Itsa a Greyt Day for a Photo

Day 571 - Moving to a new rock • http://terri.jacobson.com

2011-07-31T20:21:00.000-07:00

It's time. I have sat on this WordPress site for months working up the courage to move. Blogspot has been fabulous, but I was ready for a change.

Come on over to my new digs and have a look around.

terrijacobson.com

Day 570 - White & Sons

2011-07-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 24mm, f/6.3, 13. sec

I have driven past this building a million times and thought I should probably stop and take a closer look. Last night we just happened to be walking by and I love how the street lights illuminated it.

The best history I can find is that it was built in 1890 by Daniel Anthony White and has stood empty since the mid-1970s.

Day 569 - Twister

2011-07-29T22:58:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 50mm, f/20, 1.6 sec

The Riverfront in Salem is hosting the Brew & Bite this week-end.

Day 568 - Moonlight in the Vineyard

2011-07-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

By day I am the graphic designer for the local community college. I'm really lucky because I love what I do. I have my days when I am tearing my hair out, banging my head against a brick wall and threatening to jump from the second story window in my office...

Then, the days arrive when I smile inside and think yep, this is why I do what I do.

Our biggest event for the Foundation is coming up. It has always been Moonlight & Roses, which seriously, design wise has infinite possibilities. Mid-stream they changed the theme.

This is how I spent my evening last night.

Day 567 - Dee Wright Observatory

2011-07-26T21:16:00.000-07:00

When we headed up to Dee Wright Observatory in the wee hours of the morning on Saturday, I really had not done my homework. I was even relying on Google Maps to get me there (that was not my most brilliant move of the day).

They had just opened the roads the week before because of snow-pack, and believe me, they weren't heavily traveled. The road was narrow and twisty. It was complete darkness when we arrived, so I was pretty surprised to find us in the middle of a lava field when daylight finally arrived.

The observatory was built in 1935 by the Civilian Conversation Corp. Lava from the surrounding area forms the walls of the structure. Located at the top of McKenzie Pass, the skies were clear and we were able to pick out the top of Mt. Hood, 75 miles away.

Each window is strategically placed to view one of the mountain peaks. On top of the structure is a viewing platform allowing for a 360° view of mountains.

I'm glad we went, was really beautiful, although I wasn't expecting the baron wilderness of a 1500 year lava flow.

Day 566 - Three sisters

2011-07-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 82mm, f/22, 0.3 sec.

Looking at the Three Sisters peaks from the top of McKenzie Pass.

Day 565 - One person's weed...

2011-07-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 100mm macro, f/6.3, 1/125 sec

Is someone else's garden.

At least until Karen mowed the lawn.

Day 564 - On top of the Cascades

2011-07-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

There is a place at the top of McKenzie Pass called the Dee Wright Observatory. I've always thought it would be a great place to watch the sun rise.

To accomplish this, we had to leave the house at 1 am this morning. This is what it looked like at 4 am.

Worth it, you might ask?

Oh ya.

Day 563 - Happy Friday

2011-07-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

ISO 400, 100mm macro, f/5.6, 1/500 sec.

Here's to a colorful and cheery week-end.

Day 562 - Turf wars

2011-07-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

I will warn you right now, if you don't like insects, this probably isn't a good day to read the blog. We've heard from many people this year that say the ants are the worst they have ever seen. Because of the dogs, I refuse to spray any kind of insecticide. We go through a lot of cinnamon, setting up barriers and it works really well for us.

Last year, about this time a colony of ants appeared out on our patio. They were fascinating to watch. We would set down a piece of large dog kibble and watch them move it sometimes as far as 24 inches and then work it down into a crack in the cement.

This morning, we noticed they were back.

When I ran the dogs at noon, activity around the ant crack caught my eye and on closer inspection, I realized that they had caught a much larger black ant. They were literally holding him captive by his legs.

He was a fighter though. His body twisted and turned as he reached out with his fangs to grab at the smaller ants. Several little bodies laid in his wake.

To look at him through my 100mm lens was something akin to watching a SciFi movie. Now I know where they get that stuff.

Part of me felt really sorry for the black ant, not sorry enough to help him though. In the end the little ants killed the big guy.

Before they were done, he had probably killed about 15 small ants. They left his body lay, but by the end of the afternoon, they had removed all of the bodies of their own.

The teamwork of these ants amazes me every time I watch them.

Day 561 - Upper North Falls

2011-07-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 24mm, f/13, 1/4 sec

Silver Falls State Park. A great place to go for a quick drive, short hike and beautiful view.

