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

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!

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!

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

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/

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!

See what all the BUZZ is about!

See what all of the BUZZ is about! There are deals “springing up” all over the place with our SPRING15 sale, now through March 15th, 2013!

I know in some places spring isn’t springing yet but maybe my “SPRING15” SALE will help! From now through March 15th save 15% on any purchase of $125 or more from my website. That includes all of my Aluminum, Canvas, Metallic & Luster Photo Paper prints…..this is the 1st SALE that I have EVER had in my Online Gallery and you KNOW there is a photo that you are just dying to have. It’s SO easy…just go to www.AncientLightPhotos.com - look at all of the pretty photos – choose your faves then just type coupon code SPRING15 in at checkout and you are all done. All you have to do is sit by the door until your custom printed, hand-signed Fine Art Photograph arrives as quickly as we can get it processed….don’t miss this SALE!

SPRING15 SALE!

ends March 15th, 2013

www.AncientLightPhotos.com

SPRING15 SALE!

My work can be viewed on my Online Gallery or at my weekly ArtBridge Art Shows in Old Town Scottsdale on the Marshall Way Bridge – through May I am showing and selling my Fine Art Photography on Thursday evenings from 5-10PM and then again on Sunday from 10AM-4PM – Come on by and say HELLO!

Tiny size – BIG WOW!

Whoever said “good things come in small packages” could not have been more correct! I recently introduced my fun new collection of “Mini Metals” at my Art Shows and now you can enjoy them too. These adorable 4″x 4″ photographs are printed directly onto glossy Aircraft Grade Aluminum and each has a 1/2″ metal stand out box on the back for ease of hanging and for more impact on your wall. I am offering my “Mini Metals” as small Trio Collections or as single pieces. Each piece is hand signed and they make great gifts for that special person in your life….please have a look at my Ancient Light Photos Shop on Etsy to see the entire collection.

From my “Wild Wild West” Trio Collection to individual “Magical Landscapes”…..mix and match them to add color and whimsy to any room! I even have a “Farm Fresh” Collection just for your kitchen!!!! Click on over to my Etsy Shop to see all of the adorableness and to place your order!

These have been the hottest selling item at my Art Shows – now you can see what all of the buzz is about! Tiny size…BIG WOW! CLICK HERE to go to my ETSY SHOP!

Dodge Bootlegger Truck

Since I saw the moving “Paul Harvey” commercial during the Super Bowl this past weekend I have been thinking about it. The 1st time I saw it run, and I have watched it many times since, it brought tears to my eyes – the imagery was so powerful and beautiful. I was instantly captured, inspired and touched. I loved the different styles of photographs and of course, was thrilled to see a few well executed HDR photographs in the grouping. I read that 10 “noted” photographers were commissioned to photograph “farming” – I have so far only found 2 of the 10 photographers names and would love to know who the other 8 are. As a woman photographer I am hoping that at least one of the names on the list  is of a female photographer – I always get a smile on my face when one of my “sisters” in the business does well.

Since 2009 I have not only been an HDR instructor but I have been a cheerleader for this creative and innovative photographic technique and am proud to have Photomatix HDR Software (HDRsoft) as one of my corporate sponsors. Since I have been processing many of my photos with this technique for the last 4 years I have certainly received my fair share of resistance and have had my work shunned by a few major publications editorial departments  But that has never deterred me from using this amazing tool that I feel so lucky to have in my “Artists Tool Box”. As artists I feel that we should use every tool at our disposal to achieve our “artistic vision”……Ansel Adams said it best:

“The negative is the score, the print is the performance,

and as a photographer and artist, you have the opportunity

to use a variety of tools at every step to create a print that

achieves your vision”

Never let anyone tell you that your vision is wrong or bad – stand strong in your photographic style and don’t let anything or anyone ever derail you. I have been making a living with my camera since 1989 and there have been many who have tried to knock me off my path of photographic discovery or tell me that it was impossible to do what I wanted to do for a living. I might have had some doubt at times but I know this is what I was born to do – having a camera in my hand and looking through that viewfinder is second nature to me….it comes as easily as breathing and it is what I will do until I am too old and frail to do it anymore. This “Paul Harvey” commercial not only inspired me with it’s powerful imagery but it reinforced my love of this ever evolving craft – I love what I do for a living and I feel fortunate each and every day that I am able to do so.

