Doing it Right – Ron Pelton Jr & Sharon Breshears

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Cheyenne L. Rouse

From time to time I like to cruise through the News Feed on Facebook and see what is going on in the Facebook world. With almost 7000 “Friends & Followers” on Facebook I don’t often get a chance to do that since it is a full time job just managing my own page. Every now and then when I am in the middle of cruising the News Feed I am stopped by an image that catches my eye for one reason or another. Yes, there are the images posted by the Pros that are always gorgeous but it’s the ameatur and serious hobbyists that I like to watch. I thought I would take the time to give a few photographers and pat on the back and say “good job”. I have chosen two photographers who just happen to be former HDR students of mine….one I knew about since we have become friends and the other I had forgotten that she took my “Turn your Photos into Fine Art” Online HDR Class early last year until she reminded me when I contacted her about this blog post. So as a proud teacher, allow me to “show off” my former students and let them know that I think they are “Doing it Right”…good job and keep shooting!

Below are short interviews and a photo from Ron Pelton, Jr and Sharon Breshears

Ron Pelton Jr is an Arizona native and I have watched his imagery just keep getting better and better! Good Job Ron…you definitely have drive and passion for your work!!!!

When did first pick up a camera and what made you fall in love with photography?

“My first camera was a Kodak Colorburst and I hated that I could not get the same type of picture that I was seeing in my minds eye with that camera. My next camera was a Canon AE-1 35mm in 1983 from my parents. I used to look at Arizona Highways (still do) and always dream that one day I would have an image in the magazine. I love art work and soon found that I could capture what I was seeing with a camera. I found a passion inside to bring the beauty of our beautiful state to other people who for many reasons may not have the chance to see areas of Arizona and what it has to offer.”

Where were you born and raised?

“Born in Winslow, Arizona. Spent some time outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico”

What subjects do you love to photograph the most?

“Any and all landscapes in the Southwest. I also enjoy night photography and have found it has really helped me understand the power and the magic of light.”

Are you self-taught or did you have some training?

“Pretty much self- taught. My Dad, Ron Sr. and I used to talk about f-stops and other photo related subjects but I really never understood all of that until I went out and shot then made corrections the next time out.”

What inspires you?

“To see images that pro photographers have shot and then go out and strive to shoot it as well or better. I learned this little lesson from Cheyenne Rouse. I am very blessed to have a following of my work and the support of my images. It drives me harder to become better at composition and processing my images I see in my mind. I learn something every time I go out and shoot.”

You can see more of Ron’s work on his website: http://www.rondawgphotography.com/

Sharon Breshears just picked up a camera a few years ago and her talent just keeps getting stronger and stronger! Good Job Sharon!!!!

When did you first pick up a camera and what made you fall in love with photography?

“In 2008, I was blessed with a trip to Israel and Jordan. I fell in love with colors, lighting and textures! I was amazed at the beautiful photos I was able to capture with an inexpensive point and shoot camera. In February of 2012, I finally decided to take up photography as a hobby. I bought a Canon 7D and have shot photos nearly every day since.”

Where were you born and raised?

“I am a native Idahoan.”

What subjects do you love to photograph the most?

“I love nature and landscape photography. I especially love to chase the morning and evening light.”

Are you self-taught or did you have some training?

“I am mostly self-taught. I am a graphic artist and owned my own screen printing and embroidery business for many years. It was a natural for me to learn to use Elements 11 and Photomatix. I used Photomatix HDR software for a few months before coming in contact with Cheyenne Rouse on Facebook. I then signed up for her online ‘Turn Photos into Fine Art’ Online HDR Class. This class helped reinforce what I had already learned and also taught me some new HDR techniques.”

What inspires you?

“My inspiration comes from God’s Word, the Holy Bible. When I am out enjoying a nature photo shoot, a scripture passage is brought to mind as I witness God’s beauty unfold around me. When I share my photos I love to share the particular scripture or inspirational quote that inspired each photo.”

Congrats to both you – keep shooting beautiful photos and bringing your artistic vision to the world! Oh and BTW, I did not ask either Ron or Sharon to mention me or that they took my class in their interviews – it just worked out that way.

Happy shooting everyone!

