The Yakima River

[jeeperman]

This is Washingtons Blue Ribbon trout stream. There are some nice fish here 20+ inch trout. It is a difficult river to fish in some ways....as it is an irrigation river. The water is raised and lowered according to the farmers by a dam above. This fluxuation in water levels can turn the fish off. If you like a serious challenge of skill with a large trout payoff...this is the water in Washington. C&C always welcome.


This image is infact straight, although it might be more pleasing with a slight rotation to the right?





This snow/ice was about 4'ft tall.




A little backwater pond

[Mike Buckley]

The second one is just terrific. The sky complements the mood of the photo so nicely.

[Steve S]

Beautiful river , paul. The first two work for me. Nice compositions.

The second is the best of the bunch, i think. The lone tree and layering of the hills, adds alot of depth to the image.

Well done!

[jeeperman]

Thank you, Mike. That was the last of the day shot into the sun. Difficult one to work out.

[Panama Hat & Camera]

Paul,
Your photos are very good, but the following stand out:
The photo # 2: Wow, that sky (with these clouds)! The bend in the river! If it were in black and white (no need to change it), I would believe it would be another masterpiece of Mr. Adams.
The photo # 5, without the bottom (where the water is stagnant), looks like a painting!
Congratulations.
Antonio.

[jeeperman]

Thank you, Antonio. In #5...the stagnant water is actually ice, but I see your reasoning.

[kdoc856]

2nd image works so well- the stream of water is nicely complemented by the streaming clouds, you've got a great S curve, the composition is so balanced that it's just easy to look at and stay with. Congrats

[andrewaxford]

Paul I really like pic 2. Another nice composition. Do you fish this river. Is it fly only or is any method allowed with you ? It looks pretty remote. Andrew

[jeeperman]

Andrew, thank you. In answer to your question. In some parts I believe it is Fly only, however all is barbless hook catch and release only for trout. Salmon and Steelehead are closed and never open. Whitefish and bass can be kept. It is not nearly as remote as it might look. However the area on the east side of the mountains is farm country and small towns. There is a town at each end of the fishing area in the canyon. An apple orchard town and a livestock town. You can drive the length of the river, however when floating it you see few people and no towns.

If you are interested in fishing it, I will post you a website of a Fly shop and small resort that sit on the river in the cayon. They do guided float trips, or what ever you might need.

http://www.redsflyshop.com/

[Bobobird]

Beautiful series. #2 and #5 for me.

[terrib]

I'm in agreement with everyone else. #2 is fantastic with the clouds complimenting the lines of the mountains. Great job.

[jeeperman]

Thank you, Bobo and Terri.

[ucci]

Hi Paul

I am afraid I am out of step with everyone. Must be my new goggles. But #5 is the one for me. Colours and contrasts and interesting things wherever I look. Great capture.

[jeeperman]

No worries and thank you , Ken. I think diversity is good and I would hate to think I had one descent image and the rest suck.

[botspur]

Hi Paul, a very good series of nature/landscape shots. It's nice to see water flowing in the rivers and all that white stuff. Personally it's #5 for me as it caught my eye straight away and held my attention.

[jeeperman]

That white stuff! Don't suppose you get much of that stuff, eh. Thanks Clive. Honestly that is one of my favorites as well.

[Donald]

What's been done here, I suggest, is that the images convey a magnificent sense of peace and serenity. There might have been murder and mayhem taking place just out of shot, but what we are told in these images is that this is a peaceful and calm place.

I'm a great one for believing that you have to feel that sense yourself when capturing the photograph to be then able to convey it so well in the final image.

[FlyingSquirrel]

Paul, really beautiful photos. All are great, #2 especially. I would have loved to see #2, but done with your ND filter for a long exposure.

[jeeperman]

Thanks , Matt. I did think about it but the clouds were dead still.