For those of you that missed this brilliant and beautiful commercial that has America talking – here is the YouTube link: “Paul Harvey Commercial”

 NEWS FLASH: Dates are now set for my 2013 “Full Moon at White Sands“ 2 Day Photo Workshop in New Mexico – to learn ALL about this annual event that I love doing please visit my WORKSHOP page. If you dream of magical white sand dune photos then you will want to join me in Magical New Mexico this August 20th & 21st, 2013.

UPDATE: Only 6 spaces left for this magical workshop!! Click here to learn more or to sign up – you DON’T want to miss it!

I hope to see you there……………Cheyenne

Photo Workshops

With 2012 winding down I have been getting so many requests for my new 2013 Photo Workshop schedule. I had SO much fun at my Workshops this past year – from Wild West Ghosts Towns to sweeping White Sand vistas….the photo opportunities were amazing and endless!

I am putting the final touches on my 2013 schedule Photo Workshop schedule – I have taken on a new project this year – I joined the Fine Art Show and Festival circuit so I don’t have quite as much time to plan workshops. So you can be sure that the few that I do organize and do will be SPECTACULAR!!!!  Stay tuned………….. or be sure to follow me on Facebook to stay up to date with my latest NEWS and EVENTS!

I wish you a Happy and Prosperous 2013!

Cheyenne

My Kickstarter Project

November 7^th, 2012                                                                            Contact: Cheyenne L Rouse

                                                                                         (435)640-6880

                                                                                                       chey.rouse@gmail.com

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Wild West Fine Art Photographer Launches Kickstarter Campaign

Award winning “Wild West” Fine Art Photographer Cheyenne L. Rouse looks to raise $5600 to take her Art Show on the road and to benefit the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – Fine Art Photographer, Author, Speaker and Photo Workshop Instructor Cheyenne L Rouse has just launched her Kickstarter campaign entitled, “The Cheyenne Show – An Art Show Journey”. The goal of the campaign is to raise $5,600 that will enable Rouse to participate in some of the West’s and Southwest’s most prestigious Juried Fine Art Shows. These funds will also allow her to upgrade her current Art Show set up, bring her inventory up to par, do promotions as well as shoot photographs to add to her extensive collection of Fine Art Photos of the West and Southwest.

Investor opportunities start at $1 on up to $2500 with “Rewards” of significant value for each level of funding; including signed and numbered Limited Edition Fine Art Photographs. In addition, for each level of funding there will be hand written Thank you notes, written credit on Cheyenne’s Facebook page, blog and website as well as a mention on a “Thank You” video that will be posted to Cheyenne’s YouTube Channel. The funding deadline for this exciting project is December 5^th 2012 at 5:04 MST. As part of this project Cheyenne will be donating a portion of the funding after fees and expenses to the American Red Cross to help the victim’s whose lives and dreams were devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

Cheyenne teamed up with Kickstarter in 2010 for another Photography project that was close to her heart. “Ghosts of the West” Photographic Series was successfully funded and resulted in a Gallery exhibit and popular book of the same name. Kicktraq, a Kickstarter tracking service, projects the campaign will reach 157 percent of its funding by the deadline December 5, 2012.

Cheyenne has been a professional photographer since 1989 and has had her photographs published in national and international publications as well as many ad campaigns. Her photographic specialty is “Celebrating the Legend, the Lore and the Landscapes of the Great American West & Southwest”; she is passionate about the region’s history and cultures and loves sharing her vision with the world through her photographs. With her photos Cheyenne hopes to continue spreading her message of inspiration as well as of preservation for the relics, culture and lands that she feels so fortunate to photograph.

