Mason G's Photography Journal

 I went up to a cold place on purpose. I wanted to learn some practical skills for photography in the cold to prepare for Iceland trip in February.  I drove an hour up to Echo Lake at the base of Mt Evans or Mt Blue Sky (if they change the name). The temperature was around 17F, but the wind was fairly calm at I approached the lake and set up my gear. I was warm from the car and felt pretty good for the first 30 minutes. If there was a slight wind I could feel it on my face and fingers, but otherwise I was comfortable. I wore:     Vasque Boots and heavy socks (perhaps not warm enough socks)     Fleece-lined cycling tights (made a huge difference)     Blue Jeans     2 Long sleeve shirts (nylon and cotton)     My Equadorian Alpaca-wool sweater     Down jacket inside my bigger jacket. Neck gaiter, cap     Photog gloves Issues:  Touching a cold camera makes my fingertips super numb almost immediately.  ...

 I wanted to write about the past few months and how I think I've come to appreciate color and light more now than in the past. The fall colors came and are almost gone here in Denver, but I really noticed the colors of leaves this year. I think I have been shooting with my camera so much in the past year that it has given me an "upgrade" in how I view subjects.  This Fall as I have walked around the neighborhood and hiked on trails amongst the trees I've noticed my brain is seeing shots left and right all the time. I am more in tune with the world as a result. Isn't that cool? I suppose it is natural to have this happen, but I found myself taking a step back and seeing HOW my brain/eyes were processing light and colors of leaves as they turn and fall. It's been a great time for viewing and celebrating fall.