July 2019 – Denise Bush's Photo Blog

Lakeside

Mountain lakes have a special place in my heart. I’ve heard that ‘water’ is one of the most photographed subjects. When you think about all the ocean, lake, pond, river, stream and waterfall subjects it is probably so. But lakeside is by far my favorite … a place I like to be, and a place I like to photograph. A stop at Sylvan Lake in the Black Hills of South Dakota did not disappoint. Rock formations surrounding the lake created a unique and peaceful scene, especially at sunrise and sunset.

The clouds are the first to wake at Sylvan Lake in the Black Hills of South Dakota. — ‘Glorious Morning’ © Denise Bush

A Canada Goose, awake before sunrise is enjoying a peaceful morning swim before the tourists come. — ‘Morning Swim’ © Denise Bush
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Sunrise strikes the tallest formation to welcome morning on Sylvan Lake. — ‘First Light, Sylvan Lake’ © Denise Bush
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As the sunrises it illuminates more of Sylvan Lake’s beautful rock formations. — ‘Sylvan Lake Lighting’ © Denise Bush

Sunset on Sylvan Lake in South Dakota’s Black Hills region. — ‘Sylvan Lake Sunset’ © Denise Bush

Waterfalls In B&W

The waterfalls pictured here are from Spearfish Canyon, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. On this spring day clouds provided diffused light, eliminating harsh contrast and helping me achieve the silky water affect. Located close to one another, it was easy to get to all three falls in one afternoon. I found the vantage points to be quite limited … choosing not to jump a fence, get wet or roll down a steep ravine. The lack of choices made the shoots even quicker and that was good because the clouds were starting to clear, putting an end to ideal conditions. I tried a few of the different compositions available and after processing them decided I like the following, centered compositions best, especially as a set. I converted them to B&W to make them a little different and lessen some distractions. By doing so I think more attention is given to the main subjects.

A short hike takes you to a beautiful view of Spearfish Falls in the Black Hills of South Dakota. — ‘Spearfish Falls’ © Denise Bush
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A beautiful waterfall in Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota is surrounded by spring green. — ‘Bridal Veil Falls’ © Denise Bush
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Water falls into a babbling cascade at Roughlock Falls in the Black Hillsof South Dakota. — ‘Roughlock Falls’ © Denise Bush

The Badlands … not so bad!

A recent 10-day trip took a friend and I to South Dakota, Wyoming, and back to Colorado again. Our first stop was The Badlands National Park. We were glad to see it wasn’t too crowded … as National Parks often are. The scenery is beautiful but also challenged me. I was reminded of how it is when you take a photography trip in unfamiliar territory. The landscape is large and foregrounds are often barren. We were lucky to have spring green grass leading up to the formations. I found interesting skies important in my approach and got lucky enough on a few occasions.

Last light falls upon the Badlands looking to the east. — ‘Badlands Twilight’ © Denise Bush

The South Dakota sun rises over a Badlands landscape in spring. — ‘Badlands Sunrise’ © Denise Bush

A beautiful spring morning in The Badlands National Park depicts how green it can be in the spring — ‘Badlands Morning’ © Denise Bush

A close-up of one of the yellow mounds in Badlands National Park. — ‘Yellow Mounds Close-up’ © Denise Bush

The sun strikes a formation in the Badlands accentuating its jagged contours. — ‘Badlands Sidelight’ © Denise Bush

Formations in The Badlands National Park can be smooth and display a variety of colors as seen in this view including some of the ‘Yellow Mounds’. — ‘Undulations’ © Denise Bush

The spring green vegetation contrasts with the rough and barren Badlands of South Dakota — ‘Spring Contrasts’ © Denise Bush

Grass in the foreground matches the warm colors of a Badlands formation. — ‘Solo Peak’ © Denise Bush

Sunset lights up the sky before The Badlands retire for the night. — ‘Goodnight Badlands’ © Denise Bush

A closer look at a colorful sunset in The Badlands shows the texture of the rugged rocks against a warm sky. — ‘Sunset Close-up’ © Denise Bush

Passing By Time

On a recent trip to Wyoming & South Dakota my friend and I found many old, weathered buildings and rusty relics. We even had the opportunity to explore some real ghost towns. Loving this subject matter, we couldn’t let these opportunities pass us by. We had to stop and photograph them! The following are subjects we found in the first 2 days of a 10 day trip. So, along with many landscape images there’s more of this to come … houses, barns, another ghost town and more! Following is the first set I have ready to share. Let me know if there is one that speaks to you! And, if you like this subject matter as much as I do, check out my ‘Remnants & Remains Gallery’!