Mt. Rainier Three Day Workshop, August 20-22, 2019

Mt. Rainier is the icon of the Pacific Northwest. At 14,440 ft, it can be seen from many distant locations throughout Washington, sometimes seen peering just over the horizon where one can sense the curvature of the earth. It’s a photographers paradise in many ways.

In the evening, beautiful light on the mountain from an approaching weather front provided interesting clouds and color over the mountain and warm light on the Tatoosh Range to the south. The meadows were covered with late season wildflowers. Calmness with the occasional call of ravens.

Lovely light near sunset

With gray skies the next morning, and a sprinkle or two, we visited various sections of the cascading Paradise River, photographing a hidden waterfall and the lovely greenery along the river. The rain worked it’s way up the valley, so it was time to retreat to the newly restored and cozy Paradise Lodge. While it poured down, a good session of Adobe Lightroom and Nik Silver Efex was in order. The rain showed no sign of abating, so we headed for dinner with hopes of some clearing the next day.

Starting our exploration of the Paradise River

Morning was calm, with the mountain shrouded in fog and some promise of clearing to the east. Over grassy trails we surveyed the Tipsoo Lake area near Chinook Pass. The sun was shining, with glimpses of the summit of Mt. Rainier. The Sunrise area in the northeastern part of the park is always full of surprises. The clouds graciously parted for some very lovely views of Emmons and Winthrop glaciers and the lovely summit for the final part of the workshop.

Plenty of light and interesting clouds

If you would like to view their workshop images, click here>

Cape Kiwanda Beauty

Cape Kiwanda is a coastal oasis. Sandstone meets the sea. This visit was filled with discovery and explorations of areas both old and new. It is always possible to escape to areas few visit, the weather is usually quite beautiful, and the waves are magic.

Anemones in a tenuous position, waiting for the sea to return

 Despite the relatively calm winter, there had been a surprising amount of erosion of the sand, especially at the north side of the large sand hill. It's difficult to say, but I suspect the erosion is more due to the heavy use this park is subjected to every year. A number of trees in tenuous places last year had fallen downhill. We had virtually no rain this summer, so the sandstone was covered everywhere with guano, giving the rocks a whitish appearance.

Wave action after sunset

We had a very success time for our workshop here, and it was a pleasure to both teach and then return for time alone here. Had the whole area to myself and enjoyed the sea rushing in.

Sunset and sea approach this mussel lined channel

Often one is reminded of how brief we are here and how long geologic and biological changes have taken place on our beautiful planet. The next day, while exploring, I came across this section of rock.There were areas of charcoal clearly embedded in the sandstone in quite a few places.

My Firebird figure, with embedded charcoal

I look forward to my next visit, this time when the winter waves are really big!

Saturday Workshop on the Oregon Coast

On Saturday, July 13th, our workshop group gathered at the Oregon coast just north of Oswald West State Park for a long day of shooting the endless beauty here. 

One can never say what the weather will hold in store. Although July didn't have any rain, the Oregon coast, like the mountains, has it's own weather. The weather gods smiled as we had pleasant but cool and somewhat windy weather. In the morning at Arch Cape, we also had some lovely cirrus clouds slowly and majestically rolling by. They were here, apparently, just for us, as the areas to the north towards Ecola State Park and to the south were clear.

We started at Arch Cape, with an outgoing tide.

 Great to be out on the beach!

 Giving some settings suggestions. Thanks, John

We were able to move in to explore south of the Cape, as sand had filled in the gap that was there just a few months ago. Fine waves and beautiful sea stars.

 Tai lining up a detail shot.

Preston capturing the rock and cloud formations. Thanks, Kira

After lunch and a two hour review and processing session (whew!), we headed to the forest of Oswald West State Park and spent some calm time in the grand forest surrounded by the old growth forest of Sitka Spruce, Hemlock and other fine species. Overall shots and details of the forest fauna were abundant.

Last stop was the cliffs of Neahkahnie Mountain. Common Muirs, Cormorants and gulls flew close by, traveling to their nests and groups. A special place with wildflowers surrounding the trail. We were protected by the NW wind, so it was quite pleasant as evening approached.

