Mike Putnam Landscape Photography

Broken Top Sunrise Print, now showing at the High Desert Museum!

Mike Putnam — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:01:00 +0000

I am proud to announce that one of my fine art prints, “Broken Top Sunrise” is now on display at Central Oregon’s High Desert Museum. The High Desert Museum is a phenomenal resource for Bend and the whole High Desert region. The High Desert Museum elegantly utilizes history, wildlife and natural resources to foster a greater appreciation of conservation and preservation in both Central Oregon and the Intermountain west. Below is an image of my fine art print, “Broken Top Sunrise” which is currently on display at the High Desert Museum.

Art at the High Desert Museum

The exhibit that my print is part of is about invasive species in the High Desert. Predictably, the exhibit is extremely well organized and laid out. It is a great combination of material that is visually stimulating, entertaining, and educational. Coincidentally, my print is a documentation of native species of

High Desert Museum

wildflowers thriving in the Bend, Oregon area. It is not intended to represent invasive species, but rather the beauty of native species.

My print, “Broken Top sunrise” was captured high on the flanks of Broken Top Mountain, not far from the Broken Top Trail. it is an image that I worked very hard to get. Many separate scouting trips, both before and after sunrise were required to appropriately plan and compose this photograph. It is one of my favorite locations in the Bend, Oregon area and it is one that I am honored to share with the High Deseert Museum! For information about my Broken Top Sunrise image or any of the many other fine art prints in my portfolio, please visit the galleries page of my website by visiting the following link. Fine Art images. Incidentally, you can find my line of Bend Oregon Note Cards in the Silver Sage Trading Store located just just a few feet away from where my print is currently hanging in the museum. For more information about my note cards please visit my note cards page. Bend, Oregon Note Cards.

I hope that the good folks at the High Desert Museum are half as happy to have the print as I am to share the print.

thanks for Visiting and I’ll see you at the museum!

Mike Putnam

Bend, Oregon Winter Snow Photographs.

Mike Putnam — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:35:37 +0000

My hometown of Bend, Oregon is truly a four season outdoor wonderland. Unfortunately, the winter of 2012 had been especially mild until yesterday. Bend and the Central Oregon region are heavily dependent on winter snow fall for their supply of exceptional drink water, as well as irrigation water for agricultural purposes. Winter snow melt from high on the flanks of Broken Top Mountain flows toward Bend via multiple alpine streams and eventually end up in the City of Bend’s water supply. Without enough winter snow fall, there are grave concerns regarding water supply. Additionally, the economies of Bend and the city of Sisters,or are heavily dependent upon winter snow fall to fuel winter sports. The Bend area offers world class Cross Country skiing, downhill skiing at Mt. Bachelor, and snowshoeing, throughout the Deschutes National Forest. Without adequate winter snow fall in Central Oregon, these winter driven snow sports suffer and tourism dollars plummet. One of my favorite winter locations for winter snow sports in the Bend area is Tumalo Mountain and its stunning view of the Central Oregon Cascades.

Fresh Snow on the Central Oregon Cascades, near Bend, Oregon

Tumalo Mountain is located 20 miles from the city of Bend, near the Mt. Bachelor ski resort. Tumalo Mountain is not lift served so snow sports enthusiasts have to earn their turns at this iconic backcountry location. The East facing slope of Tumalo is a steep bowl while the remainder of the mountain offers a more gradual grade for relaxed tree skiing. The photograph seen above of the Central Oregon Cascades after a heavy winter snowfall was taken from near the summit of Tumalo Mountain.

The next two photos in this winter collection are both of my favorite Oregon River, the Deschutes River. The image seen below features the distinct and beautiful Red Osier Dogwood which is common in riparian areas throughout Central Oregon. This particular Bend Oregon photo was captured in Tumalo State Park. Because Tumalo State Park is lower in elevation than the City of Bend, it is often accessible during the winter season. Red Osier Dogwoods along the Deschutes River near Bend, Oregon.

Red Osier Dogwood and the Deschutes River

The recreational area along the Deschutes River trail south of the city of Bend is higher in elevation than the city of Bend and therefore is sporadically accessible during times of heavy snowfall in Central Oregon. One of my favorite hiking destinations along the Deschutes River trail is Benham Falls, seen below. While winter can be harsh at Benham Falls, summer is always spectacular at this beautiful waterfall.

Bend Oregon's Benham Falls in winter

The detail in the fine art print of this scene at Benham Falls in the Deschutes River is beautiful. The snow and ice details make this one of my favorite Bend Oregon winter scenes. Leaving the Bend area and traveling west to the city of Sisters, you can visit this wonderful grove of Ponderosa pine trees.

