Beyond the Cast

Tag: Landscape photography

  • Among the Aspens: A Moment in New Mexico

    Among the Aspens: A Moment in New Mexico

    High in the mountains of New Mexico, I found a glowing grove of quaking aspens just as the sun broke through the canopy. There’s something about these trees — tall, slender, golden-skinned — that draws you in. I came prepared with my Canon 90D, Canon L-series lenses, a K&F Concept tripod, and even my iPhone, knowing this scene was too good to miss from any angle.

    Canon 90D + L Series Glass: Sharpness Meets Versatility

    For wide environmental shots, I relied on the Canon 24–70mm f/2.8L, but for more intimate details — like clusters of bark, layered trunks, or isolating one tree against the backdrop — I used my Canon 70–200mm f/2.8L. This lens gave me the compression and clarity I needed to highlight subtle textures and pull distant trees forward with depth.

    Shot Breakdown:

    • Camera: Canon 90D

    • Lenses: 24–70mm f/2.8L and 70–200mm f/2.8L

    • ISO: 100

    • Aperture: f/10 for wide shots, f/2.8–f/5.6 for close-ups

    • Tripod: K&F Concept Carbon Fiber

    • Filter: K&F CPL

    Using the 70–200mm for Detail and Compression

    Aspens are photogenic both up close and from a distance. With the 70–200mm, I framed tighter compositions — trunks in golden light, black knots in the bark, and sunlit patches on the forest floor. The telephoto compression made the grove look more layered and dense, almost like a wall of trees — which added a cinematic quality to some shots.

    Pro Tip: Use the 70–200mm at 135mm–200mm to compress the forest and fill the frame with repeated lines and patterns — it’s ideal for making the grove feel deeper and more immersive.

    iPhone Photography: Don’t Underestimate Your Pocket Camera

    While the DSLR gear handled most of the heavy lifting, I also snapped a few frames with my iPhone 15 pro. With smart HDR and excellent native contrast, it delivered surprisingly strong results — especially with the wide and ultra-wide lenses.

    Tips:

    • Use portrait mode for foreground subjects like logs or leaves.

    • Tap to meter on the trunk or shadowed mid-tones.

    • If available, shoot in RAW with the Halide or Lightroom Mobile app for better editing flexibility.

    Composition in the Grove: Light, Lines, and Layers

    I timed the main shot so the sun peeked just over the tree line, creating a soft sunburst effect without washing out the scene. A fallen log led into the grove, creating a visual path that made the image feel more three-dimensional.

    With the 70–200mm, I also isolated “portraits” of individual trees and detail shots of light hitting the bark. These close-ups tell a different story — quieter, more focused.

    Editing in Lightroom: Preserving Natural Mood

    For Canon RAW files:

    • Boosted midtone contrast with the tone curve.

    • Desaturated greens slightly for a more natural forest feel.

    • Lifted shadows to expose bark detail.

    • Used radial filters to add subtle spotlighting where the sun naturally fell.

    Before and after

    For iPhone shots:

    • Adjusted highlights and whites to bring back sky detail.

    • Used Lightroom Mobile’s “Texture” slider to enhance bark detail.

    • Applied slight vignette to draw the eye inward.

    Why Aspen Trees Are a Photographer’s Dream

    Aspens offer built-in symmetry, light diffusion, and contrast. The bark’s pale tones pop in shadowy groves, while the leaves filter sunlight with a soft glow. In New Mexico’s higher elevations, these trees are often found in wide open clearings — perfect for both drone and ground photography.  What makes them even more special is their shared root system, meaning this forest is often one living organism — a fact that adds a bit of wonder every time I step into a grove.

    Closing Thoughts: Slow Down, Look Closer

    Photographing aspens is a study in rhythm and reflection. Whether you’re standing back with a 24mm or zooming in at 200mm, these trees offer something ethereal. And whether you’re carrying a full kit or just your phone, the forest rewards those who pause, observe, and frame with care.

  • Part 2: Into the Pines — Hiking to the La Plata River with a Fly Rod and a Camera

    Part 2: Into the Pines — Hiking to the La Plata River with a Fly Rod and a Camera

    There’s something about hiking into trout water that changes the whole rhythm of a trip. You leave behind the road noise, the cell signal, the crowded pull-offs—and start tuning into the sound of the wind through lodgepoles and the hush of a river just over the next rise. That’s what drew me to the La Plata River, tucked into a quiet stretch of high country in Southwest Colorado. Part fishing trip, part photo expedition—this was a day I won’t forget.

