Alaska Society of Outdoor & Nature Photographers best clouds for
colorful skies by Michael DeYoung
April 2017
Volume 33 | Issue 4
www.asonp.org
Michael DeYoung Photography
Instagram: @michaeldeyoung
www.deyoungphotoworkshops.com
Ice crystals are the key to the colors we see.
They bend and reflect light, especially the
warmer colors of the visible light...
When you live in predominantly a cloudy place, it is easy to
crave those clear days with only blue skies and predictable
light on our favorite terrestrial subjects. Even though I enjoy a
vitamin-D day as much as anyone, I don’t like plain blue sky
in my images. I have learned through much trial and error and
meteorological knowledge that bad weather produces great
images, usually at the leading and trailing edge of a storm.
Though any cloud type comprised of ice crystals can turn
colorful, there are two cloud types that are the most predictable
for producing orange and pink skies at the ends of the day.
They are cirrus and altocumulus clouds. The type I look for
the most are fair weather clouds associated with the fair
weather side of the jet stream. They form in upper level high
pressure systems. A mostly dry flow across a mountain range
in the mid and upper levels of the atmosphere can cause lee
side altocumulus and cirrus clouds—the kind I like the most.
Lingering fair weather mid and high clouds are also common
near the tail and of clearing storms.
Cirrus, cirrostratus, and cirrocumulus are high clouds.
Regardless of where you are on earth, cirrus clouds are always
Above: © Michael DeYoung. A midnight scene near Portage on the
solstice lit mainly by the pink cirrus clouds. An off-camera flash with a
warm gel was used for the lupines.
comprised of ice crystals. In the tropics and mid latitudes,
cirrus commonly forms at 25,000-30,000 ft above ground
level (AGL). In Alaska where the stratosphere is thinner than
it is in lower latitudes, cirrus clouds are found in the 17,00020,000 ft range—near the top of some of our highest peaks.
They can be thin and whispy looking like hooks and filaments
or be dense patches with ragged edges, thick enough to make
the edges of the sun indistinct.
(continued on page 7)
Alaska Society of Outdoor & Nature Photographers | 3705 Arctic Blvd. #991 Anchorage, AK 99503 | www.asonp.org
ALASKA SOCIETY OF OUTDOOR
& NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS
About the Society
The Alaska Society of Outdoor and Nature Photographers (ASONP) is a non-profit organization with the purpose
of promoting individual self improvement in, and exchanging information about outdoor and nature photography,
promoting ethics among outdoor and nature photographers, assisting members with marketing and selling their
photographs, and informing and educating the public on outdoor and nature photography. Membership is $25 per
year for individuals, $35 per year for families, and $10 for students. ASONP holds meetings at 7:00 p.m. on the
second Tuesday of the month from October through May at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, 121 West 7th
Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska. The public is welcome to attend all meetings.
Board Members
Ray Bulson
President
(907) 952-2679
[email protected]
Amber Johnson
(907) 244-2688
[email protected]
Cathy Hart
Workshops & Trips
(907) 337-1669
[email protected]
Harry Walker
Vice President
(907) 338-7288
[email protected]
Roxanne Peter
Secretary
(907) 388-5725
[email protected]
Alan Musy
Webmaster
(907) 244-4079
[email protected]
Glenn Aronwits
Treasurer
(907) 230-6788
[email protected]
Sanjana Greenhill
Programs
(907) 787-9475
[email protected]
Brendan Smith
Viewfinder Editor
(907) 331-0502
[email protected]
Robin Brandt
(907) 677-6077
[email protected]
John DeLapp
(907) 345-0802
[email protected]
Rick Jobe
(907) 903-4380
[email protected]
Tara Horton
Alaska Wild Coordinator
[email protected]
2017 Business members
Alaska Photo Treks
www.alaskaphototreks.com
Carl Johnson Photography
www.arcticlight-ak.com
Jeff Schultz Photography
www.schultzphoto.com
Auklet Charters
www.auklet.com
Ed Boudreau - EAB Photography
www.edboudreau.artistwebsites.com
Kristin Leavitt Photography
www.kristinleavittphotography.com
Aurora Dora
www.auroradora.com
Hunt’s Photo and Video
www.huntsphotoandvideo.com
Marion Owen Photography
www.marionowenphotography.com
Bennett Images
www.bennettimages.com
Ike Waits - Denali Guidebook
www.denaliguidebook.com
Michael DeYoung Photography
www.deyoungphotoworkshops.com
