Beautiful Hood River

Mt Hood, Stars, and Shooting Stars from Highway 35

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 09:27 -0800

Another image from the Perseid Meteor shower series, this one taken from Highway 35 on my way back home from Timberline Lodge. I had to time my exposures with a gap in traffic (unless I wanted the streaking car lights in the photos) which wasn't hard because it was late and few cars were on the road. This image has headlights of a car making it's way up Highway 35 and illuminating the road and trees. Zoomed into 100% on my screen there are 5 meteors visible in this 30 second exposure, but you'll probably only see the 2 brightest ones here on the blog/facebook. Another cool thing to notice are the lights of 3 different hikers on Hood! Earlier in the night I noticed 2 lights moving around at the summit of folks watching the meteor shower from the top of Hood. LUCKY!!!

Mt Hood, Stars, and Shooting Star

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:03 -0800

Another image shot same time and place as the previous image, just looking in the opposite direction towards Mt. Hood instead of toward Timberline Lodge. There are 3 meteors visible in this image on my large screen but you'll probably only see one here on the blog/facebook. If you were wondering, the bright lights are the snow-cats grooming the slopes for another day of summer skiing and snowboarding for Timberline guests!

Milky Way Galaxy and Stars over Timberline Lodge

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 08:48 -0800

I was shooting a wedding at Timberline Lodge on Saturday and stepped outside late during the reception dancing to see the stars shining bright in the sky. Was amazed and humbled gazing up in the sky to see millions of stars as well as dozens of meteors because of the annual Perseid Meteor Shower. Did a lot more shooting on the drive home and got some of the coolest star images I've ever shot! Image tech notes and settings are in the box below. Also, notice the Canon 5d3... new camera :)

Mt Hood, Stars, and Milky Way Galaxy

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 11:30 -0800

Mt Hood, Stars, and Milky Way Galaxy photographed from Laurance Lake Road in Parkdale Oregon. The moon had just come over the East Hills and was illuminating the mountain, but hadn't yet hid all the stars with it's light. Photographed August 4th, 2012 at 11PM.

Hey fireworks, you're blocking my view!

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 09:03 -0800

Hood River 4th of July fireworks photographed from Burdoin Mountain, Washington. Paul Allen's "smallest" yacht the 198 foot "Meduse" is seen in the bottom right. Great 4th of July with perfect weather!

Oneonta Gorge - Columbia River Gorge

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 23:04 -0800

Beautiful Oneonta Gorge... a real gem in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. I was here photographing for 3 hours on 6/5/12 and there wasn't another person the whole time. Water is high (and cold!) this time of year so it deters a lot of people from walking back in the canyon. If you don't mind getting a bit cold and wet, it's a great time to explore it before the summer crowds!

Cruising the Historic Columbia River Highway

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 23:38 -0800

Many people feel like this while they're cruising down the scenic Historic Columbia River Highway between Ainsworth State Park and Crown Point. A beautiful stretch of road of course with many waterfalls to stop and see on the way!

Venus Transit 2012 from Hood River, Oregon

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:47 -0800

Venus transitioning in front of the sun on June 5th, 2012 viewed from Hood River, Oregon. Image taken with a Canon 7D with 400mm lens and 10 stop neutral density filter. 1/8000th sec, f/22, ISO 100

Columbia Gorge Waterfall and Ferns

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 08:10 -0800

Recently a couple friends and I did a little bushwhack hiking West of Hood River and found this beautiful 2 tier waterfall about 1/2 mile off Interstate 84. I have no idea if the waterfall is named, or even the creek is for that matter. I do know that not many people have ever seen this sight, as there are no trails leading to it, very rough terrain, and lots of poison oak! One of countless little gems in the Columbia Gorge.

Storm clouds over Mt Adams Cloud Cap

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:01 -0800

Another image photographed on 4/23/12: Dark storm clouds loom over Mt Adams with a cloud cap.

More lightning over The Dalles

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 07:58 -0800

Sorry if this is getting repetitive, but, another image of the recent lightning storm! These two bolts seem to be right over the Wind Turbine Farms in Centerville Washington. In the foreground is the City of The Dalles, Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge.

