Butterflies At The Smithsonian

I recently had the opportunity to visit Washington DC and had a few days to take in the incredible Smithsonian Museums.

One of the highlights was the National Museum of Natural History where there are huge wings of the building dedicated to Fossils, Mammals, Oceana, Geology(Rocks and Minerals) and Insects.

Within the Insect wing(no pun intended), the museum has created a walk through butterfly exhibit with hundreds of these beautiful critters flying around, landing on guests and even posing nicely for photographs.

The number of species is just incredible.

Each one with it’s own unique coloration and wing shape.

Technical Note: All these photos were taken using an iPhone 12.

Gorge Creek Panorama

There are a number of times when taking a panoramic photograph is the best way to capture a subject. On a recent trip into Northern Cascades National Park I stopped at Gorge Creek. This gorge is only about twenty feet wide. I set up on the bridge over the creek and had to carefully time each image in-between cars and trucks crossing, causing the bridge to shake and vibrate. Using eleven images I captured the creek looking almost straight down and rotated the camera about ten degrees between images to capture the waterfall and gorge. I then used Adobe Lightroom to merge all eleven images into a single image that is about 7000 pixels wide by 14000 tall.

This photo shows a very unique and interesting view of Gorge creek, looking straight down the center of a tree.

Three Seasons Of Christine Falls

Christine Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park. Located on Paradise Road just before is crosses the Nisqually Rivera. Taken towards the end of summer, the photo above shows the lush forest that surrounds Van Trump Creek that feeds the falls and flows down to the Nisqually River.

In the winter, the falls have to cut through the deep snow.

And finally, in the fall with a dusting of early snow.

Twilight Over The Olympics

It doesn’t happen often, but on this day the weather was incredibly clear with the mountains of Olympic National Park were visible from Washington Park(near my home). My wife and I went to the park to enjoy the sunset and Mother Nature put on a spectacular show.

The Olympics are off in the distance with Lopez Island on the right, Burrows Island on the left, and a bit of Washington park in the foreground.

Technical Note: The bottom photo is a panorama made up of five images stitched together.

Myrtle Falls Long Exposures

I have photographed Myrtle Falls in Mount Rainier National Park many times, this time I experimented with numerous exposure times to get some different results in the flow of the water. For this first image the exposure was set at 0.4 seconds at f/20. The differences are subtle, but definitely there.

Going from 0.4 seconds to 1 second at f/22, the water streaks are a bit fuller.

At 1.3 sec @ f/22, streaks are beginning to combine together, losing some detail.

And finally, 2 sec at f22, a lot of detail has been lost and the water fall streaks have gotten a bit soft.

My personal favorite is the 1.0 sec version.

Going Macro

Sometimes I forget about the small things in nature, critters, water drops, pine needles and leaves.

On a recent trip up North Cascades National Park, my wife and I walked the “Trail of the Cedars” in Newhalem.

Carrying only a macro lens, I wanted to get up close and explore the many different types of leaf shapes and their veins.

Its amazing what you can find by taking the time to stop and take in the wonders around you!

Searching For Sunset

A few days ago I headed out to enjoy and photograph the sunset. My first stop was Rosario Head at Deception Pass State Park, but there wasn’t a composition that caught my eye. Next, I headed to the top of Mount Erie, the highest point on Fidalgo Island. The main view from the top is towards the east and the south and the hazy sky didn’t have much color.

My last stop was just below the top of Mount Erie on a small point overlooking the San Juan Islands. This was it!!. The sun setting just above eight or nine of the San Juan Islands.

Ferries Passing In The Night

Just a few minutes from my home is Washington Park and one of my favorite places for sunset. On this night, two ferries going through Thatcher Pass between Decatur Island and Blakely Island with the orange glow of sunset.

Rainy Lake A Month later

A little over a month ago I hiked a snow covered trail to Frozen Rainy Lake and After some very warm weather, I returned to the trail to find all the snow had melted.

The last time I was here, the parking area was not accessible because of the snow and there was no one else on the trail. This time, the parking area was completely full and the biggest surprise was that the trail is entirely paved. I was great to see parents pushing strollers to share this beautiful lake with their kids.

Sunset Over The San Juan Islands

Just a few minutes from my home is Green Point on the western most edge of Washington Park in Anacortes. From late spring to early fall the sun sets over one of the many San Juan Islands.

When there are clouds in the sky, sunset can become almost magical.

Above is a panorama made from seven images showing at least six of the San Juan Islands. For a larger version of this image, visit my website at: Tad Gielow Photography Panaramas