Cheyenne’s Fine Art Photographs hang in the homes and offices of numerous private collectors across the country. “Without question Cheyenne is one of the most premier photographers alive today. I have seen nothing as original as her work since the days of Ansel Adams, she is amazing…” Facebook Fan, Pittsburgh, PA.

Originally from Miami, Florida, Rouse relocated to Scottsdale in June 2010 after living and working in Park City, Utah for 12 years. “I love the desert and am so glad to call the Southwest my home now. This region is a photographer’s paradise and I love all of the beauty, history and magic that it holds, I am never at a loss for a good photograph”.

Project website: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/494231038/the-cheyenne-show-an-art-show-journey

For more information or to contact Cheyenne L Rouse:

Cheyenne L Rouse

Fine Art Photographer

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

(435)640-6880

Chey.Rouse@gmail.com

www.AncientLightPhotos.com

www.CheyenneRouse.com

Turn your Photos into Fine Art HDR Class

Have you wanted to learn about the magic of HDR and how to apply it to your OWN photos? Well have I got an “HDR Bundle” for you!! For a LIMITED TIME I am “Bundling” my popular online HDR Class; “Turn your Photos into Fine Art” Online HDR Class 2.0 with  BOTH of my Best Selling eGuidebooks; “Cheyenne’s Top 10 Photo Locations” Southern Utah AND New Mexico. I will guide you to some of the most scenic and iconic locations in the region and NOW you can make your favorite photos from your road trip come ALIVE with HDR! This special Bundle will only be around for a Limited Time so act now.

As a Sponsored HDR Specialist for Photomatix HDR Software I will share with you the tips & tricks I use to achieve the consistently great HDR results that I get using this powerful but intuitive and easy to use program. I make it easy to follow and you will spend MORE time out shooting than sitting in front of your computer…..I even include 2 bonus videos as part of my online class…….”How to shoot for HDR” and “What’s in the Bag?”

You will have 30 days (24/7) to access my Online HDR Class once you receive your personal code – the good news is….the clock doesn’t start ticking on your 30 days until you Log-In….so why not buy now and learn when you are ready. Upon purchase I will also email you BOTH of my “Top 10 Location eGuidebooks” ….these PDF files are downloadable to your Smart Phone or Tablet!

Sold separately, my Online HDR Class and TWO eBooks, would cost you $76.97 – for a LIMITED TIME you can get ALL 3 for only $51.97 – that is a savings of $25.00…WOW…..now THAT’S a deal! All you have to do is click the PayPal “BUY NOW” button below and you can get started learning how to make your photos come to life with HDR! BONUS - I will also include my eBooklet – “Turn your Photos into Stunning Works of Art” with this Bundle! So that is my 111 minute Online HDR class and THREE eBooks…WOW…for only $51.97……………..how can you pass THIS DEAL up?!?!?

For more detail about “Turn your Photos into Fine Art” Online HDR Class 2.0 just click here but be sure to come back to THIS page to purchase the Bundle for the special pricing!

“HDR Bundle - Regular price $76.97 – Bundle Price – $51.97!!! For a LIMITED TIME!

IMPORTANT: Just click the Buy Now button to purchase the “HDR Bundle” and when you complete your PayPal checkout you will AUTOMATICALLY be redirected back to the Class “start page”…so be sure NOT to click out of PayPal – after that you will be  immediately emailed your 30 Day personal access code with my eBooklet attached then within a few hours, I will personally email you my TWO “Cheyenne’s Top 10 Photo Locations” eGuidebooks!

“Yellow Rising”

For a LIMITED TIME I am offering two of my MOST popular Matted & Signed 5×7 photographs entitled “Yellow Rising” and “Aspen Stand” for a special price. Regular price for all of my Matted & Signed 5×7′s Photographs is $29.00 each – for this “Happy Autumn” special they are priced at $22 EACH…..OR BOTH for $40…..SUCH a Deal! You can easily and securely order via PayPal right from my page…..just scroll down and choose your “BUY NOW” button by photo title or the “I MUST have both photographs!” button.

