Portland Under Clouds

 Portland is a grand city, having much character, being more than buildings, abounding with people following their own drummer.

Your All My Slaves

As I was parked in a location to take some pictures of a waterfall, I looked over the edge of the road embankment and saw this wall of an old building foundation covered in graffiti.

Looking at and taking care of flowers speaks to the soul.

There is little in this world having the natural beauty of a flower, being no exception is this azalea in my garden. 

Bridges of Portland

After several angles taken of this bridge I settled on this closeup of the lift structure.

While taking pictures of some of Portland's bridges, this train entered my frame, quickly focusing, carefully composing, shooting, triumphant.  Converted to B&W in Photoshop.

I have long liked the bridges of Portland. I hope to get some good and interesting shots of most of them.

Having procrastinated for about three years, I realized that the foliage was soon going to take away my opportunity to get a picture of this old Highway 30 bridge. It is at the intersection of Cornelius Pass Rd and Hwy 30. The growth of ivy and the weeping willow are perfect for the feel of the shot I was after.

As I drove to work each day I watched the progress of this new light rail bridge being built. On this particular morning, I chose to be late for work, so I could get this shot.

St. Johns Bridge, Oregon

The St. John's bridge is a beautiful Oregon land mark, and I have long wanted to photograph it. Over this past year I have created a growing file of pictues.. This one, in Black & White is one of my favorites.

Oregon is often wet but even then, there is so much beauty to be found.

Ghosts of Yesteryear

I had wanted to photograph the old Highway 30 bridge and to my surprise my camera picked up the ghosts of the bridges glory days. At least, that's my story.

Beauty at the side of the house.

I was coming down with a nasty cold and didn't feel much like doing anything, especially going outside. Teri came in the house and suggested that I go take some pictures of the rohododendrons at the side of the house. Knowing that blossoms don't always wait around for me to feel like getting out to take pictures, I decided to gather my equipment and see what I could do. This is the favorite of the shots I got that day. As it turned out, it was the only highlight of the week. I spent the rest of it in bed feeling very poorly.  ISO 500, f4.5, 1/60th, 57 mm  *** Updated note:  Looking at this shot today, I see a flat uninteresting shot.  I guess shooting while sick is not such a good idea. 

The Good Mother

We have enjoyed watching a pair of Robins build a very sturdy nest on a drain pipe by the deck outside the dining room of our home. It was fascinating to watch as they kept the eggs warm while sitting almost constantly day and night. 

Last year a pair or Robins attempted to build a nest in this same location, but it seemed that they were novices and just couldn't get it right. We don't know if the birds chose a different location or simply had to forgo giving life to a new generation.

In capturing this shot, I set up my tripod, attached the camera and and 70-400mm lens. With cable release in hand, I sat in a deck chair while I waited for the mother to return with delicious worms. The babies immediately raised their little heads high, begging for the tasty treat. ISO 320, f5.6, 1/60th, 400mm

On their way out.

Flowers are truly one of natures most fascinating creations. Nearing the end of the flowering phase, this specimen showed off with a new beauty. One that I could not leave un-photgraphed. Camera settings - ISO 125, f2.8, 1/250th, 55mm.

By a Hairs Breadth

My wife, Teri, and I went to a high school track meet to watch one of our precious granddaughters participate in some running events. Not wanting to miss out on any opportunities for photography, I made sure I had my camera in hand. The high jump offered some good shots. This one, offered not only a talented jumper, but one with color and style. Camera settings ISO 250, f8, 1/640th, 190mm.