Ebb and Flow
Ocean wave action at Cape Kiwanda, Oregon. This is one of my favorite locations on the Oregon Coast. The sandstone formations are very unique and if the waves are not too extreme, it's a great place for landscape photography.
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From New Images
Cascade Sunrise (2013)
A fiery winter sunrise above White River Canyon on Mount Hood, Oregon. This was one of the most spectacular sunrises I have ever seen. I had a feeling it was going to be a good one when the horizon started glowing ~45 minutes before the actual sunrise.
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From In the Mountains
The Maple, Autumn 2017
Fall colors at the famous Japanese Maple in the Portland Japanese Garden, Portland, OR.
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From Japanese Gardens
Totality Unexpected (2017)
An artistic interpretation of the North American Total Solar Eclipse in August 2017. The coloration here is actually due to the crazy amount of lens flare that my lens caught as totality ended. Lens flare is very common when photographing directly into the sun, but I've never seen anything like this. Rather than try to remove the flare, I decided to let it be and I'm happy with how the image turned out.
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Third Contact (2017)
The sun begins to emerge after totality during the North American Total Solar Eclipse in 2017. At our location in Madras, Oregon, totality lasted for 2 minutes and 3 seconds. During totality, the temperature dropped ~20 degrees F and the wind went completely still. Being able to witness this event in person was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life!
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Day Turns to Night (2017)
The "diamond ring" effect captured during the North American total solar ecplise in August 2017. The diamond ring is visible for a few seconds just as totality begins or ends. Timing is everything! At our location in Madras, Oregon, totality lasted for 2 minutes and 3 seconds. During totality, the temperature dropped ~20 degrees F and the wind went completely still. Being able to witness this event in person was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life!
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Spring Cascade
The combination of falling water, lush moss and diffused light all came together to create a very inviting springtime scene in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon.
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Winter Tranquility (2016)
Sunrise alpenglow illuminating Mt Hood and a thready altocumulus lenticularis cloud on a cold winter morning. This is an image that I've been trying to capture for the past several years and it finally became a reality during the winter of 2016-17. Watching the lenticular cloud dancing over mountain made for a very enjoyable morning!
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Absolutely Still (2016)
Mt Hood reflected on the surface of Trillium Lake at sunrise in the Cascade Range of Oregon. On many summer mornings, the surface the the lake is completely smooth just before sunrise. A few minutes after the sun rises, the air over the lake starts moving and the mirror like reflections are gone.
North AmericaUnited StatesPacific NorthwestOregonMt HoodTrillium LakeSunriseReflectionBlueLandscapeCascadesCascade RangeCascadeMountain
From In the Mountains
Reflections (2015)
Elowah Falls reflected in a small pool below the falls. The vibrant and lush spring vegetation which surrounds this waterfall really adds to the beauty of the scene. This is one of my favorite waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon!
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Alluvion
An incredible amount of water flowing over Elowah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon.
In December 2015, the Pacific Northwest received a record amount of rainfall. The rain was intense for several days and flooding was widespread throughout the region. The town of Cascade Locks, Oregon, which is located in the middle of the Columbia River Gorge, received 24.48 inches of rain in the month of December. This was double the normal amount of rain. With all of the heavy rainfall, the waterfalls were absolutely raging in the gorge. I was lucky enough to be able to make it out during the peak of the flow and this is my favorite image from that day. Even though I wore my full rain gear and waders, I was completely soaked after spending the day out there!
This image was quite a challenge to capture due to the intense spray coming off the main waterfall and the pouring rain. To deal with all of the spray, I covered my camera/lens with a small umbrella while I found my composition and got everything set up. When I was ready to shoot, I would quickly lift the umbrella straight up and fire off a few frames. Within 5 seconds the polarizer was completely covered with spray and rain drops. I would then cover the camera back up with the umbrella and dried everything off with microfiber cloths and Kim Wipes. When everything was ready, I would repeat the process. I spent over an hour shooting this scene and managed to get 4 usable frames. The process was challenging, but it was definitely worth it!North AmericaUnited StatesPacific NorthwestOregonColumbia River GorgeElowah FallsWaterfallRainFogMistFlood stagegreen
Abiqua Falls Winter Monochrome
Abiqua Falls surrounded by icicles and frozen spray during significant cold snap, December 2013.
