The Magic of Nature

The Magic of Nature

Not long ago, I was sitting outside at sunset, watching the swallows fluttering and swooping around catching bugs in flight. Every so often, two swallows would zero in on the same bug, causing a near collision in mid-air. This would result in some unhappy squawking and scolding, after which the birds would carry on as if nothing had happened. As I watched this amazing and entertaining show, it occurred to me that birds are magic.  The more I thought about it, the more I realized that nature is magic. If you pay attention, you will often see what I mean. Even with all the scientific knowledge humans have acquired, there is still so much we don’t completely understand. Yet, understanding is not needed to fully appreciate the wonder of it all.

"Barn Swallow Calling" by Loree Johnson Photography. Barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) perched on driftwood and calling for its mate. Barn Swallow Calling

After the extraordinary experience of seeing Pacific Gray Whales close up in the wild and beautiful Smith River, I decided to revisit some of the magic that touched me this year as winter slowly made way for spring. With so much magic all around, only a small fraction of it gets captured with my camera. My hope is that the images you see here and in my galleries convey some of that magic.

"A Match Made in Heaven" by Loree Johnson Photography. The Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna) and the fuchsia flowers are truly perfect for each other. A Match Made in Heaven

Sometimes it’s a movement you catch out of the corner of your eye, and when you turn to look, you can’t believe what you’re seeing. And then, just as fast as it caught your attention, it’s gone.

"Otter at Full Speed" by Loree Johnson Photography. River otter (Lontra canadensis) running full speed toward the Smith River in northern California. Otter at Full Speed

Sometimes, it’s something you have admired and wished to see for yourself. For example, the bird on the cover of my Sibley’s Guide, which turned up one rainy day in a campground on the Oregon Coast.

"Varied Thrush" by Loree Johnson Photography. The brightly colored varied thrush (Ixoreus naevius) is a cheerful sight on a rainy day at the Oregon Coast. Varied Thrush

Sometimes, it’s the thing you’ve seen many times, but it comes and goes quickly and you never know exactly when to expect it. I’m very grateful to have noticed the fiddleheads before they transformed into ordinary fern leaves.

"Fiddlehead" by Loree Johnson Photography. A sword fern in the fiddlehead stage is a sure sign of spring in the Pacific Northwest. Fiddlehead

Other times, it’s a bird you have been hearing for days, but never managed to catch a glimpse of. Then, all of a sudden, there it is.

"Spotted Towhee" by Loree Johnson Photography. Spotted towhee (Pipilo maculatus) perched in the brush. Spotted Towhee

And then, once in a great while, nature gives you an unforgettable experience. Such as the incredible beauty of this once-in-a-lifetime sunset at–where else–Sunset Bay, Oregon.

"Mystical Sunset" by Loree Johnson Photography. As I waited for the sun to set from the beach at Sunset Bay Oregon, I noticed some unusual clouds forming beyond the rocks. Then, as the sun went down and the colors began to intensify, the strange clouds took on the appearance of brush strokes in the sky. It is days like these that remind me how truly wonderful it is to be alive. Mystical Sunset

We all experience the magic of nature, if we’re open to it and paying attention. I bet you see a bit of magic in nature every day. I’d love to hear about your magical nature moments, both big and small, in the comments. And I hope you have a magical day!

I need your help.

I need your help.

After spending the last month back in my home town with family and friends, and doing a lot of work on my motor home, I’m beginning to realize I’ve taken some things for granted. When I set out on this journey, almost a year ago, I was very diligent about making sure my “home” was in tip top mechanical shape. I bought new tires, had the brakes overhauled, and got a clean bill of health on it from a reliable mechanic. But, the combination of little leaks, minor problems, and some brutal wind on the way to my current destination has been something of a wake-up call regarding the integrity of the coach. It’s not that I didn’t expect some issues when I set out in a 20 year old motor home, but I did expect it would last me for at least 3 or 4 years. Considering the latest issues, the mortality of this RV would appear to be approaching sooner than I thought.

