Artistic Renderings By David Patterson

"Best of Friends"

2012-01-27T15:00:00.000-08:00

"Best of Friends"

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Country Garden" Soft Pastel Painting

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

"Country Garden" 6.62"x4.62" - Soft Pastel Painting

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Hills of Lavender" Soft Pastel Painting

2012-01-11T16:56:00.000-08:00

"Hills of Lavender" 11"x11" Soft Pastel Painting

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"House in the Meadow" Soft Pastel Painting

2012-01-04T16:50:00.000-08:00

4.625"x4.625" Miniature Soft Pastel Painting

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

The Seattle Cigar Shop in pioneer Square

2012-01-03T09:12:00.000-08:00

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Meandering Stream" Soft Pastel Painting

2011-12-30T15:28:00.000-08:00

4.625"x4.625" Miniature Soft Pastel Painting "Meandering Stream"

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here to email me.

Clouds Over Elkins Resort on Priest Lake

2011-12-28T20:54:00.000-08:00

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

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Vintage Car Photography

2011-12-02T11:41:00.000-08:00

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

1941 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Sedan

1929 Pierce Arrow Model 133 Touring

1964 Jaguar Mk X

1935 Standard A10 Deluxe

1930 Stutz 4-Door Sedan SV-16

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

These photos were taken at the LeMay Family Collection at Marymount in Tacoma, Washington

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of these images, please click here to go to my Vintage Car Gallery on my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

The Nisqually Wildlife Refuge

2011-11-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

NISQUALLY National Wildlife Refuge, on the Nisqually River Delta in southern Puget Sound, was established in 1974 for the protection of migratory birds. Three thousand acres of salt and freshwater marshes, grasslands, riparian, and mixed forest habitats provide resting and nesting areas for migratory waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and wading birds.

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

Special Promotion "Autumn Colors"

2011-10-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

Buy a 24.00 x 20.00 stretched canvas print of David Patterson's Autumn Colors for $79.00. Only 6 prints remaining. Offer expires on 11/27/2011. You save $145 with this promotion. FAA is discontinuing certain sizes of their canvas frames, and the 24"x20" fits this photo perfect!

If you would like to purchase this special stretched canvas, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

What the Heck is HDR Photography?

2011-10-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach, Oregon

The following information is from USACanon.com:

What is this talk about HDR all about?

High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography is something you hear digital photography enthusiasts speaking about a lot these days. Basically, it means combining two or more images — of the exact same scene — taken at different exposure levels into one finished image. One dark exposure can capture detail in bright areas of the scene, while a second, lighter exposure can give details in mid-tones and shadows. Combined, the two can give a finished image with far more overall tonal detail than is sometimes possible to capture with even the finest digital SLRs on the market today. This is especially true in very high-contrast scenes, such as scenics in bright sunlight, and indoor shots taken in the daytime with bright windows in the scene.

As old as photography is the search for the ideal light. Part of this search for light is related to the fact that some scenes just look better in certain (often warmer) light. But even more it is related to the fact that film and now modern digital DSLRs can only capture a certain dynamic range.
The Dynamic Range (DR) of a DSLR or film is measured by the ratio of the brightest detail in the highlights and the darkest detail in the shadows. The detail in the highlights is limited by pure highlight clipping and the detail in the shadows is limited in modern DSLRs by the noise level (or film grain).
It is common to measure the DR of cameras in the range of Exposure Values (E.V.) spanned, E.V. being often expressed as f-stops (even though photographers usually vary the exposure time rather than the aperture. Some data can illustrate this:

Black & White Negative Film
10-11 f-stops, or a DR ratio of about 1,000:1 – 2,000:1
Slide Film
6-7 f-stops, or a ratio of about 100:1
DSLRs (in 2008)
8-10 f-stops, or a ratio of about 250:1 to 1000:1
Daylight Scene (with full sun)
12-15 f-stops, or a ratio of 5,000:1 to 50,000:1 (depending on preferred amount of shadow detail)
Room Interior, with outside view from window into full daylight
At least 17 f-stops, or a ratio greater than 100,000:1

We have the following options:

Control the light (only practical in the studio via flash or lights)
Shoot only in low-contrast situations
Overcome the limitation of a single exposure

Exposure Merge

Of course all three options are valid. This article concentrates on the last option. How can we overcome the limitations of our cameras. Because the problem is as old as photography we also had solutions for as long. We capture two or more separate photographs (from underexposed to overexposed) of the same scene and combine the images into a new photo. The classic solution is called Exposure Blending. Master photographers did this manually in the darkroom with enlargers, and today the same is done in the digital world in Photoshop™. Seamless manual blending is hard work because of the issue of:

Aligning the source images
Masking the images to get seamless blended results

Most digital photography enthusiasts’ first efforts at combining separate images into one finished HDR image is done in an image-editing software program such as Adobe Photoshop™. Using features such as layers and various masking techniques, it’s possible to get excellent results, if the user’s technique from the camera to the computer has been sound.

However, today there are quite a few specialized software applications (one that I’ve had excellent results with is Photomatix Pro) that can are designed primarily for the single task of merging two or more exposures into a single image, which is LDR (Low Dynamic Range), but containing the details in highlights and shadows of the exposures from the sources images. There are different merging algorithms with different strengths and weaknesses.

Capturing multiple images with your camera and combining them into finished tonemapped HDR images is quite simple today. Getting the right artistic results will as always take some time practice and experimentation.

Notes of caution:
Movement is the enemy of HDR. This means that you have to watch for everything that moves. Here is a list of common ghosting* candidates:

People
Cars, bicycles, and other vehicles
Larger animals (dogs, cats,...)
Small animals (birds, butterflies,..)
Clouds
Water
Flags
Trees and plants in wind

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this, or my other images, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

My Latest Flower Macros

2011-10-10T03:38:00.000-07:00

Make sure you click on each photo to get a larger high resolution view!

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

New Florals!

2011-10-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

Lately I've enjoyed creating macro floral images...I hope you enjoy these explosions of color!

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Fantasy Dahlia" My Latest Digital Art

2011-09-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted for awhile! My PC crashed, along with all of my photo files, which took me a few weeks to restore to my new iMac. It's taking a bit of time to get used to the Mac operating system, but I'm back! I hope you enjoy my latest floral...it's one of my favorites!

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

Exciting News! My work has been published!

2011-08-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

I don't usually "toot my own horn", but I received wonderful news last week that three of my photos were being published in B&W + Color Magazine. I received my copy of the magazine yesterday...and there they were! This is the first time I have had any of my work published in a major magazine, so it is quite a thrill for me. The magazine has 35,000 subscribers, and is a high end fine art photography publication.

The following is a copy of the email I received, and the issue numbers, if any of you would like to view the work:

"Your entry in our COLOR Portfolio Contest 2011 has been selected for a Merit Award. This means that several images out of your portfolio will be published in the Special Issue #86 of B&W + COLOR magazine scheduled to arrive on newsstands the first week of September. There are only 67 winners in this category (out of a total of 480 entries comprising 778 portfolios, and approximately 8500 images), so you can be confident that we felt your work stood out from the rest in a way that deserved this special attention. Once again, congratulations!"