Oregon Ponderosa Pine Tree Grove in Winter

This particular Ponderosa Pine Tree Grove has stunning color in both the summer and winter. These trees all lean slightly towards where I was shooting this photo from and their bark is slightly shielded from the elements. This gives their bark the wonderful cinnamon color that is a favorite of hikers and naturalists in the Sisters, Oregon area.

One last image that I think embodies the snow/winter season in the Bend, Oregon area is the following Photo of Mt. Bachelor after a heavy winter snowfall.

Photo/pic/image of Bachelor in winter, Bend, Oregon

This winter snow photo of Mt. Bachelor was hard earned, requiring a 60 minute snowshoe climb in 29 inches of overnight powder snow. Fine art prints of this and all of the images in this collection of winter photographs are available for sale. Please visit the galleries page of my website by visiting my photo gallery page. Oregon Photos for sale.

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful snowy winter!

Mike Putnam

First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Bend, Oregon (12/2/2011)

Mike Putnam — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:26:00 +0000

I’m pleased to announce that I will return to my frequent art haunt of Patagonia of Bend for tomorrow night’s First Friday Art Walk. Patagonia Of Bend is located at 920 NW Wall St, where I will introduce a new Print of Central Oregon’s beautiful Proxy Falls. I just viewed this print for the first time today and I think it looks fantastic!

Oregon Waterfall

Proxy Falls may be my favorite waterfall anywhere and I am very excited to share this new framed print! In addition to this new Oregon Waterfall Print, I’ll also have the following favorites on display during the First Friday Art Walk festivities.

Sparks Lake near Bend,Oregon.

Bend Oregon’s very own Sparks Lake during a beautiful sunrise. Below is another stunning waterfall image from the Bend,Oregon area, Bend’s own Tumalo Falls, captured this past summer!

Bend Oregon Waterfall

I will also be showing one of my favorite Oregon snow images, taken from the top of Bend’s Tumalo Mountain.

Bend Oregon Snow

Please stop by Patagonia of Bend tomorrow night to see my new Proxy Falls Print as well as these older favorites!

I hope to see you there,

Mike Putnam

New Proxy Falls Fine Art Photograph!

Mike Putnam — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:56:37 +0000

Proxy Falls is the kind of waterfall one never forgets. It is frequently included on lists of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. I’ve traveled to Proxy falls countless times in the last 15 years, including five times this past summer, purely for the sake of capturing the photograph you see below. Multiple times I was virtually washed away by monsoon like spray caused by heavy spring snow melt. Other times I simply missed my mark. On the day I captured what will be my next fine art print, I actually wore fly fishing waders because I knew I would be spending extended periods of time wading knee deep in frigid mountain water while focusing and adjusting my 4×5 large format film camera.

Proxy Falls, Three Sisters Wilderness Area, Oregon

Proxy Falls is located on Oregon highway 242, west of Mckenzie Pass. The parking area is clearly marked as is the trail head. The short 2 mile loop winds through moss covered lava fields and stunning old growth forests. Spring brings wonderful displays of rhododendron and beargrass blooms while fall is celebrated with the oranges and reds of vine maples in their autumnal finery. The smaller and less heralded Upper Proxy Falls is also a worthy side hike on the Proxy Falls loop.

I worked extremely hard to get what I think will be one of my more popular fine art prints. Aside from the satisfaction that comes from completing an arduous task, I’m excited about the aesthetics of this Landscape photograph. The Hint of color on the submerged rock at the bottom of the image as well as the verdant moss covered rocks make for an excellent foreground. The downed log in the mid ground adds an attractive diagonal line as well as some textural diversity to this landscape print. Finally, this photo has as good of a background as I’ve ever found for a waterfall photograph. Stunning lines and textures of water cascading 226 feet over volcanic basalt columns. I love the combination of visual scenery that this beautiful Oregon waterfall provides and I can’t wait to have my first large prints of this amazing waterfall framed.

Thanks for visiting,

Mike

Bend Oregon Fall photography review.

Mike Putnam — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:50:39 +0000

Central Oregon is a place that is special for many reasons. My wife may disagree but one of the things that make living in the Bend, Oregon area special is that we have four distinct seasons. While other areas of the country are frequently touted as excellent autumn destinations, I would place Central Orgon on my list of best areas of the U.S. for fall road trips. The weather is frequently excellent. Cool nights and bright sunny days contribute to beautiful riparian colors along local waterways, bursts of fall color in alpine areas with huckleberries, and blueberries, as well as vine maples and aspen groves igniting riots of color in and around the Bend area. Below is my photographic resume touting Bend and the Central Oregon area as a stunning fall vacation destination.

