Sony A7RIII GM 200-600mm | f6.3 | ISO 640 | 600mm | 1/2000 seconds
Rojō De!
Welcome to the second installment of Rising Sun Photog Field Notes — dedicated to getting back “on the road” or “rojō de” in Japanese.
After receiving my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine in March, I was more than ready to get out of town and taking that first trip was oh so sweet. Over the course of the spring season, I was lucky to visit two national parks, three national wildlife refuges, 12 national forests and seven states throughout the Wild West.
My return to travel started with a trek down to Taos, New Mexico for incredible “Christmas style” eats and epic spring skiing. Then it was on to Spokane with an exploration of Grand Teton and Yellowstone on the way there and back — cold weather camping included. I watched wildlife up close from a herd of bison steps away from my Tepui tent to moose, coyotes, foxes and birds of prey.
In between trips, I’ve made some updates to my website and am excited to announce the official launch of the Rising Sun Photog Print Shop, where I offer bespoke, limited-edition artwork and stock prints with custom framing options — all shippable nationwide.
Whether you’re looking to spruce up your space or need event coverage, editorial imagery or commercial content, I would love to hear from you to talk about how I can help tell your story. And I still have a few more spots remaining on the summer and fall schedule for personalized photo tours and camera skills workshops.
Adventure awaits, where will it take you?
Craig Turpin
Owner, Rising Sun Photog
@risingsunphotog
In the News
Our first post-pandemic adventure took us on a drive to discover the “Soul of the Southwest” for the Aspen Times Weekly. Downtown Taos was a delight, but when a spring snowstorm moved in, the mountains called. I was thrilled to capture this cover image and more during our much-anticipated getaway.
Earlier this year, the Sony World Photography Awards announced its 2020 winners. Have a look at some awe-inspiring images shot on the Sony Alpha system.
Current Coffee
DUR FERES | ETHIOPIA
METHODICAL COFFEE
Ice cold mornings at campgrounds in Grand Teton and Yellowstone required a robust and refreshing brew. My favorite from Greenville, South Carolina’s Methodical Coffee was a welcome treat and features fruit-forward flavors of blueberry and cherry with a chocolate velvety finish. The perfect morning perk.
I stumbled across this beautiful pair of Sandhill Cranes grazing in the soft muddy flats during the early hours of day one in Grand Teton National Park.
This was one of only a few sightings of the monstrous Grand Teton peak shrouded in a sea of clouds throughout the day.
Due to grizzly activity in the area, the Grand Prismatic Geyser overlook was closed, but I was able to capture a tranquil image of an otherwise very volatile ecosystem.
Snow showers and constant clouds crowded my capture of the massive waterfall in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Fun Facts
Yellowstone National Park is an active volcano and considered to be one of the largest volcanos on earth with a caldera rim that is 45 × 30 miles wide. As a result, there are between 1,000-3,000 earthquakes every year in the park.
White House switches from Canon to Sony. Chief White House photographer Adam Schultz works with a trio of Sony A9 II bodies and over a dozen Sony lenses.
“Not only were these the first White House [Presidential] portraits shot on Sony, they were also the first White House portraits shot on mirrorless cameras instead of DSLRs.” Digital Camera World
I’ve never made Rhubarb Pie. Send me your recipes & rhubharb.
Podcast Pick
Comedian Dan Cummins takes listeners on a unique deep-dive into “historical events, enduring mysteries, paranormal encounters, conspiracy theories, cryptozoology and more. I listened to a dozen of Dan’s episodes while on the road and really enjoyed the content and presentation, especially the “Timesuck Timeline.” He shares no shortage of stories to enthrall the mind while the wheels are spinning.
Parting Shot
Car camping in Yellowstone National Park, May 2021.
Look to the night skies this summer for amazing celestial events. Space.com has all the info for stargazers and shutterbugs. Here are a few dates to save:
June 10
Annular Solar Eclipse
August 2
Saturn at Opposition
Auggust 11-12
Perseid Meteor Shower
September 14
Neptune in Opposition