The photos below were the ones selected. The portfolio was suppose to consist of a theme...my entry consisted of some of my favorite Cannon Beach captures.

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of these images, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here to email me.

Sorry I have not been posting much lately...the reason being, my PC crashed. I had a difficult time retrieving my photos, folders, and email addresses. And also learning how to use my new iMac has at times been difficult!

"Meadow of Flowers" - My Latest Soft Pastel Painting

2011-07-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

"Meadow of Flowers"

5.5"x7.5" Soft Pastel Painting
This painting is a variation of my larger "Forgotten Fields" pastel. This pastel is available matted, framed, and delivered for $180.00.

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this painting, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Approaching Home" Soft Pasel Painting

2011-06-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

"Approaching Home" - 5"x7" Soft Pastel Painting

This is a small pastel I created today to get me back into the mood to paint.
It's no particular spot...just something I made up...someplace I would enjoy walking to from the hill above!

If you click on the image, you will be viewing close to the actual size of the painting. I'd love to know what you think!

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"New Mexico Captures" by David Patterson

2011-06-12T11:38:00.000-07:00

San Francisco de Asis Mission Church

Cactus Sheen

Albuquerque - Looking north


Taos Artisans Gallery

The Rio Grande River Valley

Cowgirl Red Mailboxes

These are just a few of the photographs I took during my recent trip to New Mexico. Hope you enjoy the views!

If you would like to purchase prints of these images, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach - My New Digital Art Piece

2011-05-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

Example of what I can do for you on "MakeItVintage.com"

2011-05-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

Above is the original photograph

Transformed Photograph

If you haven't been to my new website, you're missing out seeing what I can do to your original color photos. The above photos show how I can change an ordinary photo into a vintage look.

If you would like to see more examples of what I can do with your photos, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

I'm Launching a New Website - "MakeItVintage.com"

2011-05-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

I have just launched a new website where I provide a very unique service- I will transform your color photos into a vintage looking photograph. Whether it be that old time sepia look, or the classic black and white, I can change your images into a photo that will take a person back in time!

If you would like to see some examples, and learn more about the process, , please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here to email me.

"The Fern" - Fine Art Photography by David Patterson

2011-04-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Farm Rows" - Miniature Soft Pastel Painting

2011-04-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

"Farm Rows" - 2.5"x3.5" Miniature Soft Pastel Painting

Sorry, this piece is sold, but if you would like to purchase prints, including framed, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

20% Off All My Prints!

2011-04-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

To get the 20% off on any print, just enter code JMPFAC at checkout. This offer is good for only 30 days, and a limit of 10 total prints. So hurry and order your prints now. Fine Art America lets me give this discount on the prints, but not the cost of framing, materials, or finishes.

To purchase prints, framed prints, or stretched canvas prints, please click here to go to my website.

Lately, David has been working on some very unique captures, and has just completed a series called “Glass Macro Abstracts”.
David has taken close-up photos of many of his glass sculpture creations, and turned them into beautiful abstract images. These would look great as a large canvas print! Click on the link, to go to the gallery. Remember to write down the discount code now...JMPFAC

You can check out David’s “Glass Macro Abstract” Gallery in FAA at: Glass Macro Abstracts

Don't forget to write down the discount code now...JMPFAC

If you have any other inquiries, please email me.

"Cannon Beach" A Vintage look!

2011-04-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

I purchase some new software that enables me to create vintage looking photos...let me know what you think. I love the old time photo look!

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Blue Horse Glass Macro" A rare event when creating glass!

2011-04-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

When creating my glass sculptures, it's nearly impossible to manipulate the glass when it's in a molten state. So when this beautiful horses head showed up after the glass cooled, it was a real plus!

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Priest Lake Bay" My latest Soft Pastel Painting

2011-03-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

"Priest Lake Bay" Soft Pastel Painting - $170.00 Unframed
6"x8" Soft Pastel Painting on Wallis Museum. Inspired by the various beautiful scenes at Priest Lake, Idaho....this is where we vacation every summer. There are 7 Islands on the lake. The Selkirk Mountain Range is the background of this Idaho resort area.

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website. Contact me if you would like to purchase the original.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Mountain Meadow" - Miniature Soft Pastel Painting

2011-03-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

"Mountain Meadow" - 2"x3" Miniature Soft Pastel Painting

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Rural Pullman" Fine Art Photography by David Patterson

2011-03-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Night Cactus" Fine Art Photography by David Patterson

2011-03-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"The Oregon Coast" - Fine Art Photography by David Patterson

2011-03-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

"The Oregon Coast" - Taken at Cannon Beach, Oregon - 2010

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Foothills Meadow" by David Patterson

2011-03-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

"Foothills Meadow" 2"x2.5" - Miniature Soft Pastel Painting

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Museum of Flight Bridge" Fine Art Photography by David Patterson

2011-03-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

The bridge at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Santa Fe Church" Fine Art Photography by David Patterson

2011-03-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

I took this shot in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2009. The light was perfect for a black and white capture. Make sure you click on the photo for a larger view!

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Glass Macro V" - Fine Art Photography by David Patterson

2011-03-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

This is a macro photograph of one of my colorful glass sculptures. This would make a wonderful image on a large stretched canvas. All my glass sculptures were inspired by the work of Dale Chihuly

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"John Lennon" - My latest digital art

2011-03-12T14:21:00.000-08:00

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Magnolia Bloom" Fine Art Photography by David Patterson

2011-03-11T08:14:00.000-08:00

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"The Navy's Blue Angel"

2011-03-08T19:38:00.000-08:00

The nimble and speedy A-4 that wowed audiences with the Blue Angels for 13 seasons bucked the trend of "bigger is better." In 1952, Douglas designer Ed Heinemann, who had been the company's Chief Engineer since 1937, proposed that the Navy's newest attack plane be smaller, lighter, and faster than its contemporaries.

Starting in 1956, the little but powerful A-4 flew with Navy and Marine units, including flying combat missions during the Vietnam War. Heinemann's A-4 design surpassed all of the Navy's requirements for a light attack aircraft at about half the requested size and weight. A little package with a powerful punch created many advantages over larger Navy planes.
The A-4s were easy to manage on an aircraft carrier deck and their stubby modified delta wings didn't need to be folded for storage. Without the wing-folding mechanisms, the Skyhawk was even lighter and simpler to maintain -- aspects that allowed it to stay in operational service for over 35 years. The Skyhawk had one of the longest production runs of any American combat aircraft, with 2,960 built over 26 years.

The Museum's A-4 was built in 1966 and flew with the Navy in Southeast Asia. Active in Navy squadrons throughout the 1970s, the plane was transferred to the Blue Angels in 1980. This aircraft was often flown in the number 4 or "slot" position. When the Blues Angels fly in diamond formation, the slot flies directly behind the leader, surrounded on three sides by other aircraft.

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

North American P-51D Mustang

2011-03-06T11:09:00.000-08:00

I captured some great shots at the Museum of Flight in Seattle yesterday. This is one of my favorites.

