Saturday, August 28, 2010

Crown Point

My friend Bruce (check out Bruce's photos from this evening) and I decided to forego a good night’s sleep and try to capture the northern lights that were reported to maybe be visible as far south as Portland earlier this summer.  It was great taking the drive out and having good discussion with Bruce.  The air was thick and hazy.  We agreed that our chances of seeing the northern lights were gone.
We stopped at Crown Point, a landmark of the Portland area.  We enjoyed trying to take some creative images of the Vista House at Crown Point, including light painting. Light painting is “painting” the subject with a flash light during a long exposure.  When done right, it can add a pleasant flair to a night photo.

We also each took turns walking around the Vista House and illuminating it through its stained glass while the other took a long exposure.  I really like the effect that this gave and would love to try this again some time.
The last photo is unique due to the thick and moist haze from this evening.  It was taken from the east side with the city lights from Portland glowing in the haze.  There is not much done to this photo in post processing to get this effect.  It was achieved only by the long exposure itself.


3 comments:

  1. These concepts are great. I'd never heard of "painting" before. Makes me want to get out and try it. I like these a lot, especially that first one. The blue in the sky looks great.

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  2. Every time I look at another one of your photos my creative juices start flowing again. What great night shots!

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  3. Thanks for the comments Kile and Terry. So much creative fun can be had with a camera and a tripod!

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