This weekend we had a photo workshop at Smith Rock State Park.
Smith Rock holds a special meaning to me. because in 1986 my wife and I spent 18 months traveling all across North America in the pursuit of capturing great photographic images. We came to Smith Rock early in the morning on a beautiful autumn day.
The air was crisp and fresh while we had breakfast on a rock overlooking the Crooked River and the park.
That morning startet my love affair with Oregon, where we would eventually move in 1996. I shot Smith Rock many times since, but this is my favorite image. Because there is a deep canyon, sunrise is not always the best time to shoot because the lower part of the canyon stays in the shade too long.
On this wintery day I got to the park around 10 AM after digging out my driveway in Bend. There was less snow at the park which sits lower in elevation. The winter light was soft and partly filtered by some thin clouds. The snow helped to keep the shaded areas light enough.
I used a neutral gray split density filter to darken the sky and the areas with direct sunlight a bit.
It was one of these days when you are glad you ventured out into nature.
To see more of Christian's photos, take a look at www.ccophoto.com.
