2011, Day 181 - Feathered canopy

This afternoon was a typical one in the Pacific northwest, overcast with a light mist but because the rain was so light I decided to take a trip to Forest Park.  My favorite starting point in Cannon Trail, it isn't very long but it is sparsely traveled so it allows for a feeling of solitude.  The damp weather intensified the smell of earth and the sweet aroma of decaying pine needles.

The ferns are so big now I had to take the opportunity to lay under their fronds for a few minutes and just listen to the trees.  There is a kind of peace in a clearing of ferns that you can find nowhere else...

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f2.8, 1/60 sec @ 200 ISO

2011, Day 180 - Green and gold

It was a nice day today (it didn't rain, that makes it nice) so I went for a walk and I found this metallic green bee perched in a daisy .  I love the contrast of colors and the intensity of the yellow flower.

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f8, 1/500 sec @320 ISO

2011, Day 179 - Forked tongues

I was taking a walk this morning, in light summer rain mind you, and I saw these flowers.  Yeah, I like the blossom, it is pretty but I like the foliage better, the delicate backdrop.  Flowers always get the glory but sometimes the greenery is the best part!

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f5.6, 1/200 sec @ 320 ISO

2011, Day 178 - Come on!

More silken racing this morning.  What can I say?  I like dogs better than a lot of people, sometimes even the people at the other end of the leash.  The nice thing about the silken folks is that they are so proud of their dogs that they revel in the attention that they get.  This is Djinn wanting desperately for his running companions to catch up!

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
135mm, f5.6, 1/1600 sec @ 320 ISO

2011, Day 177 - Fluttering

For the first time ever I went to watch some lure coursing.  It is different than other types of racing because the distance is longer and the course is irregular so some of the too-smart dogs slow down to try to anticipate the next change of direction so they sometimes aren't the best chasers but they often get a lot closer to the lure.  Anywho, it was a lot of fun!

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
200mm, f5.6, 1/1600 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
200mm, f5.6, 1/1600 sec @ 200 ISO

2011, Day 176 - Balloons!

I wrote enough about the Tigard Festival of Balloons yesterday so today I am going to leave it at that and just share more photos for today's blog posting.  If you have any objections then I hate you...

Canon 1D Mark IV Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
18mm, f4, 1/640 sec @ 400 ISO

Canon 1D Mark IV Canon 24/f1.4L Mark II
24mm, f4, 1/160 sec @ 400 ISO

Canon 1D Mark IV Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f4, 1/250 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1D Mark IV Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
35mm, f4, 1/200 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1D Mark IV Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f4, 1/200 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1D Mark IV Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
23mm, f4, 1/640 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1D Mark IV Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f4, 1/1000 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1D Mark IV Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f4, 1/200 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1D Mark IV Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
28mm, f4, 1/1600 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1D Mark IV Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
33mm, f4, 1/1250 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1D Mark IV Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f4, 1/640 sec @ 200 ISO

Canon 1D Mark IV Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
21mm, f2.8, 1/60 sec @ 1000 ISO

Canon 1D Mark IV Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f2.8, 1/1250 sec @ 1000 ISO

 
Canon 1D Mark IV Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f2.8, 1/100 sec @ 640 ISO

2011, Day 175 - Morning glory

I got up early, although later than planned, to meet my friend Terri at the Tigard Festival of Balloons for the morning launch.  Things didn't quite go as planned but I made it there with only one balloon already airborne so there was still quite a bit left to see.  As I was laying in the grass to get a sky filled perspective of a balloon on its' side being filled when I was offered an incredible opportunity.  Never one to pass up any offer of a fresh perspective I was led underneath the balloon to the inside through one of the vents used to rotate the flying behemoth.

It was absolutely breathtaking from the interior as the early light shone through the fabric.  The only thing I can compare it to is some stained glass marvel.  Hopefully you can feel some of the awe that I felt.  Thank you so much to Laura Hancock, the owner of Morning Glory, for allowing me this opportunity!

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f4, 1/125 sec @ 400 ISO

2011, Day 174 - Mo' monkeys mo' problems

More Balinese monkeys!  This guy was napping at a temple and seemed totally unperturbed that we were wandering around talking loudly nearby.  They look so innocent when they're sleeping but when they're awake they act like banana seeking missiles!

