You with the bears, me with the no tresspassing! 🤣 The abandoned farmhouse was totally worth it though, thanks for getting me risk getting shot for getting THE shots!!
As photographers, as much as we try to photograph every beautiful place we are in, we need to also recognize when NOT to take a photo. What I mean by that is, a beautiful view doesn’t always mean it will be a beautiful photograph. Sometimes being there is better than photographing it. Think of it like “this memory won’t be viewed on everyone’s screen. This one’s just mine to remember”
@charlessands3458 this right here. With digital there's nothing wrong with taking a shot. You might love it, or you might have a snapshot for your memories. Either way, take the shot.
Sometimes the best photos are the ones you didn’t intend to photograph because after a while all your photos look the same. I do understand the cold dampening your spirits but that’s why whiskey was invented! 😂
As someone who lives in Montana, not far from Yellowstone,, Im finding it hilarious how shaken he is by the idea of a blizzard in May. Ive seen snow fall in literally every month of the year,
I'm from Austin and did a roadtrip up to Portland cutting through the Rockys. It was in October and my Texas brain was thinking, we probably only need a sweater for the trip. Holy crap I was so wrong and stupid, woke up to find the nearest Ross in Salt Lake City to buy some cheap jackets to not freeze to death before heading into Idaho.
"If its shite, black & white" -Ansel Adams I've never clicked subscribe faster than when I heard this line. Top tier joke. Genuinely enjoyed this video!
Welcome to the Rockies in May! I grew up in the Rock Mountains and every image you've shared in this video is authentic May in the Rockies. May is a month of extremely volatile weather, and you effectively captured the reality of May, especially in western Wyoming at elevations of 6,000+ feet. You may feel your images are disappointing, but I feel like I've come home for a short visit.
Haha!! No, I loved it despite my moaning 😂 as far as the shots go, I'm actually really happy with them. Not sure I've ever returned form a trip with such a diverse number of images!
Man, I was ALL smiles watching this video! Loved re-living our entire trip through your lens & eyes, Rick! Seeing all your shots in motion and stills took me instantaneously back. Definitely a trip to remember for life! Also - so glad to hear that The Playbook has been working out for you well!!
I grew up in the Midwest where the grey winter sky was “suboptimal” for months. This grey sky is nostalgic for me now as I have moved to the South. So those grey shots are actually pretty nice to me
First thing I thought during the first 30 seconds was that if you feel underwhelmed with your photos, just be glad that you got there and experienced it. Photography should always comes second to experiences. Even if it’s how you make a living. Be grateful.
Love your commentary. I have been to Yellowstone several times and the Tetons even more. Love it there. (Our daughter lives and hour and half from Jackson). Your trip makes me want to go early spring which is a time I have not been there. I hope I can put some of your lessons to practice.
My first comment ever - to a you tube vid! Thank you 🙂 At 70 yrs now, newly retired and looking forward to once more, becoming excited (?!?) enchanted (!?!) addicted by/to photography - your video transported me back through decades of (buried) memories that, I recall, were repeatedly filled with warm, excited pre-development optimism - served later - with a double helping of cold, disappointed post-development realism! I applaud your "video" composition and I applaud your balanced, sardonic, self deprecating humour! It was marvellous to watch and listen to.... photography is not your only talent! I wish you decades of future endeavour and I trust, that on reflection, your own memories will be a large catalogue of self-earned satisfaction, and a record of pleasurable achievement! (Thank you also for the Ansel Adams reference )
I stopped at 5:15: "I just didn't think I'd have to research seasons." Why wouldn't you? Weather is a huge variable, and light is the fourth variable in the exposure triad.
Great video and totally get your frustrations! Its a great reminder that most plans won't meet expectations and by adapting to the challenges we can still get some great shots and make us better photographers. I'm a Scot living in the Rocky Mountain area, so know spring weather throws many a visitor, but it can be great for avoiding the crowds we get here!
I have been to Yellowstone/GTNP quite a few times but never during the Wyoming "Springtime" Your adventure has prompted me to give it a go. Very nice photos, Rick.
Great video. I spend a lot of time planning my trips and I have learned some lessons the same as you did here. I appreciate your candor on the thrill and difficulty of American road trips. I recently spent two weeks on a family trip through southern New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern Colorado. I have a lot of experience with trips in the SW and the Smoky Mountains and one trip to the Pacific NW and Glacier. I would be more than happy to share what I know should you ever want to reach out. I am looking for my next adventure to be the full circuit of Lake Superior. I spent a lot of time in northern Minnesota and Canada as a child and I would like to go back and see some of those places again. Thanks for sharing.
Great to watch Rick. I have been to Yellowstone some years ago and you brought it all back. Happy to watch anything you put out so keep going with your adventures. ❤
Thank you for sharing, and what a stunning collection of images! Well done. We all know about what too much expectations can do. I really thing it is better to focus on the experience on been there and then inspiration naturally comes. Don't know if it means something for you.
A really nice video, Rick, and I think you got some very fine images. I particularly thought the boardwalks in the vapors from the (very) hot springs were great. As an old geezer, not geyser, who last drove through Yellowstone about 40 years ago, take it from me that you were truly fortunate that the crummy weather saved you from the usual horrific crowds. The boardwalks even back then were filled with people and you could walk the loop road faster than the folks in cars (only a minor exaggeration).
Great video, Rick! One thing I've realised this year, mostly due to the totally sh!t British weather, is that too much planning leads to unrealistic expectations and massive disappointments. Sometimes, you've just gotta wing it and go out unplanned. You come back with stuff you could never have imagined and no one else will be able to replicate! You got some incredible photos on this trip and also I don't think anyone would judge you (or even know) if you filled in those self shadows ;)
Absolutely, I’ve had that too many times. I think it just compounds things when you put so much time and money getting somewhere… if you let it! Thanks, appreciate it
This is pretty relatable - we were planning a US roadtrip for April. We were very surprised to find everything was gonna be shut. We ended up taking another, more southerly, route. Thanks for showing a realistic May trip to Yellowstone.
