Dream Tomorrow, Live Today, Cherish Yesterday

Palouse Pals

Canon 5D Mark II, 300mm F/4, f/6.3, 1/200, iso 500

I had been online friends with John Barclay for a while when I decided to participate in a photo workshop in The Palouse, in Eastern WA. There I met his partner in crime, Dan Sniffin.  I didn't know then that I would be moving to WA, and had no idea would make many good friends on that trip.

Have done several more trips with them since, including the trip to Cuba earlier this year (celebrating Dan's birthday). Knowing these two men has really improved my life. What great people.

And so it is that they are in the Palouse at this very moment. Seems a shame we are all in the same state, and not getting together. But they are busy and so am I. Details to be revealed later. In the meantime, enjoy today's image of the great Palouse, America's Tuscany.

Storm and Ferry

Leica M9, 90mm F/2.8, f/6.7, 1/4000, iso 160

We are still getting a few nice rainstorms coming our way. Nice sky and even better with the ferry gliding through.

On the Wing

Canon 5D Mark II, 70-300mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, iso 200

Such an exotic bird. I wish they weren't so camera shy though. Without an incredibly long lens it's hard to get a nice frontal shot.

Fun Friday - The Coasties

Canon 5D II, 70-300mm, F/6.3, 1/800, iso 200

We can always tell when we are about to get a visit from a big Navy ship. First the way is cleared by these hot Coast Guard attack boats. What do you think, best job in the Coast Guard? Looks like the pilot was checking me out!

Getting my ducks in a row

Canon 5D Mark II, 70-300mm, f/6.3, 1/500, iso 1250

Almost a year ago to the day, I was in contact with the then owners of our Washington home as they were moving out. In nearly every email, Paul mentioned how much I would be enjoying the migratory waterfowl that spent time here each spring.

Last night the tide was in and these gorgeous birdies were catching the evening sun on our "big rock." It's too bad they are so skittish, I wish I could get down to the beach and get more of a frontal shot. But this way we can see the amazing plumage.

Okay, one of you birders, chime in and tell us the species!

The House of Palouse

Canon 5D Mark II, 70-200mm F/4, f/4, 1/320, iso 640

Driving around one afternoon with my photog buddies Ellery and Joe, we found this spot. You know how I am, that "Nature reclaiming what man has built" theme. Been a while since people lived here, wouldn't you say?

This turned out to be my wife's favorite Palouse image. I had it printed quite large on canvas and now it hangs in our bedroom.

 

My kind of afternoon

Canon 5D Mark II, 180mm F/3.5, f/3.5, 1/500, iso 250

An old car, beautiful field, a bit of a rainstorm, photographing with friends. My kind of afternoon.

Boatin Sunday

Canon 5D Mark II, 70-300mm, f/6, 1/400, iso 200

Another image from the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Show. When you have a beautiful wooden boat, you must have a matching wooden dinghy to go ashore with, right? Beautiful craftsmanship

Fisheye Friday

Canon 5D Mark II, 15mm F/2.8 Fisheye, f/9, 1/500, iso 200

On Monday, my wife and I took in the famous Skagit Tulip Festival. A well known destination for photographers and admirers.

I had brought along my fisheye lens, imagining a shot like this. Most of my fisheye inspiration comes from blog buddy Rian, he of www.digitizedchaos.com. Rian is the blogging fisheye master if you ask me!

We went on a Monday to avoid the massive crowds that visit on the weekends. Getting there first thing I was able to get a shot like this without the tourists, just a couple of farm hands. Fisheyes are fun! Rian old buddy, what do you think of this one? (Others feel free to comment as well, on Friday's comments are completely no charge.)

The benefit of...

Canon 5D Mark II, 70-300mm, f/5.6, 1/250, iso 200

..being an early riser.