New Web Site Launch!

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Andy Porter

I have been dreaming of this for some time, today is the launch of my new web site Andy Porter Images.

The site includes 10 Galleries of images for sale. Canvas Wrapped Prints and Archival Paper Prints in various sizes are available. Framing of the canvas prints is also an option. This is a big step, as now any orders for my work come directly to me.

The new site provides a place to provide a complete schedule of the Photography Classes I am teaching. Starting this Spring I will be teaching classes in Burlington, Bellingham and Marysville.

Another exciting part of the new site is that there is a section to promote Photography Tours! This Spring and Summer I am offering

Tulip Tours,

Night Sky Photo Tours

North Cascades – Skagit Valley Photo Tours.

We’ll see how it all goes! Thank you all very much for your support, comments and attention!

The Northern End of the Pacific Crest Trail

Posted on February 7, 2015 by Andy Porter

The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2,400 mile long foot trail stretching from the US border with Mexico through California, Oregon and Washington State to Canada.

Pacific Crest Trail, Pasayten Wilderness

Powder and Shull Mountains, from the Pacific Crest Trail, Pasayten Wilderness

The northern most part of the PCT follows the Cascade Crest crossing Rock Pass, Woody Pass and then making a long gradual ascent of Lakeview Ridge.

Rock Pass, from Woody Pass

Here a more than 7,000 feet the views are breathtaking. Lining the international border are Hozomeen Mountain, Joker and Freezeout Mtns and Castle Peak. To the west the snowy dome of Mount Baker is clearly visible. Three Fools Peak dominates to the horizon to the south.

Three Fools Peak from the PCT on Lakeview Ridge

The grassy ridgetop is a fine place to camp. Snow lingers here, usually until August, providing water.

Lakeview Ridge at Sunset

Jack Mountain from Lakeview Ridge

The easiest way to get here is to drive to Mazama and take the road towards Harts Pass, up the steep valley and towards Slate Peak. The road (generally suitable for passenger vehicles) bisects the PCT just below the summit of Slate Peak. This it the highest point that can be reached by car in Washington. From here its about a 20 mile hike to the top of Lakeview Ridge.

Sunset over the Skagit River

Posted on January 31, 2015 by Andy Porter

Bridge over Skagit River

Getting out to capture cool pics is about cloud watching. Days when its clear or overcast lack interest for me. The trick is that you need to pay attention! I have seen many days here in Skagit Valley when it poured rain all day and was miserable, only to partially clear in the late afternoon/early evening and produce some of the best skies ever. Today for example the sky was completely clear all day, but late in the afternoon the clouds appeared and we had a magnificent sunset. I was rather late getting out with the camera and so opted for a spot about 5 minutes drive from my house: The Highway 9 bridge over the Skagit River. I shot with a fast shutter speed to compensate for all the shakin’ goin’ on from the traffic over the bridge. This produced some interesting lines from the currents in the water.

Skagit River at Sunset

Introductions: Andy Porter

Posted on January 25, 2015 by Andy Porter

Leanne, Thank you so very much!

Barn on Fir Island

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Andy Porter

Another day of mild winter temps and beautiful afternoon skies invited me back out for another visit to Fir Island. My attention was drawn to this huge barn. All the recent rain provided plenty of mirror space.

Barn along Fir Island Road, Skagit Valley

Fir Island also provides a winter home to snow geese!

Snow Geese on Fir Island, Skagit Valley

Old Barn

Posted on January 19, 2015 by Andy Porter

Barns have a definite personality. Some are smarmy and conceited, others destitute and abandoned. Old abandoned barns are best. All pretenses are erased and what’s exposed is the soul of the place. With nothing left to hide the history of the place exudes and if you take some time to breathe and listen you will be transported back in time.

This barn is located in La Conner and she had a lot to say!

Barn and clouds

Inside reflection

Lower boards stripped

Boat in a barn

La Conner Barn on a January afternoon

Sedro-Woolley Loggerodeo

Posted on January 11, 2015 by Andy Porter

Sedro-Woolley’s Loggerrodeo is held each year during the week around July 4th.

Sedro-Woolley staged it’s first 4th of July celebration in 1886, making it the oldest continuous celebration in the state, AND Sedro-Woolley is the chainsaw carving capital of Washington

The weeks festivities consist of more than a dozen events. Here are a few:

Loggerodeo Fireworks: Brilliant blasts of exploding color light up the black night sky in grand display this July 4th, starting at dusk at Riverfront Park. With its convenient location right next to the carnival, there is still time to visit the carnival after the fireworks show ends as it is open until midnight.

July 4th Carnival

Loggerrodeo Carnival

Chainsaw Carving. The contestants start with huge slabs of cedar and over several days transform them into unbelievable works of art. Many pieces, both large and small are also for sale.

Sedro-Woolley Chainsaw Carving

Sedro-Woolley Riding Club Rodeo And if all the above is not enough, The Sedro-Woolley Riding Club Rodeo is held each year over a two-day period. There are bucking broncos, barrel riding and Rodeo Queens! It is truly a spectacular event. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for Seniors, children and military members.

Loggerodeo

Photo Shoot at Crystal Mountain Resort

Posted on January 7, 2015 by Andy Porter

Last summer my friend asked me to come along on a nighttime imaging expedition. The plan was to capture images of Mount Rainier from the Crystal Mountain Resort.

Mr Rainier and early evening light

Gondola and Mount Rainier

The expedition aspect turned out to be pretty mild, we rode the gondola up to the resort and hung around all night, eating, drinking and once in a while taking pictures of the wonderful views!