Cheyenne

Posted in Fine Art Photographs, Fine Art Photography, High Dynamic Range, Landscapes, Online Photography Classes, Photo Workshops, Photography, Photography classes, Photomatix | 4 Comments

In the Footsteps of the Masters – Oceano Dunes, CA

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Cheyenne L. Rouse

Oceano Dunes

On my recent trip to CA I knew that I would have some free time to explore when I got done with a trade show that I was speaking at in LA. I would be making my way up to the Central Coast for a little wine tasting and I would be staying Santa Maria which is just south of San Luis Obispo. In my road trip planning I scoured my map for a location that I could go shoot near Santa Maria and saw a little spot right on the coast called Oceano Dunes SVRA and Guadalupe -Nipomo Dunes NWR and thought to myself, “Mmm, Dunes, I love dunes, this could be a great place!”. I love shooting sand dunes and have shot many throughout the years. From White Sands to Imperial to Death Valley to Great Sand Dunes NP but I could not recall shooting any dunes along the coast. I know it seems somewhat counter intuitive since many dunes are ON the coast but I have always been drawn to the desert dunes.

Anyway, I did some Google searches and didn’t find a whole lot of info then I emailed a friend in Santa Barbara to see if he knew about these two places. I try to preplan my shooting as much as I can before I hit the road….sometimes it is helpful and sometimes the place just doesn’t pan out for one reason or another but I like to “know” where I am going so I can start visualizing the shots that I want. My friend in Santa Barbara referred me to a photographer in the Santa Maria area and that is when I got the info that sealed the deal. The photographer told me that part of the dunes (The dunes are split into 2 areas) was used for ORV activity and the other part was a wildlife refuge so of course none of those pesky and very loud vehicles would be bothering me. Well I knew what part of the dunes that I would be going to! To me there is nothing more annoying than when I show up to shoot sand dunes and there are tire tracks all over the place and loud “bee-like” noises buzzing in the background…it kind of ruins the mood for me. But then again, most of the dunes that I choose to photograph don’t allow ORV activity, which is VERY ok with me. Sorry ORV peeps…I just don’t like those things.

Oceano Shadow Play

As luck or serendipity would have it one of the other photographers at the trade show I was doing lived in Santa Maria and I told him of my plans to go explore the dunes. He quickly responded that he would cancel his meeting for the next afternoon and be my personal guide to the dunes. Yes, this is awesome I thought, there is nothing like a local to take you out to shoot at a place you haven’t been before. Luis Escobar and I met up the next afternoon and we caravanned out to the coast – I am so glad he knew where he was going because with all of the twists and turns I had no idea where I was but I knew it would be the best secret spot of all since he had been shooting out here for years. We arrived, parked and gathered our gear…off we went into the dunes. Luis told me that Master Photographer Edward Weston had shot this gorgeous 17 mile stretch of coastal dunes many times. If it was good enough for Mr. Weston then it was good enough for me. Luis said we had gotten lucky that the marine layer had not moved in as is so often does this time of year. The sun was shining and the breeze was damp and a little cold, for this desert girl, so I threw on another layer. Only to quickly start “glowing” as we hiked up and down the dunes to find our ZEN. As we stood atop the dunes I scanned for patterns and light and found a few choice spots that caught my eye. Luis went his way then I went mine to commune with the dunes then after we shot our “serious photos” we played around with shooting photos of each other and of course I had to do some “shadow play” shots….my trip would not be complete without one. The sun sank low and the light was fading so we called it a wrap and headed for our cars.

Chey – Oceano

When I returned home I just happened to pick up one of my favorite books that sits on my coffee table; “Examples – The Making of 40 Photographs” by Ansel Adams. I was thumbing through it and was stopped in my tracks by a gorgeous sand dune photo, the caption; “Sand Dune – Oceano, CA”! OMG – really? Ansel Adams shot here too – wow…..I knew I loved this place. I read the article about the making of this photo and had to chuckle…even in 1950 when he shot there he complained about the “obtrusive dune-buggy infestation” – great minds think alike! I knew this place was special but now it is even more special. I always love knowing that I am walking in the footsteps of the Masters and Oceano is now one of those places I can hold with just a little bit more reverence in my mind and in my soul. Thank you to Luis Escobar for being the perfect guide!

PHOTO WORKSHOP: If you love photographing sand dunes I offer my “Full Moon at White Sands” 2 Day Photo Workshop in MAGICAL New Mexico…..August 20th & 21st, 2013 – I have a few spaces left! Click HERE for more info!

