Friday, February 28, 2014

Crater Lake National Park (Part 1) w/ Odell Lake and Lowell - Oregon, USA

From 7/17/2013 to 8/2/2013, I took a road trip from the SF Bay Area to Vancouver, BC, Canada. Half of the trip was spent driving up the west coast. On my trip, I visited many famous places such as Seattle, Butchart Gardens, Mount Rainier, and much more. Obviously I got many coastal shots and many places that isn't as famous. The reason I am posting it now is because the high amount of photos I took equaled a high amount of processing time. I took a bit over 2000 photos on the trip. After stitching the panoramas, compositing the HDRs, and picking out photos from the repeats, I have a bit over 1000 photos to show you guys. The photos will be split into parts. I will link you to the previous and next parts on each post just like I did with my Death Valley National Park photos and my Yellowstone/Grand Teton National Park photos. Hope you enjoy viewing this chain of posts!

Full Resolution Photos and Prints: If you want to see full resolution photos or buy prints of any of the photos you see, they are up on my portfolio for viewing. To view my best Oregon photos, use this link. To view my best Crater Lake National Park photos, use this link. To view all of my day 14 photos, use this link.

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Today I have photos from many places in Oregon including the famous Lowell Covered Bridge in Lowell, Oregon, Odell Lake, and they well known Crater Lake National Park. The photos from Crater Lake National Park will be split into 2 parts. The lake of Crater Lake National Park was formed from a collapsed volcano. The island in the middle is called Wizard Island. The lake itself is 1,943 feet (592 m) deep at its deepest point making it the deepest lake in the United States, 2nd deepest in North America, and the 9th deepest in the world. Upon getting to Crater Lake National Park, the whole area was covered in heavy smoke. At the time, we didn't know what it was. It wasn't until I got to Lava Beds National Monument, the park ranger told us that there were several forest fires burning around the area in Oregon itself and the surrounding states contributing to the low visibility and smell.

 My first destination is near Lowell Covered Bridge in Lowell, Oregon photographing the Dexter Reservoir.
  Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 54 36 N 122 46 46 W   

Here is a black and white process of the above photo. This was one of the best scenes I saw on this trip.  

 Here is the view on the other side of the bridge/road. Not as good in my opinion. 
  Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 54 38 N 122 46 48 W   


A photo of the forests in Oakridge, Oregon. 
   Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 44 39 N 122 28 00 W   

 A photo of the forest in Crescent, Oregon. 
 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 36 48 N 122 04 04 W   

Now I approach Odell Lake in the Deschutes National Forest. On the left is Odell Creek. 
 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 32 57 N 121 57 45 W   

 Another photo of Odell Creek getting closer to Odell Lake. Beyond that yellow tree that has fallen is Odell Lake. There are many logs and driftwood at where the creek meets the lake. 
 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 32 57 N 121 57 46 W  


I walk into Odell Lake for some shots. This (in my opinion) turned out to be one of my best shots ever. 
 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 33 01 N 121 57 48 W   

Black and white process of the photo above.  

 Another photo from the same spot but different angle. While the lake looks very clean in my shots, walking into the river, I noticed a thin layer of gasoline on top of the lake. The lake is polluted probably from all the fishing boats in it. 


Driving toward Crater Lake National Park, I stopped to get a photo of the forest. This was when I first started smelling smoke. It wasn't a very strong smell, but I could definitely smell it. I thought maybe they were just doing a controlled burn like the ones they do in Yosemite National Park and other forests to help promote tree growth.  
 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 05 14 N 121 58 34 W  

Photo shot at the ticketing station for Crater Lake National Park. This was from the North Entrance Station. Look at how thick the smoke is down the highway. 
 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 04 40 N 122 07 05 W  

A black and white process of the photo above.  

My first destination is the Pumice Desert. That is not fog you are seeing, but smoke. This is an HDR composition.
 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 01 43 N 122 07 12 W  

 Here is another photo of the Pumice Desert from a slightly different angle. 
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 43 001 44 N 122 07 12 W  


Shot a few scenery shots on the drive to Crater Lake. This is an HDR composition. 
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 42 57 57 N 122 09 07 W  

Here is another scenery shot on the drive to Crater Lake. As you can see, that is all smoke from the surrounding forest fires! I will continue with the photos from Crater Lake and Wizard Island in the next post. 
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 42 54 54 N 122 09 08 W   

Black and white process of the photo above. 