Cathedral of the Moon; Full Moon in the Cathedral; Sedona Moon; sedona az; arizona; red rock country; cathedral rock; full moon; sunset; evening; light; spires; pillars; desert southwest; unforgettable; vortex; spiritual; nature; natural; orange; red; sky; formation; rocks; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

Night begins to fall on Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona as the full moon rises.

I’ve really grown to love this lifestyle over the past year, and I will do whatever I can to continue. And here’s where I’m asking for help from you, my friends and fans. I’m either going to need some serious (meaning expensive) repairs done to this home on wheels, or I’m going to have to replace it with a newer (used) one. I have some savings set aside, but it’s not enough. So I’m calling on everyone who likes my work and would like to see this journey continue, to please show my portfolio to as many people as you can. Especially if you happen to know someone who has decision making power regarding the decorating of corporate, government, or business offices, as this is where most of the sales of my prints come from. I offer discounts for multiple prints and I’m also open to licensing agreements. Here is the link: Loree’s Portfolio

good morning; sunrise; dawn; clouds; upward; outward; sun; rays; island; wizard island; crater lake; national park; oregon; or; scene; scenic; breathtaking; in; and; the; a; on; over; to; of; with; under; above; against; nature; natural; Loree Johnson

Good Morning Crater Lake

I will continue to make the repairs I can as they are needed, but at some point, it’s going to go beyond my DIY ingenuity. It’s possible that it already has. Rest assured, my safety is not at risk, but the livability of this home of mine is coming into question. I will do whatever it takes to continue until I cannot any more.

Colorado Light; sunlight; clouds; sunset; high mountain road; western slope; gunnison county co; glory rays; god rays; crepuscular rays; sun; sunburst; curve; drive; into the sunset; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

Sunlight and clouds just before sunset as seen from a high mountain road somewhere on Colorado’s western slope.

I also know that things have a way of working out just as they are supposed to, so I’m paying attention to whatever life brings my way. If I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that these bumps in the road inevitably turn out to be opportunities in disguise. I’m already keeping my eyes open for an affordable, but newer motor home. I’m already looking around at the cost of repairs. I will do whatever I can to continue down this road (pun intended), including asking for help from everyone out there who reads this blog. Help me get my photos in front of as many eyes as possible and help me continue doing what I believe I was meant to do. Thank you so much for your support.

Fall at Multnomah Falls; peak; splendor; autumn; glory; glorious; colors; colorful; entrance; Mutlnomah Falls; Oregon; or; scene; scenic; Columbia River Gorge; historic; waterfall; leaves; leaf; trees; beauty; beautiful; in; and; the; a; on; over; to; of; with; under; above; against; Loree Johnson

The peak splendor of autumn in all it’s glorious colors at the entrance to Multnomah Falls in Oregon’s scenic Columbia River Gorge.

 

Sedona, my impressions

Sedona, my impressions

Having recently spent some time near Sedona, Arizona, it strikes me how the “tourism industry” can spoil a place. With somewhere between 2 and 4 million visitors a year, Sedona is a very popular tourist destination. The Chamber of Commerce touts tourism as the “core industry and economic generator” for the town. I use the word town loosely. Sedona is really a city pretending to be a small town. The small town image is obviously more attractive to visitors.

Cathedral Rock Sunset; oak creek; sedona az; arizona; sedona; reflected; marvelous; sublime; spiritual; vortex; heavenly; desert southwest; red rock country; Coconino National Forest; water; clouds; pink; blue; trees; weather; mirror; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

Heavenly sunset at Cathedral Rock, reflected in Oak Creek in Sedona, Arizona.

There are some absolutely gorgeous sights to see around Sedona, including Cathedral Rock. But, there are a limited number of places to photograph the lovely natural beauty of the area, due to massive commercial and private development. Most views of the stunning natural red rocks are blocked by golf resorts, hotels, and sprawling private mansions with huge KEEP OUT and NO TRESPASSING signs posted everywhere.