For those that are aviation buffs, below is more information on this P-51D Mustang:
The prototype for the North American Mustang first flew in October 1940. It was designed and built in 120 days in response to an urgent request by the British for a low-altitude fighter/reconnaissance aircraft. It combined the proven Allison V-1710 engine with an innovative cooling system, based on earlier work by the Curtiss Aircraft Company, and laminar-flow wings to gain more stability and speed. Needing a fighter with better high-altitude performance, the U.S. mated the proven Mustang airframe with the British Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. The result was the P-51B Mustang — a long-range, high-performance fighter-bomber with the range to escort bombers from Britain to Berlin and back again. The famous D model had a bubbletop canopy and two more machine guns. In the Pacific, the P-51 escorted B-29s on very long range (VLR) bombing raids over Tokyo.
Although almost certainly one of the best P-51D restorations in existence, the Museum’s aircraft retains a certain mystery as to its origins. Last serving operationally with the Israeli Defense Force/Air Force, the aircraft was probably acquired by Israel from surplus Royal Swedish Air Force stocks in 1952. The Swedes acquired nearly all of their 100 P-51s from war-surplus U.S. Army Air Forces stockpiles in Germany at the end of World War II, making this airframe a probable wartime veteran. Unfortunately, when Israel acquired its P-51s, many of them had their original manufacturer’s data plates removed.

This restored aircraft displays the colors and markings of Lieutenant Colonel Glenn T. Eagleston while he was Commanding Officer of the 353rd Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group flying from Rosières-en-Haye, France, in early 1945. This was the same unit of young Lieutenant Kenneth H. Dahlberg, and Eagleston was his commanding officer. Many years later, Ken Dahlberg, an ace in his own right, was the primary benefactor in the creation of the Kenneth H. Dahlberg Military Aviation Research Center here at the Museum.

This accurate restoration was completed by the Champion Air Group and the restoration team at Vintage Airframes in Caldwell, Idaho, especially for the Museum of Flight.

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Petunia Bouquet" Fine Art Photography by David Patterson

2011-03-03T20:47:00.000-08:00

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Lavender Farm" - Soft Pastel Painting by David Patterson

2011-03-02T17:23:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share a soft pastel painting I created in 2009.
This was painted from a photo I took at the 2008 Lavender Festival
in Sequim, Washington...can you smell the lavender? :)

Below is the reference photo I used:

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

"Nude IV" Fine Art Photography by David Patterson

2011-02-28T22:26:00.000-08:00

This shot was taken in 1974. I converted to digital from my original 35mm negatives.

If you would like to purchase prints, framed prints, stretched canvas prints of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please email me.

"Countryside III" 3"x3" Miniature Soft Pastel

2011-02-27T12:25:00.000-08:00

"Countryside III" by David Patterson

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

What the Heck is HDR Photography?

2011-02-23T17:13:00.000-08:00

The following information is from USACanon.com:

What is this talk about HDR all about?

High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography is something you hear digital photography enthusiasts speaking about a lot these days. Basically, it means combining two or more images — of the exact same scene — taken at different exposure levels into one finished image. One dark exposure can capture detail in bright areas of the scene, while a second, lighter exposure can give details in mid-tones and shadows. Combined, the two can give a finished image with far more overall tonal detail than is sometimes possible to capture with even the finest digital SLRs on the market today. This is especially true in very high-contrast scenes, such as scenics in bright sunlight, and indoor shots taken in the daytime with bright windows in the scene.

As old as photography is the search for the ideal light. Part of this search for light is related to the fact that some scenes just look better in certain (often warmer) light. But even more it is related to the fact that film and now modern digital DSLRs can only capture a certain dynamic range.

The Dynamic Range (DR) of a DSLR or film is measured by the ratio of the brightest detail in the highlights and the darkest detail in the shadows. The detail in the highlights is limited by pure highlight clipping and the detail in the shadows is limited in modern DSLRs by the noise level (or film grain).

It is common to measure the DR of cameras in the range of Exposure Values (E.V.) spanned, E.V. being often expressed as f-stops (even though photographers usually vary the exposure time rather than the aperture. Some data can illustrate this:

Black & White Negative Film

10-11 f-stops, or a DR ratio of about 1,000:1 – 2,000:1

Slide Film

6-7 f-stops, or a ratio of about 100:1

DSLRs (in 2008)

8-10 f-stops, or a ratio of about 250:1 to 1000:1

Daylight Scene (with full sun)

12-15 f-stops, or a ratio of 5,000:1 to 50,000:1 (depending on preferred amount of shadow detail)

Room Interior, with outside view from window into full daylight

At least 17 f-stops, or a ratio greater than 100,000:1

We have the following options:

Control the light (only practical in the studio via flash or lights)
Shoot only in low-contrast situations
Overcome the limitation of a single exposure

Exposure Merge

Of course all three options are valid. This article concentrates on the last option. How can we overcome the limitations of our cameras. Because the problem is as old as photography we also had solutions for as long. We capture two or more separate photographs (from underexposed to overexposed) of the same scene and combine the images into a new photo. The classic solution is called Exposure Blending. Master photographers did this manually in the darkroom with enlargers, and today the same is done in the digital world in Photoshop™. Seamless manual blending is hard work because of the issue of:

Aligning the source images
Masking the images to get seamless blended results

However, today there are quite a few specialized software applications (one that I’ve had excellent results with is Photomatix Pro) that can are designed primarily for the single task of merging two or more exposures into a single image, which is LDR (Low Dynamic Range), but containing the details in highlights and shadows of the exposures from the sources images. There are different merging algorithms with different strengths and weaknesses.

Capturing multiple images with your camera and combining them into finished tonemapped HDR images is quite simple today. Getting the right artistic results will as always take some time practice and experimentation.

Notes of caution:

Movement is the enemy of HDR. This means that you have to watch for everything that moves. Here is a list of common ghosting* candidates:

People
Cars, bicycles, and other vehicles
Larger animals (dogs, cats,...)
Small animals (birds, butterflies,..)
Clouds
Water
Flags
Trees and plants in wind

An HDR photo - "The Junk Castle"
Fine Art Photography by David Patterson

If you would like to purchase prints, framed prints, stretched canvas prints, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please email me.

Seattle Captured #11 - "Beached Tree Stump"

2011-02-21T19:49:00.000-08:00

If you would like to purchase prints, including framed, stretched canvas, or even greeting cards of this image, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please click here me.

Seattle Captured #10 - "Harley's all in a Row"

2011-02-20T08:02:00.000-08:00

"Harley's all in a Row"

Captured at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington

If you would like to purchase prints, framed prints, stretched canvas prints, or even greeting cards of this photograph, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please email me.

Seattle Captured #9- Pioneer Square Alleyway

2011-02-17T18:47:00.000-08:00

If you would like to purchase prints, framed prints, stretched canvas prints, or even greeting cards of this photograph, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please email me.

Seattle Captured #8 - "Hidden Stairs"

2011-02-16T17:53:00.000-08:00

Found this at the Washington Botanical Gardens in Seattle, Washington.

If you would like to purchase prints, framed prints, stretched canvas prints, or even greeting cards of this photograph, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please email me.

Seattle Captured #7 - Cafe Bengodi

2011-02-13T15:35:00.000-08:00

If you would like to purchase prints, framed prints, stretched canvas prints, or even greeting cards of this photograph, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please email me.

