After a 2 month beta period the final release of Adobe Lightroom 4 has arrived. With new native video capabilities in addition to improved raw develop features to maximize dynamic range, this is one very worthwhile upgrade. DP Review has prepared a very detailed review of all the new features here.  And best of all, Adobe has lowered the full price to $149 and the upgrade to only $79.

Available now at

Direct links to: Full Version 4 for Mac & Windows $149  or  Upgrade Version 4 for Mac & Windows $79

The Big Sur coast is one of those truly special locations that never fails to impress. The rocky shoreline and misty mountains are instantly recognizable the world over, yet her mood is constantly changing throughout the seasons providing a fresh perspective with each new visit.

From the early morning fog to the golden sunsets, this meeting of land and sea is in a constant state of flux. And as you make your way along that magical ribbon known as Highway 1, each vista reveals a slightly different face to this willing muse.

For photographers, this perpetual change is ideal and the challenge of making fresh images (often faced in many other landmarks) is greatly reduced. The Big Sur coast is also part of the Monterey National Marine Sanctuary and its rich sea life, including Elephant Seals, otters. and migrating gray whales, provides yet another opportunity for great imagery.

Click here to visit Craft And Vision.

Just released, Michael Frye’s second e-book “Exposure for Outdoor Photography” is another great addition to the Craft & Vision library.

This well written and beautifully illustrated guide covers all the essentials of understanding and capturing natural light. Starting with the basics of shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and light meters, Michael then uses a series of ten examples of his work to demonstrate how these principals apply to the various types of light encountered in landscape photography.

Covering all of the techniques for reviewing and recording light in the field, it is both an in-depth reference guide to achieving your own vision and a stunning gallery of Michael’s exceptional work. At only five dollars, it’s an easy investment in creativity and for the next four days you can get the PDF eBook for only four dollars with the code EXPOSURE4 at checkout.

MILE…MILE & A HALF (trailer) from The Muir Project on Vimeo.

The John Muir Trail traverses 219 miles through the heart of California’s majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains from Yosemite National Park to Mount Whitney.

During the summer of 2011, a group of multimedia artists spent 25 days hiking the trail and capturing their experiences. This soon to be released documentary highlights the beauty and special moments that are shared along this classic route.

In addition to the film, the project will include a gallery exhibit including photographs, video installations, and hands-on displays that allow visitors to truly get a feeling for the majesty and camaraderie that are all a part of the John Muir Trail. For more information visit:  themuirproject.com.

Notre Dame de Paris (French for “Our Lady of Paris”) is widely considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in France and all of Europe.  The classic lines of this magnificent cathedral rise gracefully above the Seine River and are as recognizable as the Eiffel Tower, and in terms of visitation it is even more popular than Paris’ other icon.

Situated on the eastern half of the Île de la Cité in the fourth arrondissement of Paris it is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese, and its treasury houses a reliquary with the purported Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus Christ before his crucifixion. And as the geographical center of Paris, a marker by the main entrance represents ”point zero” from which all distances in France are measured.

Tucked away on the southern border of Arizona and Mexico, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is one of the least visited units of the National Park system. Yet this relatively small park has a wealth of subject matter for great photography.

It’s named for the stately succulents that are prominent south of the border, but can only found in this remote section of the United States. While not as iconic (or photographed) as the more prevalent saguaro, the organ pipe cactus has a graceful profile that photographs well against the expansive southwest skies and it’s rocky habitat.

Spring is an excellent time to visit with vibrant wildflower displays including poppy and brittlebush, and the occasional lightning storm that can provide a dramatic evening of entertainment and image making.

Although a bit of a change from my usual subject matter, a recent trip to France found me wandering the back streets of old Lyon where the sights and sounds of this vibrant city were a visual feast.

The cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon (the city’s oldest district) date back to ancient times when it was known as Lugdunum, the capitol of Gaul – the Roman Empire in France. Later, during World War II and the Nazi occupation, it was the center of the French Resistance as well as the headquarters of the infamous Klaus Barbie and the Gestapo.

Today it’s a wonderful mix of modern shops and cafes with a rich colorful history, and the sights and sounds of this old world destination certainly justify its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mount Shuksan from Picture Lake, North Cascades National Park, Washington

In the perennial search for sure-fire ways to create compelling landscape photography it’s easy to overlook one of the simplest elements in the equation. Sometimes you just have to wait.

You’ve done your location research, you are proficient in the features and functions of your equipment, and you’ve selected a lens and composition that accurately expresses your vision. Now all you need is the light. When it’s a sunrise or sunset you’re after, it’s easy to calculate the time you need to arrive at your location and programs like The Photographers Ephemeris (www.photoephemeris.com) are an excellent resource. But weather is the great unknown that even meteorologists can’t predict with 100 percent accuracy.

The image above was made at one of the most popular and well-known locations in the US, and when I arrived I was surrounded by the anticipated number of photographers. But the mountain had been covered in clouds most of the morning and showed little promise of making an appearance. It was a long wait, and everyone else decided it was more time than they were willing to invest.

This was the only image I made that day as the weather rapidly deteriorated, but when the clouds parted for that brief moment my patience and preparation was rewarded. It doesn’t always work out this way, but as the saying goes - ”you’ll always miss 100 percent of the shots you never take”.

The southwest desert of the Colorado Plateau is one of the most sought-after locations for landscape photographers in North America and rightly so. With a higher concentration of jaw dropping parks than anywhere else in the US, you could spend the rest of your life here and still not see all of its wonders.

But winter brings a special element as the first snows blanket the red rock country giving its prominent features a fairytale look. This image made at Bryce Canyon National Park highlights its famous spires, called “hoodoos,” which are formed when ice and rainwater wear away the weak limestone that makes up the colorful Claron Formation. High on the Grand Staircase at an elevation of over 8,000 feet the air is especially cold and dry, and the park’s azure skies can often provide visibility up to 100 miles.

So if you’re thinking about a southwest road trip, consider the quieter winter months. With much fewer crowds and unique photo opportunities, you’ll be glad you did – just don’t forget the spare batteries and the cold weather gear.

Here are a few of my favorite images from this past year…

(click image for larger view & details)

Rime ice on pine tree, San Bernardino National Forest, California

Dawn light on Mount Whitney from the Alabama Hills, Sequoia National Park, California

Crescent moon and dawn light over the Big Sur coast, California

Fall color and fresh snow at Lake Sabrina, Sierra Nevada Mountains, California

Sunset at Soberanes Point, Garrapata State Park, Big Sur, California

Barrel cactus in bloom, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California

 Backcountry skier in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Sierra Nevada Mountains, California

Peninsular Bighorn Sheep, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California

The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

Rime ice on pine cones and branches, San Bernardino National Forest, California