TYSON FISHER PHOTOGRAPHY

Published Work

2012-01-26T09:52:00.000-08:00

Here is the new Ansel Adams Wilderness map guide. I licensed a few images for use on the inside and cover. I made the cover shot way back in 2003, while I was thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. I set my Nikon N80 film camera to a 10 sec timer then jumped into the scene. I frequently did this during my journey to give vast wilderness landscapes a human feel while also providing a sense of scale for the viewer.

Netarts Bay and Neahkahnie Mountain Trail Run

2012-01-10T11:16:00.000-08:00

Over New Years I went on a couple trail runs along the northern Oregon Coast. Running the coastal trails and beaches is always an exhilarating experience. One of my runs, which happens to be a new favorite, took me up and over Cape Falcon via the Oregon Coast Trail, down to Short Sands Beach, up Neahkahnie Mountain, and finished in Manzanita. If you can arrange a shuttle or are willing to hitchhike, doing a point to point run like this is the way to go.

The silhouetted outline of a fir tree set against the glowing Pacific as seen from the summit of Neahkahnie Mountain. To the left of the tree a small fishing boat makes its way to the south, Oregon Coast

Olympus E-PM1, Olympus m.14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R, F22, 1/200 sec, ISO 200, 42mm

My other run was an out and back. I started in Oceanside and ran the beach south to Netarts Bay. I then ran the road which parallels the bay for several miles. I timed the run to coincide with sunset. A good point to point run I'd like to do would continue south to Cape Lookout and finish up in Pacific City. When I hiked the coast from north to south several years ago I was able to catch a boat ride across Netarts Bay to the end of the spit. This eliminated having to walk the road. I then timed my crossing of the Sand Lake outlet on the south side of Cape Lookout for the minus tide. This would be the ideal way to run this section if you're lucky enough to score a boat ride across the bay. What a great section of coastline this is!

Rippled sand patterns and reflective pools bathed in evening light, Netarts Bay, Northern Oregon Coast

Olympus E-PM1, Olympus m.14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R, F11, 1/50 sec, ISO 400, 42mm

While running a along Netarts Bay I stopped to photograph this meandering stream as it lazily made its way through the exposed sand. Under most circumstances a tripod (which I seldom bring with me on runs) would have been required to photograph the landscape at this hour. Due to the nature of this scene I only needed to expose for the highlights. This allowed me to shoot hand held at a relatively low ISO, thereby maintaining an acceptable level of image quality.

Olympus E-PM1, Olympus m.14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R, F8, 1/50 sec, ISO 500, 37mm

Last run in the high country

2011-11-14T12:39:00.001-08:00

Before all the recent snow, I made one last run into the high country. I chose to head up Lookout Mountain, located on the east side of Mount Hood. Here is a snap I made on my way back down.

This pocket of forest was aglow in late evening light. I photographed this scene until the sun dipped behind a distant ridge and the trees released their warmth into the cool autumn air. © Tyson Fisher

Olympus E-PM1, Olympus m.14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R, F6.3, 1/50 sec, ISO 500, 42mm

Along the banks of Herman Creek

2011-11-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

Luminescent vine maple and Douglas Fir glow under late afternoon light near Herman Creek in the Columbia River Gorge. ©Tyson Fisher

Olympus E-PM1, Olympus m.14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R, F11, 2 sec, ISO 200, 31mm

Autumn in Forest Park

2011-11-08T13:47:00.000-08:00

From last week along Wildwood Trail in Portland's, Forest Park

A golden maple leaf caught in the moss covered trunk of a maple tree

Olympus E-PM1, Olympus m.14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R, F8, 1/50 sec, ISO 1250, 14mm

Autumn in Forest Park

2011-10-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

Fall is coming along quite nicely in Forest Park. Here are a couple snaps from today's wet and soggy run.

Some autumn color along Newton Road
Olympus E-PM1, 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R, F5.1, 1/60th sec, ISO 1600

And a vertical rendition

Olympus E-PM1, 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R, F4.1, 1/60th sec, ISO 800

Along Wildwood Trail
Olympus E-PM1, 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R, F4.4, 1/40th sec, ISO 1600

A stand of Maples along the BPA road
Olympus E-PM1, 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R, F5.6, 1/100th sec, ISO 400

New 8 x 10 Limited Edition Released!