Lightning over The Dalles

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 06:54 -0800

Another image photographed from the same location as yesterday's image, but this one shot with a wide angle lens to show a passing car on 7 Mile Hill Road, and lights of The Dalles, Oregon. Notice the lightning strike in the distance and movement in the clouds overhead.

Lightning over The Gorge

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 07:20 -0800

Another image in the spring storm series photographed on 4/23/12. This was taken from 7 Mile Hill Road as the lightning had passed over The Dalles and was heading for Centerville, WA area. It looks like lightning is striking the wind turbines!

Sunset over the Columbia Gorge from Mosier

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:51 -0800

This image was photographed minutes after the previous image, just looking to the West rather than the East from State Road in Mosier. It was an incredible sunset with the stormy weather and lightning happening a little ways to the East. Photos of that coming soon!

Columbia Gorge Storm Clouds

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:35 -0800

Yesterday's exciting weather brought beautiful stormy skies, rainbows, sunset light, and even some lightning! This is the first of a series of photos I'll post from my storm chasing adventure. This is taken from near State Road a ways up in Mosier. The sky was angry and amazing bolts of lightning were spreading across the sky! unfortunately it wasn't dark enough yet to catch them with slow shutter speeds!

Thunder Clouds over the Columbia Gorge

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:40 -0800

An image taken the afternoon of Friday the 13th from "the Hook" in Hood River. We were all teased with a possible thunder and lightning storm but it ended up dying out before it reached Hood River. Maybe next time!
At least we could see the Cumulonimbus (thunder clouds) to the West!

Venus, Jupiter, and Billions of Stars over the Columbia River Gorge

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:13 -0800

Went out shooting last night just after dusk to test out a new lens, and came home with some great images of the sky at night. Here is an image of the Columbia River Gorge looking West, with Venus and Jupiter showing bright among the stars. Venus is the brightest (looks almost like the moon!) and Jupiter is right below it. The streaking line is a helicopter flying through during the 30 second exposure. I have frames without the heli, but I like the action it adds to this image. I encourage you to go out and stargaze while it's clear and no moon in the sky!

Mount Adams Sunset and Lenticular Clouds

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 11:52 -0800

Mount Adams sunset with lenticular clouds, photographed from Pine Grove on March 8th, 2012

Fog and Sun Rays

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 10:53 -0800

A photo from a few weeks ago during the thermal inversion. Taken in Parkdale on Cooper Spur Road where the clouds ended and sun started. The light rays shining through the trees and fog were incredible!

Mt. Hood and Lunar Eclipse

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 02:37 -0800

Another image of the December 10th, 2011 Lunar Eclipse and Mt. Hood. This was as the sunrise was approaching and the night started turning to day. The eclipse was still going as it was light out and then eventually the moon set below the horizon.

Lunar Eclipse on December 10th, 2011

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:32 -0800

A close view taken just moments after the previous image of the Lunar Eclipse on December 10th, 2011

Mt. Hood, Stars, and Lunar Eclipse

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:24 -0800

Mt. Hood, Stars and last nights lunar eclipse photographed early morning of December 10th, 2011. I have closer images of the eclipse too but liked this wide angle view most for now...

The "New" White Salmon River and Sandbar

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:48 -0800

A recent photo of the "new" White Salmon river meeting the Columbia River Gorge. The Condit Dam was breeched about a month ago and washed sand and sediment downriver, forming a new sandbar where the water was previously 20 (or more) feet deep. In the background is Mt. Hood standing tall over the town of Hood River Oregon.

Hood River Toll Bridge - Birds Eye View Aerial Image

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:02 -0800

Hood River Toll Bridge - Birds Eye View Aerial Image photographed on November 25th, 2011.

Sunset and Cloud Cap on Mt. Hood

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 01:59 -0800

Sunset and Cloud Cap on Mt. Hood, photographed yesterday November 27th 2011, from the West hills above the Hood River Valley.

