Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Snowshoeing

Last weekend I discovered a beautiful snowshoeing hike. Just across from Stevens Pass Ski Resort a cat track leads up to a cell tower. That wasn't the beautiful part. From the tower we followed fellow snowshoer tracks up to a frozen lake and from there continued up to a rocky peak. I could see the jutting rocks topped with snow from below, but it wasn't until we got up there that the grander of the view was revealed. Below us lay the ski slopes and highway, and all around us a sea of peaks making up the Cascade Mountain Range. Blue sky and fast moving clouds made for a dramatic backdrop as we couldn't believe our eyes.



The drive back to the city wasn't boring either. The swimming hole near Gold Bar, Washington was iced over. Light snowflakes started to fall as we were chilled by just the sight of the river flowing under huge icicles. The rope swing hung with a seat of ice on the surface, making it hard to imagine this place in summer. It did feel like a winter playground however.




Friday, December 11, 2009

Cityscape


A little while ago I was asked to photograph the Seattle skyline at night. But I had to wait for the clouds to clear. They finally did as the temperature dropped to 20 degrees! There are a lot of good views of Seattle and I wasn't sure which one was best. So the other day I grabbed my hat and gloves and took the first shot from Gas Works Park looking South at downtown. I love the reflection in Lake Union, but it didn't wow me.

So the next night I ran out to West Seattle at dusk. As luck would have it it was a beautiful, clear (cold!) day. As the sun retreated over the horizon the light reflected back in the skyscraper glass and lit up the city.

Maybe I'll start a collection of views...



Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Country Fun

I recently made a trip over the mountains to Wenatchee, one of my favorite places in Washington. The desert landscape, big skies and wineries make it a very beautiful place. This first shot was taken on a hike right in the town. I love the rolling hills covered in shrubs and grasses leading to the lone tree at the top. On the way down we got caught in a downpour that sent us sliding down the hill in the mud.


The other highlight of the trip was going to a local winery's tomato festival. Beautiful heirloom varieties, delicious food, good wine and live music made for a very fun evening.


The White Heron Cellars Winery looks out over fields of vines with the Columbia River Gorge as the backdrop. Just as the sun was low in the sky, I captured this shot that to me really represented the feel of place. The country in the old truck, the majestic beauty in the landscape and the wine in the cup!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Following People Around

My friend Andrea realized that she didn't have any photos of herself or her and her husband that she really liked. So she and Bryan took the train up from Portland and I followed them around for an afternoon taking pictures of them. I took the standard cute poses, but the fun ones were of them walking down the street, drinking coffee or admiring koi fish. The Sculpture Park made for a great background, especially since Bryan is a landscape architect. I really enjoyed just having a bit of a tour around town with them- my camera attached to my eye.


Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Carmel by the Sea

Where better to go in September than central California. I got to go to Carmel for my good friends' wedding. It was so nice to walk on the beach and breath in the salty air. The day of the wedding huge swells crashed on the beach and a heavy fog rolled in. The waves even came about a foot from the ceremony, which made it even more exciting. It was beautiful and I secretly thanked the photo gods for the fog. Here are some of my favorites:




Running from the waves!



The other highlight of the trip was visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium. So fun!



Thursday, August 20, 2009

Orcas Ferry

On a recent trip to Orcas Island in the San Juans, I photographed the ferry's journey through the fog. It was late morning and the fog was slow to move from the islands. The ferry was late and since I couldn't see it anywhere I was worried I wouldn't make it to Orcas in time. But then it emerged from the fog like a ghost.
It's approach was slow unlike the rush of bikers, walkers and drivers to get off.
Once we were reloaded and got out in the sound, it became very eerie as the ship entered the fog. Nothing could be seen through the white blanket.

My favorite shot is of this ferry worker peering through the fog just as lost as the passengers.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Sara & Will's Big Day

On Friday July 24th, 2009 Sarah and Will tied the knot and I got to be there to document it. 11 hours and 2,000 photos later, I was very pleased with the results. Everyone was all smiles and made my job easy. And now I can say I've shot a wedding at the Edgewater Hotel! Here are my favorites:

My favorite one of all!:



And this one is more from an artists perspective- I just love everything that is going on here!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Hood River

My last stop on my summer train of travels was Hood River, Oregon. I wanted to spend my birthday weekend outside adventuring and couldn't think of a better place than the Hood. Camping, kite sailing, hiking, kayaking, swimming, wine tasting and more went down. I think the overall theme for the weekend other than fun was the WIND.




Tuesday, July 7, 2009

On location in Wallace, Idaho

I was recently hired to photograph the lovely little town of Wallace, Idaho. The timing was perfect as I was already in Spokane, so on a beautiful sunny day I drove over and spent the day documenting the 'vibe' of Wallace. I couldn't of asked for a better day. The weather was perfect, the locals were extremely friendly and the place was hoppin' (for a small town at least). It was really fun to talk to everyone and discover the cutest stores and best restaurants. It was tough sampling the local huckleberry pancakes and a Wallace brew, but I endured. Here are my favorites:

The locals ride these around town.


The smokehouse owner and his famous ribs.


The Red Light Garage is a popular place.


Can't forget the Oasis Bordello Museum that shows Wallace's mining and brothel history.


A woman and her pouch just after biking the Hiawatha Trail.

And the pancakes at Brooks Hotel, mmm.