2011-10-27T13:50:00.001-07:00

Winter sunset along the rugged cliffs of Cascade Head, Oregon Coast

Gowland Lite 8 x 10
Schneider Super Symmar 150
Lee .9 Soft Grad
8 sec @ F32
Fuji Provia 100F
Howtek Drumscan

Summer Backpacking

2011-10-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

This past summer wasn't the most productive for photography. I did, however, manage to get a couple of short backpacking trips in.

My cousin and I were camped below timberline on our first night in the Washington's Goat Rocks Wilderness. Our camp was in a forested area flanked by meadows and gently tumbling streams on either side. At sunset we built a fire and watched the stars appear one by one in the twilight sky. I took advantage of the minimal moonlight and made this 5 hour time exposure aimed north towards Polaris. The glowing trees are illuminated by the light from our fire.

Nikon FM2, Nikkor 17-35mm, F4, 5hrs, Fuji Velvia 50

I made this shot on our second day. Due to our unusually cold spring and summer, epic snowfields such as this covered the higher trails until late into August. This particular one probably never melted. This is Ryan making the long climb on the PCT up towards Old Snowy. This was his first backpacking trip.

Nikon FM2, Nikkor 28-80, exposure unrecorded, Fuji Velvia 50

I made this image later in the summer from our camp near Bald Mountain. I had Katie model for me as the full moon rose up behind Mount Hood.

Nikon FM2, Nikkor 17-35, 3-stop gnd filter, exposure unrecorded, Fuji Velvia 50

Columbia River to Lolo Pass

2011-10-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of images from my recent trail run from the Columbia River Gorge to Lolo Pass on the west side of Mount Hood.

I spotted this colorful Vine Maple a short ways down a talus slope. I scrambled down and made a half dozen close up images of the reds, oranges and yellows that were absolutely bursting with color under the diffused afternoon sun.

Olympus E-PM1, Olympus M.14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R, F16, 32mm, 1/60th sec, ISO 640

I jumped into the photo here to give the scene a little more interest. This section of the Pacific Crest Trail was a real treat to run through. The forest on the Benson Plateau is primarily Silver and Noble Fir with a beautiful carpet of Beargrass underneath.

Olympus E-PM1, Olympus M.14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R, F3.6, 15mm, 1/60th sec, ISO 1000

Glistening Maple

2011-10-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

Towards the end of a trail run in Portland's, Forest Park, this glistening Maple stopped me in mid -stride. The leaves, saturated from a passing shower, are reflecting a bright area of sky that was shining through an opening in the forest canopy.

Olympus E-PM1, Olympus M.14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R, F3.5, 24mm, 1/30th sec, ISO 1600

Green Point Mountain Trail Run

2011-10-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

Trail running and photography is an area I have dabbled in over the years. However, combining these two passions of mine has always been a bit of a challenge due to the weight of high quality camera gear. Sure, I could run with a small point and shoot camera, but it won't give me the quality I'm looking for in a big print. SLR's I've determined are too heavy and cumbersome for the runs I like to go on. Camera makers the past few years have introduced a new hybrid digital camera that offers superior image quality in a compact, lightweight body. I recently purchased the Olympus E-PM1 for the sole purpose of trail running photography. Last week I tested it out in the Columbia River Gorge. I found a new loop that takes one up Nick Eaton Ridge to Green Point Mountain (4,700') and then down to Herman Creek. The camera was everything I'd hoped it would be in terms of quality and portability. Witnessing the light phenomenon, known as the Spectre of Brocken, while I was up there was unbelievable. It was only the second time in my life that I've seen it. I was really grateful I had a camera with me to capture it.

This rare meteorological phenomenon, known as the Spectre of Brocken, briefly appeared below Green Point Mountain. I was resting on the 4,700' summit when a shaft of light broke through the clouds and momentarily illuminated the area surrounding the mountain. When I stood up, there below the ridge crest was my magnified shadow projected forward onto the sunlit area of mist-shrouded forest below. It grew in intensity for 5 seconds then gradually faded as passing clouds obscured the sun. The colored rings surrounding my shadow are caused from the diffraction of light as it passes through the water droplets in the air. I only had time to snap 3 images. This particular shot was captured when the light display was at its peak. The lake in the upper right is Rainy Lake. Cascade Mountains, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Olympus E-PM1, 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R, F8, 31mm, 1/250/sec, ISO 200

