Photography Now & Then #44
Today, I decided to try a close-up photo with a large depth-of-field, with the entire image as in focus as I could get it. The subject is my submarine dolphins, awarded in 1975 when I qualified as a submariner on Casimir Pulaski, SSBN-633 (blue crew).
Today’s photo[1]: Dolphins – My Submarine Warfare Pin, awarded in 1975; photo February 13, 2018 (Pentax K-3 II )
The pin’s design incorporates a stylized bow view of a submarine, proceeding on the surface, with bow planes rigged for diving, flanked by dolphins (in the form of artistically stylized heraldic dolphins), in a horizontal position with their heads resting on the upper edge of the bow planes. Actual size is 2 7/8″ long and 7/8″ tall at the sail of the submarine.
The dolphins are the dolphinfish (mahi-mahi), not the mammal dolphin that most people are familiar with.
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In September 2007, we were camped at the West Yellowstone KOA, most days driving into Yellowstone for the day. On the 16th, we decided to go a different direction and took a drive into Idaho.
Photo Favorite[2]: Big Falls Inn – presently an interpretive and visitor center for the National Forest Service – near Upper Mesa Falls, Henrys Fork of the Snake River, Idaho, September 16, 2007 (Pentax K10D 44°11’15.8″N 111°19’40.3″W)
Our exploring took us along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. We lived in Idaho twice, once for six months in 1972 and, later, from about May 1977 to August 1980. We had been on this road at least once before and had seen the falls, but I didn’t remember being able to get so close to the upper falls nor how truly spectacular they are.
Mesa Falls Visitor Center[3]
The Mesa Falls Visitor Center occupies the historic Big Falls Inn, built around 1915 by the Snake River Electric Light and Power Company. With its spectacular setting, the Inn was a popular spot for social gatherings in its past lives. It had its day as a hotel, a cafe, and a dance hall. Later it became a way station on the Yellowstone Highway for ranchers, sportsmen, and tourists. After acquiring the inn from Montana Power in 1986, the Forest Service partnered with Harriman State Park and other generous groups to renovate the facilities and keep the site open. Big Falls Inn is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area can be enjoyed inside the visitor center.
From the Visitor Center, an accessible trail and boardwalk provide spectacular views of Mesa Falls. A rainbow often decorates the canyon on summer mornings when sunlight passes through the mist, and interpretive panels share the natural and cultural history of the area. As you take in the power and beauty of the falls, keep your eyes open for the osprey and eagles that frequent the area.
- Today’s Photo is a photo that is almost always taken the day of the blog post. In some instances, posts may be backdated if internet access is not available on the day of the photo or other reasons prevent posting Photograph Now and Then.
- Photo Favorite is a randomly selected older photograph from a batch of photos specifically “curated” for Photograph Now and Then.
- Mesa Falls Visitor Center – Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Notes:
- Reference links were accessed on the date the blog post was published, unless otherwise stated.
- The title convention for Photography Now & Then blog post’s evolved early on from one word related to each photo separated by “&” to usually being the first word in the caption description for each photo.