These are all the photos for today. I hope you have enjoyed viewing them. Next time I will continue with the rest of the photos from Crater Lake National Park. Please don't forget to share the blog post with your friends and family members! Also, if you want to get notifications when I post up more photos, "Like" us on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and Instagram. These links can also be found on the top of the right sidebar.

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Copyright Warning: These photos are some of my best and most popular works of art. Unauthorized usage and reproductions are strictly prohibited. Please contact me here to purchase prints and negotiate photo licenses.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Reflection Lake/Paradise - Mount Rainier National Park (Part 3)

From 7/17/2013 to 8/2/2013, I took a road trip from the SF Bay Area to Vancouver, BC, Canada. Half of the trip was spent driving up the west coast. On my trip, I visited many famous places such as Seattle, Butchart Gardens, Mount Rainier, and much more. Obviously I got many coastal shots and many places that isn't as famous. The reason I am posting it now is because the high amount of photos I took equaled a high amount of processing time. I took a bit over 2000 photos on the trip. After stitching the panoramas, compositing the HDRs, and picking out photos from the repeats, I have a bit over 1000 photos to show you guys. The photos will be split into parts. I will link you to the previous and next parts on each post just like I did with my Death Valley National Park photos and my Yellowstone/Grand Teton National Park photos. Hope you enjoy viewing this chain of posts!

Full Resolution Photos and Prints: If you want to see full resolution photos or buy prints of any of the photos you see, they are up on my portfolio for viewing. To view my best Mount Rainier National Park photos, use this link. To view all of my day 13 photos, use this link.

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Today I have part 3, the last of my photos from Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, USA. If you ever visit Washington, I highly recommend you visit this park! It is a very beautiful place. Just bring lots of mosquito repellent. I got around 20-30 bites from 3 minutes out of the car in some areas! That was not fun. Even after I used mosquito repellent, a few stubborn ones still came at me. Now some brief information about Mount Rainier. Mount Rainier is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. The volcano stands 14,411 ft (4,392 m) and is located 54 miles from Seattle, Washington. While the snow capped peak seems harmless, this is an not a dead volcano and can cause some deadly damage if it erupts.

On the drive to Paradise, here is an HDR composition of Mount Rainier from the highways in the park. 
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 46 07 N 121 42 42 W   

Reflection Lake was one of the most beautiful places I visited. The water sure was cold though!
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 46 06 N 121 43 42 W   

A black and white process of the photo above.  

 Shot off another photo of Reflection Lake and Mount Rainier from the same spot.  


Walked around the lake to check for better angles. 
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 46 06 N 121 43 41 W   

A photo of the lake shore. Photo shot from the same spot.  

After walking around a bit, I thought the grass growing in the lake would make a nice foreground. I didn't have to move far for (in my opinion) one of the best shots I've ever taken. Since it didn't move that far, the GPS didn't register a new position.  

 A black and white process of the photo above. 


On the drive to Paradise, spotted a small waterfall in Paradise River. Decided to stop for a shot. Due to the harsh shadows, I had to bring up the shadows quite a bit in Camera RAW which is why you see the noise. 
 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 46 42 N 121 44 20 W   

 A photo of Mount Rainier from the Paradise parking lot. Looks a lot like a fake backdrop doesn't it? I think that is why they call it Paradise. It was a very amazing view. From Paradise, you can hike to the summit (if you are fit enough).
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 47 04 N 121 44 30 W   

I hiked into the meadows just a little bit. Here is an HDR composition of Mount Rainier. 
 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 47 07 N 121 44 28 W   

 Another HDR composition from the spot. 


Walking to another area of Paradise, I suddenly spot a mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus).  

Just one more photo of the mule deer before it left.  

Hiked up a little bit further on another trail in Paradise. Here is an HDR of Mount Rainier and the meadows.
 Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 47 11 N 121 44 11 W   
  
Still in Paradise, here is a photo of the Paradise Inn (left) and the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center (right). 
  Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 47 13 N 121 44 11 W   

Black and white process of the photo above. 

These are all the photos for today and for the 13th day (Mount Rainier National Park). I hope you have enjoyed viewing them. Next time I will continue with photos from Crater Lake National Park. Please don't forget to share the blog post with your friends and family members! Also, if you want to get notifications when I post up more photos, "Like" us on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and Instagram. These links can also be found on the top of the right sidebar.