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Autumn Mist (2015)
Fog winding through the Sandy River Valley near the town of Sandy, Oregon. If you are driving to Mt Hood from Portland, it's worth stopping at the Jonsrud Viewpoint. The views can be spectacular!
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Light My Way (2015)
The Milky Way and millions of other stars above a field of alpine wildflowers and Broken Top in the Three Sisters Wilderness of Oregon. It was an incredible experience watching the stars slowly move across the sky while being surrounded by this beautiful landscape. To me it seemed like the broad-leaved willowherb wildflowers were looking up and admiring the stars just like I was while capturing this image!
North AmericaUnited StatesPacific NorthwestOregonThree Sisters WildernessBroken TopMilky WayAstrophotographyStarsNightWildflowersMountainbroad leaved willowherbpurplelandscape
From The Dark of Night
The Ice Kingdom (2014)
Fresh snowfall and ice in a remote section of the Columbia River Gorge in February 2014. The first rays of sunlight add a touch of warmth to this otherwise icy scene. Conditions like this are extremely rare in the gorge and only occur every 4 to 5 years.
I hope when you view this image you feel some of the cold which I felt that morning in the gorge! It was extremely cold out there!LandscapeColumbia River GorgeIceIcicleOregonSnowUnited StatesWaterfallWinterPacific Northwestblue
Jefferson Twilight
Deep snow and sunset alpenglow on Mt Jefferson, Mt Jefferson Wilderness, Oregon.
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From The Dark of Night
Abiqua Ice
Abiqua Falls, Oregon surrounded by icicles, snow and frozen spray.
In early December 2013, the Pacific Northwest experienced a run of record low temperatures. The temperature was well below freezing for several days, which created a significant amount of ice around many of the waterfalls in the region. During the freeze, I had a chance to visit Abiqua and it did not disappoint. Abiqua Falls is beautiful during any time of the year, but when the amphitheater around the falls is covered in ice, it is truly extraordinary!OregonScott's MillAbiqua FallsWaterfallWinterSnowIceIciclesblue
Rays of Light (2011)
Warm rays of light shine down above Tamanawas Falls after a winter storm.
This waterfall is one of the hidden gems around Mt Hood and is part of the Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Proposal. It will be a good day when this area is finally protected!Rays of LightNorth AmericaUnited StatesPacific NorthwestOregonLewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness ProposalTamanawas FallsWaterfallSunstarWinterIceSnowblueyellowlandscape
Cascade Light (2014)
Ice, snow and the first rays of sunrise light on Mt Jefferson, Mt Jefferson Wilderness, Oregon.
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From In the Mountains
Wandering Stars (2014)
The Milky Way and millions of other stars above Mt Jefferson, Mt Jefferson Wilderness Oregon.
This is an image from an early season backpacking trip to Jefferson Park. It was a completely moonless night and the stars were absolutely amazing. There was no light pollution at this location, which is an added bonus for central/western OregonPacific NorthwestOregonJefferson ParkMt Jefferson WildernessMountainStarsNightIceSnowSummerMilky WayAstrophotographySkyLandscapeblue
From The Dark of Night
Before the Fall (2013)
A panoramic view of Punchbowl Falls on Eagle Creek in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon. This view is no longer available since a large tree fell in front of the falls this spring and the view is now obstructed.
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Bridge in the Woods (2012)
"Bridge in the Woods" Peak fall colors and a bridge over a small creek in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon.
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Smoky Sparks (2012)
An early fall sunrise at Sparks Lake in the Central Oregon Cascades, September 2012. The smoke from the Pole Creek Fire (near Sisters, OR) can be seen billowing up near Broken Top on the right and this smoke contributed to the haziness seen in this image.
North AmericaUnited StatesPacific NorthwestOregonCentral CascadesMountainsSparks LakeSmokePole Creek FireReflectionSunriseAlpenglowlandscape
From In the Mountains
Falling from Above (2012)
"Falling from Above" A semi-abstract image of falling water and angular rocks in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon.
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The Maple Grove
Moss covered vine maples in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon.
