Jupiter

Did you hear that last night the moon and Jupiter appeared *super* close? Sadly, I was a little late hearing this news and didn't step outside to see for myself until late in the night, so they didn't appear as close anymore. I saw/heard conflicting reports. Some said that Jupiter wouldn't appear that close to the moon again until 2026, but NBC said that they'll be another "close pairing" like this March 17th of this year. Either way, it's still fun to go outside and enjoy & observe things that are many times ignored.

(That tiny little dot? That's Jupiter!)

Juniper

Sometimes it's hard for me to appreciate the little things that surround me. The warming weather (even if it is still cold), the peacefulness of our neighborhood, and the abundant presence of Juniper trees that surround Central Oregon. Some people love these trees, others hate them; for once I took a moment to just appreciate their beauty.

Simple Beauty in Bend

I'm sure everyone knows by now how I am a huge fan of Bend sunsets. I'm sure sunrises are nice too, if I ever woke up in time for those. I just cannot get enough of the natural, simple beauty that surrounds this wonderful city!

Unknown Couple

I'm not usually one to photograph people (not my comfort zone), but sometimes they fit into whatever I am trying to photograph very well. This is not a recent picture, but I was combing over my external hard drive and opened this up. This was taken in the Old Mill, sometime in September 2011. I really wish I knew who this couple was. The sunset was beautiful, and they seemed to be just enjoying each other and nature. Is it the best photo, probably not; but it's a very honest, candid moment that they might appreciate. Bend has so many visitors that come and go, but if anyone knows this couple let me know. Maybe they'd like a copy of this picture (full size, unmarked copy). I know it's a long shot, and very unlikely (especially with it being a shot without faces)...but there's more of a chance than if I don't post/ask at all.

Winter Wonderland

This morning we had freezing fog, which cleared up fairly quickly. What it left was beautiful frost on everything! I decided to go for a walk around the neighborhood, and although it was cut short (it's 10˚ right now!), I managed to get this photo. I love how even with blue skies and the sun shining, Bend looks like a Winter wonderland!

Beautiful Clear Night

It's a beautiful, clear night tonight in Bend. The moon is bright, the stars are shining, I couldn't think of a better way to start off the new year.

Welcoming the New Year

As 2012 comes to an end, I've been thinking about how I can improve (photography wise) in 2013. I feel like I've grown the last year, and am excited for what the new year will bring. In 2013 I'm hoping to:
1. Continue to grow as a photographer (even as just a hobbyist)
2. Continue to learn technical aspects of photography, and incorporate that into my photos.
3. Find a style that fits me. I had/have a very vivid color style, but mostly because that's all I knew how to do. As I learn, I'm also experimenting and trying to figure out what works. So, please be patient with me. :)
4. Post more! I traveled quite a bit this year, and chose not to post most of those photos since they weren't in Oregon. From this point on, no reservations when posting. I'm sure others would like to see different areas of the world posted, every once in a while!
Hopefully everyone has a happy and safe new year!

 -Jaime

Dreaming of a Warmer Place

To many people's joy, it has been snowing a lot lately in Bend. I, however, feel that it's at a nasty in between stage. I don't ski or snowboard, so I'm stuck with the mediocre snowfall. Not enough to play in, but enough so every step I take outside the house has me trying not to slip and fall.
So, I found myself looking through my photos from Summer and Fall, and I found this gem. I love that it's an Oregon location, close enough for a day-trip...or more likely an overnight trip.
If snow is what makes you happy, I hope you're enjoying the weather. If not, warmer (less-snowy) places are only a drive away!

Foggy Bend Sunset

If you are in the Bend area right now, you know that the last few days have been foggy (REALLY foggy). As the sun began to set tonight, some of the fog seemed to clear up (at least where I live). What resulted was beautiful; cloudy pink and blue skies, and just a bit of fog in the distance. I'm not sure if this will still give the same feel as a "single" photo, but I thought this was beautiful enough for a panoramic photo.
Hopefully you got to see this for yourself, because it was truly a beautiful sight.

(Yes, some of the clouds were purple)

Moon Over Bend

I hope everyone had a happy and safe Thanksgiving! After a lot of driving, and a few obstacles, I'm now back in Bend. Although I'd love to be closer to my family, I have to say it feels good to be home. Tonight as I was looking out my window, I could see the beautiful colors of the sunset. The added bonus, though, was watching the moon come up through the colorful sky. I have mixed feelings about this time of year. I hate the cold, but there is no denying that some of the most beautiful sights can be seen in the winter months. Beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and snow covered everything! Overall, I think the good outweighs the bad.