Kira, Preston and Tai shooting from the cliffs.

Thanks to everyone for fine company in a grand landscape.

Participant photographs can be Viewed Here>>

Cape Kiwanda Reminising, Summer, 2012

Having planned a workshop in August, 2013 in the Cape Kiwanda area, I was reviewing some of the beauty there before the workshop and also my trip to the red rock in the Colorado plateau near Moab, Utah. The wind and water sculpted sandstone here reminds one of other areas of the west. Another fantastic feature is the unusual wave patterns that form and disappear. Caves, sand, shore birds and trees make for a photographers crayon box.

These photographs were all taken within 3 hours of each other. Sunshine and blue skies were quickly inundated by fog and cold, not an unusual occurrence when it's hot inland.

Just before the fog rolled in

Fog for subdued shadows and a neutral density filter make for longer exposures of the water. Tripod essential here.

Unusual waves at sunset with Sea Anenomes waiting under a rock for their next meal

Where sandstone and the Pacific meet

In Search of the Elusive Sea Otter

Although rarely seen, there are sea otters on the Washington coast. I have seen them in the past, but haven't spent dedicated time to find them. One goal of this one day hike north of Rialto Beach (near La Push) was to see if any sea otters were floating merrily in the kelp. It was more an exploratory hike than a photo shoot. No tripod along.

We headed out to Johnson Point during a low tide. Once you are north of the popular Hole in the Wall, the true, rugged nature of the Washington coast becomes apparent. Rocks, kelp, and boulders are more the norm than beaches.

 Pelicans Resting and Prining 

Johnson Point is about 3 miles from the parking lot, but the terrain makes for slow going. Some areas had beautiful boulder fields or eroded sandstone. 

 Beautiful Anemone surrounded by pink

Upon reaching the bay, the only mammals in sight were a large group of seals resting on the rocks offshore. With the advent of the returning tide and nightfall, we headed back. Kayaking may be the best way to see this area, but it requires certain special conditions, namely calmer seas and low wind. We had those conditions on this day, but not the kayaks!

One added bonus was the atmospheric conditions at sunset. Due to distant but numerous fires inland, and an offshore breeze, the sunset was especially unusual and beautiful.

Oregon Coast Summer, 2011

After a long, wet, cool Spring, the summer this year was also on the cooler side. Coming to the coast and seeing the sun are two giant pluses. Clouds are also quite welcome, as they create a special drama and beauty. Here is a small sampling of two Oregon evenings this summer.

This first image was taken after a somewhat gray and drizzly day for the first summer workshop mentioned in the previous post. The sky began clearing just in time, opening up to a fabulous series of light and light changes.

Sunset approaches at Arcadia Beach

It was still quite beautiful nearly an hour later, with more blues and magentas reflecting off the beach with the outgoing tide. The cirrus clouds were also putting on quite a display.

Arcadia sea stack and last light

The evening before our next workshop in August, the sky was nearly clear. The light after sunset is again the attraction, here at Hug Point.

Warm glow of the Western skies, and blue from above light the water

If you would like to see more photos of the Summer Oregon Coast, click here...

Mt. Rainier Flowers

Flowers at Mt. Rainier are always a special event. Microclimates here create early season and later season flowers blooming very close to one another. This Spring, especially June, was rainy and overcast. Flowers that normally bloom much earlier were just getting going in late July.

One flower that blooms early and is very short lived is the Western Pasque Flower. The seed heads from this plant are visible throughout the summer, but the bloom is a fleeting event.

The short-lived Western Pasque Flower with a welcome visitor

The delicate Pasque Flower

Jacob's Ladder blooming at Sunrise Point

Another visitor on Avalanche Lily at Tipsoo Lake

Lake Crescent in August

After our trip to the South Oregon Coast, we later headed to our cabin on Lake Crescent in the Olympic National Park. Centrally located, there are endless photographic opportunities there. This day I was out canoeing and experimenting.

Many times here we have fantastic and fanciful cirrus clouds. This day offered yet another interesting formation over Pyramid Peak.

I used the Split Toning feature in Adobe Lightroom for this photo.