“Aspen Stand”

To purchase “Yellow Rising” 5×7 – click THIS BUY NOW button – $22

To purchase “Aspen Stand” 5×7 – click THIS BUY NOW button – $22

“I MUST have BOTH photographs” - click THIS BUY NOW button – $40 for BOTH!

Supplies are limited so don’t delay! Thank you!!!

“Believe”

I recently returned from a road trip that took me from White Sands, New Mexico up to Telluride, Colorado then back over and down to Scottsdale. As always I was on the hunt for “magical” photos and I came home with the “pot of gold” you could say. On my last day in Telluride I thought I would take a drive over to the always stunning Dallas Divide where I have shot photos many times, mostly early in the day since it is mainly known for great morning light. If you are lucky enough to see this place you will know that it is gorgeous at just about any time of the day! Today I decided I would try a sunset shot and with summer storm clouds brewing it promised to be dramatic. I had no idea what MAGIC was in store for me.

“Colorado Gold”

A little FYI about this stunning place. The “Dallas Divide” (8,983 ft) pass is a saddle between the San Juan Mountains to the south and the Uncompahgre Plateau to the north and divides the Uncompahgre River watershed from the San Miguel River watershed and Ouray County from San Miguel County. The pass takes its name from Dallas Creek which drains the basin on the north side of Mount Sneffels into the Uncompahgre River. The “Divide” is located about 12 miles west of Ridgway, Colorado on scenic Highway 62.

“Rainbows & Raindrops”

As I left Telluride and drove over the skies opened up and it poured – I considered turning around but thought it best to keep going and see if I could wait the rain out. I arrived in the pouring rain and pulled off into a pull out along the side of the road and situated my car so that the front of the car was facing the mountains with the fence perfectly lined up. I wanted to be ready should the rain stop and something magical happen…..like the sun popping out and making for some dramatic light on the mountains. The sound of the rain was so soothing and I had been pushing hard on this road trip so I thought a little cat nap would be nice. Living in Arizona the last 2 1/2 years I don’t often get to nap with the sound of rain anymore. I snoozed for about 20 minutes and when I woke up I looked around and noticed that there was a break in the clouds and maybe I would get a few minutes of light before the sun dropped behind the mountains. I also noticed a very slight rainbow starting to appear right in front of my car – OMG – as I watched it got brighter and brighter and then it became a DOUBLE RAINBOW……I couldn’t get out of the car fast enough and get my tripod set up to get some shots. It was still sprinkling and I hadn’t bothered to put my rain jacket on or cover my camera…I just shot and was squealing like a school girl…saying out loud; “Oh my god, would you look at this?”. There were cars speeding by and it couldn’t understand how they didn’t stop to witness this amazing sight – oh well, I had it ALL to myself - just the way I like it! After a number of shots I jumped back in the car so I wouldn’t totally soak my camera. I was still squealing like a school girl and that’s when I thought the raindrops on the windshield would make a cool foreground – so I leaned over the steering wheel and focused on the raindrops and BAM – I got the shot…I found the MAGIC…the Colorado Magic! This is my 2nd double rainbow this year and I have to say, I am feeling kind of lucky! I am kicking myself now for NOT buying at least one ticket for the HUGE $337 MILLION Powerball jackpot that was drawn last night – who knows, it might have been ME that won it – I mean I am on a winning streak of sorts.

The 3 photos that you see posted are now available to order as prints – to see a larger version just click on each photo. To order please email me with the title of the photo you would like and specify the size and finish and a PayPal invoice will be emailed to you ASAP! Each photo is custom printed and hand signed before it is shipped. Please allow 2-3 weeks for order processing. Currently, mattes are only available for the 5×7 and 11×17 sizes. Pricing is as follows:

5×7: Matted/Hand Signed – Luster paper only – $29 (FREE US SHIPPING) (Antique White Matte)

8×12: Hand Signed – NO Matte – Luster or Metallic paper – $65 (US S/H $7)

11×17: Matted/Hand Signed – Luster or Metallic paper – $149 (US S/H – $13) (Black or Antique White Matte – please specify)

16×24: Hand Signed – NO Matte – Luster or Metallic paper – $125 (US S/H $11)

24×36: Hand Signed – NO Matte – Luster or Metallic paper – $225 (US S/H $15)

Also available to be printed on METAL or CANVAS – please email us for that pricing.

