2012, Day 45 - Faded

No trip to central Oregon would be complete without stopping by Smith Rock State Park.  While letting one camera go crazy capturing stills to create a time lapse I walked around with the other so I could have a little macro fun.  My favorite discovery was a small weedy looking little plant with the remains of its flowers long gone but echoing their absent glory.

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f5.6, 1/250 sec @ 320 ISO

2012, Day 44 - Frozen flow

This morning we awoke to a few inches of fresh snow which meant one thing, epic snowshoeing!  Today's trip was three times the distance of yesterday's adventure but there was less than 800 feet of elevation gain which made it much more relaxing.  We made our way out to Newberry Crater and suited up for the icy breezes.  The trail was well marked and our destination was Paulina Falls.

We made it there in good time and Paulina Falls was spectacular!  The clouds were moving quickly in the strong winds which made standing at the viewpoint a little nerve-wracking.  Despite my initial reluctance to get too close to the railing I inched closer and closer as the wind died down to a gentle breeze.  When the clouds obstructed the sun I knew my moment had come and below is the result.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
16mm, f22, merged layers of 2.5, 5, and 10 sec @ 100 ISO

2012, Day 43 - Bursting

What I love the most about central Oregon is the huge variety of outdoor activities.  When I was here last fall most of the days were filled with hiking.  Given the snow hiking is an impossibility so instead I spent the afternoon snowshoeing.

After a failed attempt to find decent snow in the area immediately around Sunriver we gave up and drove to Tumalo mountain which sits adjacent to Mount Bachelor, a popular skiing area.  Our climb was almost completely uphill with an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet in about a mile.  It was brutal going up and almost as bad on the way down.  I thought I was terribly out of shape, which I may be, but on the descent I gained a real appreciation for how steep the trail was that we followed.

Tomorrow we head out for more snowshoeing.  I am excited but in remains to be seen if my legs will be as eager as I am when I get up tomorrow morning.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35/2.8L Mark II
18mm, f4, 1/3200 sec @ 200 ISO

2012, Day 42 - Trails

This evening the sky was looking nice and clear and because I am taking a weekend vacation to central Oregon I decided to load up my gear and try my hand at astro-landscape photography.  Unfortunately by the time I found an area with a nice view clouds started to invade my skies.

Because I was already out and about I thought I would take some pictures anyway.  This is my favorite of the evening, I like the streaks of clouds and the glimmer of a few stars that were not yet obstructed.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35/f2.8L Mark II
31mm, f3.2, 2 minutes @ 200 ISO

2012, Day 41 - Teeth

One of the things I have always appreciated about black and white photography is that it is all about the forms and the interplay of light and dark.  You can't hide poor composition behind pretty colors, all is laid bare.  This subject, the new growth of euphorbia, makes a good black and white because of the concentric rings of leaves.  Their repetition is pleasing and the contrast is a little on the low side which means that it has a pleasant soft quality.  This weekend challenge yourself, try to see the world in only light and shadow and take some pictures.

Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 100/f2.8L IS
100mm, f8, 1/80 sec @ 320 ISO

2012, Day 40 - Time travel

This morning I had the pleasure of joining in on one of OnOne Software's fantastic webinars.  This particular class was taught by Nicole S. Young on the subject of timelapse photography.  I have been wanting to try my hand at timelapse for a while now and knew the fundamentals but wanted some tips on the finer points and Nicole did not disappoint.  The hour-long seminar went almost double the scheduled time but was so packed with great information that I was taking notes to a cheat sheet.

Armed with my new information I went to my old standby night location near the Hawthorne Bridge.  Below is an outtake from the video which is at the bottom.  It probably wasn't the best night for a timelapse but I didn't care so I stood on a pier in the Willamette river for about twenty minutes chatting with my friend Julie and listening to the camera tick away...

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 24/f1.4L Mark II
24mm, f2.8, 0.8 sec @ 400 ISO

2012, Day 39 - Anticipation

I am experiencing great anticipation and some anxiety because in about ten days I should be bringing home a new fuzzy addition to the family.  His name is Frankie and at a little under a year old he will be by far the youngest member of the household.  Right now he is living with a larger group of dogs than I have and while he is doing well Frankie needs a little less competition to shine.  He is a sensitive soul and I am sure that he will flourish with additional attention and I expect that he will mesh well with all the other dogs.  The only part I don't like is that whole transition into a new living situation.  It will be weeks of operating on high alert so there aren't any accidents and reworking walks so that everyone has an opportunity to complete their business with relative privacy.  But the stress will be followed by years on companionship and, with a little luck, a buddy who is more inclined to participate in life's adventures rather than being content to greet me afterwards.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 70-200/f2.8L IS Mark II
200mm, f5.6, 1/2500 @ 500 ISO