The Tom McCall Preserve, which encompasses the Rowena Crest Viewpoint on the Oregon side of the eastern Columbia River Gorge, is a slice of heaven, especially in the springtime. Abundant balsamroot, lupine, and other wildflowers cover a high bluff overlooking the Columbia River and the Washington side of the Gorge. It is a popular location for hikers and photographers alike. I’ve traveled there many times over the years.
The challenges at this location include having just the right amount of cloud cover and the ever-present wind. On this particular morning, I set up well before sunrise in a small meadow somewhat protected from the wind. I selected a photogenic group of wildflowers and waited for the sunrise.
As the sun hit the ridge on the Washington side of the river, I quickly did a series of exposures, with focus and exposure stacking, flipped the camera over on its L bracket, and fired off another series of exposures with focus and exposure stacking. This image is a focus and exposure stacked composite from the second set of exposures. Thankfully, the wind let up enough to allow focus stacking. I could not have asked for better conditions. Of all the trips I have made to this location, this has been my most memorable. It is good to be prepared, but better to be prepared AND lucky.