Brendan Smith Photography
www.brendansmith.photography
Jackie Kramer Photography
www.jackiekramerphotography.com
Ray Bulson/Wilderness Visions
www.raybulson.com
Stewart’s Photo
www.stewartsphoto.com
Alaska Society of Outdoor & Nature Photographers | 3705 Arctic Blvd. #991 Anchorage, AK 99503 | www.asonp.org
In This Issue
Best Clouds for Colorful Skies ......................................................................................... 1,7,11
ASONP Mission, Board, and 2017 Business Members .............................................................. 2
Table of Contents, Calendar of Events ........................................................................................... 3
Workshops & Outings ..................................................................................................................... 4
Upcoming Lecture Announcement ................................................................................................. 5
iPhone for Quick, Easy, and Creative Photos by Robin Brandt ...................................... 6
Dear John Column by John DeLapp ..................................................................................... 8-9
Our Mantra by Ray Bulson .........................................................................................................10
Membership Application ............................................................................................................... 11
Hunt’s Photo Promotions ................................................................................................................. 12
Looking to
to the Viewfinder?
Please consider submitting your story for the next Viewfinder. The Viewfinder is a member exclusive
publication, written for members by members. The vision of this publication is to inform, inspire, and educate those
interested in photography, especially outdoor and nature photography in Alaska. The success of the Viewfinder depends
upon lively contribution from our board, business members, and members. Submit text and photos as separate files;
word .doc/.docx preferred, and highest resolution .jpgs encouraged.
Questions on what to submit? Contact [email protected]
Calendar of Events
ASONP general membership meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month from October through
May at the Anchorage Museum, Rasmuson Center. The next member meeting will be held on April 11th,
2017.
The alaskaWILD 2017 contest is now closed! A total of 142 entries were submitted, of which judges
paired down to the top 50. There will be a reception and awards show on May 9th, from 5pm-7pm in
the Muse Restaurant.
Upcoming LEcture Series: 2016-2017
April 11th
May 9th
Dave Parkhurst
ASONP Event
The Viewfinder | [email protected]
Aurora - Cold Finger Photography Since 1981
alaskaWild 2017 Awards Show & Reception
April 2017 3
Workshops, Outings, & Other Interests
Alaskawild 2017: Reception & Awards SHow
alaskaWILD is sponsored annually by the Alaska Society of Outdoor & Nature Photographers. This juried exhibition
focuses narrowly on wild nature in Alaska. A total of 142 entries were submitted for this year’s contest, with judges narrowing
the selection to the top 50. Selected images will be exhibited digitally and prints of selected images will be offered for sale
online. For more details go to www.asonp.org/alaskawild. There will be a reception and awards show on May 9th,
from 5pm-7pm in the Muse Restaurant.
carl johnson: Tutka bay treasures
coastal scenery — May 26-30, 2017
Photographer Carl Johnson will be leading a workshop in Tutka Bay at the Tutka Bay Lodge, located at the entrance to
the Tutka Fjord. There, you will explore coastal scenery, tide pools, and rainforest with our cameras; relax and enjoy the
complimentary massage, yoga, cooking classes, and the incredible Alaskan lodge cuisine of proprietor and master chef
Kirsten Dixon. A night in Homer exploring nearby scenery is also included. Workshop cost is $4,550, all inclusive
and limited to the first 5 participants.
https://arcticlight-ak.com/excursions/workshops
Michael DeYoung: four-day Alaska’s Coastal Glacier
Landscape Workshop — July 24-27, 2017
In this adventurous landscape intensive workshop, we take you to remote but accessible glacier locations, returning each
night to the comforts of town. Designed to maximize on-location time, our landscape quests will focus on water, mountains,
reflections, wildflowers, rain forest, icebergs and glaciers. Workshop fee is $1,195 (deposit $300).
