Balloons Over Bend Night Glow 07.23.11

On our journey south from Mount Hood to Bend, we encountered some car trouble. When we reached Bend, the car died. Luckily a helpful gentleman pushed us into the parking lot and then we found out that we needed oil. We prepared to walk to the gas station and as we departed another gentleman in a private tour bus asked if we needed a ride. He was extremely friendly and told us about all of the events going on that evening, one of which was the Balloon Glow. I used to go to the Balloon Glow in Kent growing up, so I was excited to experience that again. The event was smaller than what I was used to with 5 balloons. The 3 balloons below were grouped together and my challenge was to be ready to capture the moment when all 3 were lit up together. It took a few tries, but I was successful. My goal was to capture the joy and whimsy of the glow, which I feel the colors and the tree accomplished. 

"To love beauty is to see light." - Victor Hugo

Trillium Lake and Mount Hood 07.22.11

There is nothing I like better than spontaneously discovering a new place to be surrounded by the beauty of nature. While driving towards the Mount Hood area, I pulled out my phone and simply googled a place with a view of Mount Hood. After some searching we found that we were near Trillium Lake. 2 miles off of U.S. 26, the lake has a campground and boat ramp. This picture was taken from the pier near the boat ramp. My goal was to capture the colors the sunset was creating on the mountain and in the reflection of the water. 

"Forests, lakes, and rivers, clouds and winds, stars and flowers, stupendous glaciers and crystal snowflakes - every form of animate or inanimate existence, leaves its impress upon the soul of man." - Orison Swett Marden