Day 560 - Evening glory

2011-07-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 200mm, f/4.0, 1/320 sec

Guess this morning glory missed the memo that it was supposed to close down in the evening.

I've never seen so many morning glories as we have this year. They are clearly enjoying the cooler days we've had this summer.

Day 559 - Tangled

2011-07-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 100mm macro, f/3.5, 1/200 sec

Our resident spider has rebuilt this web nearly every night for the last month. Normally it is the wind that takes it down, this time it was a tad bit soggy.

Day 558 - Wet

2011-07-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 105mm, f/4.0, 1/60 sec.

The brochure.

Our assignment for the Project 52 this week was an image for a new water repellent. Her are the details:

Bright colors are great!
The product works on skin and most materials
The product makes water less damaging to the material
The product is used in business and consumer products
Their target market is product producers

The image was going to be used in three formats:

Cover for the brochure. (Square)
Banner for the website. (Horizontal - 960 pixels x 245 pixels)
Background for the product itself. (Just a section to use for the packaging background)

Go figure, it rained this morning just for me (actually, it rained all day).

The web banner.

The background texture.

Day 557 - Harvest

2011-07-16T20:49:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 100mm macro, f/9.0, 1/320 sec.

On our way home from the butterflies, Jeff nearly twisted my arm off to stop by a wheat field.

I was forced to get out and shoot. Even though it was long before I was born, I am the daughter, grand daughter, and great grand daughter of wheat farmers. A field of wheat is always beautiful to me.

Day 556 - The pup

2011-07-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

ISO 400, 100mm macro, f/3.5, 1/125 sec.

My friend Jeff and I took a field trip out to Wings of Wonder today. Going to the butterfly exhibit just makes me happy.

As Jeff and I floated around the observatory, one of the owners called us over to watch the release of a few newly hatched butterflies and moths. This little beauty was one of them. She thought it was probably just a few hours old.

Day 555 - Hookie

2011-07-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 300mm, f/6.3, 1/1000 sec

I played hookie today. This is what it looked liked at the Oregon Sand Dunes near Florence, OR.

Nope, no guilt.

Day 554 - Happy squirrels

2011-07-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

This a leaf off of one of our walnut trees. It's gonna be a banner year for walnuts I think.

Day 553 - The mad scientist

2011-07-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 60mm, f/8.0, 1/80 sec

Matt is the summer intern in our office. He's helping me round up students for photo shoots this summer.

Not only is he doing a great job, but he looks pretty darn good in front of the camera.

Day 552 - Afternoon in the park

2011-07-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 24mm, f/4.0, 1/100 sec

Today was the last day of my Learn to Light and it totally rocked. The models never showed up and that worked out perfectly.

We lit up everyone in close proximity that would let us.

I never learned the back story on these kids, but the interaction between the two dogs was worth the entire day for me.

Day 551 - Another workshop

2011-07-09T21:26:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 105mm, f/4.0, 1/100 sec.

I'm up in Portland taking a lighting workshop. This is from today.

Day 550- Tiffany and Sang

2011-07-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

When Tiffany asked me to their engagement photos, I was nervous and excited and thrilled.

When I saw what a beautiful couple they were, I knew the pressure was on.

Tiffany wanted formal pictures with her traditional wedding gown, I loved everything about the gown and it looked stunning on her.

I had them meet me on the west side of the river. I laughed a little when they asked me for directions. It was their first trip down there even thought they lived here for nearly 10 years.

It was pretty clear that Tiffany and Sang are very much in love.

And I suspect there is a future of love, happiness and fun for them.

Congratulations Tiffany and Sang.

Day 549 - Why it rains so much in Oregon

2011-07-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 200mm, f/2.8, 1/1600 sec

So that every field is cluttered with wildflowers.

It's a scorcher today, 85°, wonder when the rains will come back.

Day 548 - Smooth landing

2011-07-04T17:26:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 200mm, f/4.0, 1/800 sec

It has been so rainy all spring that we never made it over to the wetlands this spring. Now everything is fenced off because they are re-roofing the high school.

There is an opening, and we knew our way around it, so off to the wetlands we went.

Not much for activity except for a few ducks.

Karen wandered off to explore the construction and I began to wander down the creek to see what else I could find.

I was stopped dead in my tracks by this smoldering patch between the road and the very dead grass.

Neither of us had cell phones on us, so I couldn't call for help, I tried to stomp it out, but it quickly became clear to me that it wasn't helping. Fortunately, someone had pitched a 16 oz. empty pop bottle close by. I sat my camera down and hauled water back and forth from the creek until I had put out all of the smoking areas and surrounded the entire patch with water.

