2014, Day 362 - Road ahead

I love a good vanishing point, it forces me to think about what's beyond the horizon or around the corner.  It is the result of a naturally curious disposition which is why I love photography.  Through the camera's lens you can explore light, shadows, perspective, angles, so many little variables that can drastically affect the final image.  This is why going on photo adventures with friends is such a great thing because you can all look at the same subject and see completely different ways of composing the shot.  The results are so varied that sometimes it doesn't even look like the same place despite the fact that you were only separated by a few feet.  Next year I look forward to continuing the fun!

Fuji X-E2, Fujinon 10-24/f4R OIS
10mm, f5.6, 1/125 sec @ 640 ISO

2014, Day 354 - Refuge

Earlier this week we had a bit of a break in the rain and I've been itching to get out and take some pictures.  One of my old standby locations is Ruckle Creek because there is rarely anyone else there, it isn't too much of a hike, and it is really pretty.  Given that the rain never really stopped, just got lighter, it was my top pick.  I've had an IR converted camera for a while and I've been playing with it quite a bit because, like using a macro lens, you learn to see the world differently.  Greens become brighter in the IR spectrum and blues become more dramatic.  It's a lot of fun to experiment and seeing the world in monochrome is a different kind of experience.

Fuji X-E2, Fujinon 10-24/f4R OIS
10mm, f11, 1 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 351 - Diversion

This afternoon I went out to the Columbia River Gorge with my buddy Jay.  We made a number of stops but I loved the contrast of a grass against the leafless trees and the ominous sky.  It was dark and moody and an accurate reflection of my general demeanor which means I was, uncharacteristically, quite happy.

Fuji X-E2, Fujinon 10-24/f4R OIS
12mm, f4, 1/240 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 349 - You've got a fast car

Not really though, this old double-decker bus isn't going anywhere any time soon but it is all cool and beat up.  Makes me think of the double-decker busses in Davis that still run regularly even though spare parts are largely unavailable and have to be made by a talented local mechanic.

Fuji X-E2, Fujinon 35/f1.4R
35mm, f1.4, 1/280 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 306 - Farewell to fall

Well, we're just about to get some fall color.  It started a few weeks ago but has not yet hit its peak.  Sadly, like most years, I'm headed out of the country and by the time I get back the trees will be bare.  I keep doing this and I rather miss fall but it is the most convenient time for me to travel.  Perhaps next year I'll stay home for the autumn color.

Fuji X-E2, Fujinon 10-24/f4R OIS
24mm, f5.6, 1/125 sec @ 1600 ISO

2014, Day 303 - Arranged

Flowers, the perfect subject matter for infrared photography :)

Fuji X-E2, Fujinon 60/f2.4R
60mm, f4, 1/200 sec @ 320 ISO

2914, Day 301 - Threading

Walking through the wood, the patter of rain drops on the leaves, the earthy sweet smell of the damp earth and the fallen leaves, the slight bite of the weather on your cheeks; this is fall in Oregon.  Things slow down a bit with reasonable caution as the ground gets a little bit slippery and, with that relaxed pace, we take in the change of seasons.  While the aspens have lost their leaves weeks ago the maples are climbing to their foliage, unwilling to admit defeat.  I like their defiance but am ready for a bit more color so until then I am focusing on black and white.

Fuji X-E2, Fujinon 10-24/f4R OIS
20mm, f5.6, 1/125 sec @ 1000 ISO

2014, Day 300 - Downy

I never tire of the abundance of ferns in the Pacific Northwest.  They're such simple and elegant plants, they grow so prolifically, and they lend everything an increased lushness that is soft and inviting.  I think that, in many ways, I'm a woodland creature at heart.

Fuji X-E2, Fujinon 10-24/f4R OIS
20.9mm, f5.6, 1/125 sec @ 3200 ISO

2014, Day 284 - Sprinkles

The rain is back and that makes me happy.  Now if only we could get some cooler weather...

Fuji X-E2, Fujinon 60/f2.4R
60mm, f2.4, 1/150 sec @ 200 ISO

2014, Day 283 - He's so dreamy

It is hard to believe that Frankie has been my little buddy for the last two and a half years.  At a couple weeks shy of his first birthday he was very much a puppy and that goofy personality hasn't left.  But, best of all, he loves the camera.  Frankie is very patient and allows me to find the best able with minimal movement.  The only problem I have is that Hubert gets curious and often gets in the way trying to see what's going on because he hates to be left out.

Fuji X-E2, Fujinon 60/f2.4R
60mm, f4, 1/125 sec @ 1600 ISO

2014, Day 282 - Leaves of light

I have a new old toy.  Last week I sent one of my cameras to Lifepixel to be converted to photograph the infrared spectrum.  It does interesting and crazy things to leaves, skies, clouds, and is generally interesting for landscape photography.  Everything comes out in weird colors but in black and white it is very beautiful and although the effect could be replicated in Photoshop is never looks quite as good.

Fuji X-E2, Fujinon 23/f1.4R
23mm, f4, 1/125 sec @ 200 ISO