Thanks for visiting my Flickr photostream.
All of my images are copyright, all rights reserved. You may not use any of my images for any reason without my permission. Adding one of my images to a Flickr gallery is permitted.
Image Licensing--
If you would like to use or license one or more of my images, please contact me at: wwwca[at]charter[dot]net or call me at 909 area code 989 [dash] 3919. Please do not ask to use my images for free. Each of my images represents a lot of work and expense to capture and process.
A shot through the Whitney Portal Arch of the alpenglow on the Sierra peaks. Alabama Hills, near Lone Pine, CA.
Death Valley sunrise shots on the Mesquite dunes near Stovepipe Wells
Here is the image that Flickr fans have faved more than 3200 times.This image was licensed was used in a TV commercial .
People ask me how I get all these 'great images' that I post on Flickr. I'll share my secret with you, but only if you promise not to tell anyone else. ;>)
The secret is the "Five P's of photography"
OK, so what does that mean?
Professionalism
Patience
Persistence
Practice
Photoshop
1) Professionalism--
By this I mean even if you are not a photographer who makes his or her living taking photographs, but you want to be able to produce similar results, act like a professional. When you are out taking photographs, make that your number one focus. Be and act the professional. When you are out on a photo trip, make it like you are a professional photographer on an assignment for a client. Getting those images is the most important part of your day. If you're on a family trip, set aside the sunrises and sunsets several days and go off by yourself and take your photographs. It's very hard to do a professional job of photographing when you have the spouse and kids nagging you to, "Come on, let’s go!"
2) Persistence--
I think I get my very best shots when I'm photographing in an area I am familiar with or one I spend more than a few minutes exploring. You will most often have to revisit an area to get the best shot. Your chances of getting a great image are diminished if you visit an area only once. They go up each time you revisit. I have visited many photogenic areas only to find them with smoky atmospheres or the dreaded ‘Clear Blue Skies’. Another visit is a necessity in these cases. I was camping one March in Lone Pine, CA and visited the Alabama Hills each day. For the first eight days, I had clear blue skies with no color in the sunrises and sunsets. On the ninth day, I had wonderful clouds and great color for the Golden Hours.
3) Patience--
Don't be in a hurry. Take your time. Wait for the right lighting. When I visited the Kolob Canyon section of Zion NP, it was under gray and drizzling skies. We drove to the lookout at the end of the road and just sat in the car, ate our lunch and waited. Two and a half hours later, the skies opened for about ten minutes and I got a great shot. If I'd given up on the weather and moved on I'd have missed another good photography opportunity. On my hike to Parker Lake, I walked along the edge of the lake taking shots for over an hour and a half waiting for the clouds and light to get just as I wanted them. If you take a shot when you arrive at a spot and then move on, you're going to remain a snapshot photographer. Don't be in a hurry. To get more than a snapshot of a scene takes some time and energy.
4) Practice--
You won't get any good landscape images sitting on your couch or reading Outdoor Photographer magazine. Get out there and shoot! Take lots of photos. In the old film days, we had to limit our shots because of the cost of film and processing. Now, our shots are free. I take about 500 shots for every image I post to Flickr. Also, be prepared to take a shot at any time you are on a trip. Have your camera ready.
5) Photoshop--
I don't care how good an image you get right out of your digital camera, Photoshop or another image processing program can make it better. Agencies and editors that buy photographs and the Flickr viewers do not care for blah images. They have to ‘POP’. The images from your sensor will generally be a bit flat, lacking vibrancy and contrast. If you are serious about improving your photography skills, then a big part of that will involve post-processing. Like another lens, the cost of an image processing program is just part of the tariff you have to pay to play. You have several choices, At the low-budget end is Photoshop Elements that you can usually buy for under $100. Adobe Lightroom is also an excellent choice and it is around $150. The image editing software that gives me the most flexibility is Photoshop CC. Under Adobe’s subscription plan, you get Photoshop CC 2015 and Lightroom for $10 per month.
_______________________________________________
I shoot with a Nikon D800, Nikon D800E, Nikon D3s and Nikon D300s and have the following, full-frame lenses:
Nikon 14-24mm f 2.8 super-wide zoom
Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 medium zoom
Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 zoom
Nikon 28-300mm VR zoom
Sigma 150-500mm zoom
I use Photoshop CC, NIK and Photomatix Pro in my post-processing..
