2014, Day 205 - Clinging

Across a bridge, along a narrow path, down stairs slick with condensation, past the switchback, and into the cavern behind the waterfall is the path to one of the magical places in Oregon.  The roar of the falling water and the spray it kicks up keeps the area cool and tranquil.  Often low clouds cling to the trees in the early morning and stubbornly hang on until they are driven back by the warming day.  It is enchanting and engrossing; everyone should visit it because although I like my solitude in such places they are too beautiful not to share.

Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
20mm, f16, merged layers of 1 and 2 sec @ 100 ISO

2013, Day 152 - Convergence

While wandering down the path at Silver Falls State Park a few days ago with Nicole Young I saw this dead tree as I was looking wide-eyed above me.  It was fairly early and the sun just came into sight and I loved the way the moss covering the tree glowed.  I was hoping to capture that ethereal quality in the photo and, shooting almost straight up, I love how the trees towers above converge.

I've always said that Silver Falls is a magical place and even though I've been over a dozen times I always find something new and exciting.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
24mm, f5.6, merged layers of 1/80, 1/40, 1/20, 1/10, and 1/5 sec @ 100 ISO

2013, Day 150 - Climbing fungus

It's all about the details.  That's why I love photography, you can make a big deal out of a small detail.  Nicole and I found these mushrooms growing out of the side of a mossy tree and I couldn't help myself.  I love mushrooms, not to eat although I like them that way too, I just think that they grow in special places where gnomes live and them my imagination runs wild.

Canon 1D X, Canon 24-70/f2.8L Mark II
24mm, f8, 1/320 sec @ 200 ISO

2012, Day 304 - Elvandar

I loved Peter Jackson's visual representation of The Lord of the Rings and I sometimes wonder where they got their inspiration.  Then I visit Silver Falls and see a scene that took computer animation to make in real life.  It is a place of stunning beauty and when I went the mist caused by the rain and the falls only served to magnify the magical feeling.

Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f16, merged layers of 1, 2, 4, and 8 sec @100 ISO

2012, Day 302 - Grasping for fall

It isn't long before I will be off to Cambodia and one of my misgiving, albeit a minor one, is missing fall.  The colors in Oregon can be spectacular so when I was invited out yesterday I wanted to go and when I went out to run errands today I ended up at Silver Falls State Park again.  It is one of my favorite places in Oregon and I was hoping with the increased elevation that there might be some good color.  While I won't say that I was disappointed because there was some early color it hasn't peaked yet but it may not have time if these violent rain storms keep coming at us.

It was a nice escape but now I have to buckled down and get things done.  I want everyone else to make a concerted effort to share the splendor of fall with me so I can live vicariously through you.

Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f16, merged layers of 1, 2, and 4 sec @ 100 ISO

2012, Day 276 - Deluge

I love that fall is coming and that you can feel it in the air.  The mornings are crisp and the evenings are cool but the days are still sunny and comfortable.  In no time it will be Halloween, the trees will be golden in the evening sun and the crunch of leaves with accompany each step.

This was taken on a trip out to Silver Falls, one of the most magical places in Oregon.  Every time I go it is like walking through a fairy tale.  The landscape is lush, even in winter, and diverse.  It is a paradise for nature lovers and I often regret not making the trip frequently enough.  Maybe I will return soon, when the leaves are starting to change, and enjoy the tranquility.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f5.6, 1.6 sec @ 100 ISO

2012, Day 180 - I keep on falling

Silver Falls is one of those places that you never tire of visiting.  It epitomizes the wilderness of the Pacific NW with its lush vegetation, mossy trees, cool air, and utter tranquility.  Despite the number of times I've been it never loses its allure and manages to seem isolated while being just a short drive from Portland.  Many of the trails shadow moving water that provides a soothing backdrop to the sounds of birds and the rustle of wind through the trees.  Silver Falls is the primary reason I bought a two year state parks pass, it is one of many that are easily accessible and absolutely breathtaking.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f10, merged layers of 2, 4, and 8 sec @ 100 ISO

2012, Day 114 - Magic

The warm weather yesterday was all that I needed to pack my camera and head out the door.  I was joined by my friend Julie Ward in a trip to Silver Falls State Park and this time we were going late in the day in order not only to avoid potential crowding but to try to capture a different light.  Unfortunately we were  meant to be four but Brian Matiash and Nicole Young were unable to come at the last minute but I thought I would mention them in order to instill jealousy.