Hood River, Columbia River Gorge Aerial Photo

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 08:41 -0800

Took a flight with a friend to do some aerial photography on Black Friday, November 25th, 2011. Here is one of many great images, this one looking West down the Columbia River Gorge with most of the city of Hood River and Port area in view, also Wells Island still looking great with Fall color.

Mt. Hood from inside Timberline Lodge

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:01 -0800

Mt. Hood at sunset photographed from inside Timberline Lodge (through a window). Taken Tuesday November 15th, 2011 just before the big winter storms settled in.

Lightning in the Sky over the Columbia River Gorge

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 04:04 -0800

A quick lightning storm passed over us on Saturday night (9-24-11) so I hopped in the truck and zoomed up to the hills. Unfortunately when I was setting up the camera the best lightning bolt of the night went off before I was shooting... but I still ended up with one decent image. The lights of the Hood River Valley, Bingen, White Salmon, Hood River Bridge, and Eastern Washington are all seen in this image.

Dollar Lake Fire, Mt. Hood Oregon

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 07:55 -0800

A photo taken yesterday around midnight of the the "Dollar Lake Fire" which is burning on the North side of Mt Hood in Parkdale, Oregon. The fire was set off by a lightning storm a few days ago. A 3 minute exposure in this shot really blurs the fast moving smoke, and the stars in the sky as well. Taken from Binns Hill Road on the westside of Hood River.

Lightning over the Columbia River Gorge

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 23:31 -0800

Lightning over the Columbia River Gorge and Washington hills, photographed yesterday evening (August 29, 2011) from Hood River's Westside.

Mt Hood and Sunset Clouds

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:27 -0800

Another image of Mt Hood and sunset clouds from August 24th 2011, photographed just a few minutes after the previous image. The sky was pretty amazing that evening!

Mt Hood at sunset with Cloud Cap

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:21 -0800

Mt Hood at Sunset photographed on August 24th 2011 from Country Club road in Hood River.

MILKY WAY GALAXY AND STARS OVER MT HOOD

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 11:16 -0800

I shot this photo last night at Gorge Crest Vineyards on Mt. Underwood after a full day of shooting a wonderful wedding there. The stars and galaxies were out in all their glory! Something I just noticed while editing this photo- there are 3 lines in the sky. The bottom one even with the peak of Hood is an airplane. The bright one just above the peak is a satellite. The very faint one on the right side of the Milky Way is a shooting star! Fascinating right??!!!

Summer Sunset on Mt. Hood

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:43 -0800

Sunset on Mt. Hood on a peaceful summer evening. Viewed and taken from the beautiful Mount Hood Bed and Breakfast in Parkdale, Oregon.

Colorful Sunset over the Hood River

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 07:08 -0800

This is last nights sunset over the Hood River. We were driving back from Parkdale after having dinner with friends and my wife graciously let me stop the car and shoot for 10 minutes with a tired, crying baby in the back. Thanks Bethany :)

Summer evening at Mt. Hood Organic Farms

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 03:23 -0800

While photographing an incredible wedding at Mt. Hood Organic Farms on August 6th 2011, I was able to quickly get away from the reception dancing and shoot a nice exterior view of the "Apple House" building at dusk. This building has been a long work in progress for the owners John and Brady, and it's truly a sight to see. Incredible architecture, design, and surroundings. Not to mention the stunning 360 degree views!

Last Night's Sunset over the Columbia River Gorge

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 17:01 -0800

A beautiful sunset over the Columbia River Gorge after a rainy and dreary summer day in Hood River. Image shot on July 18th, 2011

Columbia River Gorge, May 31st

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 02:10 -0800

A gorgeous sunset on the last day of May 2011. Stormy throughout most of the day which changed in the evening to provide a nice sunset, viewed here from Ruthton Park on the westside of Hood River. Goodbye May, hello June!

Mount Hood Sunrise

Thu, 26 May 2011 01:00 -0800

A gorgeous sunrise on Mount Hood, photographed November 2009. Crystal clear air and beautiful clouds made for a great photogenic sunrise of the mountain.