Seattle Captured #6 "Experience Music Project"

2011-02-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame is one of the must interesting stops in Seattle, Washington The Experience Music Project is a 140,000 square foot music museum at the Seattle Center.

If you would like to purchase prints, framed prints, stretched canvas prints, or even greeting cards of this photograph, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please email me.

Seattle Captured #5 - Pioneer Square Pergola

2011-02-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

Wonderful structure called the Pergola - located in Pioneer Square - Seattle, Washington

If you would like to purchase prints, framed prints, stretched canvas prints, or even greeting cards of this painting, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please email me

Seattle Captured #4 - Seattle Coffee Works

2011-02-09T18:50:00.000-08:00

"Seattle Coffee Works" Near Pike Place Market

If you would like to purchase prints, framed prints, stretched canvas prints, or even greeting cards of this photograph, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please email me.

Seattle Captured #3 - "Cigar Store"

2011-02-08T20:45:00.000-08:00

Cigar store located in Pioneer Square - Seattle, Washington

If you would like to purchase prints, framed prints, stretched canvas prints, or even greeting cards of this photograph, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please email me.

Seattle Captured #2 - "The Alibi Room"

2011-02-06T13:50:00.000-08:00

If you would like to purchase prints, framed prints, stretched canvas prints, or even greeting cards of this photograph, please click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please email me.

Seattle Captured #1 - The Pergola in Pioneer Square

2011-02-04T22:13:00.000-08:00

"Pergola Shadow Play"

If you would like to purchase prints, framed prints, stretched canvas prints, or even greeting cards of this photograph,
please click here click here to go to my website.

If you have any other inquiries, please email me.

Valentine's Day Cards from my Pastel Paintings

2011-01-31T17:00:00.000-08:00

Surprise your loved one by ordering a Valentine's Day card with the above image. The images above, and below, are from my original pastel paintings. These will make very unique cards, and they are suitable for framing. To order the above card, or a box of 10 or 25, click here to go to my website.

To order a Valentine card with the above image, click here to go to my website

The Countryside - Soft Pastel Painting

2011-01-14T19:10:00.000-08:00

Soft pastel painting with watercolor underpainting - 12"x12" - Unframed
Make sure you click on the photo for a larger view!

To All my Friends and Followers...Happy New Year!!

2010-12-31T18:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-24T14:48:00.000-08:00

I want to wish a Very Happy Holiday to all my friends and colleagues here in blogland. How about taking the good feelings and well wishes we have this time of year, and displaying it to everyone we happen to come upon the whole year...now wouldn't that make for a more Peaceful World for everyone??!!

Glass Sculpture - "Blue Luster" - 4.50" x 3.50" SOLD - GD

2010-12-10T20:46:00.000-08:00

Sorry, this piece is SOLD!

Glass Sculpture - "Green with Envy" - 4.75" x 3.75" SOLD! (RM)

2010-12-10T20:39:00.000-08:00

My glass sculptures/paperweights make a wonderful and unique gift. Each piece is engraved on the bottom, and come with a signed Certificate of Authenticity with photo. UPS ground shipping is included in the price for delivery to U.S. addresses only. Delivery by Christmas can't be guaranteed, but when you receive this beautiful sculpture, it will be well worth the wait! You can make payment below using PayPal, or contact me at cougs1@harbornet.com for other options. Item ID: ET10 See more sculptures for sale on this blog.

Glass Sculpture - "A Touch of Aqua" - 5.00" x 4.00" SOLD (RM)

2010-12-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

Glass Sculpture - "Whispy Pinks" - 4.00" x 4.00" SOLD - CJ

2010-12-10T20:13:00.000-08:00

Glass Sculpture - "Purple Haze" - 3.75" x 5.00" SOLD - GD

2010-12-10T19:54:00.000-08:00

Sorry...this beautiful piece is sold!

Glass Sculpture - "Amethyst Swirl" - 3.75" x 5.00" SOLD - GD

2010-12-10T19:48:00.000-08:00

Sorry, this piece is SOLD!

HOLIDAY SPECIAL! 25% Off All Website Purchases

2010-11-24T16:09:00.000-08:00

Offer is good on my website (not this blog) from now until January 1, 2011. Go to my website at DavidPattersonArtist.com

To get the discount use the code "NGNFHY" at checkout.

Discount includes artwork only. Discounts on my glass sculptures, frames, matting and shipping charges not included.

I offer everything from single prints, greeting cards, framed art, to stretched canvas.

You can even make a print out of one of my original paintings - such as the one below!

Please Note: If you want a print of one of my pastel paintings, the best paper to select as an option is Somerset Velvet. Please be aware that the default paper is Archival Matte. My HDR photography looks best printed on Glossy Photo Paper.

Happy Holidays from DavidPattersonArtist.com

"The Market" 9"x12" - Soft Pastel

New Soft Pastel Paintings

2010-11-20T20:10:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I attended a wonderful workshop by PSA artist Marla Baggetta. I started these two paintings in Marla's workshop, completing them today in my studio. The first painting is titled "Palouse Farm", and the second one is titled "Honeycrisp"

Make sure you click on the images for a larger, and more detailed view.

You can see Marla's and her talented husband Mike's paintings on their website at baggettastudio.com

"Palouse Farm" - 11"x11" Soft Pastel Painting - $400.00 Unframed

Prints are available on my website at:

DavidPattersonArtist.com

"Honeycrisp" - 11"x11" Soft Pastel Painting - $400.00 Unframed

Prints are available on my website at:

DavidPattersonArtist.com

New Gallery Representation - The Artisans at the Dahmen Barn

2010-10-18T21:50:00.001-07:00

I'm excited to share with you a wonderful new venue for my artwork...it's the Artisans at the Dahmen Barn in Uniontown, Washington. This unique gallery is located in the rich dry-land farming area called the Palouse. It's situated 16 miles south of both Pullman WA and Moscow ID, and 16 miles north of Lewiston ID, and Clarkston, WA - the art center is truly the hub of the Palouse.

The Artisans at the Dahmen Barn - A restored dairy barn

This location will let all my family and friends in the Pullman area view my work in person. I currently have at the gallery - seven glass sculptures, two miniature pastels, and one larger pastel painting. I hopefully will also be able to sell a few of my matted photos depicting the area farms and barns.

The Gallery website is: http://www.artisanbarn.org/
If you can't make it to the gallery, and are interested in one of my pieces, you can contact Julie Hartwig at 509-229-3414. You may also email Julie at jhartwig@clearwire.net

The Pastels, and the glass sculptures below, are a few of the pieces I have at the Dahmen Barn.

"Priest Lake Hay Bales" Soft Pastel Painting - 12"x20"

"Sunset Meadow" - Miniature Soft Pastel Painting - 2.25"x2.75"

"Evergreen" - Glass Sculpture - 5"x3.5"

"Deep Reds II" - Glass Sculpture - 5.25"x3.75"

Working with Implied Detail - Notes from a Desmond O'Hagan Workshop - Reposted

2010-09-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

"Hillside Village, Northern Spain"-11"x20" Pastel-By Desmond O'Hagan

This is a re-post of a wonderful workshop I took in 2007. I'm sure many of my blog readers missed this, and would like to read about it...especially if you want to loosen up with your oil painting or pastels!