A little about me
Semi-retired. That means I've got the "tired" part down pat, but I'm still working on the "Re" part.
Hobbies include photography, RV'ing, novel writing, trout fishing, cooking, grilling and BBQ'n.
Dislikes: yard work!
I am the founder of Flickr's Best Landscape Photographers Group
Visit us and view the work of the very best landscape photographers on Flickr
Showcase
- JoinedDecember 2007
- OccupationRetired Engineering Manager
- HometownVentura, California
- Current cityRancho Cucamonga, California
- CountryUSA
Most popular photos
Testimonials
Bill is one of the best landscape photographer posting on Flickr. I love his impressive south/west scenes, his great eye and compositions. Thanks for your friendship Bill. I am looking forward your next masterpieces. Best wishes from Berlin to CA :)
We at Color Photo Award congratulate Bill. His magical photo "Laurel Mountain - Convict Lake Purple Sunrise" was voted our 2008 Theme Contest Photo of the Year BRONZE Medalist. One look through Bill's photostream...well, who can only take one look? His landscapes are awe inspiring and we're honored that he shares his k… Read more
We at Color Photo Award congratulate Bill. His magical photo "Laurel Mountain - Convict Lake Purple Sunrise" was voted our 2008 Theme Contest Photo of the Year BRONZE Medalist. One look through Bill's photostream...well, who can only take one look? His landscapes are awe inspiring and we're honored that he shares his knowledge and his talent.
Read lessI love visiting Bill's photostream. Everytime I do, I learn something new because he is a skilled artist, and the images stand alone as teaching tools. But he goes a few steps further. He takes the time to share insights into what went into his captures, along with details about the experience itself. His photostre… Read more
I love visiting Bill's photostream. Everytime I do, I learn something new because he is a skilled artist, and the images stand alone as teaching tools. But he goes a few steps further. He takes the time to share insights into what went into his captures, along with details about the experience itself. His photostream is delightful in every respect, and reflects well on him as a person. Thank you, Bill.
Read lessI believe that Bill takes the most clear, breathtaking, majestic and powerful landscape photographs of anyone else on Flickr, and I am proud to call him "my friend". Since my arrival on Flickr in August 2007, Bill has been very cordial, supportive and helpful to me in becoming a better photographer, and when I grow up… Read more
I believe that Bill takes the most clear, breathtaking, majestic and powerful landscape photographs of anyone else on Flickr, and I am proud to call him "my friend". Since my arrival on Flickr in August 2007, Bill has been very cordial, supportive and helpful to me in becoming a better photographer, and when I grow up -- go from being an "amateur" to a "professional" photographer -- I want to be just like Bill Wight. I attempt beautiful, open, powerful and clear landscape photographs but, at times, those landscape shots can be so very disappointing. Too often a beautiful landscape in real life looks so stunning, so breathtaking that I just point, shoot, get home to look at the photos and and ... oh, I end up with an annoying and disappointing flat landscape shot with no depth or detail as I saw when I was standing there in person. I believe that what separates me from Bill is that he can actually make the landscape photos turn out the way he wants them to (not the way the camera does). He has an eye for the real beauty and wonder and the ability to turn that into a reality -- giving commanding power and real presence to each and every one of his landscape photographs. When I look at Bill's landscape photographs I stare at them in disbelief. I say to myself, “Oh my God, he nailed the perfect landscape photo!” All the colours are just right and they look alive and have a richness about them that I know Bill saw in real life -- by being there to take the photograph. Bill's composition is always perfect and everything looks so incredible. I can really tell how much distance there is in the picture; there is always such depth and detail. I always feel the surge of happiness, excitement and an immense feeling of joy rushing through me, because I know that Bill has to feel so good to know he once again captured that amazing scenery! I believe that Bill has been given a special gift and his love of landscape photography comes through in every shot he captures on film. I am proud and happy to call Bill, my friend. Sincerely submitted, Karin A Johnson Grandma_Hippie
Read lessI'm really impressed of Bill's photography! These images could be illustrations in the most beautiful fairytales! It's good to enjoy Bill's art everyday and dream about all the wonderful and magical places... Good luck!