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Copyright Warning: These photos are some of my best and most popular works of art. Unauthorized usage and reproductions are strictly prohibited. Please contact me here to purchase prints and negotiate photo licenses.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Sunrise/Tipsoo Lake - Mount Rainier National Park (Part 2)

From 7/17/2013 to 8/2/2013, I took a road trip from the SF Bay Area to Vancouver, BC, Canada. Half of the trip was spent driving up the west coast. On my trip, I visited many famous places such as Seattle, Butchart Gardens, Mount Rainier, and much more. Obviously I got many coastal shots and many places that isn't as famous. The reason I am posting it now is because the high amount of photos I took equaled a high amount of processing time. I took a bit over 2000 photos on the trip. After stitching the panoramas, compositing the HDRs, and picking out photos from the repeats, I have a bit over 1000 photos to show you guys. The photos will be split into parts. I will link you to the previous and next parts on each post just like I did with my Death Valley National Park photos and my Yellowstone/Grand Teton National Park photos. Hope you enjoy viewing this chain of posts!

Full Resolution Photos and Prints: If you want to see full resolution photos or buy prints of any of the photos you see, they are up on my portfolio for viewing. To view my best Mount Rainier National Park photos, use this link. To view all of my day 13 photos, use this link.

Next Post >>
<< Previous Post

Today I have part 2 of my photos from Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, USA. If you ever visit Washington, I highly recommend you visit this park! It is a very beautiful place. Just bring lots of mosquito repellent. I got around 20-30 bites from 3 minutes out of the car in some areas! That was not fun. Even after I used mosquito repellent, a few stubborn ones still came at me. Now some brief information about Mount Rainier. Mount Rainier is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. The volcano stands 14,411 ft (4,392 m) and is located 54 miles from Seattle, Washington. While the snow capped peak seems harmless, this is an not a dead volcano and can cause some deadly damage if it erupts.

In my opinion, this is one of my best shots ever (and of Mount Rainier). Photo is of the Sunrise Day Lodge up in Sunrise in Mount Rainier National Park. 
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 54 54 N 121 38 33 W  

A black and white process of the photo above. 

Now for some flowers at Sunrise. This is a Magenta Paintbrush (Castilleja parviflora). On the sides are the Broadleaf Lupine (Lupinus latifolius).


Photo of the Broadleaf Lupine (Lupinus latifolius). 

I was not able to identify these flowers. If you know, please tell me in the comments below!

An HDR composition of the peak of Mount Rainier at Sunrise. 
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 54 52 N 121 38 40 W  

Another HDR composition from Sunrise. 
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 54 49 N 121 38 33 W  


I hike a little bit on Silver Forest Trail near Sunrise. 
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 54 47 N 121 38 31 W  

HDR composition from Silver Forest Trail. 
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 54 45 N 121 38 31 W  

Another HDR composition zoomed in from the above post. Photo is of Mount Rainier. 

Another HDR from another view point on Silver Forest Trail. 
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 54 43 N 121 38 28 W  


Taken on the way to Tipsoo Lake. HDR composition of Mount Rainier. 
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 54 37 N 121 32 13 W  

Another HDR composition from the spot above. 

Here is a photo of the highway in Mount Rainier National Park. 
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 54 36 N 121 32 13 W  


Now I arrive at Tipsoo Lake. 
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 52 11 N 121 31 10 W  

The trail leading into Tipsoo Lake. 
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 52 11 N 121 31 07 W  

Here is a photo of Tipsoo Lake.
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 52 10 N 121 31 06 W  

Another photo of Tipsoo Lake. I would have loved to spend more time there, but this was another mosquito hell in the park. I got bit all over! These mosquitoes sure are poisonous! The bumps swelled up immediately, but they also went fast. Most of the bumps disappeared by the end of the day. 
Approximate GPS location (type into Google) according to the Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver: 46 52 10 N 121 31 05 W  

These are all the photos for today. I hope you have enjoyed viewing them. Next time I will continue with the last of my photos from Mount Rainier National Park. Please don't forget to share the blog post with your friends and family members! Also, if you want to get notifications when I post up more photos, "Like" us on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and Instagram. These links can also be found on the top of the right sidebar.

Copyright Warning: These photos are some of my best and most popular works of art. Unauthorized usage and reproductions are strictly prohibited. Please contact me here to purchase prints and negotiate photo licenses.