Welcome to my blog! Here I discuss how I get my photos, the process, the surprises, the challenges, and what inspires me. I will also focus on how I get my water drop photos, and what I learn along the way.
Thank you for visiting!
Rainy days and Saturdays won't get me down
Here's how I spent my Saturday morning. I went hiking in the Gorge this morning, along the Elowah Falls/Upper McCord trail, on a misty, rainy wet day with a good photographer friend. I actually like the photos I took along the way, better than the photo of the falls. It really was about the journey and not the destination!
We came upon a great sea of licorice fern, as far uphill as the eye could see, and then on the downhill side of a steep cliff. The layers of the forest always amaze me. Bright green ground cover, like the ferns, then the spindly vine maple trees above them, vying for the sun, and the tall, tall Douglas fir trees reaching for the sky. A great way to spend the morning, as shortly after that, the rains and the wind came in full force and we were glad to be indoors, wrapping our hands around a warm cup of coffee!
Milky Way--The zero calorie, guilt free treat
I love being in dry, desert like climates. There is something about the crisp crunch of grass under foot, the smell of the air, the chirping of crickets and the complete darkness that appeals to me. Last weekend I got to spend a perfect Saturday evening with my photography friends--first at the Observatory in Goldendale, Washington, then at the Maryhill Stonehenge memorial 15 miles away. These tall, concrete giants are quite the sight to behold, and with great views of the Columbia River and the Gorge, it's a peaceful place to spend an evening. We even had a coyote that kept howling and coming closer, then disappeared into the night.
There is very little light pollution out here. To have such an unimpeded view of the starts is a treat. Who wouldn't be awe inspired? Looking up at them, I cannot fathom how big the universe really is. I feel I am but a teeny, tiny speck, in the grand scheme of things...
A little history on the memorial: The Maryhill Stonehenge was the first monument in the United States to honor the dead of World War I (specifically, soldiers from Klickitat County, Washington who had died in the still on-going war). The altar stone is placed to be aligned with sunrise on the Summer Solstice. Hill, a Quaker, informed that the original Stonehenge had been used as a sacrificial site, and thus constructed the replica as a reminder that humanity is still being sacrificed to the god of war. The monument was originally located in the center of Maryhill, which later burned down leaving only the Stonehenge replica. A second formal dedication of the monument took place upon its completion on May 30, 1929. Sam Hill, who died in 1931, lived long enough to see his Stonehenge completed.
Photography Collection at SW Washington Medical Center
I am very pleased to announce, that SW Washington Medical Center has purchased a dozen of my photographs, for their reception area, hallways and patient rooms! I love that the hospital is supporting artists in the community! My photos are of local landscapes, such as Hood River, Multnomah Falls, North Oregon coast etc. These will be hung up sometime in August, hopefully, so stop by the Neurology clinic and see them, if you are so inclined! The photo below, was taken at Lake Sacajawea Park last Fall.
Louisa and Mo's Wedding
Recently I had the pleasure of photographing Louisa's and Mo's wedding. They made my job so easy! One thing I love about weddings is that I get to be close to the bride and groom, to share in their special, emotional time. I feel honored to be included in this important, life changing event! Here are a few photos.
Sparks of Hope Charity Gala
I recently had the pleasure of partnering with Angela, owner of Photography by Ajay, for "Sparks of Hope", 2013 benefit auction at the Convention Center. Sparks of Hope is a non profit organization whose mission is to grant wishes to children that are sexual or physical abuse survivors. Their wish could be anything from a new pair of shoes, to a birthday party, to a musical instrument to play. I was very impressed with the organization, the people supporting it, and of course, Lee Ann Mead, the founder of Sparks of Hope.
What a great mission they have, to help survivors, heal and eventually, thrive! It was very inspiring to hear the stories and heartbreaking at the same time. Events for the night included a silent auction, gourmet dinner and dessert, along with special guests Amy Roloff of the show "Little People, Big World", Timber Joey, and Mike Fourtner (from Discovery Channels’ Deadliest Catch), among other VIP guests.
Please support this fine organization, as they do great work!
