My Oregon Photography Blog

Antique Powerland Steam Engines

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:23:00 +0000

Antique Powerland Steam Engines

Located in Brooks, Oregon is the Antique Powerland Museum. Over sixty acres of “Antique Pleasure Toys”...steam powered equipment...farm and construction implements.

OK! It's kind of a boy place (well some girls, too). Actually, it's a very interesting place for all to visit. There's a lot to do and see and it's very educational.

Antique Powerland Steam Engines

1936 Chevrolet Truck

Antique Powerland Steam Engines

Steam Roller

Antique Powerland Old Tractor

Steam Tractor

Antique Powerland Old Tractors

Antique Powerland Steam Engines

Steam Powered Sawmill

Electric Streetcar

All the photos on this page are taken in High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography. For those that don't know, three photos are taken of the same thing with the camera on a tripod. One shot is underexposed, one shot is right on and the last shot is overexposed. All three shots are then combined in a software called "Photomatix" and processed. Final processing is then done in Photoshop.

You may say, "So what?" HDR brings out the full range of a photo...much like your eye does. Take a look at the streetcar. Normally, you would see just the interior and the exterior would be too bright and hard to distinquish in a normal photo.

Many modern DSLR cameras can take the three shots automatically. I can even do it with my Nikon Point and Shoot, but I have to manually change settings each time, whereas my Pentax DSLR does it automatically.

If you want to know more about HDR, leave a comment on my blog and I will try to answer ASAP.

All Rights Reserved My Oregon Photography Blog, Thom Richards, Copyrighted 2011-2012 Please keep this site active by checking out my quality advertisers! Also, please see bottom of page for Product Disclosure and Privacy Disclosure!

Classic Cars

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 17:11:00 +0000

Classic Cars

Last summer, my wife and I went to Carlton, Oregon for their "Walk In The Park" festival. They featured some cool classic cars and I was fortunate to photography a few.

If you have never been to Carlton you are missing a major wine tasting place in Oregon's Wine Country. It's a quaint little town that you can easily spend the day in and have a ball.

All I had was my Nikon Point and Shoot but you'll get the idea. Please enjoy!

Classic Cars

Bauman Farms Two

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:06:00 +0000

Took somemore pics of Bauman Farms in Gervais, Oregon. A shot of one of the sheds in the garden area and two of the children's play area.

All are taken with a Point and Shoot and were converted to High Dynamic Range Photography (HDR)using a single exposure. My puppy is pulling me around the place...he just gets super hyped about the place.

Bauman Farms

Happy Valley Park

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:32:00 +0000

Happy Valley Park

Nestled right to Portland is Happy Valley, a sprawling residential area with a cool park.

On the surface it looks like any other park, meaning it has ball fields, tennis courts and a dog park. But, unlike any city park it has acres and acres of wetlands that are next to none.

I took a few shots with my Nikon Point and Shoot. I love to experiment, so I converted them to HDR (High Dynamic Range) Photography through Photomatix software.

Single shots, mind you. I'm trying to prove a point that you can develop maybe some different and interesting kind of photography with just a point and shoot.

Actually, I can take a full range of exposures with my Nikon (bracketed shots) if I use a tripod. But, this day I wanted to see what I could do with one exposure.

Happy Valley Park

Old Textile Mills In Oregon

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:24:00 +0000

Old Textile Mills In Oregon

Had the privilege of touring the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill (Part of the Mission Mill Museum) in Salem, Oregon last Friday. I have toured it before, but it has been many years ago.

The first time I didn't take any photos, this time I did. It's a great place to visit. Between visiting this old textile mill and gift shops, restaurant and historic structures throughout the complex you can have a very exciting and fulfilled day.

This is the third post on the Mission Mill Museum complex. See Part One Here and Part Two Here.

Thomas Kay Woolen Mill

Old Textile Mills In Oregon

Grounds At Mission Mill Museum

Mission Mill Museum Gift Stores

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:17:00 +0000

Mission Mill Museum Gift Stores

In an earlier post I had photos and talked about the Mission Mill Museum in Salem, Oregon. However, it was on a Sunday..it was closed and had to photograph it from the outside.

Well not to worry! How about another day? And, this time photographing the inside of the place in HDR...concentrating on the super cool gift shops, and inside the textile mill rather than the out buildings like in the earlier post.

The gift shops are a conglomerate of different themes all expertly integrated into one large area. There is a central cashier who was nice enough to let me photograph it all.

My wife, and one of our friends were there with me. We were all impressed with the caliber, the uniqueness of the gift shops...really something to see. I hope my photography does it justice.

