5:53 AM
Hassan
This week’s challenge had many creative entries filled with special moments shared with dads. Congratulations to this week’s winners, you did a great job capturing the Dad’s in your lives!
Thank you to everyone who entered this week!
#1 “A Perfect Father’s Day…” by member monicasc Congratulations, we’ll feature your winning photo on the homepage on Father’s Day!
#2. “Siesta time for father and son” by member rm_blizzardl
5:52 AM
Hassan
We’re rounding the corner to Summer 
! The sun’s warm rays and bright light sparks new life and the earth abounds with abundance. What better time to get close to the earth and explore the view from below? Whether you’re looking at new life in the garden, a creative portrait shot or the view of a city street, the low down angle of the “worm’s eye view” is sure to give you a new perspective in this week’s challenge!
OFFICIAL ENTRY RULES
To officially enter the Creative Challenge, you must tag your three submissions with creative-challenge-worm. You can then view them and everyone else’s submissions on the DISPLAY PAGE (it updates about every hour). To find out more about this, read the Using Tags on Creative Challenges post.
Submission Guidelines
1. Our editors look for sharp, clear horizontal images that are at a minimum resolution of 800×600 (submissions can have larger resolutions than this). Currently, vertical images cannot fit in the homepage template. Therefore, we cannot publish vertical or narrow panoramic images.
2. Images with added text or images, including watermarks, logos, copyright symbols, graphic borders, frames and time stamps, will not be considered. Collages, however, are acceptable. Images submitted should be your own.
3. Please do not submit pictures that have already been featured on the homepage.
4. The Creative Challenge runs from 12:01 a.m. on June 17 to 12:00 p.m. on June 22 (all times EST).
5. 3 pictures per person (regardless of how many member accounts you have) tagged exactly (including hyphens) with: creative-challenge-worm
*Note:Images that don’t meet the exact guidelines can be submitted and viewed for everyone to enjoy, but please understand that we cannot publish images that don’t meet minimum guidelines on the homepage. Also, now that you’re tagging your entries, you don’t need to post links in the comments section anymore.
NEXT CHALLENGE THEME: High Contrast
From what we’ve learned from Kier Selinsky, in a previous Pro Tip, contrast is best explained by its extremes. Extremely high-contrast photos have a lot of white and black and very little (or nothing) in between. Next week we’ll be turning our lenses to high contrast images.
5:49 AM
Hassan
Photographing cityscapes at night may seem daunting, but with a steady tripod, a cable release and a few tips, you can easily capture fascinating images after dark. My favorite time to photograph cityscapes, such as downtown Nashville or San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, is when the sky turns soft shades of purple and blue, which is usually 20 to 30 minutes after sunset. When that evening setting is combined with subjects that have artificial lighting, you get an image that is widely colorful and romantic, such as the Eiffel Tower.
Downtown Nashville from the Gateway Bridge
San Francisco at Night
Timing is crucial for night photography—wait for the sky to become as brilliant as the subject so you can produce an evenly lit image. When taking photos of city skylines, I would suggest seeking a vantage point that can, if possible, incorporate water into the scene. Compositionally, water beautifully reflects the city lights and also helps fill the frame evenly with light. 
Downtown Vancouver
Night photography is a balance of available light, exposure and aperture, so you may have to compromise one factor to utilize another. First, you should know that the speckles from digital noise increase as the ISO increases (sensitivity of the film or chip to light—400 or higher) or as the exposure becomes longer. 
Example of Digital Noise
To avoid digital noise, keep your ISO rating low (100–200) and find a nice balance between the exposure and aperture settings. Digital noise can usually be kept under control if you keep your exposure to under 20 seconds. You can start out with your camera on AF mode (Aperture Priority), but as the light dims, you’ll likely end up setting your camera on B, or Bulb, mode.
Waikiki at Night
Now, with digital noise in mind, think about how much depth of field your scene requires. If it’s still light enough for your eyes to discern detail in the shadow areas, then you might want to keep the settings at f/11 or lower. Remember, the higher the aperture setting—16, 22, 32—the greater your depth of field; however, the compromise is that you’ll likely need to increase your overall exposure to over 30 seconds (which also increases the noise). So, if it’s only slightly dim outside, a setting of f/8 or f/11 might be a nice compromise for maintaining a decent depth of field while still keeping the exposure reasonably short. When using a lower aperture setting, such as 4 or 5.6, you’ll capture more ambient light in the scene with a shorter overall exposure, but the depth of field will decrease and the details in the shot might not be quite as crisp.
Tower Bridge
If you have a point-and-shoot camera, a simple way to capture cityscapes at night is to turn your camera to auto, place it on a tripod, turn off your flash and set the self timer. If the image turns out too dark, turn your +/- meter to +1 or +2; if the image looks too light, turn your exposure compensation setting to – 1 or -2. Also, some cameras have a night-scene setting or slow sync mode, which can be used for taking portraits at night and still pick up the details in the background.