Posted in Ansel Adams, Fine Art Photographs, Fine Art Photography, High Dynamic Range, Landscapes, Photo Workshops, Photography, Photomatix | 2 Comments

BIG Photo Show SPECIAL!!!

Posted on May 4, 2013 by Cheyenne L. Rouse

In honor of the BIG Photo Show in LA on May 4th & 5th I am offering a few “show specials” that I am extending to ALL of you! Here ya go……..don’t delay as some of these specials are only for a limited time!

SAVE 25% on my ALL NEW “How to Turn your Photos into Fine Art” ONLINE Photomatix Class 2.0 - including my FREE eBooklet! CLICK HERE if you want more info!
Save 15% on Photomatix HDR Software – CLICK HERE and be sure to use discount code “ancientlightphotos” at checkout to SAVE!
Save 20% on your next print order from McKenna Pro Lab – use code CHEY20 at checkout – CLICK HERE

You won’t find a faster and less expensive way to get started on the road to making MAGICAL photos with HDR than with THIS package of DEALS!!!!! Don’t delay…SALE ends SOON!

Posted in High Dynamic Range, Photo Workshops, Photography, Photography classes, Photomatix | Leave a comment

Announcing the Release of my NEW Book – “Photographing the Southwest – Celebrating the Legend, the Lore and the Landscapes of the Great American Southwest”

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Cheyenne L. Rouse

I am very proud to announce the upcoming release of my newest book; “Photographing the Southwest – Celebrating the Legend, the Lore and the Landscapes of the Great American Southwest”. This new coffee table book is my photographic “love letter” to this region of the country that changed my life forever. In this 45 page labor of love I share with you 42 of my favorite photographs of the magic that IS the Southwest. I will debuting this new title at The Big Photo Show in LA on May 4th & 5th, 2013 where I will also be holding book signings. You can pre-order your copy, either hand signed or unsigned, right here from my blog – just scroll down and make your choice. Books will start shipping on May 13th, 2013. Photographic books make thoughtful gifts as well as wonderful keepsakes for those that have an affinity and love of the Great American Southwest. CLICK HERE to reserve your copy today!

Posted in Books, ebooks, High Dynamic Range, Photography | Leave a comment

The BIG Photo Show – LA – May 4th & 5th – I will be there….will you?

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Cheyenne L. Rouse

Who’s going to be in LA May 4th & 5th for The BIG Photo Show?!?! The Big Photo Show will bring suppliers, retailers, labs and service providers together with consumers who are passionate about photography and videography. I will be at the McKenna Pro Lab booth showcasing the work that they print for me, doing a book signing of my brand new coffee table book; “Photographing the Southwest – Celebrating the Legend, the Lore and the Landscape of the Great American Southwest” AND presenting my “The Journey Back to Creativity – How HDR Changed my Life” show in the BIG Classroom 4 different times over the weekend! Wow….I’m tired already!

I hope to meet many of you there!!! For more info:
http://thebigphotoshow.com/

Be sure to follow me on Facebook for all of the latest updates and event news!

https://www.facebook.com/cheyenne.rouse

Posted in events, Fine Art Photographs, High Dynamic Range, Photo Workshops, Photography, Photography classes | Leave a comment

Canal Convergence | Spring Equinox – 4 Day Event – Scottsdale, Arizona

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Cheyenne L. Rouse

If you are going to be in the Phoenix – Scottsdale area March 21 -24, 2013 be SURE to come celebrate the Spring Equinox with us at the Canal Convergence. This Annual 4 day FREE event presented by Scottsdale Public Art is held along the beautiful Scottsdale Waterfront will be full of Amazing Art, Food, Music, Performances, Sunshine and FUN! I will have my booth set up on the Marshall Way Bridge and would love to have lots of visitors…so come say HI! It’s PRIME TIME bragging season for us here in the Valley of the Sun…this will be the last big event before we turn back into the Valley of the Sizzle! So don’t miss it! ☼

ArtBridge – Artisan Market booth hours:

Thursday, March 21, 5-10 pm
Friday, March 22, 12-9 pm
Saturday, March 23, 11-7 pm
Sunday, March 24, 10-4 pm

for more info and directions here are two links:

http://www.scottsdalepublicart.org/events/canal-convergence-spring-equinox/

http://www.artisanmarketsaz.com/

Posted in Art shows, Fine Art Photographs, Fine Art Photography, Landscapes, Metal prints, Old West | Leave a comment

Protecting my Copyright and my Livelihood…not an easy task these days.

