Yellowstone National Park

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The Idaho State University Visual Communication trip to Yellowstone National Park was great. We got to stay at the Research and Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, which made a great base camp. The group was mostly made up of Dr. Terry Ownby’s photography students, and Dr. Judy Morris’ video students. The combination of these two groups was great for me since I participated in both programs while working on my undergraduate degree. We set out for the park each morning and shot the geothermal features as well as any wildlife that we encountered. I got a ton of photos and some video. We saw several bison, deer, elk, and a black bear. We also witnessed a raven unzip and steal items from the saddle bags on a BMW motorcycle in the parking lot at the Yellowstone Lodge.

I made a return trip to get some night shots, and I have to say it is a completely different experience. The geysers make horrific hissing and growling sounds when there are no tourists around to drown them out, and you can feel the ground rumble under your feet when you have the boardwalk to yourself. I would recommend you try some night hiking in the park if you dare!

Here are my favorite shots from the trip. They are in random order, so browse through them full screen by clicking on one. I will post a random video or two later on after I finish editing the clips.

The view from the second story balcony in Yellowstone Lodge near Old Faithful
The water here is so clear that you can see the bottom of the pond and the reflection of the trees at the same time. Teaming with leeches and salamanders, this is one of the only bodies of water that can empty into both the Atlantic and the Pacific
Shot this panorama at Grand Prismatic while wishing I could fly my quadcopter up and get a look at the actual pool. It is pretty much illegal to get a higher vantage point, sorry
Shining my blue lazer at the mountain top as a car drives through the scene in Yellowstone National Park
This awesome feature was glistening in the sunset above Mammoth Springs
One of the prismatic pools at geyser basin in Yellowstone National Park. I wanted to take a soak since it was a cold day and this seems like a nice hot tub. Too bad it is illegal and would kill you
The steam from a geyser backlit by the full moon and milkyway framed by dead trees that grew too close to this geothermal hot spot.
Heard of bison grazing in Yellowstone National Park
Light painted a geyser with my LED flashlight in Yellowstone National Park
The wind chopped up my mirror, but this beaver dam below the Grand Tetons was awesome
This is why its called Yellowstone
Found this cool spot to shoot the stars, rocks, and peaks in Yellostone National Park
This crow knows how to open a zipper and steal your sh!t
Full moon reflecting off a prismatic pool at Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park
Geyser backlit by the full moon
Trees that grew too near to the geothermal features of Geyser Basin back lit by the full moon and light painted with my LED flashlight
Shadow selfy with a geyer at night in Yellowstone National Park
One of the geysers at Norris Basin in Yellowstone National Park
Black bear walking around a hill in Yellowstone National Park
These evening primrose bloomed just in time to capture the light of the full moon and stars
Light painted this paint pot with my LED flashlight in Yellowstone National Park. This thing freaked me out. It was hissing with demonic howls and the earth was rumbling under my feet. I didn’t notice it during the day with tourists everywhere, but at night being there with just me and Jason Churba was a chilling experience. I truly felt the power of this place
Green light by Jason Churba, Blue Lazer by Kyler Michaelson
Light painted this rock with my led array and an amber gel while waiting for dusk to turn to night
The view from the trail downstream from the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone National Park
Had to capture this very meta moment of our video professor Judy Morris capturing the photography group
The trees have grown too tall to see much of the river, but here is my version of the epic and historic Ansel Adams shot
The Grand Prismatic Pool in Yellowstone National Park. I wish it was legal to fly my quadcopter here
Excelsior feeding her steam to a thunder storm. It was epic to witness this interaction
Could not drive past these dead trees above Mammoth Springs with out taking a shot. I wish there were more clouds, but I like the way it turned out
This raven was a bad ass. Just chillin in a tree waiting to steal from everybody. We caught him later unzipping and stealing from a motorcycle saddle bag
This is our group at the very spot where Ansel Adams photographed the Tetons and the Snake River
This is where hats go to die. Just down wind from the Grand Prismatic Pool boardwalk
Saw this from the road and had to take a shot.
Here is Geyser Basin from a half a mile away. I love the way the steam was interacting with the storm clouds
Another angle of the spring above Mammoth Springs glistening in the sunset. I am digging the crepuscular rays in the sky
This is my professor Dr. Ownby spotting the next vantage point on the Grand Prismatic boardwalk.
One of the vistas at Norris Basin in Yellowstone National Park
Bison chilling in the grass enjoying a nice breeze in Yellowstone National Park
Playing with my lazer
Here is the continental divide. You can pee into both oceans from here if you gyrate a little bit
View of the falls from down along the designated path.
I had to shoot the mountains and stars reflecting off the waters of Grand Prismatic Pool. You can see Mars and just barely make out the Milkyway.
This was a feature on the trail to Morning Glory. I am not sure what it is called, but I felt it needed its picture taken
Excelsior on a stormy day
This meadow was a ways off the main road. We hoped to catch a heard of elk moseying through, but instead got this awe inspiring vista
Sheepeater Falls in Yellowstone National Park. There was a bear sighting across the river from here
The mighty Tetons and the majestic Snake River

Boid Particle Flows

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This project was a lot of fun. I wanted to simulate painting, and to give the work itself some say in the way things would go. After a lot of experimenting with various techniques, I decided to work with boid particles, and dynamic paint using particle systems to generate brush strokes.