Shevlin Park in Bend, Oregon

The first image seen above was taken in Bend Oregon’s own Shevlin Park. Shevlin is a 650 acre city park located a few miles west of the city of Bend. Shevlin is graced with old growth ponderosa trees along with engleman spruce, larch trees, and junipers. The chilly trout filled waters of Tumalo Creek which courses through the park offer a colorful riparian buffer during the beautiful fall season in the Bend area.

Oregon Aspen Grove

Because of Central Oregon’s relatively high eleveation( about 3,600 ft) and it’s dry climate, Bend is blessed with an aspen friendly environment. Aspen trees are beautiful all year round but in they put on amazing displays in autumn. Excellent Aspen groves can be found throughout the city of Bend as well as along the Deschutes River Trail south of Bend and in the Tumalo Falls/Skyliners area west of Bend.

The beauty of the Santiam Pass and McKenzie Pass areas west of Bend are no secret to locals but their fall beauty goes largely unrecognized outside of Oregon. The following fall color image featuring gorgeous vine maples and towering evergreen trees was captured in the McKenzie Pass area.

Vine Maples on McKenzie Pass

A beautiful loop drive or ride can be made from the city of Sisters by driving west on highway 242 to McKenzie Pass and then taking highway 126 along the Mckezie River to Highway 20 and going west over Santiam Pass back to the city of Sisters. The drive is breath taking at any time of year and it is at its best in the fall. Vine maples illuminate the road with brilliant reds, yellows and oranges. The following image of the upper North Santiam River was taken in the Santiam Pass area.

Santiam River

The above image of vine maples draped over the North Santiam River, is one of my favorite fall images and looks great printed at up to 40×50 inches!

One of my most iconic autumn images from the Bend, Oregon area is of Tumalo falls, seen below. My daughter Emma was with me when I shot this image in a pouring rain at the apex of fall color along Tumalo Creek, 10 miles west of the city of Bend.

Tumalo Falls

As this image is one of my more popular prints, I have printed it at every size possible and I also have it available as a greeting card.

The following scene has been witnessed by countless hikers and bikers. This image was taken along the the Deschutes River Trail, just south of Bend. It includes the phenomenal Deschutes River and is in one of the recreational areas that make Bend a world class outdoor destination.

Deschutes River Trail

Finally, I include this last image as a tribute of the natural beauty that can be found within the city limits of the city of Bend. This image is a rough draft but hopefully it will be added to my collection of fine art prints in the near future. I captured this scene on a walk home after dropping my daughter off at school this fall. I think this image does an excellent job of capturing the shoulder season between fall and winter in the Bend area.

Maple Leaves

This simple little scene has a certain elegance that I am lucky to witness, much less capture on film. for more fall color images from the Bend area, please visit the portfolio page of my website Bend Oregon Photos.

Thanks For Visiting,

Mike

Photographs of Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne, Oregon.

Mike Putnam — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:17:25 +0000

The first time I went hiking at Central Oregon’s Smith Rock State Park, I was shocked that it had not somehow become a national park. I realize that the acreage is on the small size for a National Park, but the scenery is absolutely stunning. Smith Rock’s vertical spires trump virtually any rock formations outside of Southern Utah. With impeccable views of the Oregon Cascade Mountains, and the Crooked River meandering below, the setting is sublime. To top things off, Smith Rock State Park typically offers impeccable people watching opportunities as the park is a favorite rock climbing destination for rock climbers from around the world.

Smith Rock State Park, near Terrebonne, Oregon

The above Photograph of Smith Rock was taken this past summer from near the viewpoint where the trail from the parking lot descends into the Crooked River Canyon far below. This image has the summer desert feel I was looking for in a new Smith Rock Print.

Smith Rock Hiking

This image taken at the northern end of Smith Rock State Park is a long time favorite of mine. The wonderful contrast between the delicate sulfur flowers and an aging sagebrush in the foreground and the stunning pinnacles of the Christian Brothers rock formations in the background manage to beautifully captured the variety and textures of Smith Rock.

Smith Rock Juniper Snag

This image of a lichen covered juniper snag embodies the rugged nature of the smith rock area. Because Smith Rock receives very little rainfall and summers can be scorching hot(by Bend area standards), life is hard for plants and animals in smith Rock State Park.

Christian Brothers/ The Monument, Smith Rock State Park

The above image is taken from the shores of the Crooked river, with “The Monument” in the background. The fall color in the mid-ground is very fleeting in Oregon’s high desert, but it adds an attractive element to an already impressive photographic composition.