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
70mm, f2.8, 1/500 sec @ 400 ISO

2011, Day 173 - Hehe, monkey!

Back to my adventure a couple years ago.  I liked the monkey forest, Laura didn't feel up to coming with me and she missed out because monkeys were literally climbing up me to try to steal my bananas (I bought a bunch when I entered the park).  Who doesn't want to be touched inappropriately by a monkey?!?

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS
190mm, f2.8, 1/125 sec @ 1600 ISO

2011, Day 172 - Pollen leggings

It's the early 90s again with bees apparently because they are wearing yellow leggings!

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f8, 1/320 sec @ 320 ISO

2011, Day 171 - Snowbells in summer

This photo is of the blossoms of a Japanese Snowbell tree.  They are blooming prolifically and the scent is quite pleasant.

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f5.6, 1/2000 sec @ 320 ISO

2011, Day 170 - Feliz

Another whippet racing weekend!  As I sit freshly showered feeling clean it occurs to me that I must have been rather rank prior to hosing myself off.  Before I left the house I washed the car, then I romped with dogs at the races, came home and ate a tuna melt after which I helped make burgers on a griddle for a shelter where I got splattered with beef fat.  It was bad enough that my dogs thought I smelled good which you KNOW means that there is a huge problem.

Below is my buddy Belize who reminds me strongly of Johan in that everyone is his new best friend and all he wants to do is leap into your arms and cuddle.  I told Karen Sanders that I wanted to steal him, she laughed and said that he is just about everyone's favorite dog because he is all love all the time.  How can you fault that?

Next to the racing venue is a rodeo arena and today was the La Fortuna Mexican Festival.  I kept hearing their announcements on the loudspeaker and it occurred to my that Belize sounds a lot like "feliz" the Spanish word for "happy."  Isn't that an appropriate similarity for this handsome guy?

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
160mm, f5.6, 1/1600 sec @ 400 ISO

2011, Day 169 - Fuzzy pistil

I took this picture a few weeks ago and didn't think much of it at the time.  Yes, flowers are pretty and yes, I post a lot of pictures of flowers on my blog but what I didn't notice at the time was this flowers interesting pistil and stamen.  They are quaint and there must be some advantage to the shape, maybe it transfers pollen better because the bees who favor this flower have to work harder to get to it.  Hmmm...  Food for thought....

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f5.6, 1/200 sec @ 200 ISO

2011, Day 168 - Weimi

This pretty lady is a client of the Portland Animal Welfare Team.  She a seven month-old ball of happy puppy energy but was kind enough to sit still long enough for me to take her picture.  The love and dedication that the PAW Team's clients show to their animals is really heart-warming.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
59mm, f2.8, 1/640 sec @ 320 ISO

2011, Day 167 - Nest

This is what a peony looks like on the inside.  The colors, except for the fuchsia, are rather like that of an egg but with tendrils and a flower and all that.  I suppose it is a rambling kind of evening which probably means I should just call it good and click the "Publish" button.

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f4, 1/2500 sec @ 320 ISO

2011, Day 166 - Watering hole

With morning showers and scattered brief sun this fly found an opening peony an ideal place to rehydrate.

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f4, 1/2000 sec @ 320 ISO

2011, Day 165 - Armored dragon

I found a mosquito eater in the sink which served as a nice backdrop for a photo.  I love how it looks like a dragon with the long mandibles and wings and the ability to breathe fire...

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f11, 1/100 sec @320 ISO

2011, Day 164 - Groomed

More from Saturday's wedding.  This is Matt, the groom, and I really liked his obvious casual confidence.  He was a great subject, took direction well and it shows in the results.  Now, I know it is a wedding photo, but we had wonderful overcast skies that added a great mood and atmosphere.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
42mm, f11, 1/125 sec @ 100 ISO

2011, Day 163 - Redwood Son

Last night I went to Portland's Aladdin Theater for the first time to photograph Josh Malm of Redwood Son.  Generally I am not a person with strong musical inclinations or opinions but I really enjoyed their performance.  If you're in town I highly recommend checking their performance schedule because they really put on a show worth seeing.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
142mm, f4, 1/100 sec @ 2500 ISO