Sedona Moon; sedona az; arizona; red rock country; cathedral rock; full moon; sunset; evening; light; spires; pillars; desert southwest; unforgettable; vortex; spiritual; nature; natural; orange; red; sky; formation; rocks; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

Watching the full moon rise between the spires of Sedona, Arizona’s Cathedral Rock is a truly unforgettable experience.

Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the wonderful and unique natural landscapes around Sedona. What I didn’t enjoy were the four lanes of bumper-to-bumper traffic, the “tourist information” buildings on every corner that are nothing more than fronts to sign people up for high-pressure time-share sales pitches, or the uppity attitude of the campgrounds when they found out I had the audacity to try and secure an rv space less than a year in advance. As it turns out, I’m glad I couldn’t get a space in Sedona, since I ended up staying about fifteen miles away in Cottonwood, which is a lovely little town with friendly people and unpretentious shops and restaurants.

Magical Sedona; Cathedral Rock Double Rainbow; sedona az; arizona; sedona; red rock country; desert southwest; mystical; magical; spiritual; heavenly; beauty; nature; natural; sublime; clouds; weather; rain; foreground; reflection; water; pool; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

Double rainbow over Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona. Recent rains have left pools of water, creating an opportunity to capture a reflection of the famous, mystical rock in the foreground.

While I love natural wonders, I prefer my nature with a bit of remoteness and solitude rather than a huge dollop of commercial development and modern conveniences. Obviously, the millions who flock there each year feel differently than I do, and that’s fine with me. To each their own. All in all, I’m glad I went to Sedona, if only to say I did. Suffice to say, it’s not on the list of places I want to go back to.

Please take heed if you live in a lovely little town, surrounded by natural wonders, and believe that tourism is the panacea to all your economic woes. Careful what you wish for. Your town could become another Sedona.

 

 

Stories behind the images – The Pacific Ablaze

Stories behind the images – The Pacific Ablaze

This is the first in a new series of posts where I will be sharing the stories behind the images. While not every image has an interesting story, some of the images in my gallery came about through unusual, funny, or strange circumstances. This is the story of one of them.

This story is a bit embarrassing, but since one of my most popular images came out of it, I suppose I should tell.

This image was taken in 2011. Suffice to say, I’ve learned a lot since then, but this is one of the lessons that really stuck with me.

Staying at Harris Beach campground, near Brookings, Oregon, it’s usually a given that there will be at least one spectacular sunset during the trip. And Harris Beach State Park has several places, set up with benches where people like to view the sunsets. On this particular evening, I set off from camp to go capture some sunset photographs at one of these vista points. I packed my camera, with the right lens pre-attached, carefully into my bag and grabbed my tripod. The walk from camp to the vista point would take approximately ten minutes.

When I arrived at the spot, there were already a handful of people there taking in the view. I put down my pack and proceeded to extend the tripod legs, moving around and looking for just the right spot. All the while, the other people at the viewpoint were commenting about how “professional” I was and asking me questions about photography. This was quite an ego boost, since I had only been serious about photography for a couple of years.

As I confidently answered their questions, I opened my pack and took out the camera, now satisfied with the tripod’s position. As I started to mount the camera on the tripod, I noticed the quick release plate, which is always attached to the bottom of the camera, was missing. The plate is needed to attach the camera to the tripod.

At that point, I began a frantic search through my bag trying to locate the critical piece of equipment. By now the sun was beginning to set and the others were snapping away with their phones and pocket cameras. Meanwhile, I was digging through my camera bag.

Suddenly, I realized that the plate was attached to my telephoto lens, back in the camper. I had been shooting osprey earlier in the day and had moved the quick release plate from the camera to the long lens in order to steady my shots of the birds.

The same people who had been asking me for photography advice just moments before were now watching me with puzzled expressions as I failed in attaching my camera to the tripod. I knew if I walked back to camp to fetch the part I needed, the sun would be gone by the time I came back.