Please contact Michael at [email protected] for more details.
To Register:
www.deyoungphotoworkshops.com/alaska-photography-workshops/coastal-glacier-landscapes/
Michael DeYoung: Zion National Park 5-Day Comprehensive
Landscapes Fall Photography Workshop — November 5-9, 2017
Exclusive for ASONP members and friends at the 4-Day Zion workshop price, extend your fall shooting season by joining
Michael as he shares his photography and instruction expertise in this landscape based workshop in Zion National
Park. Includes 5 nights lodging at Nama-Stay, one extra day of field instruction/location shoots, group transportation to
most shoot locations, and guided & outfitted hike up the Narrows. Workshop fee is $995 + tax, limited to 8 participants.
Deposit $250 due March 31, 2017. Visit the private page at http://bit.ly/ASONPExclusive to register.
Please contact Michael at [email protected] for more details.
Know of a Workshop?
Alaska is home to many photographers who capitalize on the many splendors that this great state has to offer. There
are as many great photographers as there are beautiful landscapes are diverse wildlife—with more joining the ranks
each day. As more photographers turn to workshops to provide instruction and lend expertise, we try and keep our
members notified. If you know of an upcoming workshop and would like to see it featured here, contact Brendan Smith at
[email protected]. We will post the workshop here and in our weekly email announcments.
Alaska Society of Outdoor & Nature Photographers | 3705 Arctic Blvd. #991 Anchorage, AK 99503 | www.asonp.org
presents
Aurora cold finger photography
since 1981
by Dave Parkhurst
April 11th, 2017 | 7pm
Anchorage, AK | Anchorage museum
Free & Open to the Public
The Aurora Borealis is the greatest natural phenomenon
above the polar regions of our Earth. Alaska is
situated right under a vast expanse of the auroral
oval where displays are enjoyed in our skies 150-200+
nights a year. Alaska’s dark, crystal-clear winter skies
also provide for magnificent views of aurora against
the northern stars and grand scenery as a backdrop.
Dave Parkhurst will be sharing some of his understanding
and images of a very intricate photographic subject...
Aurora! Dave’s The Aurora Collection™ has been
growing since 1981.
For more information go to, www.thealaskacollection.com
The Viewfinder | [email protected]
April 2017 5
iPhone for Quick, Easy, and Creative Photos
by Robin Brandt
I am a photographer AND I ride motorcycles, but
the two don’t always go together. It is difficult to find
space for a full-sized camera (SLR) and, if I do find space, it is
inconvenient to dig out and impossible to do so quickly. I tried
carrying a quality point-and-shoot camera instead. The compact size is
easy to fit in my bags, but it was slow to start up and frustrating to zoom
to get just the photo I wanted.
On my last cross-country ride, I found myself pulling out my iPhone
rather than digging out the camera. Many times while driving around
town I find myself without a camera, but I always have my iPhone. It is
always available, quick and easy to operate and the camera quality is
very good. As a result, I have decided that I need to become a better
iPhone photographer. It doesn’t mean I won’t be using my SLR, but
I’ll be ready even when I don’t have an SLR with me! So, I started by
researching the features available on the iPhone, some of which are
hidden features!
1. Quick Access to your Camera. From the Locked screen, swipe
left to access your iPhone camera. What I love most about this method
is when you close your camera, the app is closed and will not drain
your battery. For older iOS systems, hold your finger on the camera
icon on the lower right of your locked screen and swipe up. From an
unlocked screen, swipe your finger up from the bottom to bring up a
menu that includes the camera icon.
2. Setting Focus and Exposure. Tap your finger on the part of the
screen you want in focus. This will also set your exposure. You can
change the exposure by placing your finger on the screen and moving
it up to brighten, down to darken the image.
3. Lock Focus and Exposure. The iPhone resets the focus and
exposure after shutter release. If you want to take multiple images at the
same focus and exposure, place your finger on the part of the screen
you want in focus and hold for about 2 seconds. A yellow “AE/AF
LOCK” will appear at the top of your screen. Now you can adjust the
exposure by moving you finger up or down and the iPhone will not
reset when you take the image. To turn off the lock, tap anywhere on
the screen.