Passing clouds and shafts of sunlight lend an atmospheric quality to this view of Mount Defiance and Rainy Lake. I chose a low-angled perspective to showcase the vibrant huckleberry growing along the open ridgeline of Green Point Mountain. Cascade Mountains, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Olympus E-PM1, 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R, F18, 22mm, 1/80th/sec, ISO 400

High on Nick Eaton Ridge a cluster of moss draped trees display their various forms against a blanket of clouds. Beyond the trees the ridge drops off precipitously a few thousand feet to the east, Cascade Mountains, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Olympus E-PM1, 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R, F11, 33mm, 1/500th/sec, ISO 200

Self portrait on the summit of 4,700' Green Point Mountain, Cascade Mountains, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Olympus E-PM1, 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R, F18, 28mm, 1/60th/sec, ISO 320

New Pacific Crest Trail Website

2011-09-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

The Forest Service recently launched their new Pacific Crest Trail website. The banner is a photo I made in the Sierra Nevada while hiking the trail in 2003.

Home Again on The Mountain

2011-08-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

A few shots from my recent trek up Mount St.Helens. I think I found my new favorite route to the summit rim. It felt great to get back up there again.

Far below my campsite on the western slope of Mount St. Helens distant peaks float like islands in the clouds under the fading twilight, Cascade Mountains, Washington © Tyson Fisher

Nikon FM2, Nikkor 28-80/3.5-5.6 D, Fuji Velvia 50, Exposure Unrecorded

Evening light illuminates the western slope of Mount St. Helens while halfway up the slope close to 40 elk and 4 mountain goats graze, Cascade Mountains, Washington © Tyson Fisher

Nikon FM2, Nikkor 28-80/3.5-5.6 D, Fuji Velvia 50, Exposure Unrecorded

A climber looks into the steaming crater of Mount St. Helens from a large snow ledge on the summit rim, Cascade Mountains, Washington © Tyson Fisher

Nikon FM2, Nikkor 17-35/2.8 ED, Fuji Velvia 50, Exposure Unrecorded

Current and Future Shows in Portland, Oregon

2011-08-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

This summer and fall there will be several opportunities to view my fine art photographs in the Portland area.

Endorphins Massage is currently displaying 3 framed 24 x 30 Limited Edition prints. All of my Limited Editions are created with my large format 8 x 10 view camera. In addition, 3 framed 16 x 24 Open Edition 35mm prints are also currently on display. This show does not have a planned take down date.

Through the month of September the Beaverton Starbucks location off 158th and Walker Rd will have on display 4 of my framed photographs. One is a 24 x 30 Limited Edition; the other 3 are 16 x 24 and 13 x 20 Open Editions.

And lastly, for two days this fall (November 19-20th) I will be participating in the Wild Arts Festival. I anticipate on having upwards of 10 of my photographs on display. This is a great opportunity to meet local artists and authors as well as support the Audubon Society of Portland.

Published Work

2011-05-25T14:12:00.001-07:00

The Forest Service, in partnership with the Pacific Crest Trail Association, recently completed Northern Sierra, Map#5 of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. After their ambitious project of mapping the entire trail is finished there will be 10 maps covering its entire 2650 mile length from Mexico to Canada. On the cover is a photo I made while thru-hiking the PCT in 2003. I stopped and made camp here so I could photograph this hillside of Balsamroot and Lupine with the pointy spires of Sierra Buttes in the distance. I was well short of my 20 mi goal for the day but this scene was simply too pretty to pass up. This section of the PCT is where the rugged Sierra Nevada gradually transition into the Cascade Mountains. It is here that polished granite, scraped clean from the retreating glaciers of the last ice age, gives way to lava rock and volcanoes. It is a beautiful section of trail.

Mount St. Helens Poster Sale

2011-05-06T17:15:00.000-07:00

With the 31st anniversary of the May 18, 1980 eruption approaching, I've discounted my popular Mount St. Helens posters a full 50% through the month of May. To sweeten the deal, buy one of each title and you'll receive an additional 25% discount. These posters look fantastic in a simple 18 x 24 thin black frame. Sale ends May 31, 12:00 PST.

Fire and Ice and March 8th, 2005 were captured on film during Mount St. Helens' most recent eruptive phase (2004-2007). Many consider these two photographs among the most dramatic post-1980 images ever captured. They certainly represent some of my finest work to date.