So, with a very red face, and my over-inflated ego popped, I folded up the tripod and found a place on the guard rail/fence to set my camera. As the curious looks spread around the viewpoint, I clumsily explained how I had forgotten my tripod mount plate and would now have to improvise. Moments before, I was being admired and stroked for my “professionalism.” Now, I was awkwardly attempting to get a few shots with my camera balanced on a fence rail. Talk about a lesson in humility!

The upside to this story is that having to use the fence put me at a lower point of view than I originally intended. Thus allowing the plants to become a prominent foreground element and adding some extra color to the image. And, I now own a spare quick release plate, which stays permanently in my bag for just such an occasion.

The stuff of dreams

The stuff of dreams

My first week on the road has been dreamy and a bit surreal. I intended to write a “bon voyage” post when I set off, but leaving day was rather stressful and very emotional. I didn’t expect the tidal wave of emotions that I experienced. I also didn’t expect it to take ALL DAY to load up and depart, especially since preparations had been ongoing for more than a month. The first two days of this new life were spent in Lava Beds National Monument. This is one of the reasons it was a bit surreal. I have gone on many day trips to the area over the years. The Lower Klamath and Tulelake Wildlife Refuges in the area are a couple of my favorite places for wildlife photography. Only this time, it wasn’t just a day trip. Very weird to think I wouldn’t be heading back home at the end of the day.

After spending the first day organizing my new space, absorbing the monumental change, and getting my emotional balance back, I was ready to get out there with my camera.

perched; red tailed; juvenile; hawk; curious; look; looking; at; on; post; fence; talon; talons; beak; eye; feather; feathers; tail; sit; perch; sitting; perching; raptor; bird; predator; bird of prey; nature; natural; wild; wildlife; petroglyph point; lava beds national monument; in; and; the; a; on; over; to; of; with; under; above; against; irrigation; sprinkler; agriculture; Loree Johnson

Perched

elegant egret; great egret; white heron; white egret; flight; fly; flying; water. lake; reflection; waterfowl; tulelake national wildlife refuge; bird; wild; wildlife; grace; graceful; in; and; the; a; on; over; to; of; with; under; above; against; Loree Johnson

Elegant Egret

The plan was to move on to central Oregon and explore new territory, go some places I had never been. But, after passing a mileage sign on the highway that said “Crater Lake – 38 miles,” well, a spontaneous detour happened. As is the case with most National Parks I have camped in, Crater Lake has few amenities. Two days of camping without any hookups, wi-fi, or cell phone service also happened to coincide with the autumnal equinox and my 52nd birthday. Instead of a cake, I had Oregon-made dark chocolate covered toffee from the gift shop. Yum! It was a birthday unlike any I’ve ever spent, and it was the best!

First Light on the Pinnacles; crater lake national park; oregon; or; fumaroles; volcano; volcanic; ash; chimney; pinnacles; dawn; sunrise; trees; forest; scene; scenic; nature; natural; geology; in; and; the; a; on; over; to; of; with; under; above; against; Loree Johnson

First Light on the Pinnacles

cloudcap sunset; crater lake national park; oregon; or; highest; elevation; paved; road; sunset; dramatic; wind; storm; clouds; view; scene; scenic; reflection; water; blue; sky; skies; nature; natural; in; and; the; a; on; over; to; of; with; under; above; against; Loree Johnson

Cloudcap Sunset

It was hard to leave Crater Lake because it seemed every time I went out to photograph, mother nature obliged with an amazing light show.

crater lake glory; crater lake national park; oregon; or; watchman overlook; wizard island; blue; orange; glow; heavens; dawn; sunrise; glorious; unrivaled; first; morning; water; clouds; scene; scenic; nature; natural; in; and; the; a; on; over; to; of; with; under; above; against; Loree Johnson

Crater Lake Glory

But, after being off the grid for the better part of three days, it was time to get back to civilization, or at least electricity. And this time, it truly is new territory.

So here I sit, in central Oregon, surrounded by mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, waterfalls, and volcanoes, wondering what amazing sights await and where to go next. So far, it’s been even better than I had hoped. And now I wonder why it took me so long to go ahead and live the dream.

 

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