Bonnie Rannald's Photo-Explorations in focus with nature. : July 2012

Thursday, July 19, 2012

2012 Americana Music Festival, Virginia City, Nevada

Traditional Music in a Historical Setting

I just returned from an exciting weekend of music at the Americana Music Festival in Virginia City, Nevada. What a great place to host a festival. Enjoying traditional American roots music in one of the oldest established communities in Nevada sure takes one back in history to the 1859's when the Comstock Lode was discovered, turning Virginia City into a mining boomtown.

The Americana Music Festival offers a large variety of music played by outstanding musicians, including bluegrass, old-time, gospel, folk and Celtic that have people dancing and tapping their feet over the several locations that are within walking distance of the festival headquarters.

Historic Piper's Opera House, built in 1885 by John Piper, is one of the locations for the music venues. The modern traditional musicians seem to just fit right in on the stage that once featured performances of Shakespeare by prominent American and British touring actors.

Emcee Tumbleweed Tex warms up the crowd at Piper's Opera House.

Michelle Pappas and Tyler Stafford play the sweet sounds of a soulful poet in their alternative folk music.

The Growling Old Men, a funny sounding name for their band, is indicative of the camaraderie they share in producing their powerful music influenced by the Appalachian hills and western plains.

The Central Valley Boys excite the crowd with their upbeat country and bluegrass music. And yes they sound as good as they look in their blue suits and white hats!

Cindy Gray's Mountain Girls gave an outstanding performance of Riders on the Storm. Cindy, I sure hope you keep this one on your repertoire!

What a great way to escape the city heat and enjoy the weekend with good music and friendly people. Mark your calendar next year for the second weekend in July and come on out to the Americana Music Festival!

For additional information on the Americana Music Festival:

http://www.nevadabluegrassproject.org/

What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been. I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences.

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

"Reflecting Nature's Artistry"

Many of these images are available on my website:

http://www.bonnierannald.com/

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

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Monday, July 2, 2012

Photgraphing Fourth of July Fireworks

Pyrotechnics Fun

With Independence Day coming up real soon, I thought I would share some tips on how I photograph pyrotechnics. But first, let me give some background information on my favorite place for getting the photos. The small desert town of Hawthorne, Nevada has an annual tradition with a fireworks display on the Fifth of July. The reason for this is because they can get the pyrotechnics at a discounted rate but the show is none the less spectacular.

Arriving early, I drive out and set up at a favorite location in the desert with a clear view of the sky, far from street lights and traffic. With my Nikon secured to the heavy Bogan tripod, I've selected the 35-70mm 2.8 lens which is wide enough for a clear shot of the sky and I can also crop in as needed. A cable release is used to hold the shutter open on bulb setting; this allows me to catch the trail of fireworks from the initial burst.

Catching the fireworks at the beginning of the exhibition is important, when there is less smoke and haze.

Auto focus doesn't work well for fireworks, so I pre-focus on an object close to where the fireworks will be exploding and use manual focus. I will check the camera's monitor often to see if I am getting the desired results.

Timing the bust is critical to catch all the action. However, holding the shutter open too long and you get blown out highlights.

Wishing everyone a safe and spectacular Independence Day, check back after the Fifth, new photos will be posted from the 2012 exhibit.