Smith Rock River Bend

This last image of Smith Rock includes yet another stunning rock formation rising nearly 600 feet above the Crooked River. This was also captured in autumn and even includes a dusting of fresh snow in the mid-ground. While Smith Rock State Park is always an amazing destination, there is currently still some fall color to be seen along the shores of the Crooked River as it meanders through the park, so get out while Smith Rock is at its best! If you’d like to view these images and others that I’ve captured with my 4×5 film camera, please visit my portfolio page here…Oregon Landscape Photos. If you’d like to see my latest photographic work, please also visit my Facebook Page.

Happy Hiking,

First Friday Art Hop in Bend, Oregon!

Mike Putnam — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:12:33 +0000

Hello Photography friends! After a two month sabbatical, from First Friday festivities, I will be back with with new Fine art prints at my familiar haunt, of Patagonia of Bend. Patagonia of Bend is located at 920 NW Bond Street, in Downtown Bend, Oregon.Fall Art Hop and my show will take place this Friday, 10/7/2011. I’ll be in the store from 5:00 PM until about 9:00PM. Rumor has it that the affable owner of Patagonia of Bend, Rod Bien, will be providing his signature frosted animal cookies and some only slightly toxic white wines, for free! I’ll be showing some new prints including the image of Tumalo Falls with summer wildflowers seen below. This Tumalo falls photograph is printed, framed and ready to show. It is definitely my favorite summer image of Tumalo Falls, and I think my collerctors will love it!

Bend Oregon's Tumalo Falls with summer wildflowers

The diversity of color and texture make this a visually stunning print. Because of the heavy snow fall in the Central Oregon Cascades last winter, Tumalo Falls’ flow was the highest I’ve seen it last summer, so it will be all but impossible to duplicate this wildflower and waterfall Photograph.

The following image of Paulina Peak, Paulina Lake and the Central Oregon Cascades as seen from the Newberry Crater National Volcanic Monument will also be premiered during Bend’s First Friday Art Hop.

Newberry Crater and Paulina Lake

This Newberry Crater/Paulina Lake is one I’ve been trying to capture for two years. Until now I’d been foiled by snow,clouds, wind, you name it, I’ve been beaten by it, until now! A wonderfully colorful sunrise against the pinnacles of Paulina Peak, heavy snow cover on Mt. Bachelor and the distant Three Sisters, and the misty shores of Paulina Lake far below make this landscape photograph worthy of all my efforts. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do!

One of my favorite Prints and one that I have shown very lightly is from Canyon Creek Meadow, at the base of Central Oregon’s Three Fingered Jack. The Canyon Creek Meadow hike is one of my favorites in the Bend area and this is one of the most flower filled landscape photographs I’ve seen. There are always lots of lupines in Canyon Creek Meadow but the year of this photo was exceptional. It was simply the best and most dense stand of Lupines I’ve ever seen.

Canyon Creek Meadow hike

Another lightly shown image in my collection of Landscape photographs is from Bend’s beautiful Deschutes River Trail. The Deschutes River runs through the middle of my beautiful hometown of Bend, and the Deschutes River Trail parallels much of the Deschutes River. The section of the river trail seen in this stunning autumnal image is located south of the city of Bend. This photograph was captured last fall, perhaps the best year for fall color along the Deschutes River that I’ve ever witnessed.

Deschutes River near Bend, Oregon

The fact that such beautiful scenery can be found just minutes from the city of Bend makes me feel lucky to live here!

I haven’t yet decided which additional prints I will display during the First Friday Art Hop, but the following image of the Oregon cascades is a leading candidate as it captures what I think is the best composition of Oregon’s beautiful Cascade mountains.

Oregon Cascade Mountains

Please, if you are out this Friday(10/7/2011), stop by Patagonia@Bend and say hello! I look forward to seeing some of my photography friends and to meeting some new ones.

See you Friday Night,

Mike Putnam

Newberry Crater National Volcanic Monument from Paulina Peak

Mike Putnam — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:52:30 +0000

I’ve been to the summit of Paulina Peak in the Newberry Crater National Volcanic Monument countless times over the last ten years and I have finally captured what I think will make a beautiful fine art photograph. Newberry was created in 1990 and comprised over 50,000 acres of land. The high point of the Newberry National Monument is Paulina Peak at 7,985 feet. In my opinion, the view from the summit of Paulina Peak is one of the most dramatic in Oregon and that is why I wanted to take my time and capture a spectacular image from this amazing location. I will offer this image in two forms, the horizontal version seen below and a vertical image which is further down in this blog post. The horizontal image from Newberry crater does an excellent job of capturing the scale and textures of this amazing location. The Pinnacles of Paulina Peak, Mt. Bachelor and the Three Sisters in the distance, and Paulina Lake far below all captured together during a beautiful summer sunrise promise to make this photograph a welcomed member to my fine art landscape photographs collection.

