These are two of the students from the Focus on Youth organization that works to empower at-risk youth through photography classes. We teach the students how to use film cameras, process film and make prints in an 8 week period. It’s been interesting to go back into the darkroom after more than 7 years of shooting digitally.  You can visit their web site at www.focusonyouth.org

Sign outside a Portland restaurant on Hawthorn street. I didn’t check out the menu, but I will next time I’m in the area.

This beautiful old barn sits up in the mountains above the Columbia River on the Washington side.

This is Bolsey, my miniature Australian Shepherd, he rides shotgun with me when we go out scouting locations or taking scenic shots. He loves to ride with his head out the window even if it’s snowing or raining.

It was another beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest on January 2nd. We had a white Christmas and the snow continued for several days. It’s tough to stay in the house when it’s so visually alluring outside, so on go the chains and off to the high country to make photographs.

The great thing about the Pacific Northwest is the changing light and all the possibilities offered by rain, fog, sunshine and everything in between. The same location can take on an air of mystery, zen calmness or brilliant spectacular beauty depending on when you’re there.

On Memorial Day I saw a tough looking group of motorcyclists gathering for a ride and being a motorcycle rider I decided to stop and find out where they were headed. I discovered they’re the Patriot Guard Riders who attend funeral services of fallen American heroes as a show of respect and to shield the mourning families from interruptions created by protesters. They were going to the Memorial Day service at Fort Vancouver to stand as flag bearers around the perimeter of the ceremony. It was touching to see a group of burly guys reciting the pledge of allegiance and saying a prayer before the ride.  Read the rest of this entry »