Cirrus formations over Pyramid Peak

During the day, I try to find subjects or studies that may not, because of the contrast, work well in color, but work well in black and white.

Alders and log near Barnes Creek

Sea Birds at Harris Beach, Brookings, Oregon

Wondering on the shore, camera in hand, the enjoyment of being there is always enhanced with wildlife. I have favorite birds, and tend to shoot these more often. Here are few pictures of the birds that were around when I was shooting all those sea stacks (see below).

Oystercatchers are always great to have around. First, they have a very distinct appearance with their black bodies, white legs, orange bills and intensely orange eyes outlined in red. They are also quite vocal, with a chattering call that can be heard for a very long distance.

An Oystercatcher at Harris Beach

They are also very social birds, and usually travel in groups. The largest group I have seen so far was at Cape Flattery, with as many as 80 Oystercatchers together there (look for future post).

Oystercatchers working the rocks

Another favorite are Pelicans. When we were here at Harris Beach two years ago, there were literally thousands of California Brown Pelicans. This year showed much lower numbers, but still enough to observe and enjoy. Some were hit hard last year, and were found far inland, seemingly disoriented. Others were washing up on the beach. Many believe, as is years past, that they were victims of pesticides.

Here are two drying and pruning offshore, joined by a Double-crested cormorant.

Pelicans and a Cormorant on a "adorned" rock

Lone Ranch Beach

The next afternoon brought a mix of fog and sun at Lone Ranch Beach, located just north of Harris Beach. Microclimates rules here. High cirrus clouds came in and out of view. Most other locations were bathed in fog the entire day.

Exploration in a new place is always interesting. Heading to the north, the beach quickly gave way to a diverse grouping of rocks of surprising variety. The fog was just off shore, but would break to reveal beautiful cirrus clouds.

Working with mid-day, stronger light naturally lends itself to black and white. Who says the so-called "Magic Hour" is just mornings and evenings!

North shore of Lone Ranch Beach

Another digital darkroom technique is to leave a certain amount of color, with the saturation lowered. With sun shots and back lighting, you can create images that have a somewhat surreal or night time appearance.

South shore of Lone Ranch Beach

As the afternoon progressed, the sunlight would soon be disappearing behind the fog. The sea stacks around the point also looked interesting. Better light and an interesting foreground attracted me before the direct, warmer sunlight was gone for good.

Late afternoon light

Harris Beach

Harris Beach State Park, just north of Brookings, Oregon, is an ideal location for coastal photography. Direct access to beautiful beaches and rocks, wildlife and ever changing light.

Evening photography of the sea stacks is always a great pleasure. High temperatures inland usually bring fog and gray weather to the coast. Only one sunset in one week.

Sea Stacks at dusk, at the south end of the beach

Two second exposure at dusk

Second Beach in July

Another fine day greeted us for an afternoon visit to Second Beach, near La Push, on the Washington coast. With afternoon light and clearing fog, color photography with Black and White output seemed to make sense. This unusual tree-covered sea stack there is generally where I head first, especially with an incoming tide!

Reflections

The rocks in the sand have been an attraction for years. It's never the same, and the light and waves constantly bring new possibilities every visit.

Advancing Tide and changing light

Tim searching for 5 pieces for the "design" competition. Find and arrange five pieces.

Clearing fog and low clouds revealed beautiful cirrus clouds. The polarizer brought out more constrast and color for this shot down the beach. Looked like a strange creature in the sky. We had to leave before sunset, but it looked like it was going to be a good one!

Afternoon around Hurricane Ridge

It's always a pleasure to return to the Olympics, and, on this last occasion, sharing of a place and cuisine with friends.

Mt. Carrie and Mt. Olympus from Hurricane Ridge

After not seeing them for nearly 25 years at Mt. Anderson, one unexpected surprise was a mountain goat and her kid near Mt. Angeles. After a controversial and protracted extraction process to transfer these non-natives to the Cascades in the 80's, the goats are making a slow comeback.

Nannie Goat with radio collar

A nannie goat and her kid marched right past me, not 20 feet away. Not great portraits, but fun nonetheless!

Kid goat following