I must say the Bill is one of the most consistantly excellent photographers I have ever seen. His work is increible! I have met National Geographic staff photographers, and include a Pulitzer Prize winning photographer as a friend. Bill's work exceeds the quality of any work I have seen. BRAVO Bill, keep up the Gre… Read more
I must say the Bill is one of the most consistantly excellent photographers I have ever seen. His work is increible! I have met National Geographic staff photographers, and include a Pulitzer Prize winning photographer as a friend. Bill's work exceeds the quality of any work I have seen. BRAVO Bill, keep up the Great Work!
Read lessHis photos are beyond stunning. Truly a remarkable photographer!
Andra moi ennepe … polytropon ….. is the beginning of an epos in ancient times Tell me the name of that man …who’s been many places … Our man is such man, who has been many places and He tells stories about, as the troubadours in middle age, But no normal stories – stories about nature ! And he is marv… Read more
Andra moi ennepe … polytropon ….. is the beginning of an epos in ancient times Tell me the name of that man …who’s been many places … Our man is such man, who has been many places and He tells stories about, as the troubadours in middle age, But no normal stories – stories about nature ! And he is marvellous teacher, as many years ago in Salzburg painter Oskar Kokoschka founded – Schule des Sehens – School of Viewing – his oeuvre such a Schools of Viewing. And we can see on top Laurel Mountain – the Fiat lux of J. Haydn’s “ The Craetion” and we can hear Glenn Gould’s Aria from J.S.Bach’s “ Goldberg Var.” in the calm stillness of the lake …….. and he is philosopher, may be the one or the other doesn’t find his oeuvre beautiful, or wonderful as it is , this is not his point, his point is truth – simplex sigillum veri - simple is the seal of truth - showing nature as it is! and he is a master of – the right moment – in the very best tradition of H. Cartier - Bresson, and no one ever will hear how many efforts are behind this one - click - ……… many of us know lots of most wonderful, beautiful fotos of nature with all of their impressions and expressions, …. But there is one – out standing Andra moi ennepe … polytropon ….. His name is Bill Wight ! ...and may we all wish and hope, in the very best sense of a piece of music, which doesn’t have an end Johann Strauss - perpetuum mobile – and so on, and so on, and so on . . . . . . . . . . .
Read lessBill is a very good man (a "sir") the world need people like him Sky
I just got my first DSLR camera yesterday and seeing Bill's photo stream today, ..WOW!...I can't ask for a perfect time to be inspired and take some beautiful landscape as what Bill does. Thanks Bill. I'm glad you found me and to be inspired with your amazing photography.
Bill - you commented on one of my photos and I found yours, and WOW, I am so inspired. I can't wait to take more pictures and learn photShop and maybe, once in a while, I might get one like your many.
I came to know Bill very recently in flickr, he commented one of my photos....when I went to see his photostream, specially landscape....it's mind-blowing....speachless beauty and marvellous processing and framing.....I do visit his stream quite regularly and get inspired from his vision, technique and ideas !!! Bil… Read more
I came to know Bill very recently in flickr, he commented one of my photos....when I went to see his photostream, specially landscape....it's mind-blowing....speachless beauty and marvellous processing and framing.....I do visit his stream quite regularly and get inspired from his vision, technique and ideas !!! Bill is definitely a landmark of outdoor photography.....
Read lessBill is a great man. All i've seen is a great heart in a good man. I hope to become good friends with bill and stay that way for the rest of my life. Having someone that is kind, well spirited and experienced in life is a quality everyone should have. In better terms if there was a way i could buy bill and bring hi… Read more
Bill is a great man. All i've seen is a great heart in a good man. I hope to become good friends with bill and stay that way for the rest of my life. Having someone that is kind, well spirited and experienced in life is a quality everyone should have. In better terms if there was a way i could buy bill and bring him home with me to be a buddy in real life i would buy him in a heart beat. Keep being strong bill.. your buddy till death do us part..(no time soon) jOn-Spokane, Wa, USA
Read lessThis site is home to some of the most astounding landscape images I have seen on Flickr. Bill has a way of working with light and texture to create a magical, almost surreal vista that just glows on the screen. Truly remarkable work to be found here.
bill has some really beautiful pictures in his photostream-when you look at his pictures you can feel such a wonderful natural atmosphere like you can smell the fresh air-he's a great photographer that's for sure!
Dear Bill You got a beautiful collection of landscape photos..realy impressive and inspiring....
BILL you are an excellent photographer , free and wild spirit . Thank you and good luck atte:EL CUMPA.