Every time I visit Silver Falls it is a magical experience.  The woods are special, they always look perfect in an almost artificial way.  As I stood under the falls the rush of water drowns out all the other sounds and you can concentrate on your other senses.  The trail is damp and the slight mineral smell of the rocks mingles with the sweetness of the evergreens.  While waiting for my brackets to completely I light mist collected on my skin and the occasional drop of water would land on me.  It was a warm day yesterday, in the eighties, and while it was a little cooler in the woods there was a light refreshing breeze that would tickle your damp skin.  But what is more remarkable is the view.  I almost expect nymphs to emerge from behind the trees but it is hard to be disappointed that they don't because you're still surrounded by a visual feast.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f16, merged layers of 8 and 15 sec @ 100 ISO

2012, Day 37 - Orbs

It's Monday so time to break out a macro shot.  This was taken at Silver Falls yesterday morning and if you look at the moss you can see frost but the ice has melted on the shoots so that the sunlight reflects off the drops as if they were hundreds of little diamonds.

I am really excited for the weekend, there is so much to do before then but I am headed out to central Oregon with some friends to go snowshoeing.  It should be a blast and I have so few photos of snow-covered landscapes.  In the meantime it is back to the grind :)

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f5.6, 1/13 sec @ 125 ISO

2012, Day 36 - Falling

While so many people spent this beautiful sunny day watching football on television I took advantage of the distraction.  First thing this morning I grabbed Brian Matiash and assisted his Garmin is getting us to Silver Falls.  We trekked slowly to Upper North Falls stopping numerous times to capture the beauty of the park and when we finally decided to make our way to Lower North Falls our plans were thwarted by a closed trail.

Not to be deterred we left to return to Portland and made a few stops on the way back to capture the rolling hills of rural Oregon.  That was this morning, I then spent the afternoon working on getting caught up on processing images from the last week.  My backlog seems to be growing but it is a wonderful problem to have, too much choice.

While I was trying to get caught up Brian met with Karen Hutton and when they finished with their adventures we all met up for coffee.  For those who have had the pleasure of Karen's company she is a delightful and affable person.  Our conversation lasted until long after our cups were empty.  It was a very pleasant way to end a warn sunny weekend.  Thanks guys!

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
20mm, f8, merged layers of 1/2, 1, 2, 4, and 8 sec @ 125 ISO

2011, Day 013 - Snow and silver

One of my favorite shots from last year was taken with my friend Terri at Silver Falls State Park. There is something that is magical about that place so when I awoke at an obscenely early hour on Monday morning I got the dogs taken care of and I headed out the door stopping in downtown Silverton briefly before heading to the park. As I made my way south the elevation rose and there was a thin blanket of snow on the ground. I was thrilled because I hoped to get a picture of the falls in nature's monochrome.

Ultimately there wasn't that much snow on the ground but that was probably for the best because there are some rather steep stairs and if there was any more snow and ice I don't think I would have been able to make it down to the falls. Nevertheless, I present winter at Silver Falls.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II

16mm, f16, masked layers of 1 and 2.5 sec @ 200 ISO

2010, Day 315 - Showers of silver

Today was an amazing day, at least photographically. Actually, it was just a good day overall but especially for my photography. A couple weeks ago my friend Terri, fellow photo enthusiast, asked if I would be up for a little adventure on Veterans Day and because I have a flexible schedule and can work quite easily from the road I told her I would be delighted.

She chose the venue, Silver Falls State Park. I had never been before but I know Terri has been a number of times so when we met up to complete the rest of the trip with one car she admitted that she wasn't sure how exciting the photographic opportunities were going to be. Well, I think she ate those words pretty quickly. We started at the Upper North Falls and then worked down to the North Falls proper and as we went it became increasingly more beautiful. The light was filtered to the last remenants of the morning fog as the sun tried to come out. Even though the leaves have mostly fallen from the trees they litter the landscape and give great depth and color.

Below is my favorite shot from the morning. I may post more later but I really like this single one so much that I don't think the other would fare well by comparison. Unusually, for my anyway, I did no cropping, only resizing because I this was framed just the way I wanted it looking out from under the North Falls. This photo is thanks in no small part to Terri who let me borrow her ultra wide-angle zoom while mine is at the Canon spa for a little pampering before my upcoming trip.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II

19mm, f11, masked layers of 1/8 and 1/2 sec @ 100 ISO