Nature and Wildlife
Portrait of a Pachyderm
I was able to capture this image after waiting patiently for nearly an hour. This big guy finally decided to give me a much appreciated short span of his attention. The more I waited, watched, and studied this huge subject, the more I was simply amazed by the texture and roughness of his skin. The fine details of the texture on his forehead and trunk were amazing. I found it quite magical at how gracefully and silently they can move their great frames and bulk! Heartfelt thanks to this “gentle giant” for his time and cooperation at my attempts to capture the moments he offered my lens.
Equipment used: Nikon D700, nikkor 70-200 2.8 lens, nikkor x2 teleconverter.
Software Used: Adobe Lightroom 4, Adobe Photoshop, Topaz Labs Details Extractor, Topaz Labs Black and white Effects 2.
Great Smoky Mountains
Pathways Through the Forest
As I stood there in the delightful morning chill composing this image, I was concentrating on the water trough that flows water from the creek (barely visible from camera left). Cursing under my breath that “how dare they put pavement so close to all this natural beauty!”, then I thought…wait a minute…exactly what am I looking at here? As you all know, learning to “see” can be a trying and tricky time…and as I reflected on how many different paths I have taken over these many years I realized…that no matter how numerous the paths, they all seem to end up placing me right here where I am. Like the snow that melts and travels down the road, down the water trough, and down the creeks, streams, and rivers…eventually to the ocean and then back up to the clouds. falling as snow and rain, to travel many paths right back to the ocean to start it’s journey all over again. Flowing down many different paths just to do it all over again while assuming different forms as liqied, ice, and snow.
So as they say out west, “Happy trails to you”, and as each of us travel our many paths of life try to remember that while destinations are important, the paths you chose to get there….can be even more exciting than the destinations themselves. Just my two cents worth, hope this makes sense to those who need to hear this (like me!).
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 12-24mm 2.8 lens, Induro CT213 tripod, Induro BHD2 ballhead, and my trust Stanley thermos.
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting! (note: if you click on the image to view it in HIGHRES, you only need to click the back button on your browser to return to this page).
Fall
Fall Flowing In
Okay, one more..( I say that so often, especially during a photo shoot!)
Oh, and I almost forgot: I created a Fall Gallery just for those of you who love the rich colors of Fall. Click below and I would suggest clicking on the slideshow button (top right)
http://www.stanshillingburg.com/WallArt/Fall/25359507_8Sp7TH#!i=2097312504&k=7pWhchc
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 12-24mm 2.8 lens, Induro CT213 tripod, Induro BHD2 ballhead, and my trusty Stanley thermos.
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting! (note: if you click on the image to view it in HIGHRES, you only need to click the back button on your browser to return to this page).
Great Smoky Mountains
Mountain Stream Lullabye
This image is primarily “right from the camera”. I did add some contrast and a small amount of highlight recovery. This will mark a break in my Great Smoky Mountains collection. However, I will be adding to this collection on my webpage if you would like to visit. I plan to add a little more diversity on my blog pages and for sure, I will be featuring more of this gallery on my blog pages in the near future!
Since I purchased Nikkor’s 12-24 2.8 lens, I have been absolutely in love with it’s ability to capture such wide angles of view while maintaining is “corner to corner” tack sharpness. I am going to be heading out to try this lens in some of my Seascape images (keep your fingers crossed, the huge bubble on the end of this lens does not allow for any filter use).
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 12-24mm 2.8 lens, Induro CT213 tripod, Induro BHD2 ballhead, and my trusty Stanley thermos.
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting! (note: if you click on the image to view it in HIGHRES, you only need to click the back button on your browser to return to this page).
Great Smoky Mountains
Rustic Cabin
Just a little something different…trying a softer image style, hope you like it. Comments welcomed to your preference of sharp and clear, or allowing and enjoying the occassional use of a softer image style.
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 12-24mm 2.8 lens, Induro CT213 tripod, Induro BHD2 ballhead, and my trust Stanley thermos.
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting! (note: if you click on the image to view it in HIGHRES, you only need to click the back button on your browser to return to this page).