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Winter's Warmth (2014)
"Winter's Warmth II" Snow, icicles and golden light deep in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon. Underneath the surface of the water there are frazil ice formations, which only form when the air temperature is well below freezing.
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Maple Medley
Japanese Maples during the peak of fall color at the Portland Japanese Garden, Portland, OR.
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From Japanese Gardens
"Winter's Warmth" Snow, icicles and golden light deep in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon. Underneath the surface of the water there are frazil ice formations, which only form when the air temperature is well below freezing.
Columbia River GorgeIceIcicleOregonSnowUnited StatesWaterfallWinterfrazil iceScott SmorraPhotographyPhotographerPacific Northwest
"Abiqua Freeze" Abiqua Falls surrounded by icicles and frozen spray during significant cold snap, December 2013.
OregonPacific NorthwestAbiqua FallsWaterfallFrozenFreezeIceIciclesLandscapePhotographyPhotographerScott Smorra
"Fire Tree" Fall colors at the Portland Japanese Garden, Portland, OR.
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From Japanese Gardens
"Pacific Delight" Warm evening light illuminates sandstone rock formations at Cape Kiwanda, Oregon
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From Along the Coast
Oregon Countryside (2013)
Early morning sunlight over spring farmland in Oregon.
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"Lost Emerald" Early spring greens at a beautiful waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon.
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"Two Rocks" Early spring greens and moss covered rocks in a small creek in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon.
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Rowena Sunrise (2013)
The first rays of sunlight shining down over a field of Arrowleaf Balsamroot at Rowena Crest, Oregon in the Eastern Columbia River Gorge. In early spring, the eastern end of the gorge is one of the first places in the region where the wildflowers begin to bloom. After a long Pacific Northwest winter, seeing these stunning wildflowers is very refreshing!
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Lush (2013)
Peak spring greens surrounding a beautiful waterfall deep in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon. Catching the greens at their peak is truly an amazing experience. The colors are absolutely incredible.
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Luminance
Sunrise light over a field of Arrowleaf Balsamroot at Rowena Crest in the Eastern Columbia River Gorge. In early spring, the eastern end of the gorge is one of the first places in the region where the wildflowers begin to bloom. After a long Pacific Northwest winter, seeing these stunning wildflowers is very refreshing!
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Transitions (2012)
Fall in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon.
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Perpetua Glow (2012)
Sunrise light at Cape Perpetua, Central Oregon Coast.
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From Along the Coast
Falling from the Sky (2012)
Peak fall colors and misty fog at Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon. Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon and drops 620 feet.
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Morning Reflections (2012)
Early morning light at Sparks Lake, Central Oregon Cascades
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From In the Mountains
Shimmer (2012)
"Shimmer" Sunrise light and lots of wildfire smoke at Sparks Lake, Oregon. South Sister is visible through the smoke on the left and Broken Top is barely visible just off of center.
I wasn't sure what to expect while I was driving up to the lake in the dark that morning. The air was clear in Bend when I left, but as I drove up into the mountains, I ran into heavy smoke from the Pole Creek fire burning near Sisters, OR. It looked like the sunrise was going to be very unspectacular, until the sun came up over the ridge and illuminated everything in a beautiful golden glow. The light, smoke, water and mist all came together here for a few moments and this is the end result.North AmericaUnited StatesPacific NorthwestOregonCascadesSparks LakeMountainsSunrisewatersmokelandscape
From In the Mountains
Perpetua Sunrise (2012)
Sunrise light at Cape Perpetua on the Oregon Coast. Cape Perpetua offers some of the most dramatic coastline on the Oregon Coast.
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From Along the Coast
Signs of Summer (2012)
A fresh summertime display of Veratrum (Corn Lily) on Mt Hood, Oregon. I can spend hours exploring all of the different comps available in these plants.
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"Mystic Coast" Sunset light on the Northern Oregon Coast. The thin layer of fog helped to diffuse the sunset light and created a dreamy atmosphere in this image. I was drawn to the subtle light here and the lone tree watching over the scene.
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From Along the Coast
Hello Spring (2012)
Wildflowers (bleeding hearts) and spring greens surrounding Ponytail Falls in the Columbia River Gorge. It doesn't get much better than springtime in the gorge...electric greens, wildflowers and tons of water!
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