4. HDR (High Dynamic Range) Photos. This technique allows you
to take photos in high contrast situations, so both the light and dark
areas of your image are properly exposed. Tap “HDR” at the top edge
of your screen and you will see Auto, On and Off. I do not recommend
you leave your camera on Auto. You should make a conscious choice
for each image/situation whether or not to use this feature. The hidden
feature is that you can have your camera save both the HDR and nonHDR versions so you can compare and choose which is the better
photo. Follow this path: Settings>Photos & Camera>Keep Normal
Photo. Turn this slider to On.
5. Burst Mode. If you press and hold on the shutter release, your
camera will take multiple images and only stops when you lift your
finger. This can be very helpful for moving subjects or to get your
subject exactly where you want it! If you know a subject will be moving
across your view, set and lock focus and exposure where you want
your subject in your photo. As your subject enters the scene, tap and
hold the shutter release until the subject has left your view. Open
the image in Photos and tap on “Select…” at the bottom of your
screen. This brings up all the photos in your burst. The iPhone places
a dot below the sharpest image, but that may not be the best image.
Select the image(s) you want to keep by tapping the circle at the
bottom right of the photo.
6. Volume Button or Head Phones as Shutter Release.
When taking photos from awkward positions, such as selfies, very
close to the ground or for candid (stealth) photography, press either
the – or + volume button to release your shutter. Alternatively,
connecting your Apple Head Phones and pressing the volume up or
down buttons works like a remote release.
8. Turn on the Grid. Grids help with composition, using the rule
of thirds, making sure your horizon is straight and your image level.
To turn Grid on, go to: Settings>Photos & Camera>Grid. Turn this
slider to On.
9. Geotagging. Enabling geotagging allows your iPhone to keep
a record of the location of your photo. While traveling cross-country
on my motorcycle, this can help me remember which city I took that
photo and will make it easy to locate all the photos I took at a certain
location. To turn this feature on, go to Settings>Privacy>Location
Services, turn the slider to On and go to Camera and make sure
it is set to “While Using the App”. To utilize this feature, go to
Photos>Albums>Places. At the top of the screen, you can select if
you wish to view by Map or Grid. Use discretion when posting geotagged photos on social media outlets.
Alaska Society of Outdoor & Nature Photographers | 3705 Arctic Blvd. #991 Anchorage, AK 99503 | www.asonp.org
best clouds for
colorful skies ... continued
featured
Above moving clockwise: © Michael DeYoung. 1) A prominent lenticular cloud formation over the north face of Denali that would eventually turn into an
easy prediction for blazing color at sunset; 2) Six-Mile Lake shot at 11.28PM illustrating the altocumulus turning blue while the higher cirrus glows pink
in the summer twilight; 3) Stratocumulus formations, like the one pictured above in Turnagin Arm, do not produce significant precipitation nor are linked
to dynamic weather systems often creating flat, even light, with little chance of turning any significant color; 4) Wonder Lake in August, revealing the
presence of a mountain wave altocumulus formation from a strong southerly flow across the Alaska Range. The cellular altocumulus at the leading edge was
indicative of a destabilizing atmosphere that would not last.
(from page 1)
Altocumulus clouds are considered mid clouds and form in
the 7,000-15,000 ft AGL range. Altocumulus clouds come in
many varieties. Thin altocumulus clouds that are cellular or look
like fish scales or washboards are always pleasing in images
and can turn dramatic color. My favorite altocumulus cloud is
mountain wave or altocumulus standing lenticular clouds. Most
of Alaska’s ranges and the Rockies, Cascades and High Sierra
all create their own weather and produce mountain wave
clouds. In Alaska, altocumulus are almost always ice crystals.
In the mid latitudes; they may not be; it depends on the season
and their height.