I went end of September and loved it. Not bad crowds for what it usually is and fall colors. I love snow/fog photos so I want to try again sometime in early spring.
Your approach to Yellowstone was perfect. You got quite a number of good photos. In some ways finding photos that aren't over photographed might be ok too!
I think your timing was perfect. Had you been there in better weather the crowds would have made you crazy, as you suggested. I love being in vast wilderness areas in the off season, regardless of the weather, assuming I'm prepared. Great images! Thanks for sharing!
Rick, just a heads up the weather in the Pacific Northwest is similar to this. I once assumed I could visit Crater Lake on an April trip to Oregon, only to discover the visitor center doesn't open until late May or early June, depending on snowfall! Luckily, I did do research and discovered this in advance. 🙂
Been there a few times, lucky me. I always have been overwhelmed by the never ending wide views and really needed to resist not trying to capture the vastness but concentrate on the elements making up the vastness. I think United States is so neat in that you can travel across or up/down with no restrictions. Like you said nothing like a road trip USA. I am about to enter my 83rd year and am excited planning a road trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in October. As Spock would say “live long and prosper”☺️
Love the video and commentary. I would suggest one lens that may change your creative perspective on a trip like this. The Fuji XF 70-300 is an amazing optic and would really help you to isolate interesting details inside those shaded canyons or vast landscapes.
I'm going to Norway for the first time and the weather prognosis right now is looking to be rain, pretty much at all times. I'll still go. I'll still record my videos and take my photos and I'll be happy about it. The only thing I've got planned is the route I'll be going which is Sweden > Otta > Åndalsnes > Ålesund > Geiranger > Otta > Home. What happens during that time, we'll see.
But, you’re going to Norway 😀😀 I had a summer camping trip to Iceland in 2018, and the weather was really grim. I still look back on it as one of my favourite trips with a camera. Enjoy your trip 👍🏻
As an American I always find it interesting the ways in which my country affects, impacts, influences and whatever those from elsewhere. Not always in a positive way, I have to admit, but when talking about landscapes we tend to do a little better than in some other areas. Then again, living in the armpit of the deep south (as I do) these landscapes are effectively another country, anyway. But this was a very interesting video.
Hi Rick, The algorithm just “found” your channel for me and I’m enjoying it a lot. I came here directly from your video about marketing prints and something you said jumped out at me: You were talking about your (great) shot of the mountains reflected in the lake and how it is “a bit postcard-y” and I immediately thought “yeah, but postcards sell!” I totally get the drive to create meaning and emotion in our art, but also want to point out that much of the non-artist world is still stuck on “pretty=good” - think #1 singles vs. b-sides from musical artists or Oscar bait compared to blockbusters. Just a thought. Love the content!
1. Plan some of your shots - that should mean you get some photos that you like. Research of locations, sunrise and sunset, weather expected, etc. are all important. 2. Think about/research the climate/weather/terrain you will be going to and be prepared for rain/snow/sun/cold/wet/dry as appropriate. 3. Plan your travel in a way that gives you some flexibility to adjust or grab photos that appear. As much as you are complaining, you got some excellent shots. I think you have more than you think you have if you go for B&W and increase contrast.
Great video! And very timely for me personally as I'm headed to Yellowstone in 2 weeks for 4 days with a friend who works there. Hopefully I'll come away with some shots that are close to the quality of yours. If I do, I'll be very pleased. Thanks for taking the time to do the video.
Rick well done ... It's a blast to see Yellowstone again but thru your eyes and much different conditions. One note a Geeser is the old guy that comes out to yell at you for standing too close to the Geyser :). Next time your planning on coming to the states let me know . Ps will need to talk more off line re The Playbook for Creative Warriors sounds like its right up ma alley ... Cheers, Art
We just went across the Beartooth Highway in Wyoming. Due to high winds and late snows, it didn't open until June 5, 2 days before we were planning on crossing it. Always do your research before traveling :)
My mother was an excellent film photographer. She and my dad travelled all across the US to the most beautiful places. They went not to photograph and but enjoy the beauty. Though she took beautiful photos at the end of her life when she culled her photos (and slides) the ones that remained were those of family. She said that you can buy great pictures of places but others won’t take great pictures of family. I have tried to remember that
What absolutely fabulous images. There is something very special about the desolation. I discovered the joy in finding that changing the feeling from disappointment into experimentation changes your outlook. Yes it can be a low point finding the experience not what you expect but that’s life. Embrace it :-)
Welcome to the US West, depending on the weather, spring can come rather late in the year and winter can come early too. The infamous Donner Party got nailed by an early winter.
@@RickBebbington They were going to California and got caught in an early snow storm in the Sierra Nevada mountains at what is now called Donner Pass. They resorted to cannibalism out of necessity.
Depends on where you are getting out from. My wife and I just drove cross country to get to it. Went to a lot of other places in the area as well, so made it one big trip. The biggest deal is rooms. About $250 is the cheapest for in or close to the park. A little cheaper the further you get out. If you visit multiple days or multiple parks, get an annual pass for $80. That lets you in all parks unlimited. Secret nearby spot: Shell Canyon in the Bighorn Mountains. Stunning, and no one there.
This year is a bit of an anomaly to be fair! Flights weren’t too bad, but I think they’re more in ‘summer’! Accommodation looked pretty pricey but we were camping so it was ok (and thankfully, paid for by Moly!). I think booking in advance is probably key for busier times
We just made a trip to AZ and UT at the start of May and they had snow 10 days before we arrived. The wind whipping through the Canyon made it a lot colder than we'd expected. Nice toilets. 😃
I can imagine!! Glad someone appreciated the toilets. As someone who I assume has visited national parks recently, you'll understand why I've not shown he insides of those buildings...!