The posters are printed right here in Portland, Oregon, using an offset press.

Winter Light on the Oregon Coast

2011-02-21T13:22:00.001-08:00

Sunset colors blossom over the rugged sandstone cliffs of Cape Kiwanda

Nikon FM2, Nikkor 17-35, 3 stop hard grad, Fuji Velvia 50

Sunrise north of Cape Kiwanda

Nikon FM2, Nikkor 17-35, 2 stop soft grad, Fuji Velvia 50

Sunrise north of Cape Kiwanda

Nikon FM2, Nikkor 17-35, 2 stop soft grad, Fuji Velvia 50

Moonrise in Bridgetown

2011-01-24T19:14:00.000-08:00

A night time rendering of the St.Johns Bridge and the silhouetted forms of the Gothic towers under a waxing moon, Portland, Oregon.

Here is my first attempt at photographing this amazing bridge. I made this image last month as the waxing moon approached full. Holiday rush hour traffic raced below, the moon marched upward into a winter sky, and behind me, a curtain of cool air crept down from the dark forested hills. As I waited for the light to fade, a small group of runners from the University of Portland ran effortlessly across the bridge. My thoughts trailed back to my one-year stint running for U of P. Starting from the opposite side of the river and a few miles south, our team would run across this suspension bridge and into the hills of Forest Park. Little did I know, years later this beautiful area of the city would become a place of endless photographic opportunity for me. On the edge of darkness, on the fringe of one cities wilderness, this window into Portland overlooks what is arguably the most beautiful bridge in Portland.

Nikon FM2, 100mm Series E Lens, Fuji Velvia 50

Here is my second attempt at shooting the St.Johns Bridge. During this months full moon, we were greeted with clear skies that glowed with the violet light of sunset. Typically, the best time to shoot the full moon is a day or two before it's completely full. At this time, the moon is higher in the sky and the exposure is close to that of the surrounding landscape. This month we had cloudy skies up until the day the moon hit 100% illumination. I was stoked the weather cleared, but I also knew the moon wouldn't rise until it was almost dark and the color in the sky was gone. This presented a couple technical challenges I had to work around in order to obtain the result I was after. I made one exposure at sunset. Then without moving my tripod, I made another exposure on the same frame of film after the moon had risen and the lights on the bridge turned on. Obtaining color in the sky, a lighted bridge and detail in the landscape would not have been possible otherwise.

Nikon FM2, Nikkor 17-35mm, 3 stop gnd, Fuji Velvia 50

Dreaming of spring...

2010-12-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

Nikon FM2, Nikkor 180mm, Fuji Velvia 50, Spring 2010

...On this rainy winter day.

Wildflowers within the folds of central Oregon's Painted Hills.

It's been awhile...

2010-12-08T18:29:00.000-08:00

Nikon D700, Nikkor 17-35 @ 22mm, f22, 1/4sec

Sunset light over Mount Washington (right) and the Three Sisters (center) from high on the southeast ridge of Three Fingered Jack. This is an older image from 2009 that I decided to process today. Often times certain images don't resonate with me until I go back and look at them with fresh eyes. I made this image on the same evening as the one I posted a few months back. It's the post that precedes this one.

Nikon FM2, Nikkor 17-35, 2 stop gnd, Fuji Velvia 50

Cottonwood and Godbeams, east Steens, Basin and Range, Oregon.

Nikon FM2, Nikkor 17-35, Fuji Velvia 50

An amazing Lenticular cloud formation stretches across the open skies east of Steens Mountain.

Nikon FM2, Nikkor 17-35, Fuji Velvia 50

Moonrise over the Alvord.

Nikon FM2, Nikkor 17-35, Fuji Velvia 50

Dawn along Pike Creek.

From the Archives

2010-09-22T17:59:00.001-07:00

Nikon FM2, Nikkor 17-35, Velvia 50, Exposure Unrecorded

Two winters ago I spent 3 nights camped out on this exposed ridge below the southeast aspect of Oregon's Three Fingered Jack last. The peaks to the south are the Three Sisters Mountains. After being hidden away in a binder for two years, I finally got around to scanning it in today. Hope you like it!

