Agua Fria Skull

I recently had a rare opportunity to go deep into the Agua Fria National Monument here in Arizona. The
“Agua Fria”, as it is known locally, is just a stones throw (kind of) from my home in Scottsdale but I felt like I was hundreds of miles from the civilized world and that is very OK with me. Not only was the Agua Fria – or as I now call it the “Ahhhhhhhgua Fria” – VERY beautiful but it was also very “Fria”…….which means cold in Spanish. A bit of a cold front had gone through Arizona a few days earlier and the cold wind was howling up on this windswept mesa. It sure lived up to it’s name…brrrrrr!

Agua Fria Prickly Pear

If you aren’t already familiar with this amazing unit of the BLM and National Landscape Conservation System just a quick 40 miles north of the Scottsdale/Phoenix area – let me enlighten you.  If you have driven north on I-17 towards Flagstaff then you have no doubt passed right through this amazing and rather “shy” Monument – there is a sign along the highway but this rugged and remote 71,000 – acre environment doesn’t scream out at you to come in and play unless you have an adventurous soul…..which luckily I do.

The city lights of Phoenix from my tent

I ventured into “The Agua Fria” with a group of adventurous souls for a night of camping and then a day of rugged exploring into what turned out to be a virtual “Garden of Eden” in the middle of an arid prickly pear landscape. As we made our way down into this amazing canyon on our morning hike we passed by archaeological finds that boggled my mind – grinding stones just left in the grinding holes as if these people suddenly vanished off of the face of the earth. Archaic petroglyphs pecked into large stones that have stood the test of time for some 2000 years – WOW! So much to see and think about as I hiked – rock hopping from boulder to boulder down the wash and deep into the canyon. While many of the monuments archaeological sites are in remote and inaccessible areas damage and looting has occurred at some of them. As part of our nation’s heritage it is imperative that these prehistoric and historic sites remain untouched and protected – PLEASE help protect them! Remember, it’s BAD karma, not to mention it’s illegal, to take anything…..just sayin’!

Mano & Metate

Suffice it to say this was an amazing and quick trip but such a RICH trip. The photo opportunities were everywhere and I could go on and on about this national treasure but I won’t bore you with words. Below are more photos of the beautiful “Agua Fria” – I hope you have a chance to explore for yourself one day. I am sure you will agree that the name “Ahhhhhhhhgua Fria” is a perfect fit when you return home relaxed and recharged…..Ma Nature has a way of doing that. Thanks for letting me tag along….I will be back for MORE explorations into this land of rugged beauty and awe-inspiring archaeological wonders!

Agua Fria BLM boys

Dramatic Wild West Landscapes

Happy Campers

For more information about Agua Fria National Monument click here - now get out and enjoy those WILD places and don’t forget to take your camera. Remember to take only photos and leave only footprints!

Happy exploring – Cheyenne

Cheyenne speaking in Tucson

Ever since I made my way back into the world of photography in 2008, after what I thought was my “retirement” that unbeknownst to me turned out to be a 6 year break, I have been told that my story is not only a compelling one but serves as inspiration to many. Then Outdoor Photographer Magazine got wind of “my story” and asked if I would write an article detailing my journey. Well, YEA, of course I would! My article; “Stoking The Flame” was published in the June 2011 issue of the magazine and then “my story” seemed to take on a life of it’s own.

The Journey Back to Creativity

In my article I detail how a beautiful old Dodge truck that I found in Southern Utah “inspired” me back into a business I thought I was ALL but done with. I never even imagined that my story could help other photographers and people of all walks of life feel inspired to follow their passion or pursue a path in life that they had only been dreaming about.  I was then asked by several camera clubs and groups to come in and share my story.  I now speak on a regular basis at camera clubs, groups and organizations throughout the West and Southwest and present my “The Journey Back to Creativity” program.

I love haring my story and feel if I can inspire even one person to begin to follow their dream or to pick up their camera and see the world in a different way then my job has been done. I am continually humbled and encouraged by the kind and positive energy that I get back from the people that attend my presentations. I have several speaking engagements booked and am available to speak at your camera club, company or organization. Please contact me at chey.rouse@gmail.com for more information or to book me for an engagement.

Land of The Ancients

Join Fine Art Photographer and Southwestern Guide, Cheyenne L Rouse in magical Southern Utah for this Exclusive Limited Engagement Photo Workshop & Tour! These exclusive tours will be limited to no more than 2 participants per tour and will only be held TWICE in 2012 – so only a very lucky 4 people will get to get to experience the magic and mystery that Cheyenne has been experiencing with her photos and exporlations over the last 22 years. Please visit our Photo Workshop page to learn more about this exciting offering and see our new 2012 Photo Workshop & HDR Class schedule. Don’t miss this magical workshop!

Scottsdale Cowboys

Below is a recent feature that I did for Groupon – I only offer this “Photo Walking Tour” for a few dates during the winter……it’s a fun way to learn some interesting history, get some photos of quaint and very western Old Town Scottsdale and see the town at the same time not to mention talk “shop” along the way. Choose your “deal”, click the “PayPal” button and viola you are done! Oh….as a “Thank you” for joining me on the “Walking Photo Tour” I offer participants 10% off any one of my Photo Workshops or HDR Class (excluding my online HDR class).

GROUPON: (oh and this was written by their writers, not by me…just in case you were wondering)

Taking a compelling photo can be tricky, especially when documenting high-speed action shots or proving that the Washington Monument is not made of powdered sugar. Ensnare some snapping savvy with today’s Groupon from Cheyenne Rouse Photography in Scottsdale. Choose between the following options:

• For $56, you get a photography walking tour of historic Old Town Scottsdale for one (a $125 value).
• For $99, you get a photography walking tour of historic OLd Town Scottsdale for two (a $250 value).

