Headed to Oregon for the first time next week...

**todd** · 07-07-2012, 12:01 PM

With my freshly acquired K5/DA15 tools in hand!

First up the I5 to stay with friends in Redding CA for a few days, then I'll be at a family camp in Foster OR (northeast of Eugene) with my fam for five days, then we'll head to Silver Falls (Sublimity OR) for a couple days after that for waterfall mania.

We are not sure where we are headed after that, but the general direction we have in mind at this point will be toward the Northern Cal coast and down on the way back, which is all unfamiliar territory (Until we get to Eureka, where I've been albeit decades ago)... Any tips, or suggestions for stops/locations up there? We don't even have accomodations lined up yet for after Silver Falls because that leg of the journey has been a last minute idea.. (Rather than just coming straight home down the I5).. I'd like to visit the Redwood National Park for sure, so trying to figure out where to stay that would be the closest to that.. (Looks like it might be Crescent City)

Other things I am pondering:

- I remember reading in Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure that it's best to expose greenery at -2/3. Do you folks agree with that? I hadn't read the book the last time I was in a lot of greenery in 2010, so haven't had a chance to experiment..

- I have a polarizing filter (an old Vivitar 49mm that I got for free) but haven't used it at all yet. Is it worth paying much attention to in the green settings I'll be in? I remember reading in Peterson's book that it helps when photographing water (especially if its cloudy)...

- I am wondering if I should also pick up a neutral density filter.. Any thoughts/suggestions there? (Which thicknes, which brand, etc?) I am probably going to have to pick one up at a retail outlet at this point if it's going with me... (thinking Samy's)... (We're leaving Wednesday)

Last edited by todd; 07-07-2012 at 12:07 PM.

Docrwm · 07-07-2012, 12:10 PM

Originally posted by todd

With my freshly acquired K5/DA15 tools in hand!

First up the I5 to stay with friends in Redding CA for a few days, then I'll be at a family camp in Foster OR (northeast of Eugene) with my fam for five days, then we'll head to Silver Falls (Sublimity OR) for a couple days after that for waterfall mania.

We are not sure where we are headed after that, but the general direction we have in mind at this point will be toward the Northern Cal coast and down on the way back, which is all unfamiliar territory (Until we get to Eureka, where I've been albeit decades ago)... Any tips, or suggestions for stops/locations up there? We don't even have accomodations lined up yet for after Silver Falls because that leg of the journey has been a last minute idea.. (Rather than just coming straight home down the I5).. I'd like to visit the Redwood National Park for sure, so trying to figure out where to stay that would be the closest to that.. (Looks like it might be Crescent City)

Other things I am pondering:

- I remember reading in Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure that it's best to expose greenery at -2/3. Do you folks agree with that? I hadn't read the book the last time I was in a lot of greenery in 2010, so haven't had a chance to experiment..

- I have a polarizing filter (an old Vivitar 49mm that I got for free) but haven't used it at all yet. Is it worth paying much attention to in the green settings I'll be in? I remember reading in Peterson's book that it helps when photographing water (especially if its cloudy)...

- I am wondering if I should also pick up a neutral density filter.. Any thoughts/suggestions there? (Which thicknes, which brand, etc?) I am probably going to have to pick one up at a retail outlet at this point if it's going with me... (thinking Samy's)... (We're leaving Wednesday)

Sounds like an excellent trip. On the old Vivitar PL filter - as I recall the old ones can cause some problems on digital sensors and the recommendation is to use only CPL filters. My preference, after a bunch of reading and after use for nearly a year, is for Marumi CPL filters because they are highly rated but relatively inexpensive.

**todd** · 07-07-2012, 01:04 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

Sounds like an excellent trip. On the old Vivitar PL filter - as I recall the old ones can cause some problems on digital sensors and the recommendation is to use only CPL filters. My preference, after a bunch of reading and after use for nearly a year, is for Marumi CPL filters because they are highly rated but relatively inexpensive.

CPL just means it has the circular ring so it rotates right? The Vivitar I have has that ring and rotates..

Edit: I just went outside and tested and it seems to work fine.. It's the middle of the day here and it made the colors slightly more saturated and there was a reflective surface (the table) that it muted in my sample shots..

My test (Edit: I just read that I was supposed to have the sun behind me.. In this test it was overhead, slightly in front):

**blackcloudbrew** · 07-07-2012, 01:59 PM

Not sure what to tell you on where to stay etc. but Silver Falls is a lovely park. Oh, as I recall, for Redwood NP it's kinda equidistant between Crescent City and Eureka/Arcata area (both are a fair drive away). Assuming that you are driving, head for the Oregon Coast and take 101 all the way to California. Cape Lookout is a bit north but a lovely feature to see. The great dunes just south of Florence are fun as well. The many coastal bridges are lovely too. Post some pictures.

Oh, I almost forgot. In Redding, you HAVE to go to the Sundial bridge in the very early morning for sunrise. It's a spectacular subject.

Last edited by blackcloudbrew; 07-07-2012 at 02:05 PM.

**todd** · 07-07-2012, 02:10 PM

Originally posted by blackcloudbrew

Not sure what to tell you on where to stay etc. but Silver Falls is a lovely park. Oh, as I recall, for Redwood NP it's kinda equidistant between Crescent City and Eureka/Arcata area (both are a fair drive away). Assuming that you are driving, head for the Oregon Coast and take 101 all the way to California. Cape Lookout is a bit north but a lovely feature to see. The great dunes just south of Florence are fun as well. The many coastal bridges are lovely too. Post some pictures.

Oh, I almost forgot. In Redding, you HAVE to go to the Sundial bridge in the very early morning for sