Kiwanda Sunset

A beautiful sunset from a secluded spot on the lesser traveled backside of Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City, Oregon. Admittedy, at first, I was a bit frustrated there was another person in the frame as you can see on the beach because it was hindering my 'nature' shot; however, I realized he was doing just as I was...taking in the sunset with his dog and enjoying a few quiet moments and enjoying his surroundings. Ultimately, I'm glad he's in the frame. It's what I frequently strive for in my photography...to share my appreciation for our amazing planet and to see others out there doing the same warms my soul.

Cliff Dwellers

Here, on a moody day in Cape Kiwanda, I hiked up the cliffs to explore the lesser explored backside of the famed rock formations. I sat for an hour watching these Cormorants as they'd swiftly and directly dive to the ocean floor a hundred or so feet below. These dives less less than a minute or so. Once they hit the crashing waves, they swim underwater propelled by their wings foraging for small fish. They quickly return to the safety of the high cliffs, dry off and go about it all over again. Unbridled patience and determination. Akin to what it took me to get a shot like this. It's not merely about clicking a shutter. It's composing a shot, observing and studying the birds behavior, timing the waves, waiting for the birds to sit upright and capturing a big of their life in one fleeting moment of time. It's what I love about wildlife photography. You have to connect with the animals and the place. It's a real-time classroom. It's cathartic.

Wooden Shoe Tulips

Tulips for days at the Wooden Shoe Farm in Woodburn, Oregon. They know how to bring in Spring the right way.

Yelloweye

Yelloweye. (My favorite shot). A dory comes to shore in Cape Kiwanda, Oregon. Their flat bottoms allow them to return through the surf and slide up the sandy beach where they can be loaded. A truck drives down to the shore and hooks up to the line and then tows the boat to higher ground where it is then loaded on a trailer. It's quite tricky to launch and also to sure back ashore in. A professional such as this fellow here can make it look all too easy; however, a novice can have a much more arduous time. The waves and tide will often toss the boat sideways or turn it around backwards. It can also lead to the boat filling with lots of water.

Japanese Garden

Poplar

The famed 25,000 acre Boardman Poplar Tree Farm has become a famous site over the years; however, it was bought buy a large agricultural company that plans to cut all the trees down and plant potato fields and use the land as cow pastures. The trees are on a 12 year cycle for when they are to be cut, so it will be a few more years until these all come down. Catch it while you can.

Forest Bathing

The Japanese tradition of forest bathing has been proven to lower your heart rate, blood pressure, boost the immune system, and reduce overall stress. If you don't want to take my word for it, look it up. Better yet, try it. No fancy gear required. Just you and the birds,plants and trees. When I visited the Japanese Botanical Garden in Portland, Oregon recently, the energy was palpable. Even with loads of other visitors around, it's as if someone injected all of us with a calming and happy sedative. I had planned on taking a photo of the famed Japanese Maple in the grounds, but outside of the garden, I meandered around the neighborhood and stumbled upon these beauties at a private residence. Consider me a full fledged forest bather.

The Mark of Zorro

Pine Grove Pasture

Some of the most beautiful farmland in the country beneath the looming slopes of Mt. Hood outside of Hood River in Pine Grove, Oregon

Creamsicle

A creamsicle sunset at Smith Rock State Park

Follow The Rainbow

A rainbow spanning the Columbia River Gorge from Hood River Oregon across to White Salmon, Washington.

Smith Rock Sunrise

Kiwanda

Rugged

Rugged, raw, moody and beautiful. The Oregon coast.

Fishing Cages

White Bloom