    Starting the Hike: Pines, Shade, and Altitude

    The La Plata River trailhead isn’t flashy. It starts modestly with a dirt pull-off and quickly dips into shady pine groves. The trail follows the contour of the valley with occasional glimpses of the river down below. What makes this hike special isn’t just the destination, but the quiet, ever-changing terrain: groves of aspen, mossy boulders, and alpine meadows dotted with summer wildflowers.

    With my K&F Concept camera backpack strapped tight and a 4wt fly rod rigged up and ready to go, I eased into a slow pace, letting my eyes adjust to the light and scanning the trail for photo moments—a glint of water through the trees, a mule deer in the brush, shafts of light through pine needles.

    Wildflowers and Wildlife: Photography on the Move

    Early summer in this part of Colorado is a photographer’s dream. Bright orange Indian paintbrush, purple columbines, and patches of lupine lit up the trail edges. I switched to my 24–70mm lens, using a low angle to capture the pop of color against the green pines.

    Light is everything here. I used a circular polarizer to punch up the color and reduce glare when shooting near water. My Canon R5 handled the dynamic light shifts like a champ—especially when a young mule deer stepped out into a clearing, perfectly backlit, right as I crested a ridge.

    First Glimpse of the River

    About two miles in, I heard it before I saw it. The La Plata winds through tight canyons and then flattens into glassy, slow runs bordered by grassy banks. I dropped my pack, switched into my wading shoes, and tied on a #14 Yellow Stimulator with a Beadhead Pheasant Tail dropper.

    The water was crystal clear—trout country through and through.

    Stealth and Strategy: Small Water Fly Fishing

    Fishing the La Plata is a finesse game. These are wild fish, likely never hooked, and they spook at shadows. I crouched low, casting upstream into shady runs and behind midstream boulders. Several small browns darted for the fly but refused last second. On a good drift, the dropper disappeared and I brought in my first fish of the trip—a buttery brown trout with fire-orange spots. I paused for a quick photo with the fish hovering just above the net, backlit by the sun.

    I love these moments—the stillness, the soft light, the ripple of success after a quiet approach. The fish here aren’t big, but they’re beautiful and strong.

    The Midday Light Shift

    By midday, the lighting got harsh—tougher for photos, but perfect for exploring. I shot reflections along a wide bend of the river, switching to a 70–200mm lens to compress layers of pine ridges and storm clouds moving in.

    Back at a mossy boulder overlooking a slow pool, I set up my tripod for a long exposure of the water sliding through rocks. These are the frames I love—where fly fishing meets fine art photography.

    Safety First in the Backcountry

    Clouds started to build, as they often do in Colorado’s high country. I kept my eye on the sky, wrapping up fishing and heading back toward the trailhead before the afternoon storms rolled in. That’s one lesson I’ve learned: no fish is worth getting caught in a lightning storm above 9,000 feet.

    On the hike out, I paused one last time to shoot the fading light over the valley, grateful for a day that felt more like a retreat than a mission.

    Tips for Fishing & Photographing the La Plata River

    • Start early: For soft light and calm water, hit the trail before sunrise.

    • Use a dry-dropper rig: Small dries like Stimulators or Elk Hair Caddis paired with beadhead nymphs are deadly.

    • Pack light, but smart: The K&F backpack let me carry camera gear, fly gear, food, and a rain shell without overload.

    • Bring a polarizer: It transforms mid-day shots and makes colors pop.

    • Shoot with purpose: Capture the fish, but also the landscape, light, and journey—it tells the full story.

    This hike into the La Plata River reminded me why I chase these moments—where the line between fishing and photography disappears. The sound of moving water, a trout rising to a dry, and the snap of the shutter are all part of the same rhythm.

    Up Next: Part 3 — Chasing Trout and Light on the Pine River Trail

  • The Art of Outdoor Photography: Gear, Techniques, and Editing

    The Art of Outdoor Photography: Gear, Techniques, and Editing

    Photography is more than just capturing an image—it’s about telling a story, finding the perfect composition, and adjusting to ever-changing outdoor conditions. Whether I’m fishing in Texas, hiking through the mountains, or capturing the night sky, my approach to photography combines technical knowledge with an artistic eye.

    On my recent trip to New Mexico, as I pursued the Trout Grand Slam, I found myself surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes I’ve ever photographed. The Rio Grande Gorge, Red River, and Rio Costilla offered not only incredible fishing but also endless opportunities for photography.

    My Gear Setup

    Camera and Lenses

    I shoot with the Canon R5, a powerhouse mirrorless camera with outstanding image quality and dynamic range. To adapt to different shooting conditions, I rely on a mix of Sigma series lenses and Canon L series lenses, which offer sharp optics and great performance in low light.

