Pictures at Zoka's University Cafe

I have pictures up at Zoka's University Cafe through the end of December, part of an ongoing series called 'Fallen Trees'. This series uses a deliberately restrictive set of compositions, with the goal of studying the variation that can result.

Fallen Tree and Rain Storm,

Lake Crescent

This is the earliest image from the series. I had wanted to take a photograph of a tree in heavy rain like this for several years before the opportunity arose. I was on my way to go hiking, driving around Lake Crescent, when I noticed heavy rain clouds at the far end. I raced around the lake to where I knew this tree had fallen into the water, and managed to get set up just before the heaviest of the rain arrived. The rain was only heavy enough to get a good effect for about 20 seconds.  This image marked a turning point in my photography. Prior to this I had been following a traditional approach to landscape photography – however I was beginning to realize that while this was an enjoyable activity, it was not very fulfilling as an activity of expression. Once I had taken this photograph I became curious about the possibilities of the subject matter (fallen trees) and a more conceptual approach to taking photographs.

Third Beach sunset,
Olympic National Park

I timed this photo for when sunset coincided with high tide, and though the high tide was not as high as I had hoped for, I was happy with the result.

Grovers Creek in winter

Taken while driving to work early one winter morning.

Shine Tidelands,

Shine Tidelands State Park, Washington

Another long exposure, taken just after sunset in early December. I had noticed this log on a previous trip and returned when sunset coincided with high tide (which necessitated a 10 minute wade). The purplish blue color is a reflection of a mix of skylight and red clouds.

Oil City Beach driftwood,

Olympic National Park

A massive pile of drift wood covers this beach at the mouth of the Hoh River. Despite the name, there is no city here and the beach feels very remote.

Chesapeake Bay Dawn,

Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve

A very long exposure taken in light rain during a conference trip to D.C. 

Pohutukawa branch at sunset,

Whangarei Heads, New Zealand

Pohutukawa branches at sunrise,

Whangarei Heads, New Zealand

Taken at the same location as the previous image.

Whidbey Island Sunset

South Whidbey Island State Park