• Tours meet at 4 p.m. on the following dates: (Be sure to include the tour DATE that you would like to be booked on in your PayPal payment instructions.)
• January 14 and 28 – Sold out!
• February 4 – Sold out!
• March 3 and 24 – a few spots left!
• *Each tour has a minimum of 3 participants with a maximum of 8

• Meeting location: We meet in the plaza in front of Casa de Artistas Gallery on the NW corner of Main St and Marshall Way in Scottsdale’s bustling Arts District.
•  7052 E Main St.
• Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

• Professional photographer Cheyenne L. Rouse leads troupes of aspiring shutterbugs in search of riveting images through photo-taking excursions in Old Town Scottsdale. Tours convene in the plaza out front of Casa de Artistas in Old Town Scottsdale for one-on-one discussions about each student’s photographic vision and favored shutter finger, allowing Cheyenne to focus her internal lens on planning camera parade routes. Armed with their own equipment, attendees then merrily romp for approximately 1/1/2 hours, exploring western details, architecture, and natural light. Shutters chatter away, elegantly immortalizing the interest and beauty of the scenery’s simple details as Cheyenne dispenses expert guidance on choice locations and the way to get drive-thru cashiers to say “cheese.”

Walking Tour for One: $56

Walking Tour for Two: $99

Please contact me, Cheyenne for additional information or any questions: chey.rouse@gmail.com or you can call me at 435.640.6880 – Thank you!  

“I really enjoyed Saturday’s walking tour of Old Town Scottsdale because the focus was on possible shots vs. messing with all the controls. Your experience with the area was very helpful in pointing out photo opportunities that I probably wouldn’t have seen.”

Cheryl B. – Phoenix, AZ

Wasatch Valley Winter

This week I decided to dig through the archives of some of the “Photo Tips” columns that I wrote for Utah Outdoors Magazine when I lived in Park City, Utah. I thought with Christmas only a few days away and the snow falling around the country that this one would be fitting. I lived at 7,000 feet for 12 years and while it was stunning on a sparkling bright blue bird morning after a fresh blanket of powder fell over night, I can say that I do not miss shoveling that stuff! I am very happy to now be living in Scottsdale, Arizona for the last 1 1/2 years and while I do have to content with extreme heat in the summer I never have to “shovel” sunshine. So this is to all of you that either live in the Snowbelt or visit it on vacation, which is the only way I will ever deal with snow again. Keep in mind that I wrote this column about 10 years ago and as you know the world of photography has changed considerably, but there are still some tried and true winter photo tips that remain helpful even in today’s fast paced ”techie-fied” world. Happy Holidays…………

Teton Winter

Now that old man winter has a firm grip on the west you might think that it is time to tuck your camera away until the first Daffodils pop up from the frozen ground next spring – wrong! Being a native Floridian with coconut milk running through my veins, I did not know what winter was until I moved to Utah in 1998. Winter for most of my life meant turning off the air conditioner and the humidity being 50% instead of 110%. What a wonderful change having 4 distinct seasons is and what a wonderful variety of images we can shoot all of those seasons, it is like living in 4 different places…such diversity and splendor right out of our own backdoor.

Skiing Action

Shooting photos in winter does require a bit more effort but the rewards are great! Winter sports and snowy scenics make great pictures if you know the tricks of ‘snow exposures’. Exposure on snow can be a challenge since our camera meters have been calibrated to see everything in mid-tones, a recurring problem and source of disappointment for many winter photographers is incorrect exposures. Unless you compensate somehow all of your snow images will be gray with no texture and all of the brightness will be gone. It might seem that with all of the bright light hitting your cameras meter that the natural thing to do would be to ‘stop down’ or close down the lenses aperture but it is the opposite you will need to ‘open up’ your aperture. Usually once you meter you would then open up two stops but this is not always the case. To insure a proper exposure keep the word ‘mid-toned’ in mind, look for those mid tones and use them for metering purposes. Ask yourself, which area of the final image you are most concerned with. Do you want the snowy bridge to be exposed correctly, or is it more important for you to have the running water exposed correctly? Successful exposure is achieving the results that YOU want…remember this is YOUR hobby and YOUR time…yes it IS all about YOU!!! We like that!

Winter Barn

Once again you will see that photography is all about experimentation and trial and error. There is nobody looking over your shoulder so have fun and do what you want…just keep that word ‘mid-tone’ in mind. Bracketing (trying different ones) your exposures is another way to insure that you will hit the nail on the head. A little ‘tripod warning’, metal tripod legs get very cold in the winter. You would be amazed at what can stick to cold tripod legs; let’s just say it could make for an unpleasant shooting day. I wrap my tripod legs in plumbing insulation and secure it with duct tape not only does it make the legs ‘touchable’ but it cushions them so when you carry the tripod on your shoulder it doesn’t get sore. I keep the insulation on year round. Gentle reminder: if you don’t take your tripod with you and USE IT I will send the tripod police after you! You didn’t think they existed now did you….well they do and You MUST use your tripod if you want tack sharp images and no holding your breath and leaning up against a tree while you shoot does not count…..USE YOUR TRIPOD!

Winter Bridge

A good rule of thumb is to carry a second set of batteries (or charged battery) with you and store them in a warm pocket inside of your jacket. Batteries can get very temperamental in the winter, it is strange, we can store our batteries in the fridge but take them out in the real cold and they die, what is that all about? Or do what I do, duct tape (I call it wonder tape) a hand or toe warmer to the battery compartment on my camera. It keeps my battery warm and my right hand while I am shooting stays pretty toasty too.

Frosty

A fun way to get back to those scenic backcountry locations is by snowshoe. I am a huge fan of this resurrected mode of winter transportation. I am sure that an image of Yosemite Sam with those big old clunky showshoes just popped into your mind…snowshoeing has come along way, it has become very high tech, and you’d be amazed. If you can walk/hike you can snowshoe it is that simple, just strap those babies on away you go. What a fun way to capture those sparkling winter scenics and get a great workout at the same time.

Now that we have covered exposures, transportation, tripods and batteries let’s talk proper attire. Dressing properly is key to enjoying your winter photo excursion if you are too cold or too hot you will not be eager to repeat your outdoor experience. Layering to be ‘comfortably cool’ is the way to dress. Yes, it’s snowing like crazy and the temperature is 5 below…but you will be working up a sweat especially if you decide to snowshoe. Choose clothing that is specifically designed to insulate and move the sweat away from you, it is called moisture management, did you ever think we would have to manage our moisture? Cotton is not an option as it holds moisture and will drain your body of its needed heat, garments made of polypropylene or similar fabrics are better choices. Make sure you have a good hat, warm socks and toasty gloves and have fun!

