An Oregon Project

Still Alive and Kickin...

Not a lot of time these days... been dealing with life.

But I got some time today to try a shot I have been trying to get done now for a while.

The goal: capture the moon, a reflection and do not use Photoshop.

Here is the result.

The First Day Out... In a long, long time...

July first was spent doing something I had not done in a long, long time... I went to the beach with the sole purpose of photography. And it was everything I hoped it would be.

Here are some outtakes...

Getting Back Into the Game

It has been a long while, nearly three years, since I shared any photographs I have taken. I have not been completely idle with my camera, although it has been far and few between.  But now I think I am ready to begin getting out a little more, sharing more of what I capture.

This is the beginning of that journey. Since 2014, the last time I shared anything here, this is compilation of photos I made up to now. Enjoy.

Although I didn't make this, this was a special trip I made with these two very special people in my life. I want to get back to do this with these two individuals. I miss them both terribly and look forward to engaging with them, frequently starting very soon.

A Road Trip to Remember: The People

Rock Climbing Class

A recent road trip to Central Oregon allowed me a chance to not only connect with friends and photograph some beautiful landscapes, but also photograph some people, most of which were hanging/climbing 50 to 100 feet in the air on the face of Smith Rock.

While I myself do not climb, I have a mix of a great of respect and absolute confusion for those that do. For myself, I have a great dread of heights that is based on personal experiences in my past. My fear of heights is so bad, that when I get close to edge of something like Smith Rock, or lets say Crater Lake, it takes all my energy to not throw up.

But beyond that, the main reason I have never pursued rock climbing is that I lack confidence in my ability and in the safety of the gear to be successful in this particular endeavor. And in this particular case, if you are aren't successful, you are likely dead or possibly even worse, wishing you were dead.

With that said... enjoy the photos.

Reaching

Scaling Smith Rock Face

Example of Smith Rock Scale

Resting on the face of Smith Rock

Out of the Darkness on Smith Rock

Climber Explaining His Passion

A Road Trip to Remember: The Landscapes

Smith Rock

Last weekend I embarked on a road trip with some friends to Central Oregon.We explored several different locations including, Smith Rock, pictured above, the Head of the Metolius River, Crooked River Gorge and the Three Sisters viewpoint pullout. Each location provided distinct terrains and unique photo opportunities and all were within thirty minutes, or less, of each other and most importantly, each provided us a chance to bond not only as photographers, but as friends.

I am finding personal interactions much more important today than I did even just a few short years ago. I am finding social media and technology platforms like mobile technologies (texting, email, etc.) a very dissatisfying experience these days. This reinforced in me the importance of putting down my phone, tablet, computer, etc and look up, look around and connect with people face to face. Thanks Rick, Shawn and Matt for inviting me to be a part of this extremely awesome day.

Enjoy the photos below.

Mt. Jefferson Over the Head of the Metolius River

Jefferson National Forest

Smith Rock

Smith Rock

North Sister Viewpoint from Smith Rock

Crooked River Gorge

Three Sister Viewpoint

Happy Easter Balloons....

Happy Easter from the Creative Monkey Studios.

A day at the tulip fields

I spent the day at the tulip fields with my family. It was beautiful. I decided to try some simple artistic pieces this time out... since this was my fifth trip to the fields and didn't focus too much on the flowers... not too much.