I had a fantastic and creative time at Desmond O'Hagan's three day workshop in June of 2007. Desmond paints both in soft pastels and in oils. Most of the participants in this workshop were pastel artists. The workshop was put on by NPS (Northwest Pastel Society). This will be short and sweet, mainly because I took limited photos (no WIP's), and also the fact that Desmond’s technique is a very simple one - work with Shapes, Light and Dark areas, with only Implied Detail.

First of all, Desmond is a very good instructor, and very "hands on" with all the students. How many of these busy workshop artists maintain there passion, is beyond me!

If you ever want to "loosen up", participate in one Desmond's workshops. If you are able to get out of your comfort zone, and really tackle his concept, your paintings will begin to be very impressionistic.

He works quite a bit from photos, and emphasized that you do not have to include everything that's in your photo reference. The subjects of market and street scenes can get very busy, so you must be selective with your composition.

Like many artists, he pointed out that the overall concept of your painting should be formulated in your planning stages. Desmond starts out making small thumbnail sketches, and value studies of his subject matter. This challenges you to make choices before committing your concept to the final surface.

He first defines his paintings with a light vine charcoal drawing, making sure all his proportions are correct. After that, he drops in the dark value areas, using black (yes black), dark brown, dark blue and/or dark green pastels – with this method he’s establishing the darkest valued shapes first. He then moves onto the middle values, and last the highlights. Always leave the light areas until last...this takes some discipline. He does a lot of warm over cool layers. He always tries to build the light to have balance in the painting.

Desmond uses varied pressure when applying soft pastel, and many times broke his pastels while attempting to get a heavy application. Letting the paper color peak through is one of the things Desmond says he likes to do with his work. If you go to his website, you’ll see many examples of “paper color peak” in his work. He uses very little layering, and it is amazing to see the results he gets with seemingly little effort. I think I remember him saying he uses the pastel brands Rembrandt, Ludwig, and Sennelier.

This next statement is the most important - 99% of his strokes are with the sides of the pastel sticks. He hardly ever uses the point of the pastel. Most of his pastel sticks were broken in half to achieve a shorter overall stroke. If you see a line in his work, it's done with varied pressure, and with the side of the pastel. Think in terms of "shape" and not "object". His paintings have very little detail. All images are implied, which makes the viewer seem to always discover something different when they come back to his paintings.

Avoid predictable direction in your strokes, even with water. Leave out the ripples...just suggest them.

You will have a lot of lost and found edges with this technique.

As stated on his website: It is important to him that each painting exhibit such artistic fundamentals as sound structure, exciting design, and harmonious color. His unique painting style has been evolving from a very young age and can be described as a style that enlists the viewer in the interpretation of details loosely portrayed. O'Hagan possesses the versatility to paint any subject, and the subjects he enjoys most to paint range widely from figurative and interiors to urban paintings and street scenes.

The following are his 3 workshop demos (Provided by Desmond). The last 2 are my workshop paintings. I used white Museum Grade Wallis. Desmond used various mid to dark colors of Canson. All the paintings posted here, including mine, where about 9"x12". What’s really amazing is that his demos took less then an hour each! Sorry, I don't have the reference photos for Desmond's paintings...the photos were very small…about 3"x4” in size. My reference photos are included to show how one doesn’t have to include everything that’s in the photo – artistic license at its best!

Desmond O’Hagan – First Demonstration Painting:

Desmond O’Hagan – Second Demonstration Painting:

Desmond O’Hagan – Third Demonstration Painting:

My First Workshop Painting:

My Photo Reference:

My Second Workshop Painting:

My Photo Reference:

I want to thank the wonderful artist Peggy Braeutigam for contributing to this article.

I hope you took away something helpful from this article.

David Patterson – PhotosAndFineArt.com

Digital Art - Gave it a try...

2010-09-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

I was wondering what you thought of a couple of my first real attempts at digital art. This medium is really growing, and artists are selling a lot of prints because of it's popularity. One can create anything from realism, to abstract images. They can be printed on canvas for a very striking display.

These were created using a couple of my HDR photos, and layering a textured image over them. Of course there is a lot more involved then just that...but I didn't want to bore you. :)

For those of you wondering if I'm ever going to do anymore "real" pastel paintings...I will be soon!

Make sure you click on the images so you can see more of the detail of the painting.

Northwest Barns and Farms

2010-08-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend of August 21st traveling Eastern Washington in search of old barns and farmsteads...and I wasn't disappointed! The last image is of the famous Leonard Barn that was listed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1986. It's a unique 12 sided round barn that stands out from the rest. You can order prints of any of these images on my website at DavidPattersonArtist.com.

Hope you enjoy the views I captured. I'd love to know what you think!

I want to also inform all my blog readers that I'm no longer having my website hosted on Artspan. All my work will now be on my Fine Art America website. My domain name "DavidPattersonArtist.com" will still forward people to my Fine Art America site. While it may not be as clean looking as Artspan, it's so much easier for me to use, and for the visitors to navigate. If you check it out, you will see a lot more of my recent photography then is currently on Artspan. It also contains all of my paintings, and some of my glass sculptures.

The Sequim Lavender Fields

2010-07-25T10:47:00.000-07:00

The 14th Annual Sequim Lavender Festival was the premier celebration of the joys of lavender and the largest lavender festival in North America. Sequim is located on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, cradled in the “rain shadow” of the Olympic Mountains and Olympic National Park. The Sequim-Dungeness Valley has an ideal microclimate for growing lavender and with less than 20 inches of rain per year; the area is similar to the Provence region of France. Because of the unique conditions and dedicated farmers, Sequim lavender has received world-wide recognition for its superior quality and fragrance. Our farmers have over 200 years of combined experience cultivating lavender, developing the best planting and growing practices, and creating lavender products.

This is a photo I took last summer, and converted it to an HDR (high dynamic range) photo.

If you click on the photo...you can actually smell the wonderful lavender fragrance! :)

Victor Moore's "Junk Castle"

2010-07-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

Victor and Bobbie Moore once lived in a house constructed from the old floor joists of a grain warehouse on the site of a played out rock quarry. The current owner of the property graciously gave me the opportunity to photograph the Junk Castle and other outbuildings built by Vic's family and friends. The "Junk Castle" was his 1970 MFA thesis assemblage sculpture. Although found pieces and assemblages of various sorts are pleasantly scattered about the property, the hulking mass of the junk castle stands vigil above the rest.

The Junk Castle is constructed from so many different items, including sheet metal, tin, washing machine parts, dryer doors, miscellaneous housings, bedsteads, and even the door from a 1952 Oldsmobile. The castle is featured in several books including "Strange Sites" by Jim Christy, "Fantasy Worlds" by John Maizels, and "Fantastic Architecture" published by Abrams, Inc.

Vic Moore taught art in the Pullman, Washington public schools and mentored thousands of students, including myself.

