I think I have finally nailed this shot of Ashland Creek which I’ve taken several times before but never to my entire satisfaction. The key ingredients are:
1) right season (late spring or early summer–more green and more water)
2) tripod
3) right day and time (sunny day in the early morning before the sun is really out)
4) no wind (if the branches or leaves are blowing in the breeze then the “pop” doesn’t pop)

Equipment and EXIF data:
Nikon D7000
Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens
$20 tripod
f/22
1 second exposure
ISO 280
18mm focal length

Posted on June 18th, 2011 under lithia park, nature, only in ashland, places. Tags: lithia park, photography, water. Comments: 1

Outside Magazine is currently running a contest in which people can vote for the “Best Town Ever”. Of course, there is nothing scientific about the poll, and it’s merely just a ploy to get people to “like” Outside Magazine on Facebook, but Ashland is currently running second behind Tucson, Arizona. Really? Tucson? Can a city of over half a million people in the city limits with another half a million in the suburbs really be called a “town”, let alone be the “Best Town Ever”?

Anyway, today’s photo is from a real town. This is Ashland Creek which runs through this town, which will soon have less than 20,000 people once the SOU students split this weekend.

Posted on June 8th, 2011 under lithia park, nature, only in ashland. Tags: lithia park, water. Comments Off on Outside Magazine’s Best Town Ever?

Another shot today of Ashland Creek in Lithia Park…

Posted on May 28th, 2011 under lithia park, nature, only in ashland. Tags: lithia park, spring, water. Comments Off on Ashland Creek

I headed down to Ashland Creek in Lithia Park this past weekend to try to find the scene I mentioned previously. I couldn’t really remember what it looked like by the time I got there, but I did find some good spots. The sky was overcast so I didn’t bring my tripod, thinking the conditions wouldn’t be ideal. I took several shots (including today’s photo) with longer shutter speeds to get the silky water effect, but without a tripod most of them didn’t come out great.

Yesterday I decided to try again with my tripod. The weather was better (sunny), but it turns out that for the longer shutter speeds sun is not your friend. I left the shutter open for 1/2 second (hand held) for today’s pic (with overcast skies), but that is far too long when the water is in the sun. I did find some shady spots, photographs of which I will show you in the future. Next time I want to try really poor lighting with a tripod and longer shutter speeds (like a full second) to see what kind of results can be achieved.

Posted on May 11th, 2011 under lithia park, nature, only in ashland, places. Tags: lithia park, photography, water. Comments Off on Ashland Creek

On tonight’s First Friday Art Walk I saw the most amazing photo of Ashland Creek. I need to find that spot in Lithia Park. Saturday’s weather forecast isn’t great, but maybe I’ll try then if things aren’t too bad.

I took this photo early last month near the part of Granite Street where the pavement turns into dirt. Now that May has arrived and many more leaves are on the trees I’ll have to go back for another look.

Posted on May 6th, 2011 under lithia park, nature, only in ashland, places. Tags: lithia park, water. Comments Off on Lithia Park’s Ashland Creek

I don’t know where all the ducks are in this recent photo, but usually the upper duck pond in Lithia Park is teaming with them. Since returning from Japan, I’ve noticed the duck pond to also be well stocked with koi. Also, the water is no longer green. When did these things happen?

Posted on February 2nd, 2011 under lithia park, nature, only in ashland, places. Tags: lithia park, skywatch, trees, water. Comments Off on Lithia Park Duck Pond

Ellie at the Rogue River Gorge

Posted on November 24th, 2010 under nature, outside of ashland, people, places. Tags: water. Comments Off on Ellie at the Gorge

Just some leaves found floating (and some already sunk in the clear water) in Ashland reservoir the other day…

Posted on October 24th, 2010 under lithia park, nature. Tags: autumn, leaves, water. Comments Off on Leaves

Duffy plants a kiss on Ellie. Maybe the cause was the pool’s change this year from chlorine to saline.

Posted on August 31st, 2010 under people. Tags: water. Comments: 1