No flash was used...they don't allow them. Also, there is no way can I could get all the photos I took into one post...so more to come!

Mission Mill Museum Gift Stores

Danner and Soli

Mission Mill Museum Gift Stores

Bauman Farms Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:24:00 +0000

Bauman Farms Garden

One of the great places to visit is Bauman Farms in Gervais, Oregon. It kind of started out as a fruit stand -type operation and grew into...how should I put it, an empire?

Now days, it consists of a general store with fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers...tons of outbuilding with farm animals and all kinds of things for kids to do. Also, they have excellent seasonal activities, especially in October.

I can't emphasize enough on how huge the place is and how much fun for the family it is. But, the photos posted here are centered on only one thing, and that is the flower garden that they have built and landscaped over the years.

The photos were taken a long time ago and things have changed, but you'll get the idea of what they have done. All the flower gardens are built up with topsoil for excellent irrigation qualities and have a grass walkway around them.

Bauman Farms Garden

Shore Acres Park - Coos Bay, Oregon

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:22:00 +0000

Shore Acres Park

Located in Coos Bay, Oregon (I'm a big fan of Coos Bay) is the Shore Acres Park, located on the Cape Arago Highway on the coast. It is an absolutely gorgeous setting and a must visit if you come to Oregon, especially when things are in bloom.

Besides blooming season, the best times to visit it are at Christmas when it is decorated with thousands of lights. The other best time is to visit anytime!

Originally, it was the property and estate of a lumber baron Louis Simpson. Unfortunately, due to some bad business circumstances the estate fell into disrepair and was eventually purchased and taken over by the State of Oregon for a park site and public use.

My wife, puppy and I visited the Park on a very rainy day, I mean rain....things were not in bloom...it wasn't Christmas. So all the pics here do not even come close to depicting the beauty of this outstanding setting...not to mention an outdated point and shoot camera to take these photos.

Shore Acres Park

Crown Point Vista House

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:53:00 +0000

Crown Point Vista House

One of the cool places to visit in Oregon is the Crown Point Vista House which is located in the Columbia Gorge. Actually, it should be the first place you visit if you are going to tour the Gorge and it's not far from Portland.

It was built, circa 1917 as a scenic wayside as folks were traveling on the old Columbia River Highway to get to other scenic spots up the Gorge. It's a must place to visit...it has a panoramic view that won't wait and a cool gift shop.

Because it's way up high over the Columbia and I84, most folks don't even bother with the Visit House. Big mistake!

Unfortunately, most tourist stop at Multnomah Falls as they drive down 84 and that is as far as they get.

The photo of the Crown Point House, and the shot across the river, as shown here were taken ten years ago on a 4 megapixel point and shot camera. Recently, I converted it to High Dynamic Range (HDR) and tried bring out some of the detail of both scenes.

View from the Vista House

This is looking north from the Vista House toward Washington.

Cape Meares Lighthouse

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:41:00 +0000

Cape Meares Lighthouse

Just west of Tillamook, Oregon is the Cape Meares Lighthouse. It was build in 1889 and named after Captain John Meares who was the first one to sail into Tillamook Bay.

If Tillamook, Oregon doesn't ring any bells...say "Cheese!"

It has the distinction of being the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. If you ever get to chance to visit, and see how far it is down to the water you will understand that it doesn't have to be real tall.

Cape Meares Lighthouse

Cape Meares Area

Gladstone Oregon Flying A Service Station

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:46:00 +0000

Gladstone Oregon Flying A Service Station

This is an old Fly A Service Station that has been restored, and then some! It is located about 6 miles south of Portland in Gladstone, Oregon.

It is not an active service station. What it is is the world headquarters for Cycle-Express which specializes in accessories for motorcycles and off-the-road vehicles.

The owner was more than kind to let me photograph part of the inside area, which is full of memorabilia. I shot everything in High Dynamic Range (HDR). Please enjoy!

Gladstone Oregon Flying A Service Station

The Ceiling

A Black and White Interior Shot

Gladstone Oregon Flying A Service Station

THE CAPPER!!!

Mission Mill Museum

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:08:00 +0000

Thomas Kay Woolen Mill 1898-Mission Mill Museum

Located in Salem, Oregon the Mission Mill Museum is a must stop. It consists of the eighteen hundred era Thomas Kay Woolen Mill, Jason Lee House, John Boon House, Methodist Parsonage and a Water Power Interpretive Center sponsored by Portland General Electric.

Also, it has places to eat and shop. There is a lot to see...and very educational if you plan on visiting.

