Thunder Cloud Plumb Tree

This tree is my new favorite because it's called Thunder Cloud. For me to bump something from four stars to five it has to have a cool name. I use this measurement for everything from beer to plants. So this tree gets the five stars because of it's beauty and name. Just say the name aloud with a little emphasis. See what I mean?

According to Portland Nursery Thunder Cloud is a purple plumb very common in Portland.

Thunder Cloud. My new favorite because it has a kick ass name.

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First Night of Summer

The boots were probably taken off and left here after the last sidewalk was poured. Why else would flowers be growing in them?

Last night felt like the first night of summer here in Portland. The sun shined bright all day, creating a beautiful evening affect. The dog and I needed to unwind after a log day, so I grabbed my camera and went wandering around my neighborhood.

Sunset paints this American Elm, feeding the leaflets growing into their summer form.

I live in the Hollywood neighborhood. With sidewalks dated 1909 and 1910 it seems to be one of the older neighborhoods in Portland. Combined with the Alameda Ridge and Grant Park neighborhood an evening walk often includes winding cobblestone streets, gigantic maple and elm trees and a steep stair climb from the lower neighborhood up to Alameda Ridge.

My mighty companion enjoys the setting sun.

Of course, I have to have one black and white. 

The natives seem to have left some sort of homage to the gods.

There are wonderful nooks and features all over my neighborhood. I think I'll do a little project on my neighborhood this summer.

Vintage Fishing Village Photos

I've been experimenting with some different processing effects in Adobe Lightroom lately. My wife and I took a trip to the coast a few weeks back and stopped in Newport, Oregon for breakfast. Here's a couple shots from the boardwalk along the bay that I feel are very beautiful in a vintage style.

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HCSC Rail Jam at Bachelor

Last March, I had the honor of photographing the Oregon Interscholastic Snowboard Association's (OISA) State Finals Competition for the third year. 2012 was a big year because it was the event's first time at Mt. Bachelor near Bend, OR.

One of the events was an after-hours the Rail Jam sponsored by High Cascade Snowboard Camp and Mt. Bachelor. The kids jammed through a snowstorm and into the night. The following panorama was my parting shot for the night as I walked inside.

To see more photos from the event check out the OISA Facebook page.