Mountain wave formations occur under a stable atmosphere
with a shallow layer of moist air in the mid levels along with
a long stretch of strong winds that are perpendicular to the
The Viewfinder | [email protected]
mountain range. Mountain ranges force air to rise creating a
series of waves with alternating rising and sinking air along and
downstream of the crest. This is similar to a river when the river
bed changes from a smooth bottom to big boulders resulting
in a wave train. When this takes place under a mid level
temperature inversion, commonly referred to as a subsidence
inversion, mountain wave clouds in the shape of almonds or
flying saucers form. They can appear nearly stationary (just like
a wave train in a river is always in the same place at the same
flow level) and won’t change until upper atmospheric flow and
moisture changes. If there is nothing blocking their view, they
can turn fantastic colors.
Ice crystals are the key to the colors we see. They bend and
reflect light, especially the warmer colors of the visible light
April 2017 7
Dear John Column
by John DeLapp
How was your recent trip to Rowe Sanctuary?
My ears are still ringing from the continuous and
raucous din from the hundreds and thousands of
sandhill cranes that we saw and heard(!) during
our overnight stay in a small blind on the edge of
the Platte River.
Bob Waldrop and I were on a six-day quest to photograph
sandhill cranes during their spring migration and what better
way to witness this than spending a night in an unheated
plywood box without lights or heat in 35-degree weather. Did
I mention the toilet was a bucket? Why would anyone want
to experience this “luxury” next to a river filled with roosting
cranes? The answer, to be one with nature, in the middle of a
huge crane migration with all its defining sights and sounds. It
was awe inspiring!
The blinds were part of the Rowe Sanctuary which is located on
the south edge of the Platte River about 15 miles southeast of
Kearney, Nebraska and is operated by the Audubon Society.
Audubon holds many acres of land along the river, a visitor’s
center, several public viewing blinds, and four overnight
photography blinds which can be reserved and “rented” for
overnight stays. The overnight blinds, located very close to
roosting locations, are very popular and generally fully booked
during the spring migration. Volunteer guides use 4-wheelers to
transport people to the blinds in late afternoon and back to
the visitor’s center in the morning after the birds have leave the
roosting area.
The Kearney area is considered a world class sandhill crane
viewing location and the surrounding corn fields are a critically
important feeding area for cranes, geese, and the 300
endangered whooping cranes
during their spring migration.
Birds that winter throughout
the southern portions of the
U.S. follow a historic migration
pattern that funnels vast
numbers to the Platte for up
to six weeks of fattening-up
before they head off to wide
ranging breeding areas in Canada, Alaska, and Siberia. It is
estimated that half a million cranes pause here in March and
early April during their migration and is the greatest crane
concentration in the world. Aerial counts done along a 70-mile
portion of the Platte River indicated there were over 200,000
cranes in the area shortly before our visit. We saw cranes flying
and feeding everywhere as we drove around the sanctuary
and surrounding farm land. We also had the opportunity to
observe and photograph other birds, deer, and one beaver
during our visit.
During the day, the cranes feed in corn stubble fields, returning
to the river just before dark to roost. In many locations, the
Platte is braided and very shallow, providing an ideal roosting
environment for the birds. The old-timers used to say the Platte
was “an inch deep and mile wide,” which is only a slight
exaggeration. The Rowe Sanctuary is in an ideal roosting
location and is used by thousands of birds. The birds return
in small groups or as large “clouds” of swirling birds and
“parachute” down to the water to join others in tightly packed
groups that huddle in a few inches of water. We found that
some birds returned in the waning moments of daylight, making
it too late for photography. But the sounds and sights were
wonderful.
The Crane Trust, which is a non-profit organization located
about 30 miles east of Kearney, also has viewing platforms
and blinds that are available for photography. The organization
has a great visitor’s center near the river and helpful staff. Their
main function is scientific study and habitat protection along the
70-mile stretch of the Platte for the benefit of migrating birds.
Alaska Society of Outdoor & Nature Photographers | 3705 Arctic Blvd. #991 Anchorage, AK 99503 | www.asonp.org
Other than the blinds, the photography consisted of driving
farm roads in the area and photographing from the car. Nearly
all the fields were private property and the cranes could not be
approached, but decent feeding shots, and occasionally flight
shots, could be obtained from the car with our longest lenses.
Unfortunately, the weather during our stay was not helpful for
photography due heavy cloud cover most of the week. We lost
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a full day due to rain and had only a half day of sunshine.
