Biking in Portland

TMI, 2/7/09

Up until now, everything I’ve learned about photography has been from reading and trial and error. But there’s only so much you can learn without being able to talk about it with someone who knows. That’s why I’m so excited to finally be taking a photography class. 

This photo was taken during our class “field trip” to downtown Portland. I take photos downtown all the time, so for me, it wasn’t what I had in mind for a field trip. It was fun though and I was happy with several of the shots I brought home. This one was taken on the Hawthorne Bridge.

Green Heron Sighting

Green Heron, 10/15/08

This past Wednesday, Sutree and I went to the Oregon Garden where we were lucky enough to see this Green Heron.

Oregon Giants

Towering Trees, 9/26/07

I finally set up a SmugMug account and am very slowly adding photos to it. It’s fun looking through photos I’ve taken over the last few years. I’m discovering some that I had forgotten about – like this one from Silver Falls State Park.

Looking Forward to the Fall

Autumn Riverbank, 10/5/07

Autumn is almost here – my favorite season. Autumn in Oregon, especially Portland, is so beautiful. This photo is from the riverbank in downtown Portland. I love the dreamy feel of it.

Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk

Worldwide Photo Walk, 8/23/08

On Saturday I participated in Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk in Portland, Oregon. Roughly 7500 people from 230 cities around the world set out in small groups to photograph their cities and make new friends. Word has it that the event was such a success that it is now being referred to as the First Annual Worldwide Photo Walk.

Portland’s walk was lead by Laurie Excell – thanks Laurie! After photographing Portland’s cityscape, we crossed the river on the Hawthorne Bridge and moved into downtown Portland where we visited landmarks such as City Hall, Portlandia, the old Portland Theater and Pioneer Square. Here’s a link to a short slideshow of some of the photos I took on the walk. I’ve wandered that same route with my camera lots of times, but it was a little different doing it with a group of fifty some photographers! 

One highlight of my day was getting to meet Top in person. I’ve been following along on his blog for awhile. He took some great photos. You can see his, and the other walkers’ photos on this flickr site.

What’s Up is Down

Fallen Tree, 4/27/08

I like this picture. It feels a little Escher-like to me. Even though I took it, I still have to study it for a minute before I can decipher what’s what.

Icy Falls

Photographing the Falls, 1/23/08

I guess I shouldn’t complain too much about our cold spring this year. This was taken back in January when the weather really was cold! This is the bottom portion of Multnomah Falls in the Columbia Gorge. This guy was much more dedicated than I was.

A Perfect Day

Crystal Springs, 4/11/08

This was such a gorgeous spring day in Portland. We really needed it too. This photo is from Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, an absolutely beautiful place to spend time.

Morning at the Tulip Farm

Dew Laden, 4/11/08

This was taken early in the morning at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn. Every year they have a tulip festival at the peak of the bloom. This year was delayed because of all the cold weather we had.

I got up at 5am to get these early morning shots. I got very muddy, but I had a great time! This next one is my other favorite from that day.

 
As the Fog Lifts, 4/11/08

Day Eighty Two

Jantzen Beach Carousel, 3/28/08

When Jantzen Beach Amusement Park opened in 1928, it was the biggest amusement park in the country. Sadly, this carousel is all that is left of it. Even sadder, it is currently housed in a shopping mall. I think that is why the horses appear to be in such anguish!

I love amusement parks. I grew up in Ohio, not far from Cedar Point, so roller coasters are in my blood! We don’t have any good amusement parks in the Pacific Northwest. That’s one of the few faults I can find with living in Oregon.