It may have gone out on it's own, but it would have been devastating to the wetlands if it hadn't. And since the entire area is barricaded, there is no telling when it started to smolder or when the next person to sneak in would come by.

The culprit.

Day 547 - Happy 4th of July

2011-07-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 24mm, f/10, 7.0 sec

Not making it out his year, this was from last year.

Day 546 - Before the rooster crows

2011-07-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 23mm, f/22, 13.0 sec

My assignment for Project 52 this week is to make a killer self portrait for my About page. Right. Killer because they die laughing?

The verdict is still out on whether or not I'll post the best image of the bunch. The river looked awesome.

Evening shots are out of the question since we have a couple of greyhounds that freak out because of the frickin' frackin' fireworks. We got up at 3 am to catch this moment on the river.

The bridges are always worth it.

Day 545 - Swimming lessons

2011-07-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

ISO 3200, 70mm, f/4.0, 1/200 sec

Roxy will be 15 in September is starting to show some weakness in her hind end.

This is Laurie, her hydrotherapy coach. Roxy loved the water, she's sleeping soundly now, but she really seemed to enjoy herself.

Portrait of Cinderella

2011-06-30T21:05:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 75mm, f/6.3, 1/400 sec.

Today's student, tomorrow's model

2011-06-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

My very favorite part of my job is photographing students. Normally, I work mostly with faculty and administration and I don't see many students. But the photography puts me right in their faces.

Today I photographed a few students from our CAMP program. All of these guys rocked the camera. Here are just two of the portraits, but honestly, I did not have a bad one in the bunch.

Day 542 - Does this come in a bottle

2011-06-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

My daughter and her husband just returned from their honeymoon.

This is what a week in Mexico looks like. I want some.

Building a portfolio

2011-06-27T20:47:00.000-07:00

This weeks assignment for Project 52 is an exercise in laying out a portfolio.

Day 541 - When the fur flies

2011-06-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 200mm, f/7.1, 1/1000 sec

I had never heard of Silken Windhounds before my friend Jeff told me about them.

Oh my, they are drop dead gorgeous, slightly smaller than a greyhound, fluffy, lovable and beautiful to watch on the lure course.

Thanks Jeff, I'm smitten.

Day 540 - Ashtyn's family

2011-06-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

Meet Joe and Pepper. Pepper is part of the fabulous front-end team at our vet clinic and asked if I would do family pictures for them.

I asked them today how they met, and I love their story. They met in the Navy, on a ship. That was 15 years ago.

They waited 13 years for this little gem, Ashtyn. She is absolutely adorable.

We met at Deepwood Estate this morning for family pictures. I don't know about them, but I had a blast.

We walked our way through the garden and into the woods.

Pepper, Ashtyn and Joe, you rocked my day. Thank you.

And a special shout out to Karen, thanks for assisting.

Day 539 - A day for sailing

2011-06-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

I didn't haul my butt at of bed at 3 am this morning for this.

I was after this,

and this,

My friend Jeff called and asked if I wanted to go up and shoot the balloon lauching at the Tigard Festival this morning.

It sounded like a great idea until the alarm went off.

Day 538 - Nevermore

2011-06-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 105mm, f/6.3, 1/1000 sec

Her name was Mrs. Washenfelder, she taught English Lit my senior year. She was famous for her reading of The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe. The underclass were always told that she foamed at the mouth when she recited the poem.

I personally don't remember that happening, but then again, my senior year in high school was back in..., nope, I'm not gonna date myself.

This crow spends a lot of time on the acre and every time I see him I think of Mrs. Washenfelder, English Lit and "Quoth the raven, 'nevermore'"

Day 537 - Airborne

2011-06-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

ISO 400, 95mm, f/4.0, 1/800 sec

Just a little flight, I mean playtime.

Summer cruise anyone?

2011-06-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

ISO 3200, 105mm, f/4.0, 1/20 sec

When I was down by the river a few weeks ago, I got lucky.

Normally the Willamette Queen is docked without her lights on. That night just as I was setting up, I heard her whistle. She was going down stream.

Since I was there to shoot the twilight, I was still there when she was coming back.

Woo hoo, jackpot!

Day 535 - Against all odds

2011-06-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 105mm, f/6.3, 1/60 sec

Calla lillies are probably my favorite flower. I love the simplicity of the blossom and the gentle curves.