Hi Rick, just came across this video and had to comment on it. I am an ex pat brit living in the SF Bay area. I have been here for 30 years. I don't travel to the east coast but have been to yellowstone and the South west. Many campsites on this coast and north west are closed until beginning of June. When I travelled to yellowstone I did check out the weather and best time to go. Since all parks now are overrun with visitors your trip wasn't that bad. I also believe if you had waited another month the mosquito situation, which is no joke, would have been horrendous. The best time and the time I went was after school went back in October (and no mosquito). I would also like to say that trying to get the same photos as what you have seen in the magazines, of the famour barn in the Tetons, is pointless, it's been done!!! I think sitting down the taking in what you see wherever you are is key - I have only been to yellowstone once, and I spoiled the experience by being behind the camera, getting regular shots and not just appreciating the experience.
We actually opted for Yellowstone rather than Big Bend because of Mosquitos, so yes, I'm definitely glad to have avoided them!! Judging form a lot of comments, it seems we actually timed it pretty much perfectly! Thanks.
I'm no "Outdoor leader" but I think I've spent enough time in enough states in enough regions that I think I'm gonna write a book "A Dumb American's Guide to Surviving American Weather on Holiday: For Sad Brits" ;) Glad you had fun!
That was terrific! So interesting to see some of my favorite places in America through someone else's eyes. But yeah, above 8000' in May, rookie mistake if you wanted spring ;-) You certainly made the best of the conditions sir. There were so many images that resonated with me, I can't list them all, but I enjoyed what you did share immensely. It was funny, you mention "self deprecating humor" and then showed images of outside toilets, which took my mind naturally to "self defecating humor" ;-) As for suggestions: Death Valley, Valley of Fire (Nevada); Spring Mountains; Red Rock. Those are all day trips from Las Vegas. Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Arches National Park are spectacular. Devil's Tower in Wyoming is most impressive. Your overexposed images reminded me quite a bit of James Popsys! Happy trails!
I was there a couple months after you and obviously the weather was much different, although we went on to Glacier National Park and the Road to the Sun was still closed in late June because of snow. (BTW, in “American” a geezer is an old man, usually a cranky one. 😂)
Nice video man, I dig it. Like the mixture of talking-head and on-location footage. Curious what paper you are printing on? Results look phenomenal it does a great job of color rendition.
Thanks man, appreciate it!! The papers are generally Fotospeed NST bright white. I think the barn shot I printed is on a Canon Lustre paper that just came with the printer though.
Magnificent! Thank you. I was there in Yellowstone and The Tetons around May 20, 2017. Things were just opening up but half the roads were closed because the bears (mostly grizzlies) were coming out of hibernation and were heading to the streams for the spawning runs. There was still 12 feet of snow around but melting fast. It’s a shame you weren’t able to get a photo of the Bighorn Sheep on the side of the mountains, they were quite prolific around Mammoth Springs. You may want to try the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota, the Pacific Northwest is beautiful. It’s a little less crowded than Yellowstone which is probably my favorite destination so far.
For me traveling is a heady mix of plans and spontaneity. Stuff happens, as you demonstrated in this video, and you just have to roll with things. Had you gone a month later in the year 2022 you'd have encountered massive flooding. The weather is just always a wildcard. Regardless, you made some great images and documented an amazing trip.
A fantastic video. I hear the struggles! "Hard on yourself" talk... Pfffff! I came back from Japan disappointed (NOT because of Japan) but I didn't seem to reach MY photographic ideals and results I dreamt of. Whatever your reasons, whatever my reasons.... I didn't matter... It's that we care so much for what we do, it will help us strive for better. Cheers mate.
Lovely shots throughout for me personally the conditions were awesome a bit of discomfort makes the resulting images worth so much more. The way I’ve lived my life is rip the piss outta myself it saves others bothering ❤️📷
My thoughts on this, if given there is no commercial pressure that you have to get x amount/type of shots, you should go freely let the subject surprise you. I often think that expectation ruin the outcome, just let the place/subject/weather tell you a story and you capture them. That's the beauty of travel photography, to me.
I've lived all over the US and while I don't blame people for fixating on the Deserts and Mountains, there is incredible scenery in the Great Lakes Region. The upper peninsula of Michigan, Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota have a lot of things to offer the photographer. And I don't just mean on the shores of the great lakes.
the moody images of isolated barns, barren fields, and frigid lakes were all actually quite beautiful. Some good came of your trip despite the self-deprecating, cheeky critiques. 🤣Hopefully the chill (that tends to linger for months from trips such as yours) has faded in the summer heat.
The great thing about modern digital photography is that you don't have to worry about running out of film. For me, that was alwaysa barrier, but nowadays I can take a bunch of pictures of the same view and hope I get a good one out of it. Overkill? Maybe. Who cares, really. Even back in the day, you hoped you got a good one out of all the images you clicked.
We don't always catch lighting in a bottle but ya gotta try. I liked this as we can all relate bud. Just ask yourself - what happens when I find joy in the things I do?
Having been to both, you were fortunate to capture the parks in their normal state. Often, we chose to shoot on sunny days and forget taking advantage of cloudy (even light) or rain. Different perspectives. Hey … you can always go back. Yes, the crowds suck so much. Can’t park. Can’t take a shot because f’k head is standing in the middle of something wonderful. Or can’t enjoy the sounds of nature because people can’t STFU and enjoy the moments.
That closed view point at the waterfall isn't closed due to winter. It is being rebuilt so no matter the time of year you weren't going to see it unfortunately. I did some work on that trail a couple summers ago.