The boids needed some motivation in order to achieve the sort of aesthetic that I was going for. I generated to groups of particles, assigned each one a color, and made them mortal enemies. Boids operate on a set of very basic rules, and by manipulating the variables for each particle system and sculpting the terrain on which the face off in battle, I could control the outcome of work to a degree without interfering in the actual composition.

These images were printed to duratrans and backlit for display at the 2016 Idaho State University College of Arts and Letters New Years Gala.

The original prints are now available for sale.

Overwhelmed
Blue v yellow, the air battle
Fireflies Tryptic Unlfolding
Synapse

Advanced Photo Media Portfolio

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This project was a lot of fun. I set out with the idea to reveal a secret history in the landscape. The hidden world only existed as a series of personal connections and memories associated with the land. With the help of modern technology I was able to uncover these places and create a visual representation to share. I hope you enjoy the body of work that is the result of 2 months of focus.

Truth be told I came up with this idea to make beautiful landscape photos, and then to augment them with unique CG assets. I generated these assets using hard edge modelling and photogrammetry. I textured the assets by taking photos on location and extracting diffuse, specular, normal, displacement, ambient occlusion, grunge, and crack maps from them. I also made procedural textures when there was no reference available in the field.

Open Pit
Millstone
Ore Chute
Cinder Pit
Moonshine
Outpost
Threshold
Waypoint
Dugout
Waterline
Gemstones
Homestead

Color Seduction Assignment

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This assignment was interesting. I do not usually convert my photos to black and white, but I found that many of my photos work really well as grey scale images.

This little road is very intriguing. The road goes a quarter mile out of the way to circle this tree. I think this photo looks great in black and white. I really like the way the green filter makes the grass and trees fade into the distance.
This photo was taken out in Bone, Idaho during a major thunderstorm. I found this old farm just off the road after a short hike. I think this photo looks pretty cool in black and white, but I really like the green grass.
This is the Harvest Moon from City of Rocks in Malta, Idaho. This image is great in black and white. I did not think it would look better with out color. I really like the colors in the sky, but I think the BnW works better.
This photo is great in black and white. I haven’t really looked at black and white lightning photos before, but I like the way this turned out.
I really like the way this looks in black and white. The detail is transformed into a weird surreal style that I find very interesting. I was surprised again, because I really love the color in this panorama.
This is a cool tree in Moscow, Idaho. I like the way it feels in black and white. The texture in the leaves is interesting through the infrared filter.

Finding Themes Assignment

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For this assignment we had to look through our archives and find a universal theme in our previous work. Then, take a weekend and shoot 15 shots specifically planned out to represent or comment on the chosen theme. It was hard to look at my photos through this filter at first, but I eventually started to see a theme emerging. The theme was isolation. I decided to shoot the assignment in the Idaho desert where I go to seek isolation. The following shots are some of my favorites from the weekend shoot.

This image represents the view seen from Isolation Summit. When one seeks the refuge of isolation this is the reward.
This image represents the unique nature of an isolated subject. Isolation nurtures novelty since solutions must be found out through experience.
This image represents isolation by showing this tattered flag posted at the summit of Big Southern Butte. The butte is located all alone in the Idaho desert, and this flag stands alone in the ripping wind that perpetually rakes this cliff face. This is a popular location for hang glider pilots to jump.
This image represents the independence of an isolated subject. The Big Southern Butte stands alone in the Idaho desert. The Butte single handedly supports a diverse ecosystem in the middle of an arid landscape.
This mysterious grouping of boxcars represents the decay that comes with prolonged isolation. There were row after row of these old boxcars lined up in the middle of the desert. I have no idea what they are for, and I didn’t stick around too long to find out either.
From the high vantage point, this image emphasizes the level of isolation experienced through this project.
This image represents the resilience it takes to remain in isolation. Here is a deep well which is used to draw water up from the Snake River Aquifer to water sheep, horses, and cattle.
This image represents isolation and what it takes to truly achieve it. I find that in out modern world, it is difficult to be physically isolated. We tend to stay digitally isolated; confined to a internet bubble or videogame world. This image represents the spirit of an independent adventurer overcoming obstacles to find his or herself alone in the wilderness where one can heal from the inside out.

A Blank Canvas (Assignment #7)

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For this assignment we are required to shoot a photo essay. I decided to tell the story of a blank canvas becoming a work of art. Karen Lei has been drawing for ten years, and recently decided to take up painting. I enjoy her artwork so I decided to focus on one of her paintings for this assignment. Karen started the process with a sheet of masonite. She coated the masonite in gesso, and let it dry before continuing. She begins with a single brush stroke, and then her idea starts to take shape. It was cool working with an artist for this assignment. The painting studio where Karen made this painting had nice even light. The room is lit by skylights and windows on every wall. Between my 50mm f/1.8 and my 18-270 f/3.5, it was easy shooting.