Years ago, my father-in-law planted this in our garden. When I moved in with Karen, I dug it up and brought it with me.

This plant is a survivor and so forgiving. I'm a terrible gardener. I never water, never feed and never ever weed. It's a target for slugs and yet, when I looked out the window this evening, it had two perfect blossoms.

Day 534 - The face of victory

2011-06-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

This is how my daughter celebrates running 26.2 miles on a Sunday morning. Just for the record, she didn't get those running genes from me, just the good looks.

As if running the Portland Marathon last year was not enough, Holly decided that she was going to run the Vancouver Marathon this year.

This is Holly and her friend Emma rounding the corner at mile 26. Emma hopped in at mile 21 to help her keep pace. What a friend.

Apparently just finishing 26.2 miles is not enough, you gotta beat your own personal record. She did.

No marathon runner should ever be without a cheer leading squad. BFF Lauren, Mile 21 pace pal Emma, Holly, and hubby Joe

Day 533 - Roses are red

2011-06-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 100mm macro, f/5.0, 1/100 sec

This is from one of our wild and wooly rose bushes this morning during a rain break.

Day 532 - Feeling fruity

2011-06-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 100mm macro, f/2.8, 1/400 sec and 1/500 sec

During the yard patrol last night I had to stop by two of the the fruit trees see how they were coming. Since we had a brutally cold and wet spring, I'm happy to announce we're still going to have some fruit.

The plums are about the size of walnuts. There are very few bing cherries (my favorites), but they are about half way to picking. It's gonna be me against the birds here in a few weeks.

Day 531 - The roses are blooming

2011-06-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 100mm macro, f/2.8, 1/100 sec

And from the looks of the bud, so are the stupid aphids.

Day 530 - Watchin' Joey blossom

2011-06-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 85mm, f/4.0, 1/500 sec

When we adopted Joey seven years ago, he was afraid of his own shadow. Humans were even worse. It took him four years to work up the courage to allow us to scratch his ears.

Now, he noses right in and pushes other dogs out of the way just to get his ears scratched. To say the least, his progress has been amazing to watch over the years.

Day 529 - Purple and gold

2011-06-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 55mm, f/8.0, 1/80 sec

Our yard has a lot of blooming going on out there, but it is miserably windy and cold. I'll just look back to the iris from Sunday. Thank you.

Day 528 - Last light

2011-06-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 35mm, f/8.0, 30.0 sec

It's been a couple of months since I've visited the water front. I was surprised by how low the river was. The reflections were so different this time.

How I love the bridges.

Day 527 - Color explosion

2011-06-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 80mm, f/8.0, 1/100 sec

We made a fast trip to Portland today and just as we approached Salem, on the west side of the interstate I noticed field after field of iris in bloom. The color was amazing.

I had a pretty good idea about how to get back there and immediately followed the signs to Schreiner's Iris Gardens. I was not expecting what we walked in to. The color from the fields were amazing, the color in the display gardens were ... I have no words.

Sadly, today was the last day they were open, but they are definitely on my calendar for next year.

ISO 200, 35mm, f/8.0, 1/80 sec

There must have been acres of display gardens. Each row different. I could not believe how beautiful it was.

I've only lived here for 20 years, how did I miss this?

Day 526 - Matt and Alesha

2011-06-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

We had a bride...

and a groom...

and a couple that totally rocked. Congratulations Matt and Alesha.

Day 525 - My best side

2011-06-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

ISO 250, 55mm, f/4.0, 1/125 sec

Clearly Clancy feels this is the best side 'cause there was no way he was going to look the other direction. He was hunka, hunka hound dog.

Day 524 - Wilted

2011-06-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

ISO 1000, 100mm, f/3.2, 1/50 sec

When work becomes chaotic, the first thought that exits my brain is housework. I've learned that no matter what, it will always be there so it just makes sense to take care of everything else first.

Sitting in the middle of the kitchen table are my beautiful daisies, wilted. They really look kinda cool past their prime.

Guess that means I can put off housework for another week or two.

Day 523 - On a mission

2011-06-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 92mm, f/4.0, 1/1250 sec

And I'm pretty sure there is a light at end of the tunnel, finally.

I don't think I have ever let three days go by without taking the time for a least one photo.

Day 522 - No comment

2011-06-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

ISO 640, 85mm, f/1.8, 1/80 sec

Day 521 - The hair cut

2011-06-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

ISO 800, 105mm, f/4.0, 1/80 sec

This weeks Project 52 was, well, to put it mildly... way out of my element.