    For landscapes, my go-to is a wide-angle lens, such as the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L, which allows me to capture vast mountain vistas and sweeping coastal scenes. When shooting astrophotography, I use fast prime lenses, like the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 ART, which excels at gathering light for crisp, detailed shots of the night sky.

    Accessories for Outdoor Photography

    • K&F Concept Backpack – A durable and spacious pack that safely holds my camera gear, extra batteries, and filters.

    • K&F Concept Tripod – A sturdy, lightweight tripod is essential for long exposures, low-light photography, and astrophotography.

    • ND and Polarizing Filters – Useful for managing reflections, enhancing colors, and allowing for longer exposures in daylight.

    Mastering Exposure: ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture

    One of the keys to great photography is understanding the exposure triangle: ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. Since conditions can change rapidly outdoors, I keep a cheat sheet handy for quick reference:

    • ISO – Keep it low (100-400) for bright conditions to avoid noise. Increase it in low light but balance it with shutter speed.

    • Shutter Speed – Fast (1/1000s or higher) for action shots, slower (1/10s to several seconds) for landscapes, and long (15s+ for astrophotography).

    • Aperture (f-stop) – Wide (f/1.8–f/2.8) for night shots, mid-range (f/8–f/11) for landscapes, and narrow (f/16+) for deep depth of field.

    Composition and the Art of Photography

    A great photo isn’t just about sharpness—it’s about composition and storytelling. I look for leading lines, balance, and unique angles to create compelling images. Shooting from different perspectives—such as low to the ground for foreground depth or high vantage points for expansive views—makes a huge difference.

    Protecting Gear in Harsh Conditions

    Since I shoot in rugged environments—mountains, rivers, and coastal areas—protecting my gear is crucial. I always bring:

    • Weather-sealed camera covers to protect against rain and dust.

    • Microfiber cloths for wiping lenses.

    • Silica gel packs in my bag to prevent moisture buildup.

    • Lens hoods to reduce glare and shield against elements.

    Editing on the Go: Lightroom & iPad Pro

    Once I’ve captured my shots, I refine them in Adobe Lightroom, often using my iPad Pro for quick field edits. This allows me to adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance on-site without waiting to get back to my desktop.

    Key Lightroom Techniques:

    • Photo Stacking – Merging multiple shots for sharper images.

    • Graduated Filters – Enhancing skies and landscapes selectively.

    • Noise Reduction – Crucial for high-ISO astrophotography.

    Before and After

    Astrophotography: Lenses & Techniques

    Astrophotography is one of my favorite challenges. Fast prime lenses like the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 ARTor the Canon RF 24mm f/1.4L allow for more light intake, creating sharp, vibrant night sky images. Using a tripod and remote shutter release, I capture long exposures (15-30 seconds) at a high ISO (3200-6400).

    Astrophotography in the Mountains

    There’s nothing like seeing the Milky Way stretch over a remote mountain range. Shooting astrophotography at high altitudes reduces light pollution and enhances clarity.

    Final Thoughts

    Photography is an art that blends technical skills with creativity. Whether I’m shooting sunrises on the coast, rugged mountain landscapes, or the Milky Way, every photo tells a story. With the right gear, knowledge, and post-processing techniques, I can capture the world the way I see it—one shot at a time.

    Stay Connected with Beyond the Cast

    Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post and want more fishing tips, photography tips, trip reports, and on-the-water action, be sure to follow along.

    Subscribe to our YouTube channel for in-depth videos, gear breakdowns, and on-the-water adventures. Stay up to date by following us on Facebook, where we share fishing reports, trip updates, and connect with fellow anglers.

    Join the conversation, share your catches, tips, photos and let’s keep exploring the water and outdoors together.

    Tight lines, and see you Beyond the Cast!

  • Capturing Nature: The Art of Photography While Fishing and Hiking

    Capturing Nature: The Art of Photography While Fishing and Hiking

    There’s something about being out in nature that awakens the creative side of me. Whether I’m fishing in the still waters of a misty morning or hiking through rugged mountain trails, my Canon R5 is always by my side, ready to capture the beauty that unfolds around me. Photography, much like fishing, is a pursuit of patience and precision—waiting for the right moment, the perfect light, and the ideal composition to bring a scene to life.