Now you are already for your winter photo excursion. Enjoy the peace and solitude that a lovely snowy day has to offer. And when that first Daffodil pops up in spring you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you had a very productive winter and shared in her gifts. Whether you are in the Snowbelt or the Sunbelt I want to wish you a very Happy Holiday season and much joy, laughter and adventure in the New Year.

Best wishes….Cheyenne

Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheyenne.rouse

Online Gallery: http://gallery.ancientlightphotos.com/

Waitin' for Santa in AZ!

The holiday rush is on and orders for my Fine Art Photographs are coming in fast and furious. There is still time to order Matted and Signed 5×7′s from my Gift Shop and get them in time for Christmas! To sweeten the pot I am offering FREE SHIPPING (within the US) on any size order. I also have my “Ghosts of the West” book available to order in the Gift Shop – it makes a great stocking stiffer.

Another great gift idea for that photographer in your life – how about a Photo Workshop or HDR Computer Class? Have a look at my Photo Workshop page to see the most up to date schedule of workshop and class offerings. Please contact me with any questions or if you would like to purchase a class for someone special in your life! You can email me at chey.rouse@gmail.com

Please join us on Facebook for all of the latest photos and updated news on Photo Workshops and HDR Classes. Also be sure to visit our online Portfolio as well to view our collection of Fine Art Photography.

We want to wish you all a very Happy and Warm Holiday Season!

Lomaki Sunshine

Being born and raised in sunny Miami and spending the first 30 years of my life there, it is hard to say where my fascination and “connectedness” to the Ancient Cultures of the Southwest came from. I have been out west for 21 years now and with each passing year my yearning to get deeper into the Land of the Ancients in the Four Corners region of the Southwest gets stronger and stronger. In 1991 I went back to school to get my certificate in American Indian Studies with my focus being the Ancient Southwest, I was so thirsty for knowledge about this amazing culture and couldn’t wait to get to class each Tuesday and Thursday. I was totally the teachers pet and sat in the very front row, I didn’t want to miss a thing. The other students hated me and my over enthusiastic attitude, I would have hated me back in school too, what a goober! If only something had held my interest like this in grade school my parents would have been much happier with my performance.

Ancient Canyon Pictographs

I just returned from another amazing photo journey deep into The Land of the Ancients. I was in the Four Corners region of the Southwest which includes SE Utah, NE Arizona, SW Colorado and NW New Mexico, hence the tag “Four Corners” has been given to it. I went to one place that I have been dreaming about shooting photos for many years. Upon my return home with hours on the drive home to think about and process the experience in my head, I have decided to be a bit mysterious about this particular location. Namely due to the fact this one is not on the map nor is it well known and I don’t want to add to any traffic that could harm these archaeological wonders. Of course there are many, mainly photographers, who know where this magical place is and just like I did anyone can do their research and find it.  So what I am saying is I am going to make you work to get your own photographs from some of these places, it’s more rewarding when you have to work for it, right?

Hisatsinom Dreams

Armed with a full pack – it felt reminiscent of my mountain climbing days – I carried 2 Tamron lenses, a 10-24mm and 18-270mm, a lightweight tripod, food, water, a down bag, camp chair, sleeping bag as well as lots of warm clothes. We made our way down into the canyon into what was to be an amazing 12 hour shoot that left us both in awe. This location was one that I could not wait to lay my eyes on, to see what the Ancient Ones had seen hundreds of years ago and feel the ancient spirits that were still present. We were prepared to stay the night if need be, it was a treacherous trail in the day light so we figured once we got up into the ruin we were there until the sun rose. I knew temps were going to drop into the high 20′s and me being more of a warm weather desert girl was hoping that having every fleece and down product on that I owned (ok not EVERY one) would keep me warm.

Timeless Vision at Night

We arrived at the ruin in the late afternoon and my travel partner let me walk in a few minutes ahead of him – I think he knew that I needed to view it for the 1st time in silence and by myself. It took my breath away – it was everything and MORE than I had envisioned in my mind and I thought about this place numerous times. All I could think was “WOW” – it was amazing and I knew that I was here to get the photos that I had seen in my dreams. I silently found a spot to unload my pack and quickly but reverently I set up my tripod and got my camera with the Tamron 10-24mm ready. This ancient alcove screamed for a wide angle lens so this lens was perfect. We set up and watched the magic happen for almost 12 hours – the clouds swirled and moved off to the east, the sun set and then the in the clear cold night the stars came out for a show, it was one of the darkest nights I had ever seen. We worked fast to get some great star shots before the moon came up which we knew would happen around 9:30PM. Then the glow of the moon was slowly making it’s way into the canyon – it was amazing to watch it all happen just like it had been doing for thousands of years. It is amazing for me to think that all of this beauty is always here – year after year – whether anyone sees it or not – it is here – words like strength, power, consistency and resilience came to mind as I looked out over this ancient land and listened to the silence that at times was deafening. I loved it!

Big Horn Family

At about 2AM I decided that all of my down products were not going to insulate me until the sun came up and I was COLD and all I could think about was the warm bed waiting for me. With the bright moon light we decided to give the hike out a try. It was a bit dicey in places and luckily my travel partner was a master at trail finding in the dark. It took us about an hour to get out with the moon guiding us – it was a beautiful hike back to the car. We knew that we had just witnessed something so amazing and we would not only need to process the experience but we couldn’t wait to process our photos. At 4AM my head hit the pillow in my very warm bed and I drifted off into a magical slumber dreaming about ancient times and what it must have been like.

Box Canyon Ruin

On my way to and from The Land of the Ancients I made a few stops to shoot some petroglyphs (pecked into the rock) and pictographs (painted on the rock) that I knew about. I used my Tamron 18-270mm to shoot the rock art – I love the up close detail of these ancient messages and this lens made it easy to zoom right in. I also stopped at Wupatki National Monument just north of Flagstaff – I wanted a well rounded and full “Ancient Experience” as far as my photos went and I am happy to say that I felt like I achieved my goal.

