Can we get some Vermont photography going again?

[From_the_NEK]

Thanks Carol
Despite the large amount of snow this winter, mud season was pretty tame in most places.
Leaves are starting to come out and the apple blossoms might start coming out next week if it warms up a bit.

[From_the_NEK]

Aurora shows over the last few (LATE) nights...
9/8 -
Willoughby Night 2 by Tim_NEK, on Flickr

9/13 -
Aurora Panorama 8x24 by Tim_NEK, on Flickr

Willoughby Aurora 2 9-13 by Tim_NEK, on Flickr

[ctyanky]

Wow Tim! This last one is amazing!

[ctyanky]

Tim: I hope you'll be around when I'm up there. I have my Vermont Life ready and packed for your signature! You know me!

[Utah Baker]

These are beautiful NEK & MMVT. Would love to see this someday. NEK, my favorite is the selfie you shared on Flickr!

[From_the_NEK]

Here in northern Vermont, we have finally broken out of the deep freeze. Daytime highs that don't get above 0 degrees makes getting motivated to get out and take photos difficult.
Here are a few from the last couple of months -

Foster Bridge Snowbank by Tim_NEK, on Flickr

Moonrise by Tim_NEK, on Flickr

Bald Eagle Burke by Tim_NEK, on Flickr

Arnold Park Christmas Tree Main St by Tim_NEK, on Flickr

Crystals 11 by Tim_NEK, on Flickr

[Utah Baker]

Tim, such beautiful shots! Making the most of the weather and the season, love it! Hoping for clear skies for the Super Blue Moon the end of the month, looking forward to what you capture next!

[Utah Baker]

Not Vermont, but close, the church in Sugar Hill, NH. Taken by my daughter about 7:30 this morning. To pretty not to share. Told her to not cut off the steeple next time!

[ctyanky]

Tim: I'm just getting to see all these amazing shots, and of course, I love that bald eagle photo. They are my favorite bird and I get to see them occasionally which simply astounds me!

I'm hoping to see some of your sugaring photos soon as the sweet season approaches. I'm craving maple syrup lately with thoughts of pancakes and French toast drenched in Vermont's golden liquid! They've started sugaring in CT already and I just love visiting the sugar houses. Hope you get out soon and post some of your finds!

[Utah Baker]

Hi Mister R! Sorry I have not visited here for a while and did not see your question. Looks like you got some response though. I personally have been using Lightroom 5, I find it easy to navigate and it has suited my needs as a novice. I just posted some photos I took the end of May on the Foliage Forum under CT's post 50 Shades of Green. Best of Luck!

[Andy]

EDIT: LOL. It appears I should read my own sign-off . Mr. R appears to have been a spammer and I believe he was politely (or perhaps not ) invited to leave.

Hi Mr R: First, welcome to our forums! I hope that in spite of the echos in the hallway , you will stick around for the fall, when "school is back in session."

As you have perhaps concluded, this place is pretty quiet during the non-foliage months! . When we started the Photography Forum, we hoped and expected that it would be more of a year-round thing, but the real deal around here is and will always be the foliage forum, which is pretty active from about now through the end of October, and then - like a black bear - seems to go back into hibernation

As to your question, I do all of my own re-touching personally. In my experience, most photographers do that. There are so many resources available that cost shouldn't be much of an issue. The problem with retouching services is that once you get beyond the basics, which are really easy to learn, you are now letting somebody else determine your vision.

I use Photoshop. For me, it is as much a resistance to change than anything. I have been using Photoshop since perhaps version 2 or 3. Back then, it was really the only game in town. Light Room wasn't out then. There were some other "light" photo applications by Adobe back then, but they only went to the basics.

The good news is that today there are lots of alternatives and some of them are free. Others are relatively inexpensive. Most of them are pretty capable these days. If I were to recommend a program to a seriously interested photographer, today I would recommend Light Room (which is kind of pricey) or OnOne which is still a cost, but more reasonable, and very capable. I know there is at least one out there (Pixlr, I believe) which is free.

[Britchess]

In hopes of keeping this thread going...

[Utah Baker]

Britchess, wonderful photos! Thanks for sharing and keep them coming!

[Andy]

Hi Britches: I especially love the red covered bridge with the stream in the snow. One of the things I would like to have done with my own portfolio, was more winter images. They are very difficult, in my view, especially when shooting color. You really need something like open running water and/or a bright contrasting element. This one really works!

Is the church in Sharon? It looks very familiar to me.

[Andy]

Tim: Sorry I didn't post earlier, but I just now saw your images here. That Foster Covered Bridge image is SPECTACULAR!