Wild Desert Calendar Exhibit

2010-09-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

Come celebrate the wild beauty of Oregon's desert lands, October 7th, at The Art of Framing in northwest Portland. In addition to many other photographs by some very talented photographers, I'll have one 24 x 30 print of my own on display. I made the image last spring from the summit of Mickey Mountain, an isolated peak located in Oregon's remote southeast corner. I lugged my 8 x 10 view camera 2500' up to this viewpoint with the intention of photographing the Hedgehog Cactus in bloom. With the cool spring we had this year, the cactus were not quite blooming yet. What I found instead was this weathered rock formation. More info on the exhibit can be found here. Hope to see you there!

Beginning Anew

2010-08-20T20:10:00.001-07:00

I love springtime east of the Cascades. The winter rain and snow has subsided, the days are longer; for a short period before the heat of summer arrives everything is green and bursting with life. Through the layered clay hummocks of the Painted Hills rise Chaenactis and Golden Bee-Plant; Prickly Pear and Hedgehog Cactus put on a show of sweet smelling blooms atop nearby Sutton Mountain; and the unmistakable fragrance of Sage and Juniper is simply intoxicating. The familiar cry of Coyote and the ancient stars of the Milky Way are reliable companions in the stillness of the desert night.

A collection of images from last May in the Painted Hills of Central Oregon.

Where the Cactus Flowers Grow

2010-08-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Steens Sunrise, Basin and Range, Oregon

Gowland 8 x 10 Lite
Schneider Super Symmar 150
Lee .6 Grad Hard
24 Sec @ F32
Fuji Provia 100F
Tango Drumscan

Hedgehog Cactus, Steens Mountain, Oregon

Nikon FM2
Nikkor 28-80

New 8 x 10 Work

2010-08-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

I've gotten a little behind with editing some of my most recent 8 x 10 images. Here is what I have so far. Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks. Thanks

Spring wildflower bloom at sunrise over the Painted Hills, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon

Gowland Lite 8 x 10
Schneider Super Symmar 150
Lee .9 Soft Grad
40 sec @ F45
Fuji Provia 100F

Last light on the Painted Hills, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon

Gowland Lite 8 x 10
Schneider Super Symmar 150
Lee .6 Hard Grad
1.5 Sec @ F32
Fuji Provia 100F

Sunrise over the Steens, Basin and Range, Oregon, Spring 2010

I have never experienced sustained winds that packed as much force as they did on this trip. The skies turned brown with dust during the peak of the storm; dust devils danced across the playa; and the occasional squall, given away by the wall of dust hurtling towards me, rattled the sagebrush and emerging wildflowers. Camped 5 mi out on the Alvord, I was a bit surprised when the winds calmed to almost zero during the night. Taking advantage of the respite, I awoke early the next morning and made this image as first light touched the east face of the Steens.

Gowland 8 x 10
Schneider Super Symmar 150
Lee .6 Hard Grad
Provia 100F
24 Sec @ F64
Tango Drumscan

East Steens, Basin and Range, Oregon, Spring 2010

Resembling a cauldron, this chunk of weathered basalt has taken on its unique layered shape as a result of the endless cycle of freezing/thawing. Photographed at sunset as the last bit of light faded from the distant Sheepshead Mountains.

A series of emails were sent back and forth between a Geologist and a friend of mine in an attempt to find out the name of this basalt feature.

It goes like this:

Strange rock? Put here by aliens or? What is this feature called? Help! -Jim

Weathering feature? Not sure it has a name. Jon may have a fancy name for it. -Terry

Tyson's Rock explained by a geologist:

Jim,
It is Steens Basalt, it looks like a superimposed pahoehoe toe, the general outlines resemble thoes of pillows, but are distinguished from true pillows by their pronounced concentric structure and lesser development of glassy margins. From: Basalts-The Poldervaart Treatise on Rocks of Basaltic Composition Vol.1, pg.11
-Jon

Steens Basalt it is. I like Jim's explanation best ;) -Tyson

Gowland Lite 8 x 10
Schneider Super Symmar 150
Lee .9 Hard Grad
24 sec @ F64
Fuji Provia 100F
Tango Drumscan

