Yesterday I did something I almost never do. I headed off into the Columbia Gorge Alone with my camera (maybe more than just one) and focused on nature. I took it slow, kept quiet and made a few photos that took some time to think through and put together. I like getting out there with other people, but there's a place for this too.
Neutral Density Filter
Down and Through
I was able to get out into the gorge with Dean, Roger and a bunch of kids on Sunday and even with all those kids and a rambunctious puppy, I got a couple good shots in. Thank you to Opal for holding Bailey while I composed this one.
I used the Olympus Zuiko, OM mount 24mm f/2.8 with a Neutral Density Filter.
Colder Still
I had a pretty long chunk of time off during the holiday season and though I was in perpetual new puppy mode for most of it, I did manage to get out into the elements with my boys and one of their friends for a cold afternoon hike to a new waterfall I hadn't been to before.
Dry Creek Falls is located a little over 2 miles from Cascade Locks on the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail winds through beautiful forest, around giant boulders and under a power line clearing. Contrary to the guidance given by many of the online resources, the trail is pretty straightforward.
I never did find a straight answer to the one question all 3 boys kept asking- "Why do they call it Dry Creek when there's always water in it?"
I don't know guys. Just enjoy it.
South Silver Falls | 18mm, f/14, ISO 100, 4 sec, Variable ND Filter
South Silver Falls
About 2 or 3 times a year, I end up driving to pick up my kids after they spend the weekend with their Grandparents in Coos Bay. Yesterday was one of those days. The last couple times I've left early for the drive and scheduled a detour. This time it was to Silver Falls State park east of Salem.
I only had time to visit the South falls which is very close to the main parking and the visitor's center. Here in Oregon, we've had a formidable amount of rain over the past week or so and I was hoping that would make for a heavy flow through the falls.
I wasn't disappointed.
I spent about a half hour in a couple different locations, but all near the foot bridge where I made this photo. I used my 18-55 kit lens as I just couldn't get the composition I wanted with my favorite lens - the Zeiss 24. As I was on the bridge, any further back would have included said bridge in the photo - Not quite what I was after for this image.
I also used a neutral Density filter to allow me to use a longer exposure without having to stop down the aperture any further. It's one of the variable units that allows you to change the light stopping effect by rotating the front element. A little imprecise, but it got the job done.
I love this location and fully intend to make an intentional trip there in the spring with time to hike the whole 7 mile loop and visit all 10 of the falls.
Busy Pool
Busy Pool | June 29th, 2013 | 18mm, f/16, ISO 100, 1/2, Variable ND Filter
Mt St Helens From Rocky Butte
I made a trip up to Rocky Butte to catch the sunset on Saturday when the kids were out of town. Emily didn't want to join, which probably worked out because the mosquitos were out in force.
I used a Variable Neutral Density Filter so that I could use a longer exposure time to capture the movement of the traffic and give a little extra dimension to the clouds.
Mt St Helens from Rocky Butte | 365 Project | June 15th, 2013 | 55mm, f/11, ISO 100, 3.2 sec, ND Filter
Waterfront Park Fountain
I've never stopped to photograph this one before. Awfully bright backlight, so I used my variable Neutral Density Filter so I could slow it down.
Waterfront Park Fountain | 365 Project | June 3rd, 2013 | 18mm, f/22, ISO 100, 1 sec, Variable Neutral Density Filter
Old Town
Old Town | 365 Project | April 16th, 2013 | 18mm, F/4, ISO 100, 1/2500, Neutral Density Filter 2 stops