable release, chat with Tom while counting to myself, and then checked each shot.
Next time I’ll make up some additional settings…..
Thanks so much for the feedback and advice. One of the first things I can do that you suggest is “get to know your camera.” Yep…RTFM. I know my little pocket Panasonic has features I’ve never explored.
I’ve also recently been motivated by Chase Jarvis’ tagline: “The best camera is the one with you.”
Lots to learn! Thanks for the homework and inspiration.
LOL on the RTFM!
When I was a kid I was the point person on the RTFM activities. I’d get some cool present for Christmas and my dad would work on assembling it. The frustration was amazing. Meanwhile, I’d be reading the manual, then when he gave up I’d assemble the present.
Enjoy your photography RG! And thanks for following along. You inspired an entire post yesterday!
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