Saturday, October 20, 2012

Road Trip Part 2: Grand Teton National Park

Mormon Row + Ansel Adams
The groups of old farm buildings known as Mormon Row have withstood the elements for more than a century, since the farmland was first homesteaded by the predominantly Mormon settlers in the early 1900s.  Six of the original 27 homesteads are preserved as historical landmarks and have become iconic Grand Teton photographs.
 
This is one of several locations so popular with photographers that we arrived an hour and a half before sunrise to claim the prime positions.  Tripod legs overlapped and once a spot was established, there was no repositioning.  Anyone who arrived after this iPhoto was taken did not get a clear view of the T.A. Moulton Barn.  My tripod on the right holds my place.
When the Grand Teton portion of the workshop ended, I had 5 hours before we were scheduled to reconvene at the Old Faithful Inn, back in Yellowstone.  I used some of that time to revisit Mormon Row and take the shots I couldn't get earlier.
 
Another popular photographic spot is Snake River Overlook where Ansel Adams took one of his famous photographs.  I could be standing right where he once stood. Once again we had to arrive early to claim our positions.  This photo, taken by Mike Hall (far left), shows the entire workshop group.   Don Smith, the workshop leader is 5th from the left.
When Ansel Adams took his photograph, the trees in the foreground didn't block the view and he  captured the entire curve of the river. 

Fall Color +
Our views of the mountains were often obscured by smoke from the Idaho fires, fog (unusual for this time of year), and clouds.  But theses same conditions brought out the best of the Fall Color, which was at its peak.  Enjoy....
 
This last shot has a blue cast because it was taken at 5:40am, more than an hour before sunrise, light & warmth (30 second exposure).      

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