Victor Moore just published a book he wrote and illustrated titled "Stories From The Methow". It's about his memories of growing up in central Washington State in the 1930's. The book's cover was designed by artist Ann Marra, a former classmate of mine, and student of Victor Moore. Ann also help a great deal in getting the book published. I just finished reading my copy...it's historical, entertaining, and has many bits of Vic's sense of humor scattered throughout the book. If you would like to order a copy, click on the following link: Victor Moore's Book

Make sure you click on the photos for larger views of the inside and outside of this magnificent castle!

The Dahmen Barn - A World of Creativity!

2010-07-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

Artist - Anita Roche'

The following is taken with permission from ArtisanBarn.org

Artisans at the Dahmen Barn is located in the rich dryland farming area called the Palouse, in Uniontown WA. Situated 16 miles south of both Pullman, WA and Moscow, ID, - and 16 miles north of Lewiston, ID, and Clarkston, WA, the art center is truly the hub of the Palouse.

The artisan center is adjacent to highway 195, where the big white barn can be seen surrounded by its landmark fence of 1000 iron wheels. Formerly a dilapidated dairy barn which was donated to the community by Steve and Junette Dahmen, the structure has undergone a transformation into a state-of-the-art creativity center.

Artisans at the Dahmen Barn was developed to provide local artists and crafts people working studio space along with the opportunity to showcase their work and selldirectly to the public. There are ten studio spaces at the Barn, where 21 artisans create their work and are happy to talk to visitors about their creative process. The artists have access to their space 24/7, so working hours vary from studio to studio. Some of the resident artisans work full time jobs, so can only be there weekend days. If you visit and see something of interest in a studio where the artist is not working, check with The Shop at the Barn for access and sales information.

You can learn more about this wonderful venue at the following Link: ArtisanBarn.org

Anita Roche' is the featured artist this coming week at the Dahmen Barn. She is a friend and classmate of mine, graduating with honors from Pullman High School in 1970. In 2004, Anita created Textile Arts Studio to meet the needs of quilters who enjoy the piecing of quilts, but then choose to have assistance with the quilting. The company motto is, "Let us help you put the pieces together!" Since 2006, in addition to continuing to provide long-arm quilting services, they have been working on an original line of quilt designs - the PRIME TIME series.
You can visit the Textile Arts Studio website at :Textile Artist Studio

Black and Whites...It's what's for dinner!

2010-06-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

All these new black and white images are done in HDR (High Dynamic Range)
I'd love to know what you think!

Pike Place Market - Not Just Flying Fish!

2010-06-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

Pike Place Market in Seattle is one of my favorite locations for a photo shoot. I tend to deviate from the norm with what I capture through my lens. What excites me about this location are the nooks and crannies, street musicians, street people, and alleyways. The photos I captured yesterday are of Post Alley, the "Gum Wall", the "Poster Wall", stairwells, and a flutist.

Make sure you click on each photo for a larger view...and stay creative, it's good for the soul!

Swan Creek Park

2010-05-31T15:38:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I took a few photos at Swan Creek Park in Tacoma, Washington. This lovely little stream valley is tucked away close to the Tacoma Dome, though you'd never know it from its remote feel. Rescued in the 1960s from being a landfill, the 290-acre parcel is a joint venture of Metro Parks and Pierce County Parks. The trail follows along and above Swan Creek (chum and coho salmon spawn here in late fall), which drains north along the east edge of Tacoma into the Puyallup River. Salmon Berry thickets and big-leaf maples swathed in licorice ferns flourish in the lower part of the canyon (a nice open walk in winter) switching to the conifers, Salal and Oregon grape that grow near the higher, drier parts of the trail.

A Day at the Races...

2010-05-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

I spent yesterday afternoon photographing the horses, and surroundings, at the Emerald Downs Thoroughbred race track in Auburn, Washington. I decided to use a few of my new photography techniques when creating these shots. My favorite is the last photo...the little boy petting the horse. Hope you enjoy the views!

I can't get enough of this location...

2010-05-10T20:39:00.000-07:00

Cannon Beach, Oregon - it's just so magical, that I wanted to share more of my recent photos with you.
Make sure you click on the photos for a larger view. :)
Enjoy the views...to me they are some of my best shots ever!!

My 1st Photography Competition

2010-04-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

I don't normally "toot" my own horn, but I wanted to share some exciting news about my first involvement with an organized photography competition. The contest was put on by the Tacoma Photographic Society, of which I am a new member. It's an open competition that's being exhibited at the Spring Fair in Puyallup, Washington. The Fair ends this Sunday. There where approximately 180 entries in the adult competition. The major awards that were given out included 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, around 15 Honorable Mention, and Four different Merit Awards. I submitted eight photos, and was so please to win 5 awards (Three Honorable Mention, and two Merit awards) The two Judges Merit Awards really meant a lot to me. I guess the competition sort of validated that my work is good enough to enter more competitions.

I also want to thank all of you for following and supporting my work, with your wonderful comments and encouragement!

Hope you enjoy my entries!

"219 Washington Street" - Judges Award - Most Creative

"Pioneer Square Pergola" - Honorable Mention

"Eatonville Landscape" - Honorable Mention

"Santa Fe Cowboy"- Judges Award - Best Humor

"The Emerald Queen" - Honorable Mention

Check out my New Blog

2010-04-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

I'm starting a new blog titled "HDR Photo of the Week"...so if you would like to subscribe to my new blog, it's at:
HDR photo of the Week

I hope you enjoy the weekly views!

Santa Fe Cowboy

It's all about Light and the Absence of Light

2010-03-24T17:59:00.000-07:00

It's black and white photography...

Black-and-white is back, because it's part of the power of photography.

Black-and-white is back in print advertising. In today's saturated-color manipulated-image world, black-and-white feels real. To many, it looks fresh.

Black-and-white is back because brides want to see black-and-white photos in their wedding albums.

It is crisp and clean with its patterns, shapes and lines to intrigue our minds. Black and white photography is honest. No flashy punched up colors to get in the way. It's art, plain and simple. From the deep dark richest blacks to the crisp clean clear whites, it tells a story. With its gentle gradations of gray, it holds our attention and makes us want to see beyond the surface.

This is the way photography was meant to be before color took over and clouded our vision of what a great print should look like. Now we often look at a photo as an exact rendition of a scene and that is all. "Oh look, my couch is green, what a lovely shade of green." Black and white photography is different. It is about textures and emotions, light and the absence of light.

It's been said that there is something sexy about black and white photography that you just can't get from color. I think it's true. Once you remove the color, it is like stripping a scene down to the bare bones removing the layers and leaving the form. You do not have to be an expert photographer to try black and white photography; after all, it was black and white film that not so many years ago captured the memories of many generations.

I hope you enjoy all of my recent black and white photography - make sure you enlarge the photos by clicking on them.

March 6th Photoshoot - Seattle, Washington

2010-03-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

I ventured up to Seattle on March 6th and visited Discovery Park, and dropped by my favorite location - Pioneer Square. Hope you enjoy the results! Be sure and click on the photos for a larger view.

If you would like to purchase prints, or order note cards - go the my page on Fine Art America

Trains - The Northwest Railway Museum

2010-02-21T10:03:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful sunny day yesterday, so I thought I would venture up to Snoqualmie, Washington, and capture some of the wonderful old trains located at the Northwest Railway Museum. All are in HDR...my current passion in photography! Remember to click on each photo for a larger image.