One last note: While Nebraska is not usually thought of as a
place that is friendly to wildlife, ironically it is the only state
in the nation that does not allow hunting of sandhill cranes.
Maybe the cranes know?
April 2017 9
our
mantra
by Ray Bulson
Learn-Create-Share-Inspire. This is ASONP’s new mantra that was created during a half-day
workshop attended by the Board of Directors in March and led by Tracy Williams (“Alaska
Tracy”), a business and social media consultant. The mantra, a form of branding, will tie
into our vision and mission for ASONP for the coming year. The business plan (i.e., vision
board) that we developed includes increasing our social media presence to reach out to the
photographic community, and grow and revitalize our membership.
Let’s take a closer look at what each of the four words in our new mantra means to ASONP.
Learn
One purpose enumerated in our club’s bylaws is to educate
the public on outdoor and nature photography. In addition
to our monthly presentations, workshops, and Viewfinder
newsletter we plan to provide links to photography related
information found on websites such as Petapixel, Fstoppers,
camera manufacturer announcements, and others. Whether
it’s a new piece of equipment or software or a new book,
the goal is to make sure our members are informed on what’s
happening in the world of photography.
Create
We hope this new information will encourage our members
to go out in the field, apply what they have learned, explore
new techniques or equipment, and create new and fresh
content. ASONP wants to be the nudge that pushes you out of
your comfort zone to help you grow as a photographer.
Share
Our monthly meetings are intended to be social events in
which we come together and share our experiences, nurture
existing relationships, and perhaps gain new friends or
business contacts. We also realize, however, that social
media is a new way to share our common love for outdoor
and nature photography. We are working on allowing our
members to share their imagery on our Facebook page and
perhaps an Instagram account. alaskaWILD, our annual
juried photo contest, is a large component of sharing by
recognizing excellence in outdoor and nature photography.
Although alaskaWILD 2017 will not be hanging in local
venues, part of our half-day workshop was spent discussing
ways to increase alaskaWILD’s presence in the local
photographic community. In addition to the alaskaWILD book
and PhotoShelter gallery, May’s monthly meeting will be a
celebration devoted to recognizing the photographers who
contributed to the contest. Lastly, at our next monthly meeting
you will notice the addition of a message board that we will
use to disseminate and share information.
Inspire
Whether you are an amateur or professional, seeing the work
of other photographers can serve as an inspiration to take
new photographs. Perhaps it is a location you have never
been to, or a new way to post-process, or a new perspective;
all of these can serve to stimulate our creativity.
When the four words that make up our new mantra were written on the flip board, they sounded like they belonged together.
However, they were just four words placed one on top of each other vertically. As I thought more about what these words
mean, I realized that each word, each action flowed into the other. Whether we knew it or not, ASONP has been functioning
such that learning leads to creating, creating leads to sharing, and sharing leads to inspiring. And then it struck me that inspiring
people can lead them to want to learn more. So where does the sequence of words begin and end? There really was no
beginning or end. This was the origin of the circular icon; a sequence of words that continually flows back to its beginnings and
so on. The analogy to to nature and the circle of life is apropos.
As the ASONP board fleshes out our vision and mantra for the coming year, we encourage you, the members, to help us on this
journey of discovery to make the club a better photographic organization for all. We welcome your comments.
Alaska Society of Outdoor & Nature Photographers | 3705 Arctic Blvd. #991 Anchorage, AK 99503 | www.asonp.org
best clouds for
colorful skies ... continued
Top: © Michael DeYoung. Ragged stratocumulus clouds lit from North Pole while shooting aurora at Chena River Lakes.
Bottom: An early August evening at Girdwood with dense cirrus clouds and a clear western horizon.
(from page 7)
featured
an easterly flow, the rules of thumb that work in the mid latitudes
for a predictable colorful sunrise or sunset are reversed. In an
easterly wave, I’ve seen blazing red sunsets followed by morning
rain/snow gloom and doom-the exact opposite of what typically
happens down south.
The fact remains though that thin high and mid clouds comprised of
ice crystals are the most likely to produce beautiful pre-sunrise and
post-sunset colors. This indirect warm soft light, a color wash from
clouds is my favorite landscape light and has resulted in some of
my most successful commercial sales of landscape images.
