Sledding at Wanoga Snow Park, Bend Oregon

Today I had an extra three cute children to entertain. It was a perfect day to load up 5 kids, sleds, hot chocolate, myself and of course my camera and head up to the 

WANOGA SNOW PARK . It was overcast and cold, perfect for a sledding photo shoot.

Living in Bend and having such winter beauty made me start thinking how a sledding and hot chocolate photo shoot would be a great way to capture a family in action... I wonder who my first family shall be!!
PS, no injuries!!

My No Fear Jack...

My Sophie flying down

3 year old Emily..

endless catching air!

Nate surprising himself

AGAIN!

Who was that MASKED MAN at the Cyclocross Nationals in Bend Oregon ?

WOW,, what a week in Bend Oregon. Our beautiful town was flooded with athletes of all ages from around the country for the  2010 Cyclocross Nationals. The athletes came to put themselves to a rather muddy test.
Today certainly had the biggest crowd support, the weather was perfect and the atmosphere contagious. Not only did the competitors make you smile but so did a single man who was leaping around the course with style. The only thing lacking may have been a cape!
I was standing in the right spot when a green bean - I think? decided to unmask the masked man. He was successful and so was I in capturing this hilarious moment.
SO here he is.., a cyclist for sure( shaved legs), most likely a Bendite and it looks like he is called SALTY..
Thanks Salty for your creative entertainment and support. I am sure you made many peddle faster.

Stay tune for my highlights from the week..

Jill

A Day at the High Desert Museum.

Just three miles south of Bend is the well established High Desert Museum. The museum opened in 1982 and through exhibits, wildlife and living history it enables its visitors to get a feel for life in the high desert today and in the past.
Recently my kids and I spent part of the day at the museum. Of course I brought my camera and below is just a little of what is available to enjoy.
I highly recommend purchasing an annual membership as there are always changing exhibits and just so much to enjoy.
To learn more about the museum please click here -

HIGH DESERT MUSEUM

butterfly exhibit

Ochoco

coming up for air

reflection

a hiding snake

one of the art sculpture

my kids at the end

LET THERE BE LIGHT - It is all about Natural Light...

Yes I believe it is all in the LIGHT..  Light is a key factor in getting a great shot when shooting(with a camera) for me.
Fortunately Bend Oregon gets very little rain and many bright sunny blue days. Great for most but not the best for photographers!
Bright sun means head for shade for my camera and I, which can be limiting when trying to be creative. Direct sun causes shadowing  - raccoon eyes and squinting.
The best time for photos is either early morning or in the evening when the sun is low in the sky and less intense.
The best days believe it or not are cloudy ones. The photos captured below were taken mid afternoon with the sun behind clouds the majority of the time. The clouds act as a diffusor and can give amazing results. Often I will need to bounce some needed light with a variety of reflectors. Getting that catch light in a persons eyes really makes a difference.

Anyway meet the lovely 'Derosier Family' from Portland Oregon, they visit here often and now have special photographs of themselves taken in Drake Park last weekend.

Perfect light, perfect subjects and I hope they think perfectly captured!

Thank you Derosier Family!

mommy

Love this one!

not sure which one is the happiest

reality!

precious

sibling fun

a love squeeze

in the moment

race to the leave pile