When I looked through my Oregon photos, it was hard to narrow it down to only ten pictures for this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge of Tell us why. These are the photos I chose, shown by category.
Oregon photos of history
Sometimes you take a picture and when you look at it later on a larger screen, you say, “Wow!”
I took this picture of an old homestead without fussing with the settings first. It almost looks like one of those old-time stereoscope images. I like this photo because it captured a glimpse of history.
I took a lot of pictures of the Spruce Goose aircraft in McMinnville and described it in a recent post. When I saw the lines in this photo, I knew it would look great in black and white.
Majestic mountains
I noticed I had many portraits of majestic mountains when I browsed through my Oregon photos.
The first photo, is of Steens Mountain, in southeast Oregon. The lupine was in bloom so I focused on its purple flowers. This 50-mile long mountain is one of my favorite places in Oregon. I like taking pictures that show its powerful presence.
The Painted Hills are a couple hours east of my home in Bend. I waited for a rainstorm since the moisture brings out the colors of the soil. I like how the clouds overhead seem to direct your attention to these magical mountains.
Oregon photos of desert flowers
I have always admired High Desert flowers. They have adapted well to the desert’s hot days and cool nights.
Some, like this bitterroot, are tiny, delicate beauties. Their roots have long been treasured by Indigenous peoples. I like how this picture shows their persistence, despite the harsh environment.
Others, like this evening primrose, open at night and fill the air with an enchanting perfume. This is one of my favorites because the lighting was perfect.
Furred & feathered
If you keep an eye out, you might see interesting sights near home. Favorite photos don’t have to be perfect if they capture a memorable moment.
This Barred Owl visited our yard for about a week, feasting on Pacific Tree Frogs in our pond. The lights are on a timer and happened to be on while the owl was there. Though this picture is slightly blurred, I like how it shows the owl’s concentration while hunting its prey.
Another day, a bunny came right up to our back door where it appeared to have a deep conversation with my cat. Yes, I wish that rock wasn’t on my back porch, but this is still one of my favorite pictures. It makes me smile every time I see it. 😁
Sunrise & sunset
We have amazing sunrises and sunsets here in Bend.
I like to walk near sunrise and was impressed by the warm tones and rays of sunshine piercing the clouds over the landscape on this morning. I gasped when I saw this amazing scene and was happy I got a picture of it before it faded.
On another day, cool-toned clouds framed my favorite western juniper tree. This ancient tree in my yard is my muse. I have photographed it surrounded by colorful clouds, frosted with new snow, embracing a full moon in its tangled branches, and providing shelter for wild creatures. Every day, it reminds me why I have chosen to capture and create images to share with the world.
All are lovely photos. But the cat and the rabbit certainly made me smile.
Thanks, Liz! Yeah, a lot of people liked the bunny & kitty picture when I posted it before. 😀
🙂
I love that you featured Oregon only Siobhan! They’re all special and indicative of your love for your surroundings there. The owl is marvelous (I did remember that one!) and your colorful skies are amazing.But of course the cat and the rabbit is my favorite for the week just because it’s such an unusual moment so perfectly captured!
Thanks, Tina! I decided to narrow the scope to Oregon because there were so many pictures to choose from. It was a good challenge!
PS, also really loved the old barn and windmill.
Yeah, that one is special! Thanks. 🙂
Great photos. LOVE the rabbit and the cat! 😂
Thank you! Glad you liked my bunny & kitty photo. 🙂
Love the shot of the old homestead and the aircraft pic does work well in black and white. Also the cat and rabbit is a great shot 🙂
Thanks! Glad you liked those first two. The cat & rabbit picture has been a big hit. 😁
Outstanding photos. I didn’t know the Spruce Goose still existed.
Thank you, John! I hope you followed the link to my post about the Spruce Goose. You may also like this one: https://bendbranches.com/2023/08/18/evergreen-aviation-mcminnville-word-of-the-day/
Great idea to narrow down the task Siobhan. The cat and rabbit made me smile 🙂
Yeah, that made it a little easier. Glad you liked my cat & rabbit picture.
I really love the desert flowers, Siobhan, especially the bitterroot! And the orange sunrise, wow!
Thanks, Yanti. The bitterroot is only about an inch across. That was a spectacular sunrise!
I love your collection, Siobhan and how it reveals your photographic interests and special moments. The cat and the rabbit…your muse…those beautiful flowers…the Spruce Goose…those incredible skies…Lovely!
Thank you, Patti! It was a fun challenge. 🙂
Love how you focus on my Oregon photos, Siobhan! What a beautiful and special gallery!
Thanks, Amy! As you know, it’s hard to narrow down your favorite pictures. Glad you liked my gallery.
I love how you’ve chosen to focus on your home state for this challenge. The mountain images stood out for me in particular, your compositions really emphasise their majesty!
Thanks, Sarah! I almost put the mountains first because I liked them too.
You have showcased Oregon in all its glory. There is so much to see and do in your beautiful state. The homestead WAS a great capture and I love the one of Steen Mountain.
Thanks, Donna! Yes, as you know, there’s a lot to see here.