Category: New Images

I’ve just released a new series entitled “Melting Giants” from my recent trip to Newfoundland.

I introduce my new images through my newsletter, you can subscribe here:  http://www.colethompsonphotography.com/NewsletterSignup.htm

I hope you will appreciate them!

Cole

I’ve just released fifty new images from my recent trip to Death Valley, including “Dunes of Nude No. 146” above  

They are included in my April 1st, 2016 Newsletter  

Are you subscribed? If not, you can sign up here:

http://www.colethompsonphotography.com/NewsletterSignup.htm

Cole

Low Sun on Trees
www.ColeThompsonPhotography.com

My latest newsletter features five new images from Hawaii.  

I also discuss the challenges of photographing while on vacation.

You can sign up here:                 

http://www.colethompsonphotography.com/newsletter/

Or view the newsletter here:     

Newsletter with New Images from Hawaii

Thanks!

Cole

Iceland No. 1  –  Berufjördður  – 2013

Iceland was incredible; the land, the people, the experiences…all of it including a harrowing ride in winds of over 130 mph. My car was severely damaged as flying rocks blew out my windows and sandblasted my car. At the time my only concern was keeping the car upright in the strongest winds I have ever encountered.

But what a great story and memories I now have!

I went to Iceland to create new images, but truthfully if all I came home with are these memories, then the trip was a success. Fortunately, I do think I’ll have a couple images that I like, including “Iceland No. 1” above.

~

On another note, the Death Valley Workshop in January is sold out. Sorry.

But if you’re living in the Colorado area, I am conducting a one day workshop on “Cole’s Rule of Thirds” at the Center for Fine Art Photography. This will be held on Saturday November 9th, 2013 and you can learn more about it at http://www.c4fap.org/education-events/ 

I’ll also be speaking at Click! Camera Club in Denver on Tuesday, October 1st at 6pm. They will be meeting at Englewood Camera, 5855 S. Broadway in Littleton, Colorado.

Thanks to all for your support!

Cole

What do The Beatles, Las Vegas, Death Valley and three new images all have in common? 

I often cite The Beatles as being one of my photographic inspirations. Not because I grew up with them and love their music, but because I admired how they never “froze in time” in a futile attempt to remain popular by staying the same. Rather, they flaunted conventional wisdom and would change styles at the height of their popularity. As I  listen to their music I am in turn inspired to grow,  change and to stay fresh by trying new things. 

So what has that to do with this story? Well for Christmas my wife surprised me and purchased tickets to The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. The seats could not have been better, the production was unbelievable and the music was…well…it was the Beatles!  

We then decided to stay a few extra days in Las Vegas to celebrate our wedding anniversary and Valentine’s Day.  The question was what to do with our extra time? We decided to head off to Death Valley so I could show her some of my haunts and so she, a runner, could run at 285 feet below sea level see what it felt like to be Superman!

While she was out running I was very anxious to have another go at Death Valley, but this time capturing my images as RAW files rather than puny JPEG’s!  (see my last several posts for the full story).  While there I did create three new images.

Time No. 4

Dunes of Nude No. 85

Discordant Lines No. 2

 The Beatles, Las Vegas, Death Valley and three new images, how can life get any better than this?

Cole

I just spent the most wonderful five days in the San Francisco area.  I was warmly received by the Palo Alto Camera Club and then spent some time in the City where my wife and I enjoyed the sights and some fantastic food. Then we spent a day walking on and around the Golden Gate Bridge with spectacularly perfect weather.  

While on the bridge I spied this Monolith which I wanted to photograph.  I spent several hours trying to find a vantage point where I could photograph it alone, separated from the city.  However due to a restricted area under the bridge, I was unable to find such a shot and gave up. But I’ve learned that when the ideal conditions do not exist, you should look for other opportunities in the non-ideal conditions.

Instead of photographing this Monolith alone as I had done with all of the other images (https://colethompsonphotography.com/portfolios/series/monoliths/) I decided to include a man made structure to show the contrast between the two.

I like how the contrast between nature and man works in this image to make it stronger. 

Cole

I’ve just created a short video to introduce people to the diversity of my portfolios.

Over the years I’ve been advised to pick just one subject and work to become known for that.  However that approach has never appealed to me and I’ve always enjoyed pursuing a variety of subjects and styles.  I have always believed that you must do what you feel and love because in the end your opinion of your work is really all that matters.

Cole

Cannot get out to create because of the weather?  Only have a little time?  Try photographing the objects in and around your home.

That’s that Paul Caponigro did when confined to his home due to illness.  He turned to the common objects from around his home and yard.  The images are stunning and may never have been created if it were not for his illness.

The image above is one that I created on a rainy day, using leaves and nuts from the yard and using available light.  I’ll use whatever is at hand such as a dried dandelion, a house plant, a dahlia or a violin.  Sometimes the results are predictably routine and sometimes they are special.  That’s the fun of trying something new and different, you never know what you’ll find!

It is my belief that there are great images everywhere, if only we can see them.

 Cole