I’ve skied in June at Snowbird in Utah. No hiking. They were still selling tram passes. May is not really summer in the Rockies. You still got some beautiful photos, though. 😁
I have had similar experiences in Iceland, France, Japan, and Egypt where I went to these places with specific images in mind but because of the weather, time of day, etc got none of them. The most disappointing was Japan as I spent three weeks there for Cherry Blossoms for three weeks but they didn't bloom until about 10 days after I left despite going there when the peak was forecast. I enjoyed your perspective on the issue and you still got a lot of great images. I left my discouragement during these trips affect my attitude and in turn my creativity.
until this year my son lived in Jackson or near by and had visited the area almost yearly for about 5-years. May is iffy but a favorite, but September and August are great (but both the town and parks are flooded with grey tourists - I retired 6 years ago!). One May I had beautiful weather but on Mormon ROW I had to compete with the birders watching the Prairie Grouse mating rituals, unfortunately the birds know the best photo locations. And in May 2020??? the moose who thought our tent was a great spot to lay on/next to while we were inside. You'll just have to return, still liked your photo's. If you want a comparison to make yourself feel good, I'll send some of mine, hahaha
I feel your pain, but in my case, I have family who live in Colorado and I kind of picked up early on that. Their version of spring is different than a Texan spring. That being said, I went to Yellowstone last year and I did take a few photos, but nothing of significance. I am however, going to Yellowstone on the 13th of this month and I’m taking a vast of cameras with me including a full spectrum converted Sony camera ever since purchasing this camera, I have released my inner Anzel Adams.
No fences or walls were crossed, no signs were ignored, and there was a path up to it before the trespass police jump on me 😂
You with the bears, me with the no tresspassing! 🤣 The abandoned farmhouse was totally worth it though, thanks for getting me risk getting shot for getting THE shots!!
Stunning pictures, mate 😊 Just discovered your channel. What a find 😃 Good luck with all the hard work and picture making!
Idc if you trespass. Sneak in whenever you want. Forget these weirdos.
As photographers, as much as we try to photograph every beautiful place we are in, we need to also recognize when NOT to take a photo. What I mean by that is, a beautiful view doesn’t always mean it will be a beautiful photograph. Sometimes being there is better than photographing it. Think of it like “this memory won’t be viewed on everyone’s screen. This one’s just mine to remember”
So true. That's maybe the hardest thing to so.
That was deep!
I understand what you mean here, but it's best to take a photo and reject it later than to wish, later, that you had taken it.
@charlessands3458 this right here. With digital there's nothing wrong with taking a shot. You might love it, or you might have a snapshot for your memories. Either way, take the shot.
Interesting take! Similar to the Sean Penn character's in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
This is a masterclass of British moaning abroad. The images are sublime, the scenery to die for, & the weather an absolute bonus.
😂 haha!!! I'm glad I fulfil the stereotype! Thank you, very kind
Damn I'm thinking the same, I see the barns in cold, icy weather, away from instagram tropes, and I'm like "jackpot".
Sometimes the best photos are the ones you didn’t intend to photograph because after a while all your photos look the same. I do understand the cold dampening your spirits but that’s why whiskey was invented! 😂
💯
As someone who lives in Montana, not far from Yellowstone,, Im finding it hilarious how shaken he is by the idea of a blizzard in May. Ive seen snow fall in literally every month of the year,
This. I went to Yellowstone once at the end of May. The second day there, we wanted to go for a hike, so we had to rent snowshoes.
Yep, it made me chuckle. “Since it wasn’t Alaska…”
I'm from Austin and did a roadtrip up to Portland cutting through the Rockys. It was in October and my Texas brain was thinking, we probably only need a sweater for the trip. Holy crap I was so wrong and stupid, woke up to find the nearest Ross in Salt Lake City to buy some cheap jackets to not freeze to death before heading into Idaho.
It is all about expectations. The conditions were perfect for photography, but not perfect for your expectations.
Indeed it is.
This is how I approach my travel photography. Take what comes your way and shoot what's in front of you. Nice lesson.
Thanks! It's now my only way
Same. I travel to experience the world first and foremost. If I happen to come across an opportunity for a good photo, that's a bonus.
Thanks!
Thank you so much for this - MASSIVELY appreciated 🙏🏻
"If its shite, black & white"
-Ansel Adams
I've never clicked subscribe faster than when I heard this line. Top tier joke. Genuinely enjoyed this video!
Thanks 😂 I honestly thought that would gain more recognition....!!
Welcome to the Rockies in May! I grew up in the Rock Mountains and every image you've shared in this video is authentic May in the Rockies. May is a month of extremely volatile weather, and you effectively captured the reality of May, especially in western Wyoming at elevations of 6,000+ feet. You may feel your images are disappointing, but I feel like I've come home for a short visit.
Haha!! No, I loved it despite my moaning 😂 as far as the shots go, I'm actually really happy with them. Not sure I've ever returned form a trip with such a diverse number of images!
Man, I was ALL smiles watching this video! Loved re-living our entire trip through your lens & eyes, Rick! Seeing all your shots in motion and stills took me instantaneously back. Definitely a trip to remember for life! Also - so glad to hear that The Playbook has been working out for you well!!
So glad you like it!! Yeah, absolutely, and I'm so glad I know have all this as a record of it :)
Great video - nice dry humour, not taking yourself too seriously and coming up with some great shots with a smattering of good advice. Well done!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
I grew up in the Midwest where the grey winter sky was “suboptimal” for months. This grey sky is nostalgic for me now as I have moved to the South. So those grey shots are actually pretty nice to me
I enjoyed your retelling of the experience AND the humor you found in it
You have to laugh don't you?! Thanks!
Thanks for sharing with us your journey and those amazing photos. It was was truly pleasant to watch !
Thanks, so glad you enjoyed it
Back in 1983, we took the kids to see Yellowstone in August. We too expected at least warmth. But no, we hit a blizzard! Who knew?
absolutely loved this, YT finally recommends something worth watching! Thanks for sharing, the humour and the messages within
Thanks, I really appreciate that. Glad you enjoyed it!