"You have been asked to do a set of images for a Hair Salon. They will supply the subject, and you will shoot the hair styles / styling. The images will be printed quite large for the salon walls and you will be given photo credit for the images."

Day 520 - Big and small

2011-06-04T22:26:00.000-07:00

ISO 800, 55mm, f/4.0, 1/80 sec

We were invited over to some friends house for dinner tonight, (OMG, the food totally rocked). We were enjoying the after dinner conversation when Jeremiah landed in his grand dad's lap.

I looked across the table and saw the massive yet gentle hands wrapped around the tiny baby. In a rude sort of fashion I demanded he hold that pose and ran to get my camera.

So worth it, even if they never invite us again.

Day 519 - Weekend forecast

2011-06-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 47mm, f/4.0, 1/160 sec

Bright and sunny.

Party on.

Day 518 - Blue sky, nothin' but blue sky

2011-06-02T20:48:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 70mm, f/9.0, 1/640 sec

I'm hoping.

Day 517 - Mardi Gras

2011-06-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

ISO 640, 67mm, f/4.5, 1/125 sec

Eyewear with flair. Salem has this great boutique frame shop, Glance. We wandered into the store this evening and these sunglasses were sitting on the shelf.

They are not for me, but I am oh so jealous of the person who can pull them off. I loved them.

Day 516 - Emerging

2011-05-31T20:16:00.000-07:00

ISO 400, 100mm macro, f/3.5, 1/50 sec

I wondered by one of the honeysuckle bushes the other day during a flower check. The blossoms are just beginning to emerge.

That is assuming the nasty rain storm of today didn't knock them all off.

Day 515 - Letting go

2011-05-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 100mm macro, f/5.0, 1/320 sec

This has been one of the best, most relaxing week-ends I can remember for a long time. So much so, that I actually laid in the grass and watched the wind tease seeds out of a dandelion head.

Day 514 - The incredible edible egg

2011-05-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 100mm macro, f/29, 1/60 sec

The incredible edible egg.

For this weeks Project 52 our assignment was a product shot of a product that is used to cook, with eggs. Big spoon with eggs. Egg cooker with eggs. Spatula with eggs. Pan with eggs. Colorful bowl with eggs.

Fortunately for us, our neighbors provide us with fresh eggs from their chickens every week. The eggs are decadent.

However, I learned that not all eggs peel equally. I quickly failed egg peeling 101.

Day 513 - Reaching out

2011-05-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

ISO 250, 100mm macro, f/3.5, 1/80 sec

To say that the last three weeks have been crazy busy for me would be an understatement.

I think I am seeing something brighter on my horizon.

Day 512 - Camoflauge

2011-05-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

ISO 400, 100mm macro, f/4.0, 1/100 sec

Still pulling from the trip to the butterfly farm. This is a moth that had a wing span of about 7 inches. She was beautiful.

Day 511 - Nuttin' but stinkin' rain

2011-05-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 105mm, f/5.6, 1/80

The weather according to weather.com is nuttin' but stinkin' rain.

Rats.

Day 510 - Night classes

2011-05-25T19:42:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 35mm, f/16, 25.0 sec

My scrambled brain is trying to come up with a cover concept. Last night was just about my only chance for the next million days to get over onto the campus just after sunset.

I really didn't come home with what I had hoped, but I did catch a couple of building shots.

Day 509 - Workin' dog

2011-05-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 200mm, f/8.0, 1/500 sec

Day 508 - Name that flower

2011-05-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 100mm macro, f/6.3, 1/125 sec

Over the week-end I noticed a flowering tree at the back of the property that I had never seen before. The flowers are tiny, about the size of my thumb and I think I noticed them because the tree is covered.

I had a few minutes a lunch when I was running the hound dogs so I grabbed my macro lens and headed on back there.

I have no clue what kind of tree it is, but the blossoms certainly are pretty.

If anyone knows what it is, tell me, tell me... please?

Day 507 - Wisteria Lane

2011-05-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 50mm, f/7.0, HDR—1/200, 1/3200, 1/800, 1/50 sec

I don't do many HDR photos, but every once in a while I see something that suggests it might be a good candidate.

Cars are one of those things that always fascinate me. Old is best, rust is good and then, there is the generation I grew up with.

When we were wandering around Scio yesterday, we walked past this Chevy Malibu parked in front of overgrown wisteria. I am fairly certain that underneath the wisteria is probably the garage the Malibu was once parked inside.

The car tags were current, so at least this one is still maintained unlike some many of the other cars we've stopped to photograph.