Thank you and please let me know if you have any questions! To see more Photographs for sale please visit our “Gift Shop” or my online Fine Art Photography Gallery.

Cheyenne

As always all Matted and Signed 5×7 photos are printed on archival luster paper, hand signed, matted in high quality “Antique White” mattes then bagged for protection.  Each Matted/Signed 5×7 is $29 and that includes FREE shipping in the US….you can’t beat that!

We make it easy to order …just choose your photo title(s) and email me at chey.rouse@gmail.com with the photo titles and amounts – (PayPal buttons were in place but they malfunctioned…sorry for the inconvenience) and I will email you a PayPal invoice ASAP and begin processing your order! Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipping…we try to get your order out within 24 hours but sometimes we run out of prints or mattes and have to reorder them…..these photos are very popular….thanks to you all! Copyright info will not appear on your photo – but my pretty artists signature will!

“Believe”

“Ranchos De Taos”

“Colorado Gold”

“White Waves”

“Lost Dutchman’s Gold”

“Crazy Yucca”

We make it easy to order …just choose your photo title(s) and email me at chey.rouse@gmail.com with the photo titles and amounts – (PayPal buttons were in place but they malfunctioned) and I will email you a PayPal invoice ASAP and begin processing your order! Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipping…we try to get your order out within 24 hours but sometimes we run out of prints or mattes and have to order…..these photos are very popular….thanks to you all! Copyright info will not appear on your photo – but my pretty artists signature will!

Massive Dust Storms Roars into Scottsdale

What started out as a peaceful and quiet Saturday afternoon this past weekend quickly turned VERY exciting here in Scottsdale, Arizona. In the summer time it is not usual to get dust storms (aka Haboobs) from time to time. They are created by outflow winds from powerful thunder storms that are common during the “monsoon” season from July – Sept. These strong winds kick up the dry desert dust and/or sand and push it ahead and this massive wall of dust can sometimes be the result. I was out on my back patio and saw it coming in from the east – the color of the sky starts to change ahead of it – so I knew something was coming. So of course, I grabbed my camera and headed east about 3 miles to the Indian Reservation where there are 360 views and BAM – the monster was rolling right for me – it was MASSIVE. It rolled in FAST and I took shelter in my car just in time but not before I got some dramatic photos and video not to mention sand in my eyes & mouth – I am still chewing on it! So many people who don’t live in the desert are intrigued by this awe-inspiring phenomenon so I thought I would share. Below are more photos from this crazy “phenom”.

Dust storm – AZ 7/21/12

Indian School Rd – Scottsdale

My video is posted on YouTube – have a look: 

We also had a GREAT lightning show last night – the photo below is of Camelback Mt in Scottsdale. What a great day it was to be a photographer – now to go clean all of the dust and branches off of my patio before the next one hits! 

Camelback Lightning

“Turn your Photos into Fine Art”

Online Photomatix HDR Class 2.0

ALL NEW & UPDATED!

All new updated material! In this NEW class I show you in depth, my workflow (Picasa3, Photomatix Pro 4.2 & Lightroom 3) and SHARE the steps that I use to create my HDR photos as well as tips on how I get consistent results. I even show you how to quickly and easily watermark your images with your name and © symbol. Also included are many sample HDR photos as well as “on location” video showing you the HDR shooting technique AND a BONUS video of “What’s in the Bag?” PLUS, my updated 22 page eBooklet; “Transform your Photos into Stunning Works of Art”. This ALL NEW & UPDATED 112 minute online class is packed with tips and info to help turn you into a bonafide HDR addict in just ONE DAY! No need to spend hours in front of your computer viewing endless tutorials or complicated editing programs to learn how to do HDR! My simple approach is not overly technical, it is intuitive and FUN!

To learn more about the ALL NEW 2.0 VERSION  click THIS LINK!