Sunbow, Basin and Range, Oregon, Spring 2010

This meteorological phenomenon will always be one of my favorite subjects to witness and photograph. I cannot help but think of it as a magic portal into some kind of Astral Realm. This particular sunbow was so intense and so bright that I could feel its energy radiating downward. For two nights I camped high atop a mountain peak overlooking the Alvord Desert. This peak, a lonely isolated summit in Oregon's remote SE corner became a very special place for me during the spring of 2010. Over a 4 week period I watched it transition from winter to spring and, finally, summer. I watched the cactus flowers grow; I felt the sting of snow and sleet as it drifted across big open skies; and I observed the winter snowpack slowly fade from the precipitous eastern face of Steens Mountain. This spectacle of refracted sunlight took shape one afternoon, filling the entire sky as it brightened with intensity. Before the sunbow disappeared, double rings appeared around its outer fringes. Easily the most extraordinary example of a sunbow I had ever seen, I decided to capture it on my 8 x 10 camera. I had just enough time to expose one sheet of film before it dissolved into the afternoon sky. Artistically, my intention here was to deliberately underexpose the shot which I hoped would convey my interpretation of this otherworldly natural wonder.

Gowland Lite 8 x 10
Schneider Super Symmar 150
1/60th sec @ F64
Fuji Provia 100F
Tango Drumscan

Sunset over Haystack Rock, Oregon Coast, December 2009

If the conditions are just right, winter sunsets over the ocean can bring some of the best color of the year. During the record setting cold snap in December of 2009 I decided to head out to the coast to experience some of the unique conditions there. The seas were calm and the temps were well below freezing the entire time. I hiked out to the very end of Cape Kiwanda to a scenic spot where the wave sculpted sandstone drops off into the Pacific. The strong east winds the state was experiencing at the time kept the marine layer at bay while bringing in some high clouds from over the coast range. These clouds serendipitously settled right into place as the sun dropped below the horizon. This was my first attempt shooting the coast with my 8 x 10 setup.

Gowland Lite 8 x 10
Fujinon 250
2 Stop Grad
2 Sec @ F22

A Moonrise to Remember

2010-07-31T21:09:00.001-07:00

Nikon FM2, 100mm Series E, Fuji Velvia 100, October 2007

The full moon rising up over Mount Adams as seen from the top of Silver Star Mountain.

8 x 10's Added

2010-03-31T11:13:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the painstaking process of editing and proofing my first round of 8 x 10 images from last summer/fall. I had each transparency professionally drum scanned by West Coast Imaging down in California. I then color corrected and adjusted the density of the resulting digital files for print. I'm very happy with the first round of Chromira Supergloss proofs I had printed. While the bulk of the work has been done, some of the files still require some refinement. It's a long, drawn out process, no doubt. I'd much rather be out running through the woods....

The view from Augspurger

2010-02-26T21:10:00.000-08:00

Nikon FM2, Nikkor 100mm Series E, Fuji Velvia 100

I occasionally like to bring my camera with me on trail runs. I'll toss it in my camelbak along with an extra lens, a couple split grads, an extra lightweight layer of clothing and a headlamp and I'm on my way. This lightweight approach to landscape photography is something I've found very liberating from the large format work I'm currently pursuing. There is something special about traveling through the landscape quickly and efficiently, ready to react and capture a fleeting moment of natural light as quickly as it comes and goes. Camera or no camera, there is a heightened sense of connectedness I feel with my surroundings when I experience nature in this fashion. A basic, lightweight camera setup is of primary importance when I choose to bring my camera with me. With the exception of maybe the Leica M9 and some of the micro four-thirds cameras, professional digital slr cameras these days are so big and heavy that it's not even practical to try and go running with one of those bricks in your pack. The Nikon D40 might be a good compromise. For the ultimate in portability, I'd like to experiment with the point and shoot Canon S90. For the time being, since most of my funds are fueling my large format work (new images on the way), I'm forced to stick with my trusty Nikon FM2 film camera. While a tad heavy for running, it is reasonably compact. If I had a lighter weight camera I would likely bring it running with me 100% of the time. It would be standard running gear. Since I don't, my approach is a bit more calculated. I typically go to areas I've been to before that I think might have potential for nice light either early in the morning or late in the evening. The late Galen Rowell, a famous adventure photographer, made many of his finest images using this fast and light approach. Through the use of small and light cameras, a keen eye and a deep connection to the natural world, Galen created a groundbreaking style of photography all his own. I can honestly say his vision and philosophies helped shape who I am as a photographer today. Here is a quote of his I've always liked:

"What I mean by photographing as a participant rather than observer is that I’m not only involved directly with some of the activities that I photograph, such as mountain climbing, but even when I’m not I have the philosophy that my mind and body are part of the natural world"
-Galen Rowell

Getting to the viewpoint from which I made the above picture required some pretty significant elevation gain. During a more normal non-el nino year one would have to snowshoe to this spot. With elevations around 3000' being more or less snow free late last January I was able to cruise on up there with no more than maybe 4'' of snow on top. This picture I felt best captured the view and mood from my vantage point. There wasn't much of a sunset this particular evening as clouds from an inversion layer to the east drifted in, completely obscuring the view. It was a peaceful run in the dark back down to the trailhead as croaking frogs a thousand or more feet below brought in the night.