ISO 100, 24mm, f/16, HDR—1/40, 1/160, 1/10, 0.4 sec.

When I saw the Malibu, it immediately brought my attention back to the Catalina that I found in a field nearly 18 months ago. I loved this image and probably remains one of my favorites. According to the tags, she took her last ride in 1974.

We drove by the field again today, just in case. The Catalina was gone. I hope someone took her home to give her the TLC she justly deserved.

Day 506 - Sheep thrills

2011-05-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 140mm, f/4.0, 1/1250 sec

The Northwest Sheepdog Trials were happening today in Scio. Watching the dogs work is fascinating. Each dog had about 10 minutes to herd four sheep through a trial course.

During one of the trials, these renegades escaped their holding pen.

Day 505 - Tinkering

2011-05-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 100mm macro, f/25, 10 sec

Just one of the blue daisies in my Sunday bouquet.

BZTraining, the flowers and butterflies are shot with my 100mm macro. It is probably one of my favorite lens. Well worth the money.

Dy 504 - My world in three captions

2011-05-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my world.

Set me free, maybe I'll come back.

Bring it!

Day 503- Just another rose

2011-05-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 100mm macro, f/20, 20.0 sec

I have a beautiful bouquet of flowers sitting on the table, roses and gerber daisies.

It is quite stunning, but tonight I plucked a single rose out to play with lighting. The big fundraiser for the college, Moonlight and Roses is rapidly approaching and it is time for me to come up with a design.

Day 502 - Mushroom cloud

2011-05-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 105mm, f/16, 1/320 sec

For many reasons, it has been a long time since I've photographed puffy white clouds. The most obvious is the fact that we've had so damn much rain.

As I was leaving the campus tonight after work, I saw this and thought OMG, a mushroom cloud, or a hover cloud, or a tea kettle...

ISO 100, 90mm, f/16, 1/320 sec

I drove to the other side of the campus and it had changed to this.

Day 501 - My final salute to the theater dept.

2011-05-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 35mm, f/6.3, 1/200 sec

As I was slaving away at the computer this afternoon, a group of students entered my office. Admittedly, I hardly recognized them. They were a few of the cast members from the theater production, sans costume.

They presented me with this beautiful bouquet of flowers and a card signed by everyone thanking me for the photos I took last week.

A beautiful gesture that I appreciate more than they will ever know.

Day 500 - Flight of the Butterfly

2011-05-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

ISO 400, 100mm macro, f/4.0, 1/320 sec

One of my very places to visit is the butterfly exhibit, Wings of Wonder. I don't think anything is a wonderful as butterflies dancing about in a tropical forest setting.

They aren't without challenges when it comes to photography however. The building is about 85° and humid, really humid. The bifocals fog up, the camera lens fogs up and the hot flashes go out of control.

ISO 400, 100mm macro, f/4.0, 1/160 sec

Once everything has de-fogged, the challenge of depth of focus, focus and shutter speed all heat my brain. These guys land for a split second and are off again. I'm so glad for the digital age, because at least I have a chance of one or two worthy photos.

ISO 400, 100mm macro, f/2.8, 1/80 sec

I suspect I will find one or two more to post during the week.

Day 499 - Just a skinny dog

2011-05-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 200mm, f/2.8, 1/320 sec

Be still my beating heart. My Flocko doggo.

Day 498 - Endings and beginnings

2011-05-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

The play this term is called "Museum" and rather than putting it on stage in the auditorium, they held it in the Art Gallery.

The audience sat in folded chairs on risers in the hall and outside viewing through the gallery windows.

I was ready to shoot, moving in close when the director asked me to move out to where the audience would be sitting.

My ah-ha moment was OMG, I'm gonna be shooting wide, through a window and the lighting was a crap shoot.

They weren't set-up shots, we were running through the entire play backwards.

As I drove home over two hours later, I had to laugh. Last week I shot a wedding in the pouring rain, this week I am shooting through windows.

Yup, I love what I do.

Day 497 - The end of an era

2011-05-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned more than once that I work at a community college.

It is no secret, budgets are tough and cuts are happening left and right. Sadly, this year's fatality is the theater program. Since my first year at the college, I have been involved with promoting the theater.

When they asked me to come in and shoot the final production at the end of the play one night, I was more than happy to go back over to the campus at 8:45 pm.

I thought it would take about 30 minutes, we would set up a few shots I'd use my lighting. It would be great.

Hmmmm, the best laid plans of mice and men... For the first time ever, I had to push my ISO to 4000 to capture this scene (and they ran at half speed for me). I was standing outside of a window shooting in.