First thing I thought during the first 30 seconds was that if you feel underwhelmed with your photos, just be glad that you got there and experienced it. Photography should always comes second to experiences. Even if it’s how you make a living. Be grateful.
(Not saying that you’re not grateful, rather advice for novices who don’t stop to smell the roses)
Absolutely agree. It was such an awesome experience from start to finish :)
Can’t force it. That’s why I downsized to Olympus M4/3 and just keep it in my car with a handful of tiny lenses. ツ
Excellent story telling and some very fine images! I look forward to seeing more of your work! Thanks for taking me along!
Thanks, appreciate it!
Love your commentary. I have been to Yellowstone several times and the Tetons even more. Love it there. (Our daughter lives and hour and half from Jackson). Your trip makes me want to go early spring which is a time I have not been there. I hope I can put some of your lessons to practice.
The best example of “When life gives you lemons….” That I have seen. Beautiful images.
My first comment ever - to a you tube vid! Thank you 🙂
At 70 yrs now, newly retired and looking forward to once more, becoming excited (?!?) enchanted (!?!) addicted by/to photography - your video transported me back through decades of (buried) memories that, I recall, were repeatedly filled with warm, excited pre-development optimism - served later - with a double helping of cold, disappointed post-development realism!
I applaud your "video" composition and I applaud your balanced, sardonic, self deprecating humour! It was marvellous to watch and listen to.... photography is not your only talent!
I wish you decades of future endeavour and I trust, that on reflection, your own memories will be a large catalogue of self-earned satisfaction, and a record of pleasurable achievement!
(Thank you also for the Ansel Adams reference )
Thank you so much, this really means a lot to me :)
I stopped at 5:15: "I just didn't think I'd have to research seasons." Why wouldn't you? Weather is a huge variable, and light is the fourth variable in the exposure triad.
Like I said, to me May is a Spring month!
Great video and totally get your frustrations! Its a great reminder that most plans won't meet expectations and by adapting to the challenges we can still get some great shots and make us better photographers. I'm a Scot living in the Rocky Mountain area, so know spring weather throws many a visitor, but it can be great for avoiding the crowds we get here!
Yeah, a few people have mentioned crowds so I'm glad we went when we did - character building!! Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
Loved the video, I really think you chose a great time to visit and I loved the isolation and big skies.
Thanks, it seems like we did! Glad you enjoyed it!
I very much enjoyed this video, the photos, and the storyline. Thank you.
thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
I have been to Yellowstone/GTNP quite a few times but never during the Wyoming "Springtime" Your adventure has prompted me to give it a go. Very nice photos, Rick.
Ahh, that's nice to hear!! Despite my tongue in cheek moaning, it's a great time to visit, enjoy!
Hi Rick
Amazing video, and amazing photos !
Not enough time to apreciate them in the video, so I have bought your zine. Well done !
Thanks Vincent, much appreciated 👍🏻
I hope you enjoyed your trip around those parks either way! They're on my wish list of places to go. Maybe next year I'll be able to take my big trip.
I love your shots. I live in Colorado and we see a lot of that snow.
Great video. I spend a lot of time planning my trips and I have learned some lessons the same as you did here. I appreciate your candor on the thrill and difficulty of American road trips. I recently spent two weeks on a family trip through southern New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern Colorado. I have a lot of experience with trips in the SW and the Smoky Mountains and one trip to the Pacific NW and Glacier. I would be more than happy to share what I know should you ever want to reach out. I am looking for my next adventure to be the full circuit of Lake Superior. I spent a lot of time in northern Minnesota and Canada as a child and I would like to go back and see some of those places again. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, I really appreciate that 🙏🏻 that sounds like a great adventure - I saw Lake Superior on my flight over… that’s quite a drive!
Great to watch Rick. I have been to Yellowstone some years ago and you brought it all back. Happy to watch anything you put out so keep going with your adventures. ❤
Thank you Chris, glad you enjoyed it!
Great content 💪
Thanks for taking us with you on that journey!
I really enjoyed watching and listening 🙏
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing, and what a stunning collection of images! Well done.
We all know about what too much expectations can do. I really thing it is better to focus on the experience on been there and then inspiration naturally comes. Don't know if it means something for you.
Thanks, appreciate that ☺️ you’re exactly right, now my preferred way of seeing places
A really nice video, Rick, and I think you got some very fine images. I particularly thought the boardwalks in the vapors from the (very) hot springs were great. As an old geezer, not geyser, who last drove through Yellowstone about 40 years ago, take it from me that you were truly fortunate that the crummy weather saved you from the usual horrific crowds. The boardwalks even back then were filled with people and you could walk the loop road faster than the folks in cars (only a minor exaggeration).
Yeah, I would not have enjoyed that. Thank you 🙏🏻
I really liked the dark moody pictures… unique and beautiful. The VIDEO was even better! Thanks for sharing this experience
Thanks, glad you liked it
Great video, Rick! One thing I've realised this year, mostly due to the totally sh!t British weather, is that too much planning leads to unrealistic expectations and massive disappointments. Sometimes, you've just gotta wing it and go out unplanned. You come back with stuff you could never have imagined and no one else will be able to replicate! You got some incredible photos on this trip and also I don't think anyone would judge you (or even know) if you filled in those self shadows ;)
Absolutely, I’ve had that too many times. I think it just compounds things when you put so much time and money getting somewhere… if you let it! Thanks, appreciate it
Enjoyed the storytelling in this. Great vid
thanks, glad you enjoyed it
Your art is incredible. I just love your storytelling relayed in the composition
Thanks Deepti, that means a lot ☺️
This is pretty relatable - we were planning a US roadtrip for April. We were very surprised to find everything was gonna be shut. We ended up taking another, more southerly, route. Thanks for showing a realistic May trip to Yellowstone.
Glad it’s not just me! Hope your trip was good?