One Happy Photographer

In closing, I feel so fortunate to have realized a dream of mine – there are times when I am totally in awe and so amazed at the life that I have created for myself. It’s not an easy life at times, as anyone who makes a living as an artist can tell you. I have had some of the richest experiences of anyone that I know and feel SO lucky that I am able to live in an area of the country that speaks to my soul and do what I love for a living. With the world going seemingly mad these days it is nice to know that I can quickly escape to my magical world and feel transported back to a time when ancient people walked on this quiet Earth and lived simply. What also makes it so special for me is that I get to share my photos and my world with so many people thanks to Facebook, I have legions of loyal “friends” who are there every step of the way with me from around the globe, it is mind boggling at times. I get emails and Facebook messages from people telling me how my work and passion have inspired them to start shooting photos again. It is so humbling and satisfying to hear that, I feel like I have done my job if I can inspire just ONE person to follow their passion and create the life that they have only dreamed of. If I can do it then anyone can do it….now go live the life of your dreams and be sure to take your camera with you! Thank you for letting me share with you!

And I’d be remiss if I didn’t do just a little business here - Join my “Land of the Ancients” Exclusive Photo Workshop in May 2012! 

—Sponsored Content

Hot Air Balloons at night

Who knew that you could have so much fun with Hot Air Balloons without ever leaving the ground? Well I guess I already knew that but it made for a good title for this blog post didn’t it? Of course the “Gold Standard” for any Hot Air Balloon gathering is in Albuquerque, New Mexico every October, which I was fortunate to go to over 15 years ago. “Back in the day” I shot gobs and gobs of slide film and photographed the spectacle from every angle that you can imagine, the only angle I didn’t get was from the air! I would shoot “gobs and gobs” of film as insurance that I might have gotten a few good shots. This time I would be shooting with pixels and thanks to the digital age, able to instantly see the shots that I was getting. Also I know (after shooting gobs and gobs for years and years) that sometimes less is more and now I don’t need to go hog wild shooting tons of images – I had a vision in my mind and that is what I was going to focus on.

Zia Balloon

This past weekend a friend invited me to go with he and his two young boys to a local “Fall Balloon Festival” here in Scottsdale. Having seen “The Best of The Best” in Albuquerque years ago I thought to myself; “How good could this be?” Well I am happy to report that I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived and I saw an entire football field filled with deflated Hot Air Balloons just waiting to come to life. When fall arrives here in the desert the outdoor events are too numerous to count and are very popular since people are more than ready to be outside after such a long hot summer of being stuck in their air conditioned houses.

The festival was very crowded which concerned me a bit since I would have my tripod in tow and that would make me a 5-legged creature and 5-legged creatures generally don’t fare well in large crowds. I opted for my lightweight tripod with carbon fiber legs and quick-release ball head that doubled as my backpacking tripod for years. I quickly realized that if I worked “smart” here at the festival it would not be a problem, I would make this work.

"Fill'er up!

In addition to my tripod I was “armed” with my small “day” camera bag to carry my Tamron 10-24mm as well as my Tamron 18-270mm, so I had all of my bases covered for an event that called for both wide and detail shots. As the sun sank below the horizon the magic was about to happen – the glowing balloons were capturing everyone’s attention. The night was shaping up to be gorgeous, the stars starting to shine with a beautiful crescent moon elegantly hanging in the sky. The light fall breeze felt so good after such a hot summer and now it was “Show Time” for me and the balloons! I moved easily through the crowds, in and out of bumble bee balloons, a spider pig balloon and a butterfly balloon – I felt like Alice in Wonderland walking through this colorful “forest” of magical balloons. I staked out my first shooting spot and started with some wide angle shots with the Tamron 10-24mm then switched to the Tamron 18-270mm to move in for some detail – both of these lenses were perfect for this occasion; lightweight and they gave me all of the variety in focal lengths that I needed.

Wide Angle Fun

I found that the crowds of people that I was so concerned about ended up working out well for my photos, except of course when one gentlemen so mesmerized by the glow of the balloons ran right into me….oppss…no harm done, we both laughed it off.  The people helped add scale and interest to my photos in addition to some fun  shadows and movement. It was a great evening and I was really happy with the photos that I came away with. Best of all I kept my gear to a lightweight minimum and that enabled me to get in and out of crowds more quickly and get to the places that I needed to be. There’s definitely something to be said for keeping it simple when it comes to camera gear and those of you that know me know that I am ALL ABOUT keeping it simple! Oh and I am happy to report that I didn’t go hog wild with the pixels either, I shot about 260 frames over the course of a couple of hours and came away with many keepers!

Enjoy the great fall weather wherever you are even though some of you have already gotten that “pesky white stuff” aka SNOW over the weekend……at least I don’t have to shovel sunshine and I will take that any day! And speaking of snow, that means “you know what”, yup “The Holidays” are right around the corner. For a limited time I am offering FREE SHIPPING on all of my Matted & Signed 5×7 Fine Art Photographs in my Gift Shop – there are over 30 to choose from and ordering is so easy….just click a few buttons and “viola” you can cross a few names off of your holiday shopping list!

—-Sponsored Content

Aspen Stand

I love living in Arizona – I can have breakfast in the desert and dinner in the mountains,which is exactly what I did a few days ago. I live in Scottsdale which is 2 hours south of Flagstaff, Arizona, I had heard from my sources in “Flag” that the colors were peaking or “going off” as we say in the biz, so I knew I had to get up there fast. One windy storm and the leaves would be “gone with the wind” for sure.

I got up to “Flag” in the early afternoon, a little later than I had intended to, so I made a beeline right to the location that I was told the colors were supposed to be “going off”. I have to admit on my drive north I saw nothing that would lead me to believe that there was any good color at all and I was a bit anxious to see what I would find. I was glad when I started seeing some good color along the forest dirt road I was directed to. The light was perfect with warm gold and yellow tones and I wanted to get right to work. I quickly pulled into a what looked like a nice camping spot,  grabbed my camera bag and tripod and off I went….out into a world of autumn gold!

