Anna Louise Photography

It’s been a really long time since I’ve gotten to do any fun personal work so I’m really excited about this set of images. Nature if one of my favorite subjects, especially when it comes to Yosemite. It is such a fascinating place largely because it has amazing light! These photos were taken on our 2nd Annual Fall Trip to Yosemite last month. We snuggled into our warm, comfy outdoor gear for four days and spent the whole time tripping around the floor of the valley and occasionally scaling the impossibly steep walls marveling at the scenery and reveling in how great it felt to get around without ever getting into a car. We were able to photograph for hours at a time because the warm, waning afternoon light seemed to last forever. I think it has something to do with how the light filters in over the walls of the valley prolonging the effect photographers call “sweet light” that you usually only get the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. In any case, as a photographer that kind of light is like crack and makes you unable to do anything but wander and take pictures until the sun disappears completely. So that’s what we did.  And here’s what I was lucky enough to stumble across…

So, I have serious issues with shelling out the amount of dough it takes to be a “real” photographer. I mean, I know, I know, it’s overhead, but is it really overhead when you’re not really sure of your next paycheck? I may or may not make money at this I realize. So plunking down my credit card for something that costs an arm and a leg makes me cringe. Big time. So you can imagine my reaction to wanting the 70-200 f2.8 vrII that Nikon makes which sets you back, oh say, $2400. Maybe you could find it cheaper on ebay or something, but it’s pretty new and the best that Nikon currently makes as far as tele-zooms. Seeing as my whole camera body cost that much, I just couldn’t swallow plopping down the cash. Even if it is the best of the best. So I went online and started reading. Turns out, there is another lens, the dirt cheap 80-200 f 4-5.6, that is rumored to be almost as sharp and contrasty at mid apertures with good light. Yes, this lens might not do so well in the dark, but with some light, you could be in business. And the best part is, it’s only $100. So, after a minor hassle with the USPS (“Your package? We don’t know where it is.”) I finally got my hands on mine today. Of course I ran outside to do some test shots. And I have to say, not bad. It’s definitely sharp and has nice contrast. The first few shots below have pretty minor edits in Lightroom. And then at the bottom I had some fun with editing. It will be great to see how this lens looks photographing people. I won’t boast yet, but I might’ve just cheated my way into a decent telephoto. Snap.

iso 200 f9 1/200th at 200mm

iso 200 f5 1/650 at 95mm

I have more stuff than I know what to do with. Come over. I will take your picture. Just got my first flash (eek!) and actually know how to use it. Amazing. Got a great new bag that holds two huge lenses and my flash amongst other odds and ends. Definitely feeling ready to go take some pictures!