@@RickBebbington yeah it was great. One day we'll get to Yellowstone and Grand Teton
I went end of September and loved it. Not bad crowds for what it usually is and fall colors. I love snow/fog photos so I want to try again sometime in early spring.
Your approach to Yellowstone was perfect. You got quite a number of good photos. In some ways finding photos that aren't over photographed might be ok too!
Thank you very much!! I definitely just prefer finding my own things, but also don't want to miss out on better stuff too. it's hard!!
Loved it Rick made me smile and still some great shots.
Thanks Bernie!
If I had a trip with this many amazing shots I would be over the moon.
Loved this video and can relate to so much of it😅
Thank you
Thanks Kaye, i appreciate it
Truths, Honesty, and some cracking shots. And lessons learned.
Thank you, appreciate it!
I think your timing was perfect. Had you been there in better weather the crowds would have made you crazy, as you suggested. I love being in vast wilderness areas in the off season, regardless of the weather, assuming I'm prepared. Great images! Thanks for sharing!
You’re totally right, I’d have been more annoyed with people 😂
Was that an MTL5 at the beginning? My first ever SLR was a Praktica MTL3.
Should have watched the whole video before commenting. 😀
Super TL1000 - new video on it up!
@@RickBebbington Yeah, I saw later in the video. Watched the new one last night and really enjoyed it.
Engaging video Rick. Thanks for sharing. Would love to visit those places.
Thanks, you absolutely should if you can - try and do it for more than just a few days though!!
Rick, just a heads up the weather in the Pacific Northwest is similar to this. I once assumed I could visit Crater Lake on an April trip to Oregon, only to discover the visitor center doesn't open until late May or early June, depending on snowfall! Luckily, I did do research and discovered this in advance. 🙂
Good to know, thanks!!
Beautiful photography and commentary! I just followed you on Instagram.
Thanks you so much!!
Been there a few times, lucky me. I always have been overwhelmed by the never ending wide views and really needed to resist not trying to capture the vastness but concentrate on the elements making up the vastness. I think United States is so neat in that you can travel across or up/down with no restrictions. Like you said nothing like a road trip USA. I am about to enter my 83rd year and am excited planning a road trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in October. As Spock would say “live long and prosper”☺️
Love the video and commentary. I would suggest one lens that may change your creative perspective on a trip like this. The Fuji XF 70-300 is an amazing optic and would really help you to isolate interesting details inside those shaded canyons or vast landscapes.
I enjoyed this episode. I like that you really know what you are after (most of the time). Living in the US, I guess I don't realize how lucky I am.
Thanks! I think a lot of us (me included) take where we live for granted. I guess I just take a lot more inspiration from being elsewhere
I'm going to Norway for the first time and the weather prognosis right now is looking to be rain, pretty much at all times. I'll still go. I'll still record my videos and take my photos and I'll be happy about it. The only thing I've got planned is the route I'll be going which is Sweden > Otta > Åndalsnes > Ålesund > Geiranger > Otta > Home. What happens during that time, we'll see.
But, you’re going to Norway 😀😀 I had a summer camping trip to Iceland in 2018, and the weather was really grim. I still look back on it as one of my favourite trips with a camera. Enjoy your trip 👍🏻
As an American I always find it interesting the ways in which my country affects, impacts, influences and whatever those from elsewhere. Not always in a positive way, I have to admit, but when talking about landscapes we tend to do a little better than in some other areas. Then again, living in the armpit of the deep south (as I do) these landscapes are effectively another country, anyway. But this was a very interesting video.
You absolutely do. The diversity of landscapes you have over there make me very envious!! Thanks
Hi Rick,
The algorithm just “found” your channel for me and I’m enjoying it a lot. I came here directly from your video about marketing prints and something you said jumped out at me:
You were talking about your (great) shot of the mountains reflected in the lake and how it is “a bit postcard-y” and I immediately thought “yeah, but postcards sell!”
I totally get the drive to create meaning and emotion in our art, but also want to point out that much of the non-artist world is still stuck on “pretty=good” - think #1 singles vs. b-sides from musical artists or Oscar bait compared to blockbusters.
Just a thought. Love the content!
Defn want to hear thoughts on fuji
it's coming....
1. Plan some of your shots - that should mean you get some photos that you like. Research of locations, sunrise and sunset, weather expected, etc. are all important.
2. Think about/research the climate/weather/terrain you will be going to and be prepared for rain/snow/sun/cold/wet/dry as appropriate.
3. Plan your travel in a way that gives you some flexibility to adjust or grab photos that appear.
As much as you are complaining, you got some excellent shots. I think you have more than you think you have if you go for B&W and increase contrast.
Yep, great tips. The complaining is tongue in cheek, I had an awesome time and am really happy with what I got :) thanks, I'll try that!
Fantastic photos! Many look very wide. I wonder what focal length was used. I'm guessing 24mm.
One or two were, but the majority were shot at what would be 35mm or 50mm on a full frame sensor
Great video! And very timely for me personally as I'm headed to Yellowstone in 2 weeks for 4 days with a friend who works there. Hopefully I'll come away with some shots that are close to the quality of yours. If I do, I'll be very pleased. Thanks for taking the time to do the video.
I hope you have an amazing time - sounds like you got the ideal guide!! Take a shot from the lower walkway out to Yellowstone falls for me would you?!
@@RickBebbington I'll make a note of it!
Rick well done ... It's a blast to see Yellowstone again but thru your eyes and much different conditions. One note a Geeser is the old guy that comes out to yell at you for standing too close to the Geyser :). Next time your planning on coming to the states let me know . Ps will need to talk more off line re The Playbook for Creative Warriors sounds like its right up ma alley ... Cheers, Art
Thanks Art!! I will do, had enough of planes for now but I’ll be over at some point! Yeah, give me a shout 👍🏻
We just went across the Beartooth Highway in Wyoming. Due to high winds and late snows, it didn't open until June 5, 2 days before we were planning on crossing it.