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Cheyenne L. Rouse

Is THIS how I have to copyright and watermark my photos now to post them online? I am starting to think it is!

One of the simple “Golden Rules” of living is; “Don’t take things that don’t belong to you” seems to have been forgotten in this cyber world of ours. I feel it is part of my job as a Photographer and Artist to remind viewers of my work that this simple rule still applies. With today’s ”if it’s on the web it must be FREE” take on photos, art and music, creatives of all kinds are under attack and we have to be more vigilant than ever. Over the last few weeks I have dealt with more than my share of copyright infringement issues. It boggles my mind STILL (and I’m not sure why it still does, but it does) that people take a knowingly copyright protected image and use it, thinking no one will ever find out. Of course, I can’t be all over the place but I do have many eyes out there and I thank them for alerting me of these offenders but I do know that I cannot catch everyone.

In one case the “offender” used my hard work, without my permission, to upload to a paint chip site so they could get the palette to paint a bedroom. That is NOT acceptable. In the other case the “offender” posted one of my best selling limited edition photos on their Facebook page and not only stripped my copyright off but added a texture overlay to my protected photo – this is a blatant and flagrant offense of copyright infringement. The “offender” then claimed it was their right under the “Freedom of the Press” act as a journalist to do what they did…wow…I’ve never heard that one before! That is also NOT acceptable. NO USE WITHOUT PERMISSION IS ACCEPTABLE….PERIOD! Needless to say I went after both of them with a vengeance and alerted Facebook and the paint chip website of this violation (hence I have earned the nickname “Ninja Warrior Copyright Protector” – it’s a joke people) and the photos were quickly removed.

Here is our lesson of the day……What is Copyright Infringement? Copyright infringement occurs when someone other than the copyright holder copies the “expression” of a work. To fully understand copyright infringement, you must understand what rights you hold as a copyright holder. You own more than just the rights to reproduce the work filed with the US Copyright Office. An owner of a copyright owns a “bundle” of rights. Each of these rights can be sold or assigned separately. Copyright infringement occurs when one of those rights are used without the express consent of the copyright owner.

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT OCCURS WHEN THE COPYRIGHT OWNER’S RIGHTS ARE VIOLATED – Period – End of story!

What does “All Rights Reserved” really mean? It means that under the confines of the law, that all their rights to proclaim and maintain their patent, copyright, or ownership of the advertised product is legally theirs to reserve to pursue action against those that infringe upon their rights.

Bottom line – let’s all live within the GOLDEN RULE – “don’t take things that are not yours” – Ask permission BEFORE you decide to “use” another artists work! Ignorance is NOT an excuse anymore! We all work very hard in this business to earn a decent living and there is considerable time and money that goes into producing photographs. To me it is like someone walking into my house and taking something then walking out with it like nothing happened when one of my photos is “stolen” – this is EXACTLY what it is like. It is theft and that is why there are LAWS to protect us! My photos are OWNED by me under the US Copyright Laws and by merely posting them on Facebook, which is a very important part of my marketing strategy, does NOT mean they are free to use…..which is why I post this under every photo I upload to any social media site:

“Friends, feel free to ‘Share’ (sharing does not mean USE – it just means SHARE) this photo, with your friends and family here on Facebook only, but please remember this is a copyrighted photo and you may not use it for yourself, your Facebook page or for your business for ANY reason, without express written permission and usage fees, if applicable. It’s not only illegal but it’s BAD KARMA and I will take action! Thank you for respecting my copyright. © 2013 Cheyenne L Rouse – All Rights Reserved.”

All of this of course takes me away from what I should be doing – being out in the amazing Southwest shooting photos and marketing them to the world as well as ALL of the other day to day business at hand – NOT playing “Sergeant Cheyenne” Police Woman!!! I don’t like being mean and angry but I WILL BE when I find someone taking my hard work without prior written permission and no regard for the law………..trust me, you DO not want to see me turn into the “Ninja Warrior Copyright Protector“…it is NOT pretty!

Ok – I feel SO much better now……thanks for listening!

Posted in business practices, copyright infringement, Fine Art Photographs, Fine Art Photography, Photography, Uncategorized | 4 Comments