Colosseum
5:49 AM
Hassan
Photographing cityscapes at night may seem daunting, but with a steady tripod, a cable release and a few tips, you can easily capture fascinating images after dark. My favorite time to photograph cityscapes, such as downtown Nashville or San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, is when the sky turns soft shades of purple and blue, which is usually 20 to 30 minutes after sunset. When that evening setting is combined with subjects that have artificial lighting, you get an image that is widely colorful and romantic, such as the Eiffel Tower.Downtown Nashville from the Gateway BridgeSan Francisco at Night
Timing is crucial for night photography—wait for the sky to become as brilliant as the subject so you can produce an evenly lit image. When taking photos of city skylines, I would suggest seeking a vantage point that can, if possible, incorporate water into the scene. Compositionally, water beautifully reflects the city lights and also helps fill the frame evenly with light. Downtown Vancouver
Night photography is a balance of available light, exposure and aperture, so you may have to compromise one factor to utilize another. First, you should know that the speckles from digital noise increase as the ISO increases (sensitivity of the film or chip to light—400 or higher) or as the exposure becomes longer. Example of Digital Noise
To avoid digital noise, keep your ISO rating low (100–200) and find a nice balance between the exposure and aperture settings. Digital noise can usually be kept under control if you keep your exposure to under 20 seconds. You can start out with your camera on AF mode (Aperture Priority), but as the light dims, you’ll likely end up setting your camera on B, or Bulb, mode.Waikiki at Night
Now, with digital noise in mind, think about how much depth of field your scene requires. If it’s still light enough for your eyes to discern detail in the shadow areas, then you might want to keep the settings at f/11 or lower. Remember, the higher the aperture setting—16, 22, 32—the greater your depth of field; however, the compromise is that you’ll likely need to increase your overall exposure to over 30 seconds (which also increases the noise). So, if it’s only slightly dim outside, a setting of f/8 or f/11 might be a nice compromise for maintaining a decent depth of field while still keeping the exposure reasonably short. When using a lower aperture setting, such as 4 or 5.6, you’ll capture more ambient light in the scene with a shorter overall exposure, but the depth of field will decrease and the details in the shot might not be quite as crisp.Tower Bridge
If you have a point-and-shoot camera, a simple way to capture cityscapes at night is to turn your camera to auto, place it on a tripod, turn off your flash and set the self timer. If the image turns out too dark, turn your +/- meter to +1 or +2; if the image looks too light, turn your exposure compensation setting to – 1 or -2. Also, some cameras have a night-scene setting or slow sync mode, which can be used for taking portraits at night and still pick up the details in the background.Colosseum
5:47 AM
Hassan
Visiting parks is always an adventure at any time of the year. The key to visiting these parks is to go at the right time of the year when the crowds are absent, landscape is most colorful, and the wildlife is out in plain sight. In the following article, I will highlight some of the best times to visit these parks and what the benefits are to each one. I have also listed some alternatives and please remember this article is just an opinion and may not reflect anything you would favor.
Winter: Yellowstone and the Tetons
Of all the places to visit in the winter this would seem like the least attractive in terms of temperatures. But the parks proximity to each other and the transformation into a winter wonderland make this a must see. There are tours that run at Yellowstone to transport photographers around in snow cats that work with photographers to shoot wildlife such as bison in sub zero temperatures. The park is also easily accessible and offers many trails to snowshoe or cross country ski without too much fear of running into people. Nearby are the Tetons with unforgettable views of mountain peaks from many different areas accessible by cross-country trails. The sunrises are amazing in the winter and the addition of snow and ice in the foreground really make images from here memorable. Do not forget to make a stop at the Snake River Overlook.
Alternatives:
Eastern Sierras:
Great views of the mountains can be seen from the lower valleys such as the towns of Lone Pine, Big Pine, and Bishop. Windy rivers, stark trees, and snow-laden fields provide stunning foregrounds for the backdrop of snow peaks such as Mount Whitney. Do not forget to visit the Alabama Hills for some interesting juxtaposition between the rocks and snow. This is also a great time to make a stop at Death Valley.
The temperatures are cool enough to hike around and the absence of tourists make for an easier time shooting the dunes in terms of footprints.
Maui, Hawaii
Don’t like the cold weather and all the snow that comes with winter. Then you need to get yourself to the island of Maui. There is no better time of the year to visit this tropical place. One of the most impressive places I have seen to shoot a variety of nature landscapes.
The west coast has endless photogenic beaches and warm weather for days. The east coast is the opposite and gets lots of rain and therefore has one of the most stunning tropical rainforests I have ever seen with waterfalls at every turn. If either does not interest you then there is always the Haleakala National Park’s Crater with one of the better sunrises you will see you in your lifetime. Anyway, you look at there is something for everyone on this island.
Spring: Wildflowers of Southern California
Spring is always a time of growth and this means the emergence of wildflowers and colorful flora. Although, there are many places to visit there are a few standouts. I begin this wildflower tour down south in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument where the wildflowers start in early March with possibly the most diverse set of flowers that can be seen for miles in any direction. The colors are vivid, the desert landscape unique, and a chance to see wildflowers that cannot be seen anywhere else. From here the growth of spring moves north as the next wildflower stop has to be Tehachapi Mountains. More specifically the Antelope Valley for its wild display of poppies.