My brain was cranking the whole time, how on earth was I going to pull this off?

Day 496 - Things found in a barn, part deux

2011-05-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 47mm, f/4.0, 1/20 sec

What is a thing-a-ma-gig?

I'm guessing this must have been a collar for a work horse or maybe a mule? From the writing on the walls, we're pretty sure they had cattle, but I don't think I have ever seen a collar strapped onto a cow.

But then, I'm a city slicker, what do I know?

Day 495 - Things found in a barn

2011-05-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

ISO 400, 40mm, f/4.0, 1/40

What is a milk can.

Good grief, I can't seem to shoot the broad side of a barn this week.

Day 494 - Catching the evening rays

2011-05-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 105mm, f/7.1, 1/320 sec

Apple blossoms at sunset.

Day 493 - Liniment

2011-05-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

ISO 400, 60mm, f/4.0, 1/25 sec

During our "flip-a-coin" drive today, we came across an old abandoned barn. I kept myself busy finding treasures outside when I discovered Karen had disappeared inside. It took a little while, but I eventually worked up the courage to join her.

It was so worth it. Calenders dating back to the early '70s lined the walls, but I was intrigued by this mostly empty bottle of liniment.

Day 492 - Bleh

2011-05-07T18:44:00.000-07:00

ISO 400, 85mm, f1.8, 1/50 sec

Cleaning house on a Saturday sucks.

Day 491 - Finally, a blue heron

2011-05-06T19:26:00.000-07:00

ISO 400, 185 mm, f/2.8, 1/500 sec

A dear friend of mine got married today at the Oregon Garden. She had asked me to shoot their wedding, and though I have little to no experience with weddings (I think I have now attended five in my life) I agreed to do it.

I got up there early and stopped at one of the ponds to take pictures when to my delight, a blue heron flew in for a visit. I stalked him from the opposite bank for quite a awhile before he took off.

The wedding was beautiful and outside in the pouring rain. It was small and everyone gathered underneath the small gazebo. That is everyone but me as I circled the gazebo, shooting up hoping to catch a glimpse of the bride and groom in between all of the guests heads.

Did I add that it was pouring down rain. I was ever so thankful that I just happened to throw my ThinkTank hydrophbia in the car before I left. It saved my camera. I was the only drowned rat present.

Day 490 - Fallen

2011-05-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 200mm, f/3.5, 1/200 sec

Today I had the honor and pleasure of photographing the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony. The ceremony honors the fallen officers from Oregon dating back to the 1880s.

I won't be able to post most of the photos that I took today until after the magazine is published next month, I was however given the green light for the bag pipes band.

I just happened to look back as they were marching away.

Day 489 - Wild pitch

2011-05-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 75mm, f/2.8, 1/4000 sec

I shot one of the women's softball games today. I'm thinking the batter must have fouled the ball because it ain't anywhere near the catcher's mitt.

Day 488 - Red sails at sunset

2011-05-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 125mm, f/10, 1/60 sec

Another from the coast on Saturday. Just makes ya wanna sing doesn't it?

Day 487 -

2011-05-02T19:55:00.000-07:00

ISO 400, 105mm, f/4.0, 1/200 sec

I took a quick trip out to the front yard tonight to do a flower inventory. I have to confess, our flowers are on their own. If they grow, it's because they are hardy and find their own food and water.

We had two bright red tulip come up this year.

Day 486 - Golden waves

2011-05-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 70mm, f/29, 1/20 sec

Last night promised to be beautiful at the coast, so as evening neared, we headed for the beach.

It was fabulous.

Day 485 - STRIKE!

2011-04-30T16:54:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 130mm, f/4.0, 1/1250 sec

I am not a sports fan really, but something about photographing the college's sports is, exhilarating. I really love anticipating the action and perhaps it is my ignorance about what is happening makes it all the better.

I'm pretty sure this is a strike.

Day 484 - Just ducky

2011-04-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 200mm, f/3.5, 1/320 sec

First trip down to the pond this spring.

Day 483 - Tulip dreams

2011-04-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

ISO 200, 182mm, f/2.8, 1/800 sec

These tulips are from one of our campus gardens. I walk past them every day.

Day 482 - Hinged

2011-04-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 105mm, f/7.1, 1/60 sec

This was one of the hinges on the Gribble barn. Looks like it was patented in 1907.

I think it is a beautiful piece of metal.

Day 481 - Layers

2011-04-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 70mm, f/9.0, 1/250 sec

'Nuff said.