Jason Lee House 1841- Mission Mill Museum

There was a lot of fog the day that I took this shots. The place was also closed, so I couldn't venture into the building and take photos. I have been on a tour there, but it has been years. Enjoy!

Methodist Parsonage 1841-Mission Mill Museum

Mission Mill Museum Outbuilding Exhibits

Mission Mill Museum Grounds

Rear Mission Mill Museum Gift Shops & Cafe

Willamette Queen Sternwheeler

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:02:00 +0000

Willamette Queen

Sternwheeler, steamboat, paddle-wheeler, whatever you want to call it the "Willamette Queen" is a colorful steamboat situated at Riverfront City Park in Salem, Oregon. And, colorful cannot be overstated.

Richard Chesbrough who is the owner and Captain of the vessel was so kind as to let me come aboard and photograph whatever I wanted to photograph. They were very busy getting ready for a luncheon excursion and could have told me to buzz off, but he didn't.

This always tells me a lot about folks, so I am going to give them a plug! It is available for excursions, dinners, lunches, weddings, you name it... 200 Waterstreet North East, Salem,OR 97301 (503) 371-1103.

Although, most of the photos here were taken inside, it was a super foggy day outside. And, I couldn't get a full shot of the vessel without incorporating fences and so forth.

Also, in this same park is a carousel and a superb sculpture of Governor Tom McCall. In my opinion Oregon's finest governor ever. Please enjoy!

Willamette Queen

Willamette Queen Buffet Tables

Willamette Queen Dining Area

Willamette Queen Bridge-Elvis was there!

Willamette Queen Bridge-Controls are off to the right!

More Willamette Queen Bridge

Governor Tom McCall

Riverfront City Park Carousel in Salem, Oregon

Settlemier House Woodburn, Oregon

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:54:00 +0000

Settlemier House Woodburn, Oregon

Here are some photos of the Jesse Settlemier Victorian-style home located in Woodburn, Oregon. It was built in 1892 for the outrageous amount of $10,000. It is 5000 square feet and has 14 rooms and sits on three acres.

It was recorded on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Today, it is vacant and tours are offered the first Sunday of each month and are open to the public at a nominal fee. The house is also available as a rental for weddings and other special events

I took these shots on a super foggy day...so please forgive.

Settlemier House Woodburn, Oregon

Milwaukie Oregon Photography | No, Not That Milwaukee!

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:20:00 +0000

This is a sculpture right next to City Hall in Milwaukie. Hey, if you look closely they have Xmas tree lights on the fir tree already! Holy Jumpin' Up And Down Martha!

Years ago, my wife and I lived in Milwaukie, Oregon. A spelling thing! Not spelled Milwaukee! It's a cool little place right on the border of Portland...but it's nothing like Portland!

It has a small downtown area with nice shops and restaurants and it seems like it is a million miles away from Portland. Few know that it is the home of “Dark Horse Comics”.

Also, they have one of the coolest, world-class “Sunday Markets” anywhere, along with always great live music and great food. Ooh, and a lot of people that visit the Market come from Portland and probably from Milwaukee, too.

Like most of my other “My Oregon Photography Blog” posts I try not to photograph the obvious. I try to photograph the not-so-obvious.

Some golden leaves in downtown Milwaukie...They're free...you rake!

Another sculpture right next to Milwaukie's City Hall

This is a cool berry bush next to the Milwaukie Downtown Library

Ok! This is my favorite shot right next to the Milwaukie City Hall!

Not even one Oregon Duck would pose for me...so, it's all a big blurry mess!

West Coast Animal Park | They're Just Plain Animals!

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:53:00 +0000

West Coast Animal Park- I love you!

My wife and I love to go to Bandon, Oregon which is about twenty miles south of Coos Bay on the coast. Hands down one of the coolest beaches in Oregon. And, we drive a long ways to get there but we usually stay for a couple of weeks.

We have driven by it many times, but have never stopped at the West Coast Animal Park until our last visit to Bandon in the spring of 2011. It was a big mistake not to check it out before.

It is a first-class theme park...both for kids and adults...the animals like it too! It is located about five miles south of Bandon on 101. Didn't take the fancy DSLR into the Park. Instead just the plain P&S. I will let the photos do the talking!

West Coast Animal Park - A Group Hug?

West Coast Animal Park - I'm a Fox! What did you expect an ugly?

West Coast Animal Park - Can't quite keep the peepers open!

West Coast Animal Park - Please join me for a nice lunch at my place! Come on in!

West Coast Animal Park - Don't bug me, baggin' some rays, man!

West Coast Animal Park - Rocks beat out any posturepedic mattress out there any day of the week!