I look for days when there is nothing but scattered (20% to 50% sky
coverage) and even broken (60% to 90% sky coverage) thin layers
of altocumulus and cirrus. I keep an eye on what’s happening
during the day. If there is clear air or even just thin clouds where the
sun will rise or set, then there is a good chance these clouds will turn
colors—conditions that I get jazzed about making images.
Remember, in the northern latitudes, the sun rises and sets at
shallower angles than it does further south. The time between sunset
and civil twilight is longer in Anchorage than it is in Albuquerque.
At 36°N, the time between sunset and clouds turning color is about
10-15 minutes. At 63°N, in Denali, it is more like 20-30 minutes,
sometimes longer—enough time for people to run out of patience
and put their cameras away! Don’t get caught off guard. Be patient!
My favorite app for telling me where the sun is and where it will be
and what elevation it will be, including below the horizon to help
plan when the color will explode is Roger Moffat’s Golden Hour
app. You can see all this information, on any day you choose at
any location (it is gps-enabled and does not need a cell signal to
work) with a simple slider and compass graphic.
A few suggestions on cloud identification and cloud formations:
• Williwaw Publishing produces the Alaska Weather Calendar
and the Alaska Cloud and Weather Field Guide; and
spectrum with their longer wavelengths while the colder
colors with shorter wavelengths just pass through the ice
crystals off into space. In arctic airmasses, you can see
beautiful pink colors in clear skies pre-sunrise and postsunset. Ice crystals can remain suspended aloft without
forming a cloud, and can precipitate out of clear air. They
reflect light back to the source, the rising or setting sun,
called back scattering. This creates the rich alpenglow and
pink bands opposite of where the sun was during twilight.
Colorful skies lit by cirrus and altocumulus are more difficult
to forecast in Alaska than in the mid latitudes of the western
U.S. There are two reasons for this. First, Alaska can have a
lot of persistent low level moisture and clouds that frequently
obscure colorful high clouds above. Secondly, Alaska is
not always in the prevailing westerlies, remaining north of
them much of the time. Sometimes, weather approaches
Southcentral Alaska from an easterly direction. Thus, in
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• FAA Aviation Cams—a favorite tool for short term planning.
The cams and associated aviation observations from Portage
Glacier have easily saved a 2-hour drive to Portage or Whitter
when conditions were not favorable for photography. I can look at
the cams that face west or northwest and determine the cloud types
and if there is potential for a colorful twilight. Many sites have a
detailed weather observation called a METAR—these decode the
cloud layers for you. Sometimes you will see obvious clouds from
the camera, but the Metar reports “clear” (CLR) meaning that all
clouds are above 20,000 ft, thus favorable for color. What I look
for when examining FAA Cams are scattered to broken layers only
at 7,000 ft or above, with a clearing where the sun will rise or set.
With a little practice, you will begin to learn more about high
and mid clouds. When you travel to the mid latitudes, particularly
the semi-arid and arid areas of the west, you will discover a fair
number of days with pretty high clouds that blaze with color.
April 2017 11
Have You Renewed Your
Membership Yet?
2017 ASONP Membership
Application
Name ______________________________ Home _____________________________
Phone ______________________________
Address_____________________________ Work _____________________________
Phone ______________________________
City __________________________ State _________
Zip ___________ Email ________________________
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Newsletters are sent out by e-mail 10 times a year in PDF format.
We take credit cards at the meetings!
Dues: Individual ($25) ____ Family ($35) ____
Student ($10) ____ Business ($100) ____
Make checks payable to ASONP and mail to:
The Alaska Society of Outdoor & Nature Photographers
3705 Arctic Blvd. #991 Anchorage, AK 99503
Alaska Society of Outdoor & Nature Photographers | 3705 Arctic Blvd. #991 Anchorage, AK 99503 | www.asonp.org
Dear Favorite Photo People,
Spring is about to be sprung upon New England! As I write this it's a balmy 29
degrees out. Shirtsleeve weather for we hearty Bostonians!