Yellow Rising

For the most part I always have a wide angle lens on my camera, I call it my “normal” lens. I love the unique perspective that it gives me. And I am all about seeing the world in a different way. I had my Tamron 10-24mm on my camera and I was standing in the middle of a stand of golden aspens breathing the crisp mountain air and taking in the beauty and light, I looked up at the gorgeous color and “BAM” there was the shot. I walked over to the aspen tree with the thickest trunk and basically put my chin to the tree turned my camera vertical and that was the shot. I love how it turned out and it’s funny, people ask me, “How do you see those things?”…..you just have to LOOK…..a wide angle lens is so much fun – just slap that lens on and the world is your “wide angle” oyster!

Aspen Meadow

Of course a wide angle is great for a “wide perspective” on landscapes as well – I like my lens at it’s widest setting – 10mm but it’s nice having the option of zooming in a bit too and with the Tamron 10-24mm I can do that. Life is all about having options isn’t it? When I get to a location that I want to shoot a unique perspective with my wide angle I actually put the camera to my eye and walk around looking through the viewfinder for “the shot”. It’s like putting on a new pair of reading glasses and walking in them for the 1st time and I wouldn’t recommend this in a busy city or at the edge of the Grand Canyon since it’s easy to trip if you aren’t careful but for me a trip over a small branch is all I had to worry about here – so don’t try this at home kids!

Silent Aspens

After all of the wide angle shots I thought I would “zoom in” for some detail photos since detail is really what makes up a sense of “place”. I put my Tamron 18-270mm lens on and as the sun sank low in the sky I noticed the shadows on the aspen tree trunks behind me so I turned my tripod around and zoomed in to isolate the patterns on the trees. The trunks on the aspen trees here were so unique, it was almost like they had animal stripes and that I would see some sort of perfectly camouflaged creature walk out of them at any moment. It was kind of creepy having those thoughts but I have a very overactive imagination and that is what happens. I wanted to give that “creepy” feeling in this detail shot of the trunks and I thought processing it to black and white would do it ….can you feel it?  I shot more detail photos with the Tamron 18-270mm – it gave me so many options as far as how many focal lengths I could utilize from wide to close-up. For a quick afternoon shoot I certainly came away with a great variety of shots from super wide to dramatic close up detail. Now it was time to head into town for “dinner in the mountains” then drive back home to the desert and call it a very good day!

So get out there and see the world with a different view - whether it’s wide or close-up play with your photos and the perspectives that you want to shoot. If it’s not FUN then why do it…so let’s have some FUN! Oh, did I mention that I love living in Arizona!

– Sponsored Content

*Some of these photos (and so many more) are available as Matted 5×7 Fine Art Prints in my “Gift Shop” – only $29 and for a limited time FREE SHIPPING!

Joshua Trees and Clouds Forever

When I am driving from one amazing location to another around the West & Southwest I realize that my life is a series of magical moments all strung together – like an amazing strand of pearls that I am so honored to wear. Each “pearl” a life changing and awe inspiring experience that I have had along the way. Even though I have really designed my life to be on the “nontraditional” side I sometimes have to pinch myself in amazement at the places I end up and things that I am so fortunate to see on my photo journeys.

Where the Streets have No Names

Having just returned from another magical road trip to Joshua Tree National Park (aka JTNP) with awesome memories and even better photos I am once again reminded of why I love this park so much. When I lived in S CA from ’89 – ’98 I spent many days out at JTNP marveling at it’s mysterious beauty and trying to capture this “mysterious beauty” with my camera. I am happy to report that on this trip I think I did capture some of that mysterious beauty with both my DSLR as well as with my video camera. I completed another epsisode of my video series, “Cheyenne’s VERY Cool Life“.  See for yourself as I take you with me and share what I see on this trip.

"Primal Fire"

I was fortunate to meet up with good friend and a master photographer while I was here and while I am normally a solo shooter I SO enjoyed his infectious enthusiasm and it helped kick start my creativity. I think we fed off each others love for what we do for a living. With an early winter storm just moving through S CA the nights were chilly and for this desert girl that is usually a sign for me to stay put and snuggle in my warm sleeping bag. But with the moon shining bright and stars twinkling the coyotes called us to come out and play in the night. And boy did we – we would sneak up to campsites with roaring fires without them even knowing we were there and capture primal looking scenes from ancient days with shadows dancing on the rocks. We captured eerie shadows thrown off by back lit Joshua Trees and huge round boulders shimmering in the starry night. We were like kids in a cosmic candy store, giggling and creeping around setting up shot after shot. I am pretty sure I have not had that much photo fun in years and years. Thank you Mr. Wizard for your inspiration and fun spirit!

Big Sky Big Clouds

I was mostly shooting for HDR while I was here but knew not all of my landscape shots would be processed in Photomatix. When I got back to my office and began to process it was amazing how different the Photomatix results were on my photos – some more surreal and some feeling dreamy and some feeling more real – all in all each photo depicts how I was feeling when I shot it which is why I love HDR – it lets me translate my feelings into my photos and that is why I use it. No other process has ever done that for me or my photos so I am a lifer when it comes to HDR. I helps me to achieve my vision and for me that is everything.

I now offer an HDR class online – in my informal 43 minute video I take you through the basics of how you can apply HDR to your photos too and unleash your own creativity. My work has evolved since I started using Photomatix about 2 years ago – I love where it’s going and you will be able to do that with your photos as well – whether you a seasoned pro or an aspiring ameatur. I might be running an Online Class special price soon so be sure to check out my HDR Online Class page often.

Be sure to save 10 minutes and watch my latest episode of “Cheyenne’s VERY Cool Life”

I am offering a special price for this late afternoon Photo Workshop - regular price is $199 – now only $125!!!

Space is limited so call 435.640.6880 TODAY to reserve your spot!

San José de Tumacácori

Last February I took a road trip down south and when you live in Scottsdale, Arizona “down south” can only mean one thing……the Mexican Border. Not to say that there isn’t a lot of beautiful places between here and the border because there is! But I was focused on one thing and that was shooting more photos for my upcoming book entitled, “Southwestern Spirituality“. I was on the hunt for more powerful spiritual and sacred sites to add to my collection. On this particular trip I wanted to go to a few places that I had not been to in a long time, Tubac for it’s artsy qualities and Tumacacori for it’s historic and architectural qualities.