Day 480 - Portrait of Tanner

2011-04-25T19:29:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 88mm, f/2.8, 1/500 sec

Tanner is one of the students that work in our office. My original hope for a cover shot was to have him reading beside a tree and have a squirrel show up beside him. So far we have not had any luck finding squirrels. This is a really odd, if I weren't looking for squirrels, they would be everywhere.

Tanner's a trooper though, he say under that tree through wind, sun and the proverbial sun shower.

Oh where, oh where is spring?

A few more out takes.

Day 479 - Save the Gribble Barn

2011-04-24T18:42:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 24mm, f/8.0, 1/80 and 1/1250 sec

As I was doing some research yesterday for Dr. Pierce's barn, I discovered another barn not far from our house... it is also in trouble.

The barn was built in 1907 and the barn itself is still owned by a Gribble, but the land it sits on is owned by someone that wants to see the barn go away.

The "Flying Double A" logo was painted on by a Portland company in 1986 to run in a national ad for Burger King. Maybe they should pony up to save the barn. :o))) Search as I may, I can't find a commercial or ad to back it up.

On a side note, I e-mailed a delightful blogger from Cottage Grove last night asking about the Pierce barn. It's fate is in jeopardy. The new owner of the property wants it torn down. The city council has given it a 90 day stay of demolition. Sigh.

Day 478 - Dr. Pierce and his pleasant pellets

2011-04-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 60mm, f/4.0, HDR 1/200, 1/3200, 1/800, 1/50, 1/13 sec

Our ambitious adventures had us up and out of the house early this morning. We were on our way to Cottage Grove.

We were totally food motivated. Two years ago we were down there to do the covered bridge tour and stumbled upon the best barbeque restaurant. We took a chance and found it just as tasty as two years ago.

Who on earth was Dr. Pierce? What are these Pleasant Pellets? He was born in 1840 and set up shop as a medical doctor in Pennsylvania in his 20s. In 1875 he published a book, The People’s Common Sense Medical Adviser in Plain English, still available on Amazon for the Kindle. He mastered the art of advertising his magic tonics and pellets, complete with testimonials.

As for the Pleasant Pellets, they are the miracle cure for constipation and torpid liver, in addition to taking care of the headaches, dizziness, sour stomach, loss of appetite, indigestion, dyspepsia, windy belchings, heartburn, pain and distress after eating, and kindred derangements of the stomach, liver and bowels. Oh, and they are the result of years of study and experience.

I feel better already.

Day 477 - Sunset tulips

2011-04-22T21:49:00.000-07:00

ISO 400, 110mm, f/32, 1/10 sec

Another beautiful but windy day today. We made a mad dash out to the tulip fields in hopes of capturing a sunset.

Just barely. The movement in the tulips is disappointing, but just to be out there was pretty damn cool.

Day 476 - Maple blossoms

2011-04-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 105mm, f/10, 1/80 sec

Last night as the sun was going down, I dashed out of the house to play for a few minutes. The night before I had done the same and was so disappointed when I came back with either a silhouette of what was in the foreground, or a totally washed out sky.

Armed with my flash and cable, this is what I captured.

Day 475 - Running water

2011-04-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 100mm, f/32, 1/5 sec

Day 474 - Portrait of Clancy

2011-04-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

ISO 250, 123mm, f/2.8, 1/250 sec

I followed the dogs out this evening with my camera, the weather was cooperating beautifully.

Greyhounds, on the other hand, don't always cooperate so beautifully. Clancy insisted on sitting with his face to shade.

However, he is still one hunka, hunka hound dog.

Day 473 - Three seasons

2011-04-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

ISO 100, 24mm, f/22, 0.6 sec

On November 11 my friend Jeff from Cranial Aperture and I went up to Silver Falls State Park. We hiked down to the North Falls. Although I have been to Silver Falls many times, North Falls was a first for me and I was captivated by the beauty at the base of the falls.

ISO 100, 24mm, f/22, 0.3 sec

On January 1, during our below freezing temperatures, I thought it would be fun to go back up there and besides, Karen had not seen the North Falls either.

This was probably one of the most dangerous hikes I have ever taken. The trails were covered with slick ice. Icicles that occasionally let loose lined the walls of the canyon.

Still, I was bound and determined to see the North Falls in the dead of winter.

ISO 100, 19mm, f/22, 1/5 sec

Yesterday, April 17, we went up for an almost spring day hike.

The falls are a tad bit unique because the trail goes behind them. The roar of the water pouring down 136 ft. was almost deafening