Dynamic Range - Do We Really Need It?

July 13, 2016

In modern digital photography, every new camera model announces its increased dynamic range, or ability to capture a broad range of light. All camera manufacturers are fighting to exceed their last model and their competitor's model, growing what seems to be an endless data sheet into a camera that can see in the dark, in all spectrums of light, can capture 10 gigapixels of data, and is essentially noise free...oh, and can also successfully fly into an erupting volcano. While I am all for the advancement of technology, part of me cringes when I see these specifications on all new camera bodies. What's missing in so many modern photographers is the ability to see and capture quality light. Mind you, I am writing this in the perspective of a landscape photographer. The advent of modern digital cameras have their place in other photographic mediums and strongly believe are important for the industry, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

The Sea of Gold - Montana de Oro State Park

April 25, 2015

Michael Strickland releases his new limited edition photograph entitled "The Sea of Gold." It was taken along the central coast of California on an evening in early April.

Coming to Peace - New Limited Edition Release

March 8, 2015

This is my first Limited Edition release of 2015, as I've started my new journey living on the Central Coast of California. Back in January, we took a quick weekend trip out to one of our favorite national parks -- Death Valley. I had never photographed DV on large format and it was only our second visit. We were greeted with an early morning sunrise that was absolutely spectacular, but due to the difficulty of focusing a large format camera in the dark and a lack of a strong composition, I did not expose a sheet of film.

That evening, the skies cleared out to our disappointment, but I went ahead and set up the shot anyways near the Devil's Golf Course, a part of Badwater Basin a bit farther to the north. About 20 minutes after the sun had set, I exposed one sheet of Fuji Velvia 50 for nearly 8 minutes. This long exposure captured the last light of day glowing above the horizon, which cast a beautiful glow across the valley.

I typically don't like to photograph scenes without clouds, but the clear skies allowed the texture and complexity of the foreground to pull the viewer into the calm, peaceful scene.