Mission Door - Tumacacori NHP

This quest of mine to photograph sacred, religious and spiritual sites around the Southwest has been going on for several years now. I am drawn to hauntingly beautiful old cemeteries, mission churches, ancient spiritual sites and any other “powerful” site that I seem to happen upon in my travels through Arizona and New Mexico. I was not sure exactly where this fascination came from then I realized that after years of looking at one of my favorite Ansel Adams photos on my living room wall that was where my inspiration came from. Not only do I have a very strong connection to New Mexico but of course being a photographer I am in awe of Ansel Adams stunning and powerful black & white photographs and ”Moonrise over Hernandez, New Mexico” was the one that spoke to me. In the 1940′s when this dramatic photo was shot Hernandez was a hauntingly beautiful little village in Northern New Mexico with a rustic cemetery in the foreground and the moon rising up over the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. How could I not be inspired by such a powerful scene?

Tubac Cemetery

The feel and look of these religious and spiritual sites have such different feelings to me in each part of the Southwest. In New Mexico there is a very pronounced and heavy Spanish and Catholic feel very tightly woven with the Native American mysticism that is Northern New Mexico. In Arizona I find the same but with a heavy dose of Mexican influence with a dash of the Old West thrown in.

When I arrived in the artist community of Tubac, Arizona I looked at the colorful tourist map of the town and my eyes quickly fixed on the old cemetery that was at the end of town. It was late afternoon and the light was getting good so I jumped in my car and headed down the lonely road that lead to it. The cemetery had kind of a creepy feel to it as I entered the gates but a beautiful kind of creepy. I had never been to a cemetery where almost every inscription on the headstones was written in Spanish, but being only about 30 miles from the border of Mexico it wasn’t a surprise. I slowly wandered through this historical cemetery marveling at the craftsmanship that went not only into many of the iron fences that enclosed the burial sites but the metal crosses and crucifixes that were gently hung with love on the headstones. How so much time and attention had been paid to honoring the loved ones that had passed and making sure that they were cared for in the after life – where ever that might be. It was a humbling experience and I thanked the spirits as I left the cemetery for letting me wander among them.

Tumacacori NHP

Onto Nogales for the night and then my 1st stop in the morning would be at Tumacácori NHP. This National Historic Park protects three Spanish Colonial Mission ruins: Tumacácori, Guevavi, and Calabazas. These missions are among more than twenty established in the Pimería Alta by Father Kino and other Jesuits, and later expanded upon by Franciscan Missionaries.

It was a crisp and very sunny late winter morning when I arrived at Tumacacori and there was not a cloud in the sky. To most that would be perfect weather but to a photographer who was looking to add depth and mood to their photographs those aren’t the best conditions. But like I always say; “When Ma Nature gives you lemons you had better make the best lemonade that you can”. So that’s what I did. There is a nice visitor center with a great little gift shop where I purchased a beautiful little tin cutout of the mission, I was told by the Park Ranger that this artist had passed away not too long ago and that made the piece even more special to me. There are also some educational exhibits as well as old photographs of the site to give you informaiton about this historic place.

Mission Crosses

Of course the star of the show at Tumacacori is the beautiful and historic mission; San José de Tumacácori, it was established in January 1691. In this harsh environment, especially in the summer, it is hard to imagine how anyone decided to not only start a mission here that long ago but to settle here. As I was driving down from Scottsdale all I could notice was how I was entering a land of dust, thorns and all sorts of prickly things but that’s the desert of Southern Arizona.  Not that Scottsdale is any different as far as dust and thorns but I am pretty sure we don’t have as many prickly and thorny things in my neighborhood. The photo opportunities here are endless, it is best to get there right when they open BEFORE the tour buses and crowds arrive, we all know how much fun it is to have to wait for people to get out of your frame. I was in my own happy little world as I pretty much had the place to myself for most of the morning, with the silence it was easy to get absorbed in “the place” and be able to work with no feelings that I hurry along or rush my shot so someone could walk through….this is the way that I work best, with no distractions and being totally present. I was like a kid in a candy store and loving the old adobe ruins, the church, the cemetery, the shadows, the clean adobe lines against the blue sky – even though some clouds would have been a nice touch.

Photomatix HDR Software

When I got home I could hardly wait to start processing my photos. I process most of my photos using Photomatix HDR software and then importing them into Lightroom for some minor sharpening or color tweaks. I knew that the HDR process would help bring out the beautiful detail and texture that was ALL over Tumacacori. As some of you know I teach photographers how to apply Photomatix to thier own photographs in my private HDR classes. This past July I also launched my ONLINE HDR Class; in my “Turn your Photos into Fine Art” Online HDR Class . In this 43 minute online video class I show you the basics of how to get started applying these techniques to your photos too as well as some of the tips and tricks that I use to achieve the results that I get in my photos. As my “Thank You” to you for purchasing my class I will send you a coupon for a FREE 16×20 metal or canvas print from McKenna Pro Lab (a $65 value) – this “Thank You” gift expires on Sept 30th so don’t delay! Also when you purchase this class a personal access code to review the class for 14 days is emailed to you…so don’t delay, buy now and watch later.

My “Southwestern Spirituality” book should be available in November 2011 – watch for announcements here and on Facebook – happy shooting and happy HDR-ing!

Cheyenne

4th of July Barn - Park City, Utah

Only one day away from the 10 year anniversary of 9-11 and I sit at my desk with my cup of coffee as I was doing that very day 10 years ago when the world changed forever. I can’t help but recount that day and how the whole tragic event unfolded for me and how I knew that my life would never be the same.

When I awoke that crisp fall morning in Park City I did my usual routine of answering emails while I drank my coffee and I saw on my Yahoo home page that a plane had hit one of the Twin Towers. My 1st thought was that a small plane had hit the tower and I really didn’t think much of it. I took my plate of french toast to the living room and turned the TV on to see if the news was talking about it and of course I was horrified by what I saw like all of us were. I was quickly reminded of years ago when I was in NYC and had dinner at Windows on the World, the restaurant that was at the top of one of the towers, I didn’t remember which one but I just remember being so struck at how amazing these structures were and how many people had to be in there. I had no idea what lay ahead and how with each passing hour the horror would continue to mount. My eyes filled with tears as I watched the building burn and then to my horror the other plane hit the 2nd building, I didn’t know what to do or what to think except that this was America and this can’t happen here – this is was the land of the free and the home of the brave. The tears continued to roll down my cheeks onto my french toast!