Always do your research before traveling :)
Oh wow, that must have been amazing! Yep, lesson learnt. Sort of!
My mother was an excellent film photographer. She and my dad travelled all across the US to the most beautiful places. They went not to photograph and but enjoy the beauty. Though she took beautiful photos at the end of her life when she culled her photos (and slides) the ones that remained were those of family. She said that you can buy great pictures of places but others won’t take great pictures of family. I have tried to remember that
I love that. Thanks for sharing.
What absolutely fabulous images. There is something very special about the desolation. I discovered the joy in finding that changing the feeling from disappointment into experimentation changes your outlook. Yes it can be a low point finding the experience not what you expect but that’s life. Embrace it :-)
Thank you. That explains it perfectly actually, and it was a lot more enjoyable and memorable as a result - thanks!
Welcome to the US West, depending on the weather, spring can come rather late in the year and winter can come early too. The infamous Donner Party got nailed by an early winter.
People forget the Donners were a group of photographers :)
Indeed it can! I’d never heard of that, just been reading 😳
@@RickBebbington They were going to California and got caught in an early snow storm in the Sierra Nevada mountains at what is now called Donner Pass. They resorted to cannibalism out of necessity.
Wow, you certainly get about. Was it expensive to get out to Yellowstone?
Depends on where you are getting out from. My wife and I just drove cross country to get to it. Went to a lot of other places in the area as well, so made it one big trip. The biggest deal is rooms. About $250 is the cheapest for in or close to the park. A little cheaper the further you get out. If you visit multiple days or multiple parks, get an annual pass for $80. That lets you in all parks unlimited.
Secret nearby spot: Shell Canyon in the Bighorn Mountains. Stunning, and no one there.
@@musa7606 For a moment, I thought it was Rick replying!
This year is a bit of an anomaly to be fair! Flights weren’t too bad, but I think they’re more in ‘summer’! Accommodation looked pretty pricey but we were camping so it was ok (and thankfully, paid for by Moly!). I think booking in advance is probably key for busier times
The timing was perfect!
We just made a trip to AZ and UT at the start of May and they had snow 10 days before we arrived. The wind whipping through the Canyon made it a lot colder than we'd expected. Nice toilets. 😃
I can imagine!! Glad someone appreciated the toilets. As someone who I assume has visited national parks recently, you'll understand why I've not shown he insides of those buildings...!
Ok it was entertaining, I’ve never been to Yellowstone. I live in Denver. Thanks
Thanks!
Hi Rick, just came across this video and had to comment on it. I am an ex pat brit living in the SF Bay area. I have been here for 30 years. I don't travel to the east coast but have been to yellowstone and the South west. Many campsites on this coast and north west are closed until beginning of June. When I travelled to yellowstone I did check out the weather and best time to go. Since all parks now are overrun with visitors your trip wasn't that bad. I also believe if you had waited another month the mosquito situation, which is no joke, would have been horrendous. The best time and the time I went was after school went back in October (and no mosquito). I would also like to say that trying to get the same photos as what you have seen in the magazines, of the famour barn in the Tetons, is pointless, it's been done!!! I think sitting down the taking in what you see wherever you are is key - I have only been to yellowstone once, and I spoiled the experience by being behind the camera, getting regular shots and not just appreciating the experience.
We actually opted for Yellowstone rather than Big Bend because of Mosquitos, so yes, I'm definitely glad to have avoided them!! Judging form a lot of comments, it seems we actually timed it pretty much perfectly! Thanks.
I'm no "Outdoor leader" but I think I've spent enough time in enough states in enough regions that I think I'm gonna write a book "A Dumb American's Guide to Surviving American Weather on Holiday: For Sad Brits" ;)
Glad you had fun!
Can you send me a copy when it's written??!
Outback? No... Outhouse! Loved joining you on your trip, Rick, challenging at first, then glorious. Thanks!
Thank you!
That was terrific! So interesting to see some of my favorite places in America through someone else's eyes. But yeah, above 8000' in May, rookie mistake if you wanted spring ;-) You certainly made the best of the conditions sir. There were so many images that resonated with me, I can't list them all, but I enjoyed what you did share immensely. It was funny, you mention "self deprecating humor" and then showed images of outside toilets, which took my mind naturally to "self defecating humor" ;-) As for suggestions: Death Valley, Valley of Fire (Nevada); Spring Mountains; Red Rock. Those are all day trips from Las Vegas. Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Arches National Park are spectacular. Devil's Tower in Wyoming is most impressive. Your overexposed images reminded me quite a bit of James Popsys! Happy trails!
Haha!! Thanks Brian, would love to do all those places listed. I drove through Death Valley in 2014 and loved it, need to give it more time though.
I was there a couple months after you and obviously the weather was much different, although we went on to Glacier National Park and the Road to the Sun was still closed in late June because of snow. (BTW, in “American” a geezer is an old man, usually a cranky one. 😂)
Still closed in late June?! That can't be open long!! Hope you had fun 👍🏻 good to know on the 'geezer'!!
@@RickBebbington Thank you! Yes, I got some really nice pictures of animals and landscapes.
The stranger on the woodwalk is just exceptional.
Thank you 🙏🏻
Nice video man, I dig it. Like the mixture of talking-head and on-location footage.
Curious what paper you are printing on? Results look phenomenal it does a great job of color rendition.
Thanks man, appreciate it!! The papers are generally Fotospeed NST bright white. I think the barn shot I printed is on a Canon Lustre paper that just came with the printer though.
Magnificent! Thank you. I was there in Yellowstone and The Tetons around May 20, 2017. Things were just opening up but half the roads were closed because the bears (mostly grizzlies) were coming out of hibernation and were heading to the streams for the spawning runs. There was still 12 feet of snow around but melting fast. It’s a shame you weren’t able to get a photo of the Bighorn Sheep on the side of the mountains, they were quite prolific around Mammoth Springs.