The following is from the museum website:

The Northwest Railway Museum Collection contains representative examples of Northwest railway history including steam and diesel locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, maintenance of way equipment (used to maintain the right of way), a five mile segment of historic railroad, a nineteenth century train station and thousands of publications. All of these "artifacts" offer some insight into the significance railroads played in the development of the Northwest.

The "motive power and equipment" artifacts often get the greatest attention from the visiting public. Some of this equipment is used on the Museum’s 5-mile Snoqualmie Valley Railroad and some have been cosmetically restored and can be found on display at the Snoqualmie Depot. The remainder is in storage awaiting restoration. The pending construction of the new Conservation and Restoration Center will allow significant improvements in collection care and will allow more artifacts to be placed on exhibition.

The Snoqualmie Depot was constructed in 1890 by the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railway. It was used by successor companies Seattle and International Railroad, Northern Pacific Railway, and the Burlington Northern Railroad.

The Pioneer Square Pergola - Revisited

2010-02-15T18:34:00.000-08:00

Well...most of my followers know that lately I've been creating a lot of HDR (High Dynamic Range) photos. There is a reason...for me the results have been simply amazing! I found more early shots of this structure, and figured I better find out exactly what I've been capturing. With the help of Google, it's called the Pioneer Square Pergola.

A friend of mine informs me that the first photo is one of my only photos that conveys some sort of social commentary - a face of society that many of us tend to ignore. I think it's one of the more powerful shots I've created to date.

The following is from the "Seattle.gov" website:

The Pioneer Square neighborhood was the hub of pioneer Seattle. The first industry, Yesler Sawmill, was built in here in 1852.
In 1889 local businessmen returned to Seattle from a trip to Alaska with a Tlingit totem pole and gave the Puget Sound it's first landmark.
The first buildings following the Great Fire of 1899 were built around Pioneer Square and in 1909 an iron pergola was built as a shelter over an underground restroom, known as "the finest underground restroom in the United States". The Pergola and the totem pole still stand, along with a bust of Chief Seattle. This tiny park is at the heart of Seattle's historical district.

Hope you enjoyed a little bit of history...the underground restroom info is pretty funny!

Make sure you click on the photos for a larger photo...I'd love to know what you think.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

"Hearts" - Soft Pastel Painting

May there be love in all your lives! Happy Valentine's Day to all my followers and friends!

My Favorite Photos to Date!

2010-01-29T12:15:00.000-08:00

I'm so pleased with the outcome of these Pseudo HDR Pioneer Square scenes. A "Pseudo" HDR image is made from only one Raw image instead of three.

I feel these are two of my best HDR photos to date...and the first being one of my favorite shots of all time. It just shouts with color and detail! Note the reflections in the small puddle!

I'd love to know what you think...and make sure you click on the photos, because more detail and color show up in the larger images.

Thanks for dropping by!

Seattle's Pioneer Square

2010-01-24T15:09:00.000-08:00

If you love early architecture, you will love visiting the Pioneer Square area in Seattle, Washington. As a photographer, it's a wonderful place to capture, especially when its not raining! The two photos posted are Pseudo HDR's, manipulated from single Raw images taken in early 2009.

Make sure you click on the images for a larger view!

From pioneersquaredistrict.org:

Settled in 1852 and burned to the ground in 1889, Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square District features 88 acres of beautifully restored architectural masterpieces, including buildings designed in the Second Renaissance-Revival, Beaux-Arts Classical, and Richardsonian-Romanesque styles... one of the largest collections of unique architecture in the United States.

The Emerald Queen Riverboat Casino in HDR

2010-01-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

The Emerald Queen Casino opened in 1997 on an authentic paddle-wheel riverboat, the Emerald Queen, berthed in the Port of Tacoma, WA. The boat and its shore side property were closed in 2004 as part of an agreement with the Port of Tacoma to accommodate further development of the waterway. The Emerald Queen is closed to the public indefinitely.

I hope you enjoy viewing this photo...it's another attempt using HDR technology. HDR photography is the process of combining 3 or more exposures of the same image. The idea behind high dynamic range photography is to highlight the best exposure for different parts of the same photograph.

Make sure you click on the photo for a larger view.

Mount Rainier - The View from My Deck!

2010-01-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

Nice view huh? I took this from my deck just a few days ago. It seems that the view changes almost daily...and when the sun shines on it, the mountain is an amazing sight. Hope you enjoy the view - Make sure you click on the photo for a larger image!

From "NPS.GOV:
Mount Rainier National Park encompasses 235,625 acres on the west-side of the Cascade Range, and is located about 100 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area. Mount Rainier National Park is approximately 97 percent wilderness and 3 percent National Historic Landmark District and receives approximately 2 million visitors per year.

At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the most prominent peak in the Cascade Range. It dominates the landscape of a large part of western Washington State. The mountain stands nearly three miles higher than the lowlands to the west and one and one-half miles higher than the adjacent mountains. It is an active volcano that last erupted approximately 150 years ago.

New HDR Photography

2009-12-29T21:41:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd take out 2009 with a few new High Dynamic Range photos that I captured last Sunday. These were taken a couple of miles from my house near Browns Point in N.E. Tacoma, Washington. Make sure you click on each photo for a much better view.

I'd love to know what you think.

To all my friends, and followers of my blog...May you all have a very Creative and Happy New Year!

New Glass Sculptures!

2009-12-19T23:33:00.000-08:00

Pictured above: "Violet Swirl" (VR1) - 4.00"x4.25" - SOLD JP-EG

Pictured above: "Violets" (VE1) - 5.25"x3.50" - SOLD (RM)

Pictured above: "Deep Reds" (PRR1) - 3.50"x3.75" - NFS

Pictured above: "Deep Reds II" (PRE1) - 5.25"x3.75" -NFS

Pictured above: "Teal Time" (GTR2) - 4.00"x4.50" - NFS

Pictured above: "Spot of Teal" (GTR1) - 4.00"x4.25" - NFS

Pictured above: "Emerald Swirls" (GTE2) - 5.00"x3.75" - SOLD (mm)

Pictured above: "Evergreen" (GTE1) - 5.00"x3.50" - NFS

Pictured above: "Flames" (FR1) - 5.00"x3.5" - SOLD (mm)

Pictured above: "Ember Swirls" (FE1) - 4.00"x4.00" - NFS

Pictured above: "Cobalt Splash" (BR2) - 4.00"x4.00" - SOLD JC

Pictured above: "Blue Moon" (BR1) - 4.00"x4.00" - SOLD (DK)

All 12 pieces...an explosion of color!

I just created 12 glass sculptures / paperweights...if you don't now what to do with the Christmas money you might receive...you could always purchase one of these beautiful glass sculptures! :) It's a gift that can be past down from generation to generation!

Shipping and handling (U.S. Only) is included in the price (These are heavy, so postage has been averaging $10 to $18 depending on where you live.)

To purchase through PayPal, just click on the drop down menu below. Then select the color and code of the glass you want...then click on the PayPal logo.