"Leap of Faith"

I had been shooting adventure sports stock photography since 1989 and had a few photo shoots and trips planned, one was to go heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies and I was scheduled to fly into Calgary on September 12th. I thought to myself I am so glad that tomorrow I will leave this nightmare and be hiking on beautiful glaciers in Canada and the world will be alright again by the time I get home. It had to be, right? As I continued to watch the destruction and they grounded all of the planes and talked about how it could be weeks before planes would fly again I thought, wait, this is in New York, this can’t effect me but as the days passed it effected me in ways that I never even imagined. I had never felt so alone before or heard the world outside so quiet – it’s as if the entire planet just stood still while this tragedy was unfolding before our eyes.

Subaru DRIVE cover

At the time of the tragedy I was at a crossroads with my work, my burnout level was very high and I felt like a change was coming but I didn’t know what that would be. I lived and breathed photography and thought I would be shooting adventure sports photos until I was too old to chase people up mountains and down mountain bike trails. It never occurred to me that I would be “worn out” by the business but it seemed on September 11th and the days that followed my decision would be made for me. As the days and weeks went on and the shock waves continued the stock photography business was hit hard, especially when it came to ad revenues and the editorial world which is of course was where a bulk of my income came from. My heli-hiking trip to Canada never happened nor did my wildflower trip to Crested Butte, my safe little life as I knew it was over and I had to come up with Plans B, C, D and E if I wanted to stay afloat and survive in this strange new world.

My HERO - Lt Kristen L Rouse

Not only was my world shaken but so was my confidence and sense of security and I felt lost. I felt like I was walking around in a cloud for months and in my daily errands I could tell other people felt the same way. All concerns about work and making money seemed to fall away, they seemed so trivial and I just couldn’t shake it. All I could think about was the sadness that I felt for those that lost their lives and their families but at the same time how happy I was that me, my friends and family were safe. Then the dreaded phone call came and it was my little sister, Kristen who was in the Army Reserves at the time, telling me that she was going off to war – WHAT? My little sister was going to be in harms way? No, this was too close to home, I didn’t know how to process it but at the same time I felt such a sense of pride that she, Lt Kristen L Rouse, was going to fight for our country and what she believed in. She proudly served two tours of duty in Afghanistan – I am happy to report that she has returned home safely and is living in Brooklyn and working for the City of New York. She continues to be my hero!

Chevy Apache - Rt 66

I continued to eak out a living in the stock photo business for another year and then quietly tucked my camera into my camera bag and there it stayed for almost 6 years. Life went on and time helped me find a few other paths in life but alas the camera kept calling and now I am friends with it again. This time I chose to shoot photos for fine art as opposed to the adrenaline filled photos of my past. Life goes on and changes but each and every year around September 11th I stop and take myself back to those days when any shred of innocence that was left in the world was snuffed out. I vowed that I would somehow bring it back in my life if I could and today I feel like I do that through the nostalgic subjects that I photograph, they always take me back to simpler times when the world was still a big friendly place.

"Spiritual Experience"

My thoughts and prayers go out once again for those heroes that gave their lives on that horrible day and for the ones that continue to overseas as well as all of the grieving families. I wish for a more peaceful friendly world and I know that any change I want to see in the world has to begin with me. Gandhi said it best; “Be the change that you want to see in the world”.

Peace – Cheyenne

Texture & Form - White Sands, New Mexico

The long awaited Episode #5 of my video series “Cheyenne’s VERY Cool Life” is up on YouTube now. In this episode I take you to White Sands National Monument in Southern New Mexico, it’s a magical place of glistening white dunes, not of sand but of gypsum. Going to this ancient dry lake bed in the Tularosa Valley is like stepping back to Jurassic times, with thunder rumbling in the distance and billowing clouds forming while lighting strikes were happening throughout the valley. All I needed to hear was the “roar” of a T-Rex and I would have felt like Raqhel Welch in “One Million Years B.C.”, except that I had left my cave girl outfit at home….kidding…but you get my point. The undulating milky white dunes glisten when the sun is high but it all turns to a soft pastel palette when the sun sinks low towards the San Andres Mountains in the West. White Sands is literally a Zen a treat for the senses…..the perfect place to come and let all the stresses of everyday life go and to just “be”.

Twin Yuccas

It had been over 15 years since I had shot photos in this magical place and I was eager to get back since the slides that I had shot on film were damaged some years ago and I was left with only wonderful memories. So I was on my way! I arrived at White Sands National Monument just before sunset and took the drive down the “Dunes Road” to find the perfect spot – mind you this is not an easy thing…..do I want dunes with clumps of greenery or a lone yucca or do I want dunes with nothing at all on them??…aggg…I wanted it all!!! My choice was a little bit of everything; greenery, yuccas and bare dunes if I wanted them. I quickly gathered my camera, tripod, water, clif bar and small flashlight, Blackberry (yes there is cell service out here) and oh yes, my video camera and hit the dunes! Off I went into to what some would think was a winter wonderland with dunes as white as snow but not for me, it was a photographers paradise of colors, light, shapes and textures and I was like a kid in a candy store.

White Sands Footprints

It crossed my mind that I might be out late and I glanced down at my footprints to see if they were registering hard enough in the sand so I could find my way back if I went too far. It can not only get very dark very fast out here but even in the brightest light it can be a bit disorienting and difficult to find your way back. Then I thought; “Oh man I should of grabbed a few bags of M&Ms to mark my path at the Stop & Go”….kidding of course but it would really help. I know your probably thinking, “Why doesn’t she just use the GPS on her Blackberry?”….I kind of prefer M&M’s as my GPS thank you very much! Anyway, I tried to make a mental note of any landmark that I could although it all starts to look the same after a while….mmmm….was it this cute little yucca or that one???