Full Moon and Clouds over The Gorge

Wed, 18 May 2011 01:47 -0800

Hopping back on the blogging bandwagon! Sorry about the lack of new posting but I'm back from 2 months in Hawaii and have been very busy, but, had to get out tonight and shoot the beautiful full moon. Photographed late night / early morning on May 18th, 2011 from Cook Underwood road on Mount Underwood in Washington.
Postings probably won't be everyday like before, but I'll try and do at least a few a week. Thanks for hanging with me... :)

Big Island Sunset

Mon, 02 May 2011 04:13 -0800

(Big Island Hawaii Series Continued) Another gorgeous sunset on the Big Island of Hawaii last night! I have less than 10 days left on my extended trip so the normal Beautiful Hood River postings will resume sometime around the middle of this month. :)
Until then, keep the Hawaii images coming or not??

Spinner Dolphins in Hawaii

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 02:10 -0800

(Big Island Hawaii series continued) After many days kayaking and snorkeling, we finally came upon a huge pod of spinner dolphins swimming in Kealakekua Bay. We had a great time swimming with them and shooting many photos!

Spiny Sun Star in Hawaii

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 07:58 -0800

(Big Island Hawaii series continued) Underwater photo of a "Spiny Sun Star" starfish I came across while snorkeling at Pu'uhonua o Honaunau Historical Park. This was a beautiful creature... so full of detail! It's hard to tell the size from the photo, but it's about the size of a basketball!

Green Sea Turtle Silhouette - Hawaii

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 04:50 -0800

(Big Island Hawaii Series Continued) Another fun time snorkeling in the beautiful waters of Hawaii today... found a few more sea turtles and of course shot many photos of them. Love this one I shot from below the turtle with the sun rays and silhouette effect. Thanks Mr. Turtle for letting me follow you around for a few minutes! :)

Gorgeous Sunset on the Big Island

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 03:12 -0800

(Big Island Hawaii Series Continued) Last night I had an opportunity to head out to a favorite spot where there are many lava rocks that meet the Pacific Ocean and found this composition where a pool of water among the lava rocks continually filled and emptied with the surging water. It was absolutely mesmerizing watching the water do it's thing all over the rocks! Another beautiful sunset helped me pull of this striking sunset image on the Big Island of Hawaii. Just another few days here and I'll be back in Hood River. Can't say I'm too excited about leaving Hawaii though!! :)

Snorkeling in Hawaii

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 03:25 -0800

My Father in law joined us for our last week in Hawaii so my wife Bethany and I had a rare opportunity to go snorkeling together while he watched our daughter on the beach. Good times!

Underwater view of a wave

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 03:54 -0800

Love this photo I took today while snorkeling in Hawaii and just observing the waves crash over me... they make all sorts of incredible shapes and movements underwater and not one is the same.
The wave is breaking from right to left, and the "cloud like" looking water on the top left is the curling wave breaking the surface of the water in front of it. Fascinating eh? This is actually a really cool sequence of photos, I'll post the rest another time :)

Big Island Hawaii Sunset

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 04:31 -0800

(Big Island Hawaii series continued)
A gorgeous sunset over the Pacific Ocean from the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Mr. Geico Gecko lives in Hawaii

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 04:34 -0800

(Big Island Hawaii series continued, see yesterdays image notes)
I absolutely love all the geckos all over the island, they are everywhere! They just mind their own business doing their thing watching the world go by. I'm usually pestering them though taking photos! After you catch one and hold it for a bit, they get quite used to you and when you set it down again they don't try to run away, which gives you great opportunities for photos. :)

Sea Turtle - Big Island Hawaii

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:07 -0800

When is the last time you saw a sea turtle in the crystal clear waters of the Columbia River? Never? Well me too. :)
I'm vacationing/shooting on the Big Island of Hawaii for the next few weeks (been here a week already) with my family and wanted to share some of the photos that I shoot while here. So, yesterday I was out swimming with the sea turtles and shot many images, here is one! More Hawaii images coming too, then it will eventually be back to the normal beautiful Hood River postings. :)