Erin Feinblatt Photography

Photography at the Summit Workshop, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

feinblatt — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:48:30 +0000

I just returned from the Photography at the Summit Workshop in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I was granted a scholarship to the week-long workshop and I am honored to have had to opportunity to learn from some of the greatest photographers / editors of our time. Among the list faculty was: Rich Clarkson, William Albert Allard, Jodi Cobb, Michael Forsberg, MaryAnne Golon, Jay Maisel, Tom Mangelsen, Kurt Mutchler, Jim Richardson, Bob Smith, Donald R. Winslow, The workshop was held at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, minutes away from Grand Teton National Park.

By far the highlight of the workshop was the image critiques. Having attended photography school for the past three years, I am intimately familiar with critiques. The unique part of the critiques at the workshop was that they were led by a panel of accomplished photographers and editors rather than a single instructor and students. The advantage of panel critiques is getting a wide range of opinions that feed off each other and ultimately get to the root of the successes and failures of our images.

During the course of the workshop we had the opportunity to go out into the field every morning and photograph the subject of our choice. Since I had never been to Wyoming, I was enthralled by the magnitude of the landscape and the wildlife. The following are some of the images I found.

The Teton Range:

While at first glance the landscape appears open and unobstructed, I quickly realized that even in a place as remote as this, the human footprint is easily seen.

A bluebird box on a fence at the edge of the Elk Refuge. Without the fence the elk will wander on to the highway and get hit.

Turning around from the elk fence, I was astonished by the number of vehicles traveling about as the evening fell upon the Tetons.

One of the local watering holes.

On the cusp of winter.

Wyoming’s version of a gardener.

I have always been intrigued by dams. I think it is sad that our rivers, which have shaped our country’s landscape and are critical in the ecological chain, are prohibited from running free and wild. Jackson Lake Dam.

Behind the dam.

Jackson Lake and Clouds.

Portrait of Moose.

Inspired by Jay Maisel, the following three images are what I saw while hiking through the tributaries of a creek in order to get the previous shot of the moose.

Falling Snow.

American Bison during the first snow fall of the year.

This morning was my most memorable of the week. I sat with these Bison for several hours and during the course of the time I had the opportunity to observe the behavior of the iconic creatures. Below is a standoff between two bulls. Keep posted for some video of the event.

American Bison in its element.

American Bison out of its element.

-Erin Feinblatt

Changing Seasons

feinblatt — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 23:50:41 +0000

Growing up in California, I’ve heard it said a million times that we don’t have seasons. I’ve always objected to that opinion. Come Autumn, the sounds are different and the smells are unique. The ocean changes direction as does the wind. The light is softer and more elegant in its painting of the landscape. Sure our leaves don’t turn yellow, orange, and red. But live in California long enough and you’ll wake up one morning and rejoice that Autumn is upon us.

Here are a few images captured on the Autumnal Equinox while riding the train to San Diego for the premiere of the film “Come Hell or High Water”.

-Erin Feinblatt

Meet Keith Malloy

feinblatt — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 05:51:54 +0000

I first met Keith ten years ago while on an around the world surf trip with my good friends Colin Giles and Chris Darrah. We met up with Keith and his brother Dan in a small town in Eastern Australia and we spent a few days surfing and telling story. This year I reconnected with Keith and he invited me to help film “Come Hell or High Water”. In his first role as director, Keith assembled a star crew of athletes and cinematographers to capture a look at the underground sport of bodysurfing. Filmed on location at places such as Tahiti, Hawaii, and the Wedge, the movie provides a timeless glimpse at the craft of bodysurfing and the people who do it.

The film premieres today at the New York Surf Film Festival.

See the trailer and international tour dates here: Woodshed Films.

In true form. Keith Malloy mid way through one of the longest barrels that I’ve seen anyone make while bodysurfing…but then again I didn’t go on the Tahiti leg of the film.

-Erin Feinblatt

Meet Chris Orwig

feinblatt — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:57:31 +0000

Chris Orwig is a photographer, educator, and writer. He is on faculty at Brooks Institute and is world famous as the Photoshop guru on Linda.com. Chris recently asked me to shoot a few short videos for the companion website to his newest book: “People Pictures: 30 Exercises for Creating Authentic Photographs”. The book is slated to be released any day now and I recommend all photographers get a copy. Chris’ inspirational approach to teaching is sure to offer useful tips to even the most accomplished photographer.

Take a look at Chris’ new book and the videos: http://www.30peoplepictures.com/

Visit Chris’ blog: http://www.chrisorwig.com/flipside/

A quick trip to Santa Cruz Island

feinblatt — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 22:57:14 +0000

A friend invited me out for a quick trip to Santa Cruz island. Here a few images from the journey

-Erin Feinblatt

Underwater Concept Photography

feinblatt — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:55:04 +0000

Here is a conceptual shot I produced this week about training/practicing more intelligently. Thanks to Mike Wathen and Jon Menzies for modeling. Due to complications that arose with my water housing we had less than five total minutes in the water. The housing is getting repaired and I’m looking forward to my next day in the pool.

-Erin Feinblatt

Lunch at Stella Mare’s, Santa Barbara, California

feinblatt — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 21:40:23 +0000

The following images were shot as part of my Travel Photography class at Brooks Institute of Photography. I’ve been exploring a lot of different types of photography recently, but there is unquestionably something I love about food photography. I cherish good food and when a chef puts out a well plated dish it is an honor to document it. Thanks Chef.

- Erin Feinblatt

An afternoon on the boat

feinblatt — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 06:25:41 +0000

I stepped out of my office yesterday afternoon and decided that it was time to put the boat in the water and let the day pass in front of the lens. I’d been wanting to head up the coast to an offshore cormorant breeding site. With the calm seas and low winds I decided to give it a go. A few hours later I was at anchor, watching and listening to the prehistoric birds. A few years back I worked on a cormorant colony in the Pacific NW and I was grateful to be photographing the birds rather than researching them.

Just offshore, platform Holly reminds me of my petroleum addiction.

Back at the entrance to the Santa Barbara harbor I was greeted by ~15 California sea lions. I killed the engine and went on a drift. The young sea lions stayed 10ft off my stern and entertained me for half an hour.

Out of nowhere a sooty shearwater appeared. Not a very common site so close to shore.

As the sun fell behind the mesa I made my way back into the harbor.

At the tip of the sandbar a great blue heron patiently waits for the surge to reveal dinner.

-Erin Feinblatt

Carrizo Plain

feinblatt — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:10:43 +0000

A few photos from our quick trip to Carrizo Plain last weekend.

-Erin Feinblatt

Edible Santa Barbara article

feinblatt — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:12:53 +0000

The new Edible Santa Barbara is out and I have photography featured in a piece about Julia Crookston and the Goodland Kitchen up in Goleta. If you haven’t already gotten your copy, here is a link to the locations that carry the magazine. http://www.ediblecommunities.com/santabarbara/source-guide/where-to-find.htm

-Erin Feinblatt