Great Smoky Mountains
Fall Colors Begin
One of my favorite things to do is to hike through the woods where the silence and solitude can be deafening. The sound of the wind blowing through the trees is a haunting reminder of small we are in totality of nature. The chill of the air stings our cheeks warning us that “old man winter” is on the way. The feeling of solitude fill our mind as we wonder about those that have walked the paths, stood by the streams, and lived through the harshness of nature’s frosty blanket. Behind me I can hear the roar of a waterfall. Setting up my camera and tripod for this shot, the animals surely thought I was crazy…moving from side to side, the forward and backward, until I finally found a spot I was happy with for the photograph. This shot was something I wanted to savor and enjoy…the rich warm colors of fall as they began to show themselves in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 12-24mm 2.8 lens, Induro CT213 tripod, Induro BHD2 ballhead, and my trusty Stanley thermos.
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting! (note: if you click on the image to view it in HIGHRES, you only need to click the back button on your browser to return to this page).
Great Smoky Mountains
Enchanted Path to the Woodshed
Chilly and misty morning in Gatlinburg, TN. This old wood shed was ighlighte by the rocks, colors, and even the mist and trees. Drawing my eye and my lens to spend some time trying to capture it. Well, and a thermos full of coffee to ward off the wet chill in the air.
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 12-24mm 2.8 lens, Induro CT213 tripod, Induro BHD2 ballhead, and my trusty Stanley thermos.
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting! (note: if you click on the image to view it in HIGHRES, you only need to click the back button on your browser to return to this page).
Landscapes and Seascapes
Mountain Stream in Fall Colors
Maybe I am over anxious for the splendor of Fall and all of her warm colors and crisp clean air….but I feel like I am like a kid at Christmas about it.
Stay safe and please visit often!
Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN.
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting! (note: if you click on the image to view it in HIGHRES, you only need to click the back button on your browser to return to this page).
Fine Art Collection
Nautical Reflections
The peaceful and easy feeling projected by this wonderful location in Folly Beach, SC just kept me shooting for nearly an hour. I am standing on a low bridge (yes, on a walkway), even some of the passing cars stopped to take in the beautiful scene. One or two more images from this series coming soon. Thanks so much for your visits and comments!
Location: Folly Beach, SC
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-70 2.8 lens, full ND filter, Induro CT213 tripod, Induro BHD2 ballhead.
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting! (note: if you click on the image to view it in HIGHRES, you only need to click the back button on your browser to return to this page).
Fine Art Collection
Ravenel Bridge
One of the great Icons of Charleston, SC is the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Under this bridge is Waterfront Park, and it does have some wonderful photo ops. This shot is just another of my attempts to fine tune my eye for some true fine art imagery, many thanks for your visits and comments!
Assignment: Here we are at the park, find a subject and compose your shot.
Location: Charleston, SC
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-70 2.8 lens, full ND filter, Induro CT213 tripod, and an Induro BHD2 ballhead.
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting!
Landscapes and Seascapes
Tranquil Bay
Sometimes, we just need, to stop, lean back, relax, and be thankful for what we have……and just enjoy the moment.
Location: Folly Beach, SC
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkot 24-70 2.8 lens, Induro CT213 tripod, Indure BHD2 ball head, and a full ND filter.
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting!
Stills and digital artwork
Low angle of view of a dock, rope and cleat with the clouds in the back ground.
As you may have guessed already, this is not my usual camera gear. Our instructor wanted us to get out of our “comfort zone” and get back to the basics. So, this was shot with an entry level Nikon (of course Nikon!), it is a D5000 with an 18-200 VR zoom lens. The perfect lil combo for a “walk around” camera and lens. More images coming with my full frame Nikon and lenses, but for now…I hope this one doesn’t dissappoint my friends and followers. Stay safe and get out there!
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting! Y’all come back now, ya hear?
Stills and digital artwork
Coastal twilight can be so peaceful. I had just finished up shooting a sunset swimwear shoot and we were walking back up the beach when we cam upon these two fisherman. the young boy disappeared in the shadow of his older brother, but his fishing pole shows sharply just below his big brother’s. Sometimes the beauty of family can simply add so gracefully to the beauty of Mother Nature and her evening colors. Luckily I still had my camera attached to my tripod so grabbing this shot was far too easy for the amount of pride I get from the capture. I know it is not perfect in it’s post production work, but the pure enjoyment of the moment is priceless!
Location: Folly Beach, SC, USA
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-70 2.8 lens, Induro CT 213 tripod, Induro BHD2 ballhead.
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting! Y’all come back now, ya hear?
Travel- Grandfather Mountain
Another view of the Mile High Swing Bridge.
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting!
Travel- Grandfather Mountain
This is the Mile High Swing Bridge located at Grandfather Mountain Park in North Carolina. The walking platform is actually one mile above sea level… hence the name. The park itself is a wonderful place to visit and hosts many events including a yearly nature photography contest. Please visit the parks website for schedules, events, and attractions.