If you do not want to use PayPal, you can email me to arrange payment:
cougs1@harbornet.com

Make sure the one you select is not already sold. There may be a case where multiple buyers want the same piece - if that happens, the first one to purchase the piece will get it. The other buyers will have their PayPal accounts credited.

By the way...these look ten times better in person! Make sure you click on the photos for a larger, more brilliant view.

New Glass Sculptures - Holiday Discounts!

2009-11-29T17:07:00.000-08:00

Pictured above -"A Touch of Amethyst" (M1) 3.75"x4.00" - SOLD (PF)

Pictured above -"Kaleidoscope" (PE2) 5.00"x3.75" - SOLD(RM)

Funnel of Color" (PR1) 3.75"x4.00" - SOLD (RM)

Pictured above -"Teal" (T2) 3.75"x4.00" - SOLD (BC)

Pictured above -"Touch of Teal" (T1) 4.00"x4.00" - SOLD

Pictured above -"Whispy Orange" (O2) 3.50"x3.75" - Holiday Discounted - $45.00

Pictured above -"Orange Swirls" (O1) 3.75"x4.00" - Holiday Discounted - $45.00

Pictured above -"Amethyst" (M2) 3.75"x4.00" - SOLD

Touch of Periwinkle" (PW1) 4.75x3.50 - SOLD (RM)

Pictured above -"Obsidian" (BR1) 4.00x4.00 - SOLD (LB)

Pictured above -"Black Swirls" (BE2) 5.50x4.00 - $85.00

I just created 11 glass sculptures / paperweights. Many have a holiday discount.

These make wonderful Christmas gifts...a gift that can be past down from generation to generation!

Shipping and handling (U.S. Only) is included in the price.

Make sure you click on the photo for a larger view.

To purchase through PayPal, just click on the drop down menu at the bottom of the page. Then select the color and code of the glass you want...then click on the "Pay Now" button.

If you do not want to use PayPal, you can email me to arrange payment at:
cougs1@harbornet.com

Art Glass - 12 New Sculptures!

2009-11-07T16:53:00.000-08:00

Pictured above: "Blues & Purple II" - 5.25"x4.00" - SOLD (Janos)

Pictured above:"Blue Swirls" (B1) - 5.00"x3.75" - SOLD

Pictured above: "Mars" (BW1) - 5.00"x3.75" - NFS

There is a lone piece of red glass frit in this piece, which gives this one a very unique quality!

Pictured above: "Fire" (F1) - 4.00"x3.75" - SOLD

Pictured above: "Purple Pleasure" (P1) - 5.00"x4.00" SOLD MP

Pictured above: "Purples" (P2) - 4.75"x3.50" -SOLD LS

Pictured above: "Lavender Dreams" (P3) - 4.00"x4.00" - SOLD (LP)Pictured above: "Magical Greens" (G1) - 3.50"x3.75" - SOLD

Pictured above: "Green Swirls" (G2) - 5.00"x3.50" -SOLD

Pictured above: "Teal and Greens" (G3) - 4.00"x4.25" - SOLD

Pictured above: "Red and Amber" (R3) - 5.25"x3.75" - SOLD!

Pictured above:"Reds" (R2) - 5.00"x3.25" - SOLD

Pictured above: "Red Passion" (R1) - 5.25"x4.75" - SOLD (RM)

I just created 12 glass sculptures / paperweights ...the most I've done in one session. These make wonderful Christmas gifts...a gift that can be past down from generation to generation!

Sorry - All these sculptures are SOLD!

New Glass Scuptures

2009-10-31T15:26:00.000-07:00

"Magical Reds" - 4.75"x3.75" - SOLD

"Blues & Purple IV" - 5.25"x4.00" SOLD (EL)

Creating glass sculptures is quite an experience. Having the glass go from a molten state, to the final form, is something everyone should see or do. If you have the chance to stop by a glassblowing studio, or hot shop, you'll witness an amazing process you'll never forget. I've created around 60 pieces now, and every sculpture seems to take on a life of it's own. You never really now how the colors turn out, until they have been in the annealing oven, and cooled for 24 hours...the wait is sometimes agonizing!.

Those that have purchased one of my glass pieces come to realize that the glass is so much better when viewed in person. What a ray of sunlight does to the glass is pure magic!

Both pieces have been SOLD.

Be sure and click on the images for a closer look.

HDR Photography - My First Attempts

2009-10-24T18:46:00.000-07:00

HDR Photography is also known as high dynamic range photography. HDR photography is the process of combining 3 or more exposures of the same image. The idea behind high dynamic range photography is to highlight the best exposure for different parts of the same photograph. HDR photography typically works best in outdoor settings, or settings with a wide range of light and color.

The 1st photos in this post were taken at the West Hylebos Wetlands in Federal Way, Washington. The last photos were taken at Alder Lake near Elbe, Washington.

To all my "Plein Air" artist friends - using an HDR photo reference is pretty close to working on location!

I'm still learning how to create these HDR photos, and I'm having a blast doing i! I'd love to know what you think! Make sure you click on the photos for a better view!

Chinook Pass and Mt. Rainier

2009-10-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

Dominated by majestic Mt. Rainier at every turn, this All American Road traces the historic Naches Trail trading route between Enumclaw and Naches. At 5,430 feet, Chinook Pass marks a dramatic change in the landscape, separating the dense cedar and fir forests on the west side of the Cascade Mountains from the massive basalt cliffs of the Columbia Plateau on the East side. This byway is known for its history, the beauty of Mt. Rainier, and the many outdoor recreational opportunities it offers. The Federal Highway Administration honored Chinook Pass as an All American Road in 1998.

Be sure and click on each photo for a larger view!

The Great Prosser Hot Air Balloon Rally

2009-10-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of attending my first balloon rally last weekend in Prosser, Washington. All I can say is that it's an explosion of color that everyone should enjoy. The following are just a few of the photos I took at the rally.

Ballooning in Prosser started 20 years ago when balloon pilot Ted Wirch came to town to give his in-laws a balloon ride. During Ted's flight over Prosser he realized just what a beautiful place Prosser really is. He decided there and then that he had to tell other balloonist about the great flying there was to be had in the skies over Prosser.

Make sure you click on each photo for a closer look. Enjoy!!

Cars, Cars, and more Cars!

2009-08-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I had the opportunity of photographing some of the world's rarest automobiles at the LeMay auto show in Parkland, Washington. Make sure you click on each photo for a larger, more detailed view.

About LeMay – America’s Car Museum®
America’s Car Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the LeMay Collection of automobiles and memorabilia, along with vehicles and artifacts it may acquire. The LeMay Collection was recognized in the Guinness Book of World records as the largest privately held car collection in the world. At its peak, the collection was in excess of 3,000 automobiles, motorcycles, trucks and other vehicles, plus more than 30,000 pieces of related 20th century Americana. Plans are under way to build a brand-new museum campus in Tacoma, WA to feature 1,000 cars and memorabilia. More information is available online at http://www.lemaymuseum.org/

Pioneer Square Alleyway

2009-08-20T19:55:00.001-07:00

This is a little different for me...a soft pastel abstract cityscape. It's 11x14 on pastel board. Would love to know what you think...good or bad! :) Click on the image for a larger view.