Feature Assignment

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This assignment was to take a feature photo. I decided to interview Geran Call with Robotics and Communication Systems Engineering Technology program at Idaho State University College of Technology. Geran gave me a tour of the 3d printing and robotics labs. This was a great experience. First he introduced me to the 3d printed R2D2 (from the movie Star Wars). This radio controlled droid is fully functional and life sized. It has motorized accessory ports, the head rotates, it drives around, and it can even talk in the classic R2D2 style. Geran teaches his students to design and build functional robotic systems using 3d printed and laser cut parts. The team also built a fuctional Wall-E robot from the Disney Pixar Movie Wall-E. We explored the 3d printing lab and Geran demonstrated how the big 3d printer can blend plastic and rubber to achieve custom physical properties in the resulting printed material. There are so many cool things in the robotics lab I had to struggle to stay focused. A robotic guitar caught my attention. The guitar has one string and a computer that controls the amount of tension applied to the string. There is also a robotic strumming mechanism that holds guitar picks. The computer controls the tension and strumming to create music notes and ultimately guitar music. The last stop on the tour was in the robot lab where Geran showed me the 3d printed robot arm. The arm moves ping pong balls around and plays beer pong. This tour was awesome, and Geran is an interesting person. I really enjoyed this assignment. It was hard to decide on a single image for my assignment, and I am glad I can put the whole story up here. I hope you enjoy and get inspired to make something cool!

Geran Call with the 3d printed R2D2 robot. Geran runs the Robotics 3d Printing Lab at Idaho State University College of Technology where this R2D2 was built.
One section of the 3d printed R2D2 dome sits on the work bench. The Dome is being fitted with motors and sensors.
The 3d printed R2D2 is filled with sensors, wires, and motors. This section houses the speakers and electronics for a sliding tray mechanism.
This Wall-e robot was built at the ISU College of Technology Robotics Lab. It can drive around, talk, use its hands, and articulate head and eyes.
Geran stands next to the big 3d printer. This machine can print in multiple materials, and can blend stiff and flexible materials for desired properties.
This skull was 3d printed from a CT scan of a real persons head. The gear shape is a fusion of stiff plastic and flexible rubber all in one print.
The Robotics 3d Printing Lab at ISU College of Technology is working on this robotic guitar. The robot strums a single string that has a controlled amount of tension applied to it resulting in a musical note.
Geran Call demonstrates the functionality of the 3d printed robotic arm. The arm was designed and printed in the ISU College of Technology Robotics Lab.
This 3d printed robot arm is designed to manipulate ping pong balls. It uses sophisticated sensors and high precision motors to make fine movements.

Assignment #3 News Shot

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The Boy’s 3200 Meter Race at the 2015 Simplot Games was a close match between Elijah Armstrong of Pocatello, Idaho and Levi Thomet of Kodiak, Alaska. Levi pushed Elijah the entire race, and the two of them left the pack behind. The energy in the Holt Arena during that final lap was at a very high intensity level. Elijah came in first with Levi right behind him; just one second from a national record. This was my first experience with shooting a live sports event. I found it to be a fun and challenging project. I was also shooting video footage of the race while covering the story for this assignment. I had a great time.

Campus Caption Exercise

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The assignment is to take photos in support of or against the statement that ISU buildings are in good condition. I decided to support the claim that the buildings are clean, sturdy, and create a healthy learning environment. I took my Nikon and started researching the state of our buildings at ISU. I found them to be well maintained tidy. The physical science building has a great entry way. The space is open and balanced. The building was pretty clean and the tile floor caught the sun from the window. I decided to shoot just under exposed to get some detail through the windows. The rendezvous building was built while I was attending the college of technology. I would look out and watch the workers installing struts and concrete forms. The design of this building is effective as a space for students to mingle, live, and attend classes. The education building has this neat little garden area that I wanted to shoot. The light was not ideal, but I managed to get a clear shot with decent color saturation by propping my camera on a rock. I enjoyed exploring campus searching out the good side of things even though I gave myself very little time to really soak it in.

The physical science building is in great condition, the sturdy brick walls make a safe learning environment. The main entrance is shown here.
The interior of the entrance to the physical science building is an awe inspiring space. Clean, tile and soft afternoon light display the attention ISU pays to maintaining a stimulating space for learning.
The Rendevous building is one of the newer buildings on campus, and it is an example of the level of architecture that ISU provides to students and faculty. The rendevous building is a place for students from all over the world to meet, live, and attend classes in comfort.
The hallways and classrooms of the rendevous building are very neat and clean. This building was opened in 2007, and it still looks brand new.
The older buildings on campus show their age, but still have a scholarly charm. The grounds are well maintained and sidewalks are clear of obstructions.
The education building offers a tranquil outdoor space for students and faculty to take a break. The education building is structurally sound, and a stimulating space.