Tag Archives: mountains

Field in the Mountains of Peru

Posted on September 24th, 2015 by

Scenic Beauty

There are jaw dropping views in Peru. Even when the clouds blanket the landscape in fog, the place is beautiful. When the sun comes out…be prepared to be in awe. I was never quite sure when we were at high elevation and when we had descended into a valley, but this area was full of farm fields. I am not entirely sure what they grew, but it was likely the giant kernel corn they have in Peru. Oh so tasty and what a site this field makes!

Field in the Mountains of Peru
Field in the Mountains of Peru

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/9
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 4 September, 2015
  • Focal length: 16mm
  • ISO: 1000
  • Shutter speed: 1/800s
  • Title: Field in the Mountains of Peru

The Dry Sierra Nevada Mountains, July 2014

Posted on July 21st, 2014 by

California Drought

I was really surprised by just how bad the drought is in California. During our visit to Fresno we took a picnic with some of Pamela’s family up to Grant’s Grove in King’s Canyon. It and the Sequoia National Monument are some of my favorite places on the planet. There is something powerful about those giant trees, something about their eternity. We are born, and we die, but it’s only a moment for them. They are ever living.

All things though, have weakness and as we drove towards King’s Canyon (away from Grant’s Grove and into the Sierra Nevada), it became apparent the rampant danger California faces with the years long drought (since nearly 2010). The entire landscape of California seemed scorched, ravaged by the unrelenting sun and the lack of precious water. Much of the produce we enjoy around the country is kept alive on irrigation and water rights. I worry for the farmers who make their living in California. I am sad and disgusted by the pollution we have created. Mostly I fear for my trees, if our wanton greed and destruction should damage the Sequoia Groves we not only lose one of our greatest National treasures, we lose part of eternity.

The Dry Sierra Nevada Mountains, July 2014
The Dry Sierra Nevada Mountains, July 2014

Photo Technical Info

Hong Kong at Sunset

Posted on February 24th, 2014 by

Strange and Wonderful

I get myself to some crazy places these days. By crazy I of course mean amazingly awesome! Hong Kong is special in a number of senses. The blend of east and west make for a region of Asia that is like none other for Western travelers. I have a feeling I will forever recommend Hong Kong to anyone asking where to go in Asia for their first visit. It’s also an incredibly active city but with tons of natural wonder to explore.

Top of the Island

We visited Victoria Peak the last night in Hong Kong. Most of our time in the city was enshrouded in fog and the last evening was our best opportunity to photograph. There is an intriquate network of trails around the peak that take you out and away from the commercial areas. Here are a few suggestions for photographers:

  • Skip the peak tram and take a taxi. You will only spend a few HKD more and save HOURS!
  • Arrive Early! Because of the above, I didn’t feel like I got a prime spot. There will be many people with tripods.
  • Wear your walking shoes. There are lots of trails…we found our spot on Lugard Road.
  • Bring some layers. It gets cold up on top of Victoria Peak.
Hong Kong at Sunset
Hong Kong at Sunset by W. Brian Duncan

Mount Rainier

Posted on July 15th, 2013 by

Traveling Lucky

Pamela and I have been really lucky this year in our travels. I am not referring to how extremely lucky we feel to GET to travel (this applies triple for me), but moreover I am referring to how lucky we have been with weather. It hasn’t all been fantastic, but our trip to Seattle this year is a shining example. Normally when you fly into Seattle, you are doing good to see Mount Rainier…much less the other mountains. We had a ridiculously clear view of everything! When the captain announced we were flying by, I was also lucky enough to find myself on the left side of the plane. I snapped this photo of Rainier on a virtually unheard of nearly cloud free day in Seattle, Washington!

Travel Photography
Mount Rainier by W. Brian Duncan

Somewhere in the Ozark Mountains

Posted on September 13th, 2012 by

Heritage

I often prefer the big city, the ancient structure, the regal palace…its easy. Places like Sequoia National Forest or the Eiffel Tower are hard not to love. The most celebrated treasures of the world should be adored, but there are things closer to home, things we see every day which we too often ignore in our hustle and bustle world. The wonders of our own backyards should never be forgotten. I thought of this on a drive home from Eureka Springs Arkansas when I took this photo at a random scenic overlook. The treasure of others sparkle so brightly while we often ignore the glory and beauty of what we ourselves possess. Be thankful for your blessings. Be thankful to be where you are today…tomorrow it maybe gone.

HDR Photography
Somewhere in the Ozark Mountains by W. Brian Duncan