2011, Day 162 - Alesha

Today I had the pleasure of shooting the marriage of Alesha to Matt.  They are a very sweet couple and we fortunately had the use of the grounds of BeckenRidge Winery for their photos.  It was a remarkable place and the vines themselves are my favorite backdrop.  In the days to come I suspect there will be more photos to share with you but for now it is late and this is only one of two shoots I had today so I am going to bed.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
102mm, f8, 1/100 sec @ 100 ISO

2011, Day 161 - Pinwheel

Another photo from last night's walk on the waterfront.  I don't really know what is going on but they have a ferris wheel there so it can't be a bad thing, right?

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f8, 0.8 sec @ 320 ISO

2011, Day 160 - Counterbalanced

It is fleet week in Portland so I took a walk along the esplanade to see if the visiting ships were illuminated.  The short answer is no, they were not, but I did walk to the west side of the river and took this picture of the Hawthorne Bridge.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
18mm, f8, 15 sec @ 320 ISO

2011, Day 159 - Floral explosion

I like these flowers, I think I know what they're called but I can't remember right now.  Maybe when I do I will update this post (but I think that is unlikely).  What I like about their form it that their petal are really only there to frame the little florets that look to me like the explosion of fireworks but in the form of a flower.

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f5.6, 1/125 sec @ 320 ISO

And while I was out I found some Popos doing the nasty.  If she were still around my grandmother's response would almost certainly have been "oh dear."  Hehe, that was her response to almost everything shocking and often times it would be followed by a little chuckle.

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f4, 1/125 sec @ 320 ISO

2011, Day 158 - Violet

This is another flower I found in that yard of bountiful blossoms a few days ago.  The sun was shining and I found this bloom facing the sun, worshipping the warmth.  Unfortunately it was overcast and cool today but it was dry and otherwise quite pleasant.

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f8, 1/1250 sec @ 200 ISO

2011, Day 157 - Boog

As I walked the dogs this morning I noticed a proliferation of new flowers in bloom.  The heat from the warm weekend seems to have had a wonderful effect on the flora of this city.  So once I deposited the pups back at the house and before my running to an appointment I took a short walk and found that this little iridescent armored invader perched within the folds of a rose in bloom.

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f5.6, 1/100 sec @ 200 ISO

2011, Day 156 - Hypochromia

This is Lulu, I met her this morning in line at the PAW Team Clinic.  Every month the Portland Animal Welfare Team holds a free veterinary clinic for those people whose hearts are a bit bigger than their checkbooks.  What you can see in Lulu's eye is a condition called sectoral hypochromia where the iris is two different colors.  It certainly makes her striking and at ten years old she looks happy and healthy!

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
42mm, f2.8, 1/640 sec @ 200 ISO

2011, Day 155 - Icy agriculture

I was inspired by the gallery opening on Thursday to revisit one of my photos from last fall.  Curtis Speer has an exceptional eye and the works of his I favor most are architectural landscapes.  Motivated I decided to see how a little extra contrast and a touch less saturation would look with this photo.  The results, I think, are quite pleasing.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f16, 1/125 sec @ 200 ISO

2011, Day 154 - Burning blossoms

It was a rather warm day today, it got up to 75 degrees today and to us here in Portland that is hot, especially for those of us here in the Pacific Northwest.  We've had a wet cold spring and it seemed that there was no end in sight but then today I we were all proven wrong.  What's more, tomorrow and Sunday are supposed to be in the 80s.

On my way from one appointment to another I espied a house with a garden bursting with flowers so I pulled over to take a closer look.

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f8, 1/250 sec @ 200 ISO

2011, Day 153 - Street comet

I took this photo on the way home from a lovely evening.  First a gallery opening and then dinner with friends.  Raucous laughter and inappropriate conversation abounded.  A good time was had by all.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 24/f1.4L Mark II
24mm, f5.6, 8 sec @ 200 ISO

2011, Day 152 - Scorpion

Can you find the scorpion?  It is not very clear but it's there...

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS
100mm, f2.8, 1/1000 sec @ 400 ISO