Photographing in the High Plains

The High Plains are beautiful and there is a lot of potential for great shots - but there is a lot to keep in mind.

Light
First there is the light! (Always the light...) It can change in an instant along with the weather. You can be photographing insects on flowers in full sun and then realise the light is dropping and you need to keep altering your exposure. Then you look over your shoulder and see the mist scudding over the hills.

The Huts in Fog!
You grab these shots and then think - wow! the huts would look great - if you can get there and it stays foggy, and doesn't change to a white out followed by torrential rain!

The wind keeps blowing!
It’s hard to take photos of moving flowers. You can use a device (a plamp or home-made equivalent) to hold the stalks gently and stop them moving or you can wait between gusts and grab the shot when it stops. Both work well - Make sure your shutter speed is high though - at least 1/250th sec.

Best Light & Least Wind
To avoid the wind and get the best light, you need to be up very early - soon after dawn.  Also, late afternoon can be good.

Stars
Don't forget the stars on clear nights too. You can get magnificent shots but don't forget your tripod and some warm clothes!