West Coast Animal Park - Ooh, and please don't to forget to bring a nice Chianti for lunch!

West Coast Animal Park - Bug me and I'll bug you, man!

West Coast Animal Park - Ooh, my darling...unleash me!

West Coast Animal Park - Pooh Bear? Got to find hony, hony, hony! I'm hungry for some hony!

West Coast Animal Park - Walk right up and pet me!

West Coast Animal Park - For the Dumbies: Grab a tiger by the tail!

West Coast Animal Park - A Vegan Lunch...what did you expect?

Silverton Oregon Photography in HDR

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 14:27:00 +0000

Bobbie The Wonder Dog

Silverton, Oregon is the original home of Bobbie the Wonder Dog, a Collie mix that was separated from his family in 1923 while on vacation in Indiana. Unfortunately, they didn't find Bobbie before having to return back home to Oregon and had to leave without him.

Not to worry, six months and 2,800 miles later Bobbie returned home to Silverton, on his own, in the dead of winter across plains, deserts and mountains. Impossible you say?

You may want to research and read more about this amazing dog. If you are a dog lover, tears will come!

Anyway, Silverton is a cool town and a must place to visit if you ever venture to Oregon. It is about 20 miles from Salem. And, it's on the way to the famous Silver Creek Falls Park...Oregon's largest park.

I didn't include shots of downtown or neighborhoods. It was too late in the day and movement (cars, people) of any kind is detrimental to HDR photography. Since at least one one exposure of three is long all you would see is blurry people and cars. See here for an explanation of HDR Photography.

I didn't go berserk and photograph everything...a later post will come with more. For now, I photographed along the water (Silver Creek) that flows through downtown and a rather cool park.

All the photos here were taken in HDR. Enjoy!

Looking at Silver Creek

A little bit of follage along Silver Creek

Entrance to the Park

The Park

One of many cool murals in Silverton...Never stop believing!

Old Cars In HDR | Well Trucks Too!

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:32:00 +0000

One of the most popular things about High Dynamic Photography (HDR) is photographing old cars and trucks. So here we go!

All the cars and trucks here were shot in a wrecking yard in Molalla, Oregon. When I say “shot” I mean shot. Leaners and more leaners.

The best part is the 1949 Ford photographed here had a price tag of $3400, plus change. OK!

I guess they are waiting for the poor guy that needs parts badly. Good luck!

Willamette Historic District In West Linn

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:08:00 +0000

Historic Willamette Storefront

My home in Oregon City is almost directly across the Willamette River from the Willamette Historic District in West Linn, Oregon. It's a little confusing since when you enter this Historic District it looks very much looks like a town and a separate entity from the place it is incorporated with...West Linn.

In fact, West Linn (The Big Brother) itself does not have a downtown...but, Willamette does!

The folks in the Willamette District have taken the “bull by the horns” and have blended a historic place with a lot of new facades without destroying the old. It has developed into a superb place to visit, shop and eat.

There were so many cars parked and zooming by I should have taken the photos in the early AM.

I will do that on a nice day maybe next spring.

They also have a super nice park (Willamette Park) that is on the Willamette River. So, not only did I photograph Historic Willamette I also took a couple of shots in the park.

All photos are High Dynamic Range Photography (HDR). Enjoy!

Historic Willamette General Store

Historic Willamette General Store..They have Everything!

Historic Willamette Storefront

Down the Block

Across the Street

This Should Read Willamette Saloon

Downtown Yard Art

Upper Willamette River From the Park

Ramp to the Dock

One Little Tree In Willamette Park

North Oregon Coast Photography - Seaside

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:39:00 +0000

The first series of photographs of the North Coast in this series was taken at Fort Clatsop. The second is Astoria. And the third is Seaside, Oregon.

Seaside was not necessarily a very neat place to visit on the Oregon Coast way back when. It's proximity to Portland, carnival atmosphere, made it a natural place for animals and zombies to visit, get drunk, rowdy and tear the place apart.

All this has changed for the better. And, I would commend some excellent law enforcement practices and people that had the foresight to make it happen!

Today, it's a cool place...with a very cool accessible beach and tons of cool shops, and things to do. A must place to visit. And. it's easy to get to!

A River Runs Through It!

HEY! Where are the Gondolas?

Here are a few more photos of the area. They have the coolest street lamps!

The Famous Broadway Street Turnaround! Who might these famous folks be?

'Tis" Right On The Beach!

A Fog Bank!

All photos are High Dynamic Range Photography (HDR).