You may want to try the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota, the Pacific Northwest is beautiful. It’s a little less crowded than Yellowstone which is probably my favorite destination so far.
Stunning landscape images. TFS.
Many failures at first glance, but... these are great lessons learned! Nice video & story telling!
Thanks!
For me traveling is a heady mix of plans and spontaneity. Stuff happens, as you demonstrated in this video, and you just have to roll with things. Had you gone a month later in the year 2022 you'd have encountered massive flooding. The weather is just always a wildcard. Regardless, you made some great images and documented an amazing trip.
Thank you. Did not know abut the flooding 😳 grateful that wasn’t a thing to contend with
A fantastic video. I hear the struggles! "Hard on yourself" talk... Pfffff! I came back from Japan disappointed (NOT because of Japan) but I didn't seem to reach MY photographic ideals and results I dreamt of. Whatever your reasons, whatever my reasons.... I didn't matter... It's that we care so much for what we do, it will help us strive for better. Cheers mate.
Lovely shots throughout for me personally the conditions were awesome a bit of discomfort makes the resulting images worth so much more. The way I’ve lived my life is rip the piss outta myself it saves others bothering ❤️📷
Thank you! Yeah, it’s a good way to be 😂
My thoughts on this, if given there is no commercial pressure that you have to get x amount/type of shots, you should go freely let the subject surprise you. I often think that expectation ruin the outcome, just let the place/subject/weather tell you a story and you capture them. That's the beauty of travel photography, to me.
Absolutely, something I'll going to lean into in the future
Zine purchased ❤ video as always amazing! More zines Rick!
Congrats on the outdoor toilet images! must have taken loads of planning! 😂
Haha! Thanks Andy, really appreciate that 👍🏻
I've lived all over the US and while I don't blame people for fixating on the Deserts and Mountains, there is incredible scenery in the Great Lakes Region. The upper peninsula of Michigan, Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota have a lot of things to offer the photographer. And I don't just mean on the shores of the great lakes.
Thanks for sharing! You made some great lemonade!
the moody images of isolated barns, barren fields, and frigid lakes were all actually quite beautiful. Some good came of your trip despite the self-deprecating, cheeky critiques. 🤣Hopefully the chill (that tends to linger for months from trips such as yours) has faded in the summer heat.
Thanks man!! Yeah, it's a distant memory now - looking forward to winter 😂
some of those geyser shots might look dope in B&W?? sick photos over all !
I’ve got some i shot on film… and you’re correct! Thanks 👍🏻
@@RickBebbington awesome! glad you did I bet they look great!
The great thing about modern digital photography is that you don't have to worry about running out of film. For me, that was alwaysa barrier, but nowadays I can take a bunch of pictures of the same view and hope I get a good one out of it. Overkill? Maybe. Who cares, really. Even back in the day, you hoped you got a good one out of all the images you clicked.
We don't always catch lighting in a bottle but ya gotta try. I liked this as we can all relate bud. Just ask yourself - what happens when I find joy in the things I do?
That's what I'm moving towards. Enjoyment > perfectionism. Thanks!
The photos are STUNNING. The feeling of isolation and peace... For the first time, I feel like visiting this place
Thank you so much 🙏🏻😀
Having been to both, you were fortunate to capture the parks in their normal state. Often, we chose to shoot on sunny days and forget taking advantage of cloudy (even light) or rain. Different perspectives. Hey … you can always go back. Yes, the crowds suck so much. Can’t park. Can’t take a shot because f’k head is standing in the middle of something wonderful. Or can’t enjoy the sounds of nature because people can’t STFU and enjoy the moments.
I see that now - I don't think I was aware how busy both get so yes, definitely good to avoid the f'k heads!!
That closed view point at the waterfall isn't closed due to winter. It is being rebuilt so no matter the time of year you weren't going to see it unfortunately.
I did some work on that trail a couple summers ago.
I’ve skied in June at Snowbird in Utah. No hiking. They were still selling tram passes. May is not really summer in the Rockies. You still got some beautiful photos, though. 😁
I have had similar experiences in Iceland, France, Japan, and Egypt where I went to these places with specific images in mind but because of the weather, time of day, etc got none of them. The most disappointing was Japan as I spent three weeks there for Cherry Blossoms for three weeks but they didn't bloom until about 10 days after I left despite going there when the peak was forecast. I enjoyed your perspective on the issue and you still got a lot of great images. I left my discouragement during these trips affect my attitude and in turn my creativity.
Been there as a kid....still looks cool
Oh, it's very cool!!
until this year my son lived in Jackson or near by and had visited the area almost yearly for about 5-years. May is iffy but a favorite, but September and August are great (but both the town and parks are flooded with grey tourists - I retired 6 years ago!). One May I had beautiful weather but on Mormon ROW I had to compete with the birders watching the Prairie Grouse mating rituals, unfortunately the birds know the best photo locations. And in May 2020??? the moose who thought our tent was a great spot to lay on/next to while we were inside. You'll just have to return, still liked your photo's. If you want a comparison to make yourself feel good, I'll send some of mine, hahaha
Thanks!! Yeah, I see now that I'd have HATED it if we'd gone later in the season - very appreciative of what we got!
When you mentioned national parks in spring, I immediately laughed. Spring is just late winter in some of those places. 🤣
I feel your pain, but in my case, I have family who live in Colorado and I kind of picked up early on that. Their version of spring is different than a Texan spring.
That being said, I went to Yellowstone last year and I did take a few photos, but nothing of significance.
I am however, going to Yellowstone on the 13th of this month and I’m taking a vast of cameras with me including a full spectrum converted Sony camera ever since purchasing this camera, I have released my inner Anzel Adams.
Hope you are having a great time!! Yep, it wasn't the version of spring I'm used to!