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting!
Travel- Sheldon Church Ruins
Location: Sheldon Church Historical Site (near Beaufort, SC, USA)
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-70 2.8 lens, Induro CT213 tripod, Induro BHD2 ballhead, Cokin ND Grad filter….and some sweet tea!
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting!
Travel- Sheldon Church Ruins
Please be kind with your comments guys…I am still trying to learn this world of HDR and still retain the realism of the shot. This is a compilation of five exposures to try and keep the highlights in balance and the details in the shadows. This image was shot at the Sheldon Church Ruins on the way to Beaufort, SC. This area is marked as a Historical Site..but, that little old site marker is the ONLY thing marking the lcoation of the beautiful area. It is said that many, many weddings are held here and there is a phone number available to reserve this site for such events.
Doesn’t just looking at this make ya want to take a sip of some fine Mint Julip or some Sweeeet ice Teeea? lolol..lucky for me a had some sweet ice tea, ’cause is was sure hot out there! I do have to give credit to those grand shade trees though, VERY comforting sitting in thier shade with that southern breeze blowing though….
Location: Sheldon Church Historical Site (near Beaufort, SC, USA)
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-70 2.8 lens, Induro CT213 tripod, Induro BHD2 ballhead, Cokin ND Grad filter….and some sweet tea!
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting!
Classic Curves and Lines
Combining a classic auto as a background to a classic beauty holding a classic guitar…and a classic black and white post production effect, I hope my viewers agree, is a classic combination of classic lines and curves.
Model: Kristeena (a young mother of one)
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC, USA
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR lens, a single SB900 fired through a shoot through umbrella (model right) and a soft silver reflector (model left).
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting!
Travel
This is a closer look at that lead boat in the previous image. The Lady Linda is located near Beaufort, SC, USA and works daily as a fishing vessel. She is also famous for being featured in a movie…it featured such stars as Nick Nolte and Barbra Streisand…can you name the movie? It was not until later after photographing this image that I learned of her legacy from a local that was also enjoying the early light of dawn (at a different lcoation). He had asked if I had photographed the boat. When I replied with yes, he began to tell the tale and also educate myself and my fellow photographer Neil Owens about the boat and the area of Beaufort, Fripp Island, Hunting Beach, and the A.C.E Basin…ya just never know who you are going to bump into out there! I grabbed this shot just seconds before the first direct rays of light fell on the Lady Linda and the marsh.
Location: Beaufort, SC, USA
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-70 2.8 lens, Induro CT213 tripod, Induro BHD2 ballhead.
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting!
Fishing Boats at Dawn
Sometimes, if your patient, you can be blessed with catching those very first rays of light at the sun comes over the horizon. Some of this image is still in the shadows while the marsh grass, boats, and some of the clouds begin to recieve those first golden rays of direct sunlight.
Location: Beaufort, SC, USA
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-70 2.8 lens, Induro CT213 tripod, Induro BHD2 ballhead, and a Cokin reverse ND filter.
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting!
Stills and digital artwork
Tug Boat off the North Carolina Coastline
Location: North Carolina, USA
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-70 2.8 lens
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting!
Landscapes and Seascapes
Early morning on the marsh near Beaufort, SC, USA
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-70 2.8 lens, iNDURO ct213 tripod, Induro BHD2 Ballhead.
Camera settings: Focal length 24mm, f13, 1/500s, ISO 100
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting!
Landscapes and Seascapes
The most peaceful feeling………
I posted a similar image in my blog already, but just could not decide which on I liked best…this has the sail boat sailing away from the sun, the previous image has it sailing into it (the benefit of being at the right place at the right time I guess!). Hope this one brings even warmer feelings for everyone.
Location: The Outer Banks (OBX) of North Carolina, USA
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-70 2.8 lens
Camera settings: Focal length 70mm, f13, 1/500s, ISO 100
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting!
Stills and digital artwork
The final light of the day, and a lone star.
Note: This image was grabbed under duress! lolol…the ferry was about to leave, I had one chance to get this. Shot this image at ISO 6400, f/3, shutter speed 1/60th, minus 1/3 exposure compensation, hand held! Focal length 24mm.
Equipment used: Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-70 2.8 lens.
As always, my images are copyright protected and available to you as wall art prints, wraps, and other merchadise. More info available on my “About” page. You can click on any of my images to see them in HIGH RES. Thanks for visiting!
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