If the timing is right the best display of any wildflowers in my opinion has to be here. The opportunities to shoot different types of photography are encouraged and there is never the same shot twice . Nearby are the Gorman Hills and adjacent hillsides that are less popular but equally impressive in terms of color. Just make sure to call ahead before visiting as times of peak can vary drastically. As well there are many wildflower websites that have daily updates to inform photographers of what is blooming and where. As spring progresses wildflower growth moves north toward the Bay region.
Alternatives:
Tulips fields in Skagit Valley, Washington
Every year in April, rows of different colored tulips grow and offer photographers many perspectives to shoot from a variety of different areas.
Waterfalls of the Columbia Gorge Scenic Area, Oregon
Every spring in late April the waterfalls make their presence known and surrounding foliage turns to a vibrant green. Also, there are many hiking trails that offer glimpses of some amazing forest scenes that make you feel like you stepped into a different world.
Summer: Mount Rainier National Park
Summer might not be the best time to visit anywhere if you do not like crowds, as most scenic areas are over crowded during the summer months. But this is the time of year to see some of the most stunning mountain scenery. In early August, wildflower fields bloom in front of the majestic Mount Rainier in sub-alpine slopes. All types of wildflowers from Indian paintbrush, lupine, tiger lilies, and daisies bloom during the month of August. Along with the wildflowers there are many waterfalls, cascades, streams, and creeks that complement the mountain. When the weather is right and the skies open, Mount Rainer stands in all its glory in front of you. This unforgettable scene can be best scene from Reflection Lake; a must see on any stop to Mount Rainier National Park.
Alternative:
North Cascades National Park can be a great place to lose oneself and avoid the huge crowds of people. They are many chances to escape and get off trail. A host of activities exist including a variety of climbing trails. Up in the higher elevations there are many opportunities to see wildflowers with the Cascades as a backdrop.
Fall: Denali National Park
Personally I do not think there is a better place to visit in the fall season then Denali National Park. The park in fall has many reasons, which make it a fantastic place to visit. Firstly, the flora is second to none in terms of color and vibrancy. Along the tundra, blankets of red cover the valleys beneath the infamous Mount McKinley. If you travel to the end of the park accessible only by a park bus, you will arrive at Wonder Lake. This is where I believe the best views of Mount McKinley are, with the reflection seen in Wonder Lake.
Another great reason to visit the park in fall is for the wildlife that are abundant along the roads. In one trip it is possible to see grizzly bears, moose, wolves, and even foxes, all in a days travel. Having the wildlife out and about among the red tundra is one of the most stunning things I have ever seen. As well, this is the time of year when you are most likely to see the mountain without the obstruction of clouds. The combination of all these events makes it a yearly return not to be missed.
Alternative: Aspen, Colorado
Anywhere in Colorado is a great time to be photographing in the fall season but for me in particular it is Aspen. Aspen is a great central spot to set up as home base when exploring Colorado. Maroon Bells is one of the most famous places to see in Colorado. Known for its spectacular color and reflection of the mountain peak this must see location is one to not miss. Be forewarned this place has lots of visitors. Just traveling in and around the area you will witness bright yellow aspen trees showcasing themselves no matter where you look.
There are many more places I would highly recommend seeing but for me personally the recommended places in this article had something special about them that made them more memorable.
5:45 AM
Hassan
There’s something about capturing the moment of an air-bound subject that evokes a sense of joy, excitement or perhaps anxiety. For this week’s challenge, the entries included catching movement from an intriguing angle and/or fast shutter speed. Congratulations to this week’s winning entries! To view all the entries please visit the Display Page.
#1. Voando by anario106 - Congrats! We’ll feature your photo on the homepage tomorrow!
#2. Tailwhip by rm_blizzard
#3. How Many Jumps Do You Want? by merlin2101
#4. Polar Bear Jumping by bfryxell
#5. Jump! by mistyblu115
#6. Ben with the Cast by kiwi_ken
#7. Up, up and awaaaaayyyyy! by catsnorchids
5:43 AM
Hassan
If one is good, isn’t more better? In this challenge, we looked for multiples of a given subject (trees, people, etc.) that made the image stronger and more interesting by their repetition, patterns, or composition. Congratulations to this week’s winning entries! To view all the entries please visit the Display Page.
#1. Golden Trio by ldeiter78 - Congrats! We’ll feature your photo on the homepage tomorrow!
#2. Table for 200 Please! by sigfusson
#3. Close up to a Cactus by kiwi_ken
#4. Athens Guards in Symmetry by shakatak66
#5. Waterspouts Lined Up in a Row by kellimays
#6. Numbers by mmarco1954
#7. Sunbeds Multiples by swissmike62
#8. Network by akoene100
#9. Hot Hot Hot by bfryxell
#10. Gannet Nests by ghawazigirl
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