    The Art of Seeing While Fishing

    Fishing has always been about more than just the catch for me. It’s about the experience—the rhythm of the water, the way the sky shifts in color as the day progresses, and the subtle interactions of nature happening all around. When I’m on the water, I’m not just scanning for signs of fish; I’m searching for those fleeting, beautiful moments that make fishing such an immersive experience.

    The golden hour, when the first light of dawn touches the water or when the sun dips low in the evening, offers some of the most magical photography opportunities. The reflections on the water, the soft hues blending across the horizon, the silhouette of a wading bird patiently stalking its prey—all of these moments tell a story. I often find myself pausing mid-cast just to take it all in, knowing that sometimes the most rewarding part of the trip isn’t reeling in a fish but capturing the essence of the moment through my lens.

    The challenge of photographing on the water lies in movement—both mine and my surroundings. Kayak fishing, in particular, adds an extra layer of difficulty. The water shifts, the wind pushes, and my subject rarely stays still. But that’s part of the excitement. It forces me to be deliberate in my composition, to anticipate the perfect frame before I even lift my camera. The Canon R5’s fast autofocus and incredible dynamic range allow me to capture fine details, from the scales of a freshly caught redfish glistening in the sun to the intricate ripples left behind by a leaping mullet.

    Beyond the technical aspects, photography while fishing is a way of documenting the journey. It’s about freezing those perfect, untamed moments—like the way the early morning mist clings to the water’s surface or how a storm front builds over the horizon, creating a dramatic contrast against the calm bay. These are the images that bring back the feeling of the trip long after I’ve left the water.

    Finding Beauty in the Mountains

    When I’m not on the water, I often find myself drawn to the mountains. Hiking is an entirely different experience, but one that feeds my love for both adventure and photography. Unlike fishing, where I’m often stationary for long stretches, hiking presents an ever-changing landscape, each bend in the trail revealing new opportunities to frame a shot.

    Colorado Blue Columbine

    The mountains have a way of humbling you. Standing at the base of a towering peak or gazing out over a valley stretching endlessly into the horizon, you realize how small you are in comparison to the vastness of nature. Capturing that feeling in a photograph is both a challenge and a joy. Composition plays a crucial role—finding the right foreground elements to give a sense of depth, using leading lines to draw the eye toward a distant summit, or waiting for the clouds to break just enough to let a dramatic ray of light cascade down the slopes.

    I love the contrast between grand landscapes and small details. While a panoramic shot of mountain ridges bathed in morning light can be breathtaking, sometimes it’s the little things that tell the most powerful stories—the gnarled roots of an ancient tree gripping the rocky soil, a single wildflower blooming defiantly at the edge of a cliff, or the way frost patterns form on a high-altitude lake at dawn. My Canon R5 excels at capturing both extremes, allowing me to shoot sweeping landscapes and intricate macro shots with equal clarity.

    One of my favorite aspects of mountain photography is how the environment constantly changes. Weather in the mountains is unpredictable, and that unpredictability creates some of the most striking images. A sudden break in the clouds after a storm can flood the valley with golden light, turning an otherwise ordinary scene into something spectacular. The play of shadows as the sun moves across jagged peaks can create dramatic contrasts that make the landscape come alive. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time—another parallel between photography and fishing.

    Blending Adventure with Artistry

    What I love most about photography, whether on the water or in the mountains, is how it forces me to slow down and truly see the world around me. It’s easy to rush through a fishing trip focused only on the next cast or to hike with a mindset of simply reaching the summit. But photography encourages me to be present—to notice the light filtering through the trees, the patterns in the waves, the way nature composes itself in perfect harmony if you take the time to see it.

    Fishing and hiking both offer a sense of escape, a break from the noise of everyday life. Photography allows me to take a piece of that escape with me, to relive those moments through images that hold not just the visuals, but the emotions of the experience. It’s about more than just snapping a picture; it’s about telling a story—one of adventure, of solitude, of the raw beauty that exists in the natural world.

    With every trip, I come home with a collection of images, each one a reminder of where I’ve been and what I’ve seen. Some of them end up shared, printed, or framed, while others remain personal, tucked away as snapshots of my journey. But all of them serve the same purpose: they capture the moments that make being out in nature so meaningful. And as long as I have a fishing rod in one hand and my Canon R5 in the other, I know there will always be more moments waiting to be captured.

    Stay Connected with Beyond the Cast

    Subscribe to our YouTube channel for fishing videos, gear breakdowns, and on-the-water action. Stay up to date by following us on Facebook, where we share fishing reports, trip updates, and connect with fellow anglers.

    Join the conversation, share your catches, and let’s keep exploring the water together.

    Tight lines, and see you Beyond the Cast!

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