Broadway Breezeway

Off Broadway In Seaside

North Oregon Coast Photography | Astoria

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:37:00 +0000

A Tugboat Moored At a Pier On The Columbia River

The first photographs in this series were taken at Fort Clatsop. The second is Astoria...no not New York, and a real favorite place to go.

Astoria is one of the most charming places in Oregon to visit. Lots of cool houses and lots of things to do and see. The hangup is: “The Weather”!

Even if the weather was half as nice as Monterey you wouldn't be able to get within twenty miles of the place. Ooh, as an Oregonian I hope the weather stays like it is!

Here are some pics of the area. Just a few...no real touristy things except the Flavel House! All are High Dynamic Range Photography (HDR). Enjoy!

One Of Just a Few Cool Murals In Astoria

Astoria Mural

Astoria Trolley

OK I Couldn't Resist But To Do An Old Bus In a Nearby Junk Yard Outside Of Astoria

Everybody Takes a Photo Of The Famous Flavel House

North Oregon Coast Photography | Fort Clatsop

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:33:00 +0000

Front Of Fort Clatsop - Winter Stay For Lewis & Clark Expedition

Oregon has a beautiful coastline. No matter where you go on the coast, even inland, you are bound to find beauty.

A lot of Oregon's history is on the North Coast. This is because of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The mouth of the Columbia and the Pacific Ocean is where they ended up on their lengthy exploration from the east.

They stayed a winter in a place called Fort Clatsop, which is just south of Astoria and not to far from the Pacific. This winter retreat has been recreated to reflect on this monumental period in US history and I had the opportunity of photographing it.

Also, I had the opportunity of photographing parts of Astoria and Seaside., Oregon which will be featured in future posts.

All the photos are in High Dynamic Range Photography (HDR) which brings out all the detail in a scene. Please enjoy!

Inside One Of The Fort Clatsop Cabins

This is the Lewis River, this is how Lewis & Clark got to Ft.Clatsop

Part Of One Of The Excellent Walking Paths At Ft. Clatsop

Sacajewea

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Oregon City Photography In HDR Two

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 23:32:00 +0000

The Above photo is actually the rear portion of this home in Oregon City. The owner let me photograph the front of the property which is actually on a bluff. As always all the shots are High Dynamic Range Photography (HDR). Remember to stay tuned for photos of other homes in Oregon City.

The Front of The Home

One Cool Tool Shed

The next house is actually a museum..."The Rose Farm Museum"!

Rose Farm Museum c1847

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Oregon City Photography In HDR

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:24:00 +0000

Oregon City, Oregon is full of cool historic homes. Pre capita, probably more than any place in Oregon, and it is the seat of the original "End of the Oregon Trail".

My wife came up with the idea of featuring different period homes in Oregon City. And, there are a slug of them so I doubt that I will get to them all.

It's also impossible to do them all in one post...so, stay tuned! Also, I am very appreciative of people's privacy. All photos are taken with home owner permission. All the photos taken here are High Dynamic Range Photography or HDR.

The home owners were busy working on a wing of the fist house featured here, so you are not seeing all of the house. Of all the cool houses in Oregon City, this is my wife's favorite. My photos are not doing it justice...believe me.

Morton Mathew McCarver House C1850

Ainsworth House C 1851

The Ainsworth House grounds are a setting for weddings and special events and occupies which looks like a half a city block. There are all kinds of outbuildings and gardens. A beautiful setting!

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Troutdale Photography In HDR

noreply@blogger.com (Thom) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:40:00 +0000

Troutdale Gazebo

Troutdale, Oregon is a tad off of I84, maybe fifteen minutes east of Portland, and on the way to the Columbia Gorge. It possesses a quaint, little and cool downtown, with neat cool facades in front of most of the buildings.

So, if you are a tourist, it is located close to a major tourist-trap-type-outlet-mall...Drive a block up the street. Hey! And, when you get there, I guess you could call their downtown a bit of a tourist trap, too, but "without the gouging thingy"! It's a must and wonderful place to visit..so, make a decision...VISIT!

They feature a nice/neat/sanitary General Store, that I would have immensley liked to have gone to inside and photographed , but they plain don't allow it. Their store displays are outstanding and I can understand them not wanting to divulge their trade secrets to sneaky low life competitors.

My wife and I had lunch at a place called "Ristorante Di Pompello". Absolutely outstanding! I'm giving them a plug...maybe PLUG! They deserve it! Best and Italian food around! And, I am a mean Italian Food Lover!

All the photos here were shot in High Dynamic Range (HDR) and processed thru Photomatix and Photoshop Elements. Please enjoy!

Troutdale General Store

Down The Street

Ristorante Di Pompello

Some Troutdale Frontage

Tattoo Parlour

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