Nature Geoscience, November 2009

2009-11-04T10:11:00.000-08:00

My night photograph of Mount St. Helens recently made the cover of Nature Geoscience. The image illustrates a feature article by Research Scientist, Graham Hill. His research poses an interesting theory pertaining to the magmatic systems underneath a triangle of volcanoes in the south Cascades of Washington state: Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainier. The paper issue of the journal should be available very soon.

ONDA, Wild Desert Exhibition

2009-11-03T13:08:00.000-08:00

Wow, looks like it's been awhile since my last post. This seems like as good a reason as any to sit down and begin catching up on what I've been up to with my photography this past summer. First on the list is an upcoming photography exhibit being put on by ONDA: Oregon Natural Desert Association. Featured in the gallery showing will be a select group of beautifully printed and framed images from the 2010 Wild Desert Calendar. The opening reception is on November 19th from 5-9pm at the Olivine Gallery in north Portland. If you're in the area, please feel free to stop in and celebrate the spectacular beauty of Oregon's desert regions. Complimentary beer and wine available. I'll have a 20 x 30 Chromira print of Abert Lake on display. I made the image last winter on my first visit to this remote area of the state. If you're unable to stop in for the reception, the show runs through December 5th.

Art of Photography Show

2009-08-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite images from my 2008 trip to Peru, Andes Icebow, will be exhibited in a major international exhibition beginning August 29th at the Lyceum Theatre Gallery in San Diego California. I'm honored that my artwork was among 111 images chosen out of 16,000 entries from 57 countries. The final images were judged by Charlotte Cotton, the curator and head of the Photography Department at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. If you happen to be in the San Diego area between August 29th and November 1st and would like to view some awesome photography, please stop in.

The Flower Moon

2009-05-11T23:02:00.001-07:00

Mount St. Helens and the upper Toutle River Valley, Washington
Nikon D700, Nikkor 28-80, 4 stop nd, 6 sec @ F8, iso 800

One of the grandest views I have ever laid eyes on. It is here that Castle Creek (right), the North Fork Toutle (center), and Coldwater Creek (left) come together as one. These ribbons of rain and snowmelt have cut their way through the May 18, 1980 debris avalanche that now covers the upper Toutle River Valley. It's a symphony which carries a story of time and constant motion to the highest ridges of this open landscape.

From the Ashes

2009-03-31T15:19:00.000-07:00

Three of my Mount St. Helens photographs were published recently as part of a feature story in the spring issue of National Parks Magazine. The article, "From the Ashes," written by Carol Wissmann, explores the pros and cons of St. Helens becoming a National Park. You can read the article at the National Parks Conservation Association website.

International Conservation Photography Awards

2008-08-31T20:00:00.000-07:00

I recently entered the ICPawards photography contest and my image, "Fire Mountain," was selected as the Landscape Winner. What an honor it was to win the award and meet Art Wolfe, the founder of the competition. The competition drew many exceptional photographers from around the world. It was great to meet some of them at the awards ceremony the other night up in Seattle. From August 30-October 12, my image, along with the other winning photographs will be on display at the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle, Washington.

This image of Mount St.Helens was made at the tail end of a 3 1/2 year eruptive phase that began in September of 2004. During this time, The Mountain produced many spectacular steam and ash eruptions and built a massive lava dome.

It took a few different tries to make this image. My first attempt was in July of 2006 when I climbed to the summit at night and made the image "Breathing Dragon." While I was happy with the shot, I felt there needed to be more detail in the shadows. September of the following year I made a second night climb to the summit. The dome had crumbled a bit and the amount of magma rising up from underneath the mountain had decreased. I spent all night making exposures of different lengths. Using my 50mm 1.4 lens set to 2.8, I exposed several frames for 30minutes. "Fire Mountain" was my favorite of the bunch.