White Sands Lightning

I got right to work since the sun was getting low in the western sky – I was standing, kneeling and laying on the sand for shots of all kinds – I was having a blast. I’d recommend lightweight pants and a long sleeve shirt if your gonna do that….the “sand” isn’t as soft as it looks and can rub your knees and elbows a bit raw….ouch! No matter where you point your camera at White Sands you are going to get beautiful photos – do as I did and just wander among the dunes and shoot until your hearts content. The icing on the cake of the night was the lightning that was in the distance and completely surrounding this sea of dunes. I was in White Sands National Monument smack dab in the middle of the monsoon season (July – Sept) so I knew I might get a show later in the evening and I was right. I headed back towards the car before it got too dark so I wouldn’t get lost but stayed just far enough away to get some good lightning photos. It takes a lot of time and patience to get good lightning shots which I got a few of, nothing spectacular but some decent shots. My stomach was growling very loud and I looked at my watch and was shocked to see that it was 10PM….wow…time really does fly when you are having fun but I was hungry! In the summer months the gates of White Sands National Monument don’t close until 10PM. I didn’t want to camp in the park like I did some 15 years ago since I knew the heavy rains were coming so I stowed all of my gear and headed back to Alamogordo for dinner and to get a good nights sleep.

Cheyenne "Jumping for Joy" to be in New Mexico

I urge to get out to this amazingly beautiful part of New Mexico….I KNOW New Mexico will be my next home…I am totally enchanted by the Land of Enchantment and you will be too.

Enjoy and happy snapping!

Cheyenne

“Episode #5 of “Cheyenne’s VERY Cool Life”

"Waiting for the AZ Magic!"

This summer I decided to stick close to home and explore my own backyard with my camera. Home for me for the last 14 months has been Scottsdale, Arizona - not too shabby just a wee bit hot in the summer…but that’s not going to stop me from having some fun and shooting photos! And yes, that is me lounging in the beautiful Arizona landscape waiting for the full moon to rise and enjoying the peace and solitude of the Saguaro wilderness….ahhhhhh!

Arizona is a mixed bag of “weather fun” in the summer time – we even made the national news with the massive dust storm (Haboob) that we had on July 5th and then again a few weeks ago. We also have a seasonal weather pattern of heavy rain and lighting known as the “Monsoon” that comes up from Old Mexico….so between all of the the photo opps are pretty spectacular!

Full Moon Lightning

Summer time is also “cloud time” since clouds can be a rare sight here in Arizona too so when they roll in each summer with the “monsoon” photographers grab their camera and head out. Clouds can add so much interest and depth to an already beautiful landscape, just add in a dash of lighting and the full moon and you have Arizona magic at it’s best.

Teddy Bear Sunset

And who knew that Arizona was home to the Teddy Bear – the Teddy Bear Cholla cactus, that is. But beware, as cute and cuddly as these little “Teddy Bears” look you won’t want to hug one of these – you will be pulling prickly little barbed balls off of you for days and it can be quite painful – I’ve inadvertently brushed up against one of these “cuddly little creatures” and squealed in pain as I had to pull the fish hook like barbs out of my leg….ouch! BUT, they do make for some interesting photos as long as you keep in mind that the Teddy Bears are the boss of the Cholla patch.

Saguaro Sunset

This summer in addition to shooting lots of photos I launched my new “Turn your Photos into Fine Art” Online HDR Class -the reviews are in and feedback has been great. And now through Sept 30th just for purchasing my online class I will send you a coupon for a FREE 16×20 canvas or metal print from KcKenna Pro Labs – they do all of my metal prints and their work is 2nd to none! In my 43 minute video class you will learn the basics of how to apply HDR to your photographs and turn simple photos into works of art!

Enjoy the rest of your summer and I hope to “see” you in my new Online HDR Class!

Cheyenne

Saguaro Lightning

My latest E-Newsletter is out – in it I share photos of some of the wild summer weather that we are lucky to get here in Arizona. Yes, we get dust storms aka “Haboobs“, torrential downpours and amazing lightning…some people may not see that as “lucky” weather to have but as a photographer I think it’s AWESOME!!!

I also share some powerful new photographs from my “Southwestern Spirituality” photo series which will culminate in a book as well as my next Gallery exhibit.

August 2011 E-Newsletter

Enjoy the rest of your summer and try to get out and enjoy those wild places!

Cheyenne

Into the Arizona Sunset

You all spoke and I listened! Today marks the launch of my 1st online class, “Turn your Photos into Fine Art” Online HDR Class. In this informal 43 minute online class/tutorial I will walk you through the basic steps of how to apply HDR to your photographs with Photomatix HDR software as well as show you how to work with the Tone-Mapping and Details Enhancer settings. I will also share with you the secret to applying HDR to single images as well as to your multiply exposed photographs. In addition, I will show you some examples of my HDR work that hangs in my Scottsdale Gallery and talk a little bit about your workflow and how to stay organized as well as some tips and tricks that work for me. For more information about or to purchase this online class please visit my “Photomatix HDR Online Class” page.

BONUS: By purchasing the class you will receive a coupon for a FREE 16×20 Canvas or Metal Print from McKenna Pro Labs. A $65 value and yours FREE just for purchasing the class.  If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me at chey.rouse@gmail.com

I hope to “see” you all in my new online class!!!!

Cheyenne

Step back in time with me as I introduce “Sunday Drives”. This unique series is designed to take the viewer back to a simpler time when Sunday Drives were the highlight of the weekend with the family. I use real old distressed VW Bug car doors as frames for my Limited Edition Giclee Photographs on canvas…each 3D Sculptural Art Piece is an original one of a kind creation!

For pricing information or any other questions please give me a call at 435.640.6880 or send me an email at chey.rouse@gmail.com

Chevy Apache - Rt 66

Get them while they last – I need to make room in my Gallery for new work that is being printed up – so a good ol SUMMER SALE is in full swing! Choose from 9 different Giclees on Canvas – from a majestic wild horse, a snowy barn, a few old trucks and a moody old cemetery in New Mexico…there is something for everyone. Don’t miss this chance to get a Limited Edition Fine Art Photograph for a GREAT price – just visit our SALE page on our website and you will find size and price information when you click on each photo. Please call the Gallery @ 435.640.6880 to order as these SALE items cannot be ordered from the website.

Visit the SALE PAGE on our website!!!

Wild Palomino