Newberry Crater, near Bend, Oregon

While I love the above image from Paulina Peak, I also felt it was worthwhile to offer a version of this image which emphasizes the cascade mountain range in the background and the rugged pinnacles of Paulina Peak. While these two images were captured during the same sunrise, they have a very different feel.

Paulina Peak and the Oregon Cascades

I’m even considering adding one of these images to my collection of Central Oregon Greeting Cards.Selections are welcome as to which of these two images would make the best greeting card. Hopefully this image will be available at the next First Friday in Downtown Bend, so please check back regarding specific for the photography show.

Thanks,

Mike

Tumalo Falls in Summer!

Mike Putnam — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:48:23 +0000

I’ve had few of photography successes this summer which means I’ll be coming out with with some new prints in the near future. One of the images that I most definitely will be printing is the following photo of my favorite waterfall in the Bend, Oregon area, Central Oregon’s own, Tumalo Falls!

Tumalo Falls, near Bend, Oregon

Frankly, I’m thrilled with this image. It has texture, color and one of my favorite waterfalls in the world. Tumalo Falls is one of those locations that are beautiful but they don’t always photograph well. I’ve been to Tumalo Falls hundreds of times as it is close to my home town of Bend, Oregon, but I’ve never captured an image from Tumalo Falls in summer that does justice to its beauty. This was a tricky, technical photograph to capture and my transparencies of this stunning waterfall are tack sharp, which is sometimes an elusive thing! As a side note, there was a big otter rustling around in the undergrowth just 10 feet away right before I captured this image of Tumalo Falls. He almost crept right into my scene but at the last moment he was spooked by my shutter release. Another special memory from this beautiful Central Oregon waterfall! This image will soon be available as a fine art print. Please visit my online portfolios to see other images that are available.

Thanks,

Mike Putnam

Photography at Double Mountain Brewery in Hood River, Oregon!

Mike Putnam — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 01:27:37 +0000

Hood River, Oregon has long been one of my favorite cities in the world. We have some wonderful friends who live in Hood River, so we have become familiar with the Hood River Valley over the last decade and a half. As a landscape photographer, the Hood River Valley may be as beautiful as anywhere in the state of Oregon. Like my hometown of Bend, Oregon, Hood River is not only attractive, but it has great beer. A relative newcomer on the Hood River beer scene, Double Mountain Brewery was established approximately 4 years ago and they are already my favorite Hood River Brewery. With Beers such as Hop Lava, IRA, Vaporizer, and my personal favorite, Fa,La,La,La, Double Mountain Brewery has been tremendously successful in their first four years. The environment at Double mountain is an excellent hybrid of cozy and funky, just the way I like brewpubs to be! As you might have suspected, My Oregon landscape Photography is currently hanging at Double Mountain and will be there until the end of July. I think my photos look great there and I hope that they are being well received by the Double Mountain patrons. Below is one of the six landscape photos I currently have displayed at Hood River’s favorite brewpub.

Mount Jefferson

I debated which of my oregon photographs to hang at Double mountain for quite some time. The primary issue was should I share photos from the Hood River/ Columbia River Gorge area or should I hang images from my home area near Bend, Oregon. In the end I decided that the good folks of Hood River had probably seen enough Hood River Valley Photos and that photographs from Central Oregon might be a nice change of pace.

Balsamroot and Basalt Columns

It is also my understanding that a fair number of Hood River residents enjoy periodic visits to Bend and perhaps they would enjoy a reminder of the Central Oregon vacation. While I think my landscape photography looks great at Double Mountain, I’m very open to feedback regarding the appropriateness of displaying Central Oregon Photographs in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. Does anyone think I should switch out my photo at mid month and include more from the Hood River/ Columbia River Gorge area? If you do think I should make a change, please leave me a note in the comment section at the end of this blog entry. If I do decide to change up the images at Double Mountain, the first update will most likely come from my Facebook Page, so please check there for updates.

Bend Oregon's Sparks Lake

I’d like to extend a special thanks to the kind staff at Double Mountain. They were very accommodating while I was hanging my art in there awesome brewpub. Thanks Double Mountain! If any of you readers happen to live in the Hood River area, pleas stop by Double Mountain sometime this month and tell them that their landscape photography looks great!

Cheers,

Mike Putnam