JOHN DAY FOSSIL BED NATIONAL MONUMENT, OR :: After a long drive through the Columbia River Gorge and Central Oregon's scenic high desert, I arrived at Painted Hills. Pulling into the viewpoint parking lot a couple hours before sunset, I realized I was quite lucky with my timing. The hills were glowing golden in the evening light and the colors within the claystone striations were further saturated from a rain storm that had just recently passed.

The layers are over 33 million years in the making. Varying sediments and volcanic ash deposits created the long red ribbons and streaking black dots. I wandered along the three trails in the area: a path that originates from the viewpoint, the Painted Coves trail that features a nice boardwalk, and the Leaf Hill Trail, where tens of thousands of well-preserved plant fossils have been discovered. Each trail is a quarter to one-half mile long.

I had the entire area to myself that evening, during which time I took most of these photos. I returned again the next morning to shoot a couple more. It is definitely a site worth checking out if you're ever in Central Oregon.

Very cool shots John. I really like the different textures and viewpoints.

yeah, you really captured what it's like to be there. I paid a visit to that place a few years ago, it was amazing to see the contrast of the land and to imagine how it looked millions of years ago.

In case your interested here is a link to some shots I took of the painted Hills, it's my meager attempt at capturing the magic of the place. You certainly did a far better job John, nice work.

http://www.oregonjournal.info/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=2236

Have you ever thought about putting some of your tips or tricks on how you go about taking the fabulous pictures you do. I certainly would be interested in reading what you have to say. Just something to consider. Thanks.

Thanks, guys.

Michael, a few tips:

1) I always use a polarizer when there is enough light. This will cut through most surface reflections and glare, allowing more vivid colors into the lens.

2) Morning and evening is typically your best time to take photos. Softer, colored light puts warmth and emotion into the scene. The angled light produces shadows, adding more depth.

3) Learn how to fine-tune contrast and color balance in Photoshop or Elements. Often just a few quick tweaks can put life into an otherwise plain image. I rarely ever post anything on this site straight from the camera. The truth is, I often spend more time post-processing than I do shooting!

I hope that helps.

John

Great shots as always, John. You get to some really cool places. I particularly like the top shot with the walkway through the hills. Great stuff. Hope you are having a great summer.

John, what manufacture polorizer filter are you using?