Following are our April specials. These specials will be offered through April 30,
2017 unless otherwise stated. Please note that several are based on limited
quantities and I cannot issue rain checks. As always, UPS Ground shipping is
FREE in the Lower 48 and there is no sales tax except for orders shipped to MA,
RI or ME. In order to receive correct club and workshop special pricing, please
call me, Alan Samiljan, at (781) 462-2383 or send me an email including your
phone number to [email protected] and I'll call you. My hours are
usually 8:30-5:00pm, Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday.
If you have ever thought of getting into or adding to your Vu Filter System, now's
the time! We are offering select holders, drop-in filters and screw-in filters at 40%
off! Supplies are limited and I can not take special orders or issue rain checks.
These are some of the finest quality filters around and I have never seen them
priced this low!
Olympus is offering $200 Super Bonus Trade In Specials on the following
through 5/6/17.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 MK II body
Olympus Pen-F body
Olympus 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO lens
Olympus 300mm f/4 IS PRO lens
Many other Olympus cameras & lenses also have instant rebates available. Call
me for details!
Canon has continued their printer rebate program. Now through April 30, 2017 or
until supplies run out, we are offering the Canon Pixma PRO 10 printer at
$379.99 before rebate (Canon sells it on their website for $699.99). If you
purchase the printer plus a package of 13x19x50 sheets of Canon Semi-Gloss or
Luster paper, $50, Canon will send you a $250 mail in rebate! This is a pigment
based printer and is always reviewed very well. Your final cost is $129.99 plus
the paper!
Hunt's and Canon are also offering an incredible special on the Canon Image
PROGRAF Pro-1000 17" Printer. Purchase the printer for $1,299.99, and receive
10 packs of Canon 17x22" paper FREE, a $1,000 value! You can then send in
your $300 mail-in rebate. Your final cost is $999.99 for the printer and $1,000
worth of paper. Supplies definitely limited on this one. Call me now to reserve
yours!
Marumi DHG ND 10000 Solar Eclipse Filter. Special ND filter for photographing
the upcoming solar eclipse. We will be stocking this filter in 77mm only, but it can
fit smaller sizes with the addition of a step-down ring. Your price is $99.99. Order
early as I predict that demand will be greater than supply. These are special
order items and are non-cancelable and non-refundable.
Purchase a Nikon D500 Body and receive a Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 tripod
FREE! Total cost $1,999.95
Rumor has it that Nikon will be announcing an upgrade to the D810 (D820?).
Send me your name and phone number if you'd like to be notified with pricing
and further information when this is announced!
Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 lens and Promaster GH25 Gimbal
Head, $1,448.95! A $250 Instant Savings!
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Zoom Lens, $999! Closeout, Limited
Quantity!
MindShift Moose Peterson MP-3 V2.0 backpack, $219.99 (reg $279.99)
MindShift Moose Peterson MP-1 V2.0 backpack, $279.99 (reg $349.99)
New lens special with Nikon USA Warranty (one left):
• Nikon AF-S 500mm f/4 ED VR #5172 $6,799
Used Equipment, subject to prior sale:
• Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 $999 (Sony E)
• Sony A6000 w/ 16-50mm $369
• Sony FE PZ 28-135mm G OSS Power Zoom Lens $1,599
• Leica M9 Body $2,799
• Canon 300mm f/2.8L IS v1 $3,199
• Canon 300mm f/2.8L IS v1 $2,799
• Canon 600mm f/4L IS $4,999
• Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS $999
• Canon Teleconverter 2x III $319
• Canon 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye $1,599
• Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II $1,099
• Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG Sport (Canon) $1,499
• Canon 5D MK III body <12,400 $1,899
• Nikon 40mm f/2.8G Micro DX $199
• Nikon 12-24mm f/4 DX $599
• Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D $1,399
• Nikon 80-400mm f/4-5.6G ED VR (current version) $1,499
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Photographically yours,
Alan
(we are not responsible for typographical errors}
Alan Samiljan
Hunt’s Photo & Video
100 Maim St
Melrose, MA 02176
(781) 462-2383
[email protected]
My hours are Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday, 8:30-5:00pm eastern
Follow me on Twitter for the latest deals on used equipment! @AlanAtHunts