A Sunset on Gary’s Crack – Photographing Smith Rock Oregon
A Sunset on Gary’s Crack – Photographing Smith Rock Oregon – My latest video at YouTube.
Photography Blog
Welcome to Gary Randall’s Oregon landscape photography blog.
Welcome to my Oregon landscape photography blog. Here, I share stories, photography tips, and behind-the-scenes experiences from over 20 years in the field. I’ve spent decades capturing the beauty of the Pacific Northwest—from chasing light on Mount Hood to exploring forests and waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge.
This blog goes beyond just showing finished photos. I share the journey, the decisions behind each shot, and the lessons learned along the way. You’ll find field notes, how-to articles, gear talk, and creative inspiration.
Whether you’re just getting started or have years of experience, there’s something here for you. I write for anyone who loves photography and the natural world.
My goal is to inspire, educate, and connect with others who share this passion. If you’d like to learn more, take a look at my photography workshops or follow along on my latest adventures.
A Different Point of View
A Different Point of View – The more time that I spend as a photographer the more that I recognize how I handle life equates to how I should handle photography. How just being patient and using simple life lessons can affect my photos.How many times have we been challenged by a situation where when we walk away for a period of time and then return everything falls into place? How many times have I came to a location and walked away without a pleasing photo, or with a photo that I’m proud of, only to return another day and effortlessly snap an impressive photo? What makes the difference? In my life it sometimes is only a matter of looking at the problem with a fresh set of eyes, being there under different conditions, using different tools or techniques for the job. Sometimes it takes all three.
A Winter Afternoon in The Mt Hood National Forest
Gary and Darlene spend some time photographing the forest. I found some time to practice with my Mavic Pro… and I didn’t crash. 😀
Critique and Competition in Photography – The Painted Hills in Central Oregon.
Critique and Competition in Photography – The Painted Hills in Central Oregon.
My son Chris and I took my mom to the Painted Hills this past Sunday. Mom had never been there and was completely stoked by its beauty.
I enjoy taking photo at this location with a long lens. I usually take my 70-200 and shoot little micro scenes of the textures and folds in the hills. I also enjoy the textures of the soil, but I have found that it confuses some people, I’ll explain later.
Photographing Alaska Glaciers and Fjords
Photographing Alaska Glaciers and Fjords – The gurgling sound of the twin 200 horsepower outboard motors mounted in tandem on the stern of our excursion boat mixed with the sound of camera shutters and the random “ooh and ahh” as we cruised back and forth through the still, ice laden water at the face of the massive wall of glacial ice before us. Once everyone was through photographing this incredible scene our boat captain eased forward on the throttle turning the gurgle to a roar as we left the sheltered cove to head back to where we started this incredible day. Our group of intrepid photographers sat at rest enjoying the views after a full day of cruising the Prince William Sound in the Gulf of Alaska photographing wildlife and the immense, wild remote scenery that surrounded us.
Processing Black and White Photos in Adobe Lightroom
Processing Black and White Photos in Adobe Lightroom
Turnagain Arm Sunbeams
Turnagain Arm Sunbeams – The Turnagain Arm is a waterway in the Gulf of Alaska and is one of two branches of the Cook inlet, the other being the Knik Arm. It happens to be one of my favorite places for photography.
Finding Fantastic Focus – Learning Hyperfocal Distance
As you hone your photography skills, you will want to understand how to focus properly and consistently. What you need to understand is something called hyperfocal distance. By focusing your camera at the hyperfocal distance your photo will be in acceptable focus from half that distance all the way to infinity.
Central Oregon Cascade Peak Identification
I had an opportunity to drive to the top of Powell Butte in Central Oregon just to see the view. From this point of view you can see south of Bend all the way to Mount Hood. You’re also able to see Smith Rock. While I was up there I decided to do this short video identifying the various peaks from south to north.
Photography in The Winter
Photography in The Winter
As the Mama’s and The Papa’s once sang, “All the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey”. But that shouldn’t stop you from taking a walk on a Winter’s day. And while you’re at it, don’t think that photography season has passed. I can think of at least six reason why Winter is a great time for photography.