Happy Friday!

I appreciate you being here. I hope you do something nice for yourself today.

Here are the top tips, resources, news, and ideas I have for you this week.

1. A simple way to understand hue, saturation, and lightness

Color theory is one of the most important concepts in photography (and the visual arts in general), but it can be a bit overwhelming when you first start learning about it.

You should learn and understand at least the basics of color theory if you want to improve your landscape photography, so my goal is to break it down for you with the simplest explanations and most important points.

In the next few weeks I’ll be sharing resources to help you learn and understand color theory. I’ll also show you how to pick the right color settings when post-processing your photos.

To kick things off, here are three essential terms to learn:

1. Hue
2. Saturation
3. Lightness (sometimes called brightness)

These are the three elements of color in the RGB color model (i.e. how color is displayed on digital screens like computer monitors, laptop screens, phones, tablets, and other LCD screens).

Sometimes, these three terms are combined and abbreviated as HSL (or HSB - b for brightness).

If you have ever used or heard of an HSL slider in Lightroom or Photoshop/Adobe Camera Raw (which is one of the main tools used to post-process photos), then you have likely made an adjustment to the hue, saturation, and/or lightness of your photos.

So, what do these terms mean?

For a great primer on hue, saturation, and lightness, watch the first 2 minutes and 40 seconds of this video.

‍This short written guide is also a simple explanation of hue, saturation, and lightness that will you can refer to when you need a refresher.‍

2. Let’s celebrate International Dark Sky Week!

If you have ever tried astrophotography, you know how light pollution (i.e. artificial light) can obstruct your Milky Way views and ruin a photo. 

What you might not know is that artificial light and lack of naturally dark skies damages ecosystems and harms wildlife by impacting their ability to navigate and communicate.

If you live in a city and can’t see the stars at night, you can thank light pollution for that, too.

This week is International Dark Skies Week - a week hosted by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) to bring awareness to the problem of light pollution. 

According to the IDA: 

“Light pollution is increasing at 2x rate of population growth and 83% of the global population lives under a light-polluted sky.”

But what can we do to stop or reverse this unsettling statistic?

One of the best ways you can help is by making a few simple changes that will make your home dark sky friendly, such as turning off outdoor lights that you aren’t using. 

You can also check out this resource for some of the best ways that you can take action to reduce light pollution.‍

3. Emergency communication tip: how to stay in touch in the backcountry

I recently took a trip way off the grid in Canyonlands National Park that got me thinking about my emergency communication plan.

One of my greatest fears is to get injured, lost, or stuck in the backcountry with no cell service or way to call for help. This fear is heightened when I’m adventuring alone.

Something that gives me the greatest peace of mind is my Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)/Satellite Messenger - a device that I can use to call for help if I am ever in a threatening emergency.

PLBs can send an SOS signal (via satellite) with your exact location to the nearest search and rescue agency. 

Messengers will give you the ability to text emergency contacts (e.g. relatives or friends) via satellite so you can reach out to them without cell service. 

The PLB/Satellite Messenger I use the Garmin InReach, which I highly recommend, but there are many other great options on the market.

I always have it on me - whether it’s an easy trail run outside the city or a major backcountry excursion. 

I hope you start carrying one too, if you don’t already. It could save your life.‍

Here is a great guide written by REI that covers everything you need to know when choosing one of these devices.

While it is important to rely on your wilderness skills (e.g. safety skills, navigation skills, first aid skills, etc.) as your first line of defense against surviving an emergency, a PLB or Satellite Messenger can be used as a last resort option when you are in a life or death situation and have absolutely no means of self-rescue.

4. Mending the landscape by creating art out of eyesores

I recently read an article about an architecture firm in China that is transforming abandoned stone  quarries into beautiful cultural facilities.

The photos of these spaces, which include a library and performance venue, are really quite stunning. I encourage you to check out the photos and article here.

According to the firm:

"The project is an ecological improvement to mend the interrupted nature. The reuse of these abandoned quarries reconnects the local community with its thousand-year history and heritage."

I really love this idea of turning unsightly, human-caused environmental damage into art.

It also gave me a bit of hope, which we need more of these days.‍

5. Something to think about

What was the last thing you did that brought you true joy or excitement? 

Find a way to do that thing today. 

Actually, find a way to do that thing everyday and make it a priority. 

This is something that I’m currently working on, but it’s difficult.

We only get an infinitesimal moment in time to breathe and walk this earth. 

Sometimes, life will slap you in the face with a painful reminder of that. 

If you are only living for outcomes and rewards rather than the things that bring you joy in the moment, then you are not really living. 

You likely already know all of this, but here’s a reminder to not wait until the slap comes (and it will) before you start doing what you love. 

Oh yeah, and call your parents today if they are still here. Tell them that you love them.

Talk to you next week, friends.

Meredith