A couple of weekends ago, I made it out to climb at a couple of local bouldering spots in preparation for a trip up to Squamish. You never want to go on a climbing trip with "gym hands," so I had to get out and grab so real rocks. One classic Portland spot and another newly developed/developing area. I have been trying desperately to finish out the remaining frames on three rolls of film from the Enchantments too, and this was the perfect opportunity to do so.
Read More4th of July in the Enchantments /
My prior experience in the Enchantments was several years ago, when me and Temo "tried" to climb Dragontail Peak via Serpentine Ridge. Little did I know that Dragontail Peak was only the start of a whole chain of alpine lakes and towering granite peaks, known collectively as the Enchantments. I have long desired to backpack up to the Enchantments to both climb some of the famous routes there and to photograph the beautiful scenery. But for the longest time, the permit system in place to protect this fragile landscape kept this desire from becoming reality. Early this winter, I circled on my calendar the day the lottery opened for permits, and signed up as soon I could. I was miraculously awarded a pass for the 4th of July weekend to the Core Enchantment Zone, which is the most coveted permit as it allows camping in all of the other zones.
Read MoreGear Upgrade! Rolleiflex 2.8E - Test Roll /
Sometimes I have to stop and say to myself, "Ray, don't you think you have enough old crusty cameras?" Short answer is Yes, I do probably have too many. But at least I shoot with most of them in my rotation. With replacing carpet, refurnishing my house, and other miscellaneous expenses that have come up over the last few months, I have indeed been really good lately about not buying unnecessary stuff. But I came across a deal I couldn't refuse.
Read MoreSurf Wax America /
This last weekend, I headed out to the Oregon Coast for a little surfing adventure. Lauren and Erik go out surfing with some relative frequency, and I always tell them I want to tag along some day so I can take pictures. So we finally made it happen! Early Sunday morning, I piled into the back of their Mini with their pup Fu, and embarked a fun little day trip to the beach.
Read MoreFujifilm Velvia 50 /
A few months ago, I won an auction on eBay for some 20 odd rolls of FujiFilm Velvia 50 in 120 format. All of them were expired sometime between 1995 and 2004, which made the entire purchase somewhat of a crap-shoot. Expired film, when stored and cared for properly, can live well beyond it's useful life. And at just under $3 a roll (normally around $9 when fresh), what did I have to lose right? A few months ago, I won an auction on eBay for some 20 odd rolls of FujiFilm Velvia 50 in 120 format. All of them were expired sometime between 1995 and 2004, which made the entire purchase somewhat of a crap-shoot. Expired film, when stored and cared for properly, can live well beyond it's useful life. And at just under $3 a roll (normally around $9 when fresh), what did I have to lose right?
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