Midday Sunshine

I find it strange that there are books and blogs still suggesting you should put your camera away during middle of the day and wait for more colorful light near sunset and sunrise. If I did that in the Pacific Northwest, I'd be waiting for a very long time.

At one point, I believed in that idea. When I lived in California, the spectacular light seemed to arrive on schedule and it was easy to get used to the gaudy colors flooding across the landscape every evening. But there was a unintended side effect to chasing those fleeting conditions. I tended to rely on the light to make the image. Sure, the photos popped off the page with color but my compositions tended to be...how should I put it?...unimaginative.

After moving to the Pacific Northwest, I floundered for several years. I continued to wait for the perfect light and became constantly frustrated when it didn't show up on cue. Finally, I threw in the towel and was forced to accept the gray skies or harsh midday sun that seemed to be my only options.

Guess what?  My photography actually improved. Without relying on the crisp, brilliant color of a sunset, I was forced to work harder on my compositions and focus on design more than ever before.

On Tuesday, I dropped my son off at Beach Camp and happily headed out into the midday sun. The sky was blue, waves were washing up on the beach, and some amazing clouds were floating across the Puget Sound. There was a time when I would have left my camera equipment at home during the middle of the day. I'm sure glad I stopped listening to that advice.

Edmonds, Washington

Into The Green

Shadow of the Sentinels Trail, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington

Evening At The Umpqua Dunes

Late evening light on the Umpqua Dunes, Oregon.

Through The Woods

Walking takes longer... than any other known form of locomotion except crawling. Thus it stretches time and prolongs life. Life is already too short to waste on speed. -Edward Abbey, "Walking"

On the trail to Boulder River, Washington

Boulder River

I've been to the Boulder River area a few times before but it was always with my son and without my photo equipment. I finally got there alone last week and man, that hike took significantly less time.

Boulder River, Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington

Spotlight On The Shore

Some photos are planned...a product of researching maps and guidebooks, contemplating angles and compositions, and returning later in the day (or even later in the year) for the right light.

Then there are the images that fall into your lap.

When the sun unexpectedly shot a brilliant beam of light through the gloom and across Baker Lake, I literally dropped my dinner and ran to the shoreline. The gray skies returned within a minute, but it was enough time to capture a couple of frames.

Thank goodness I'd been too lazy to take my camera off the tripod.

Endless Summer

Endless Summer.....

OK...yeah...this image was captured in March but don't you think it has that kind of feel ? Happy Friday everyone !

Sunset over the Puget Sound at Picnic Point, Washington

118 Seconds Over The Columbia

Long exposure at Astoria, Oregon

Over The Columbia

This image was captured from the deck of our hotel room after enjoying smoked salmon and wine in the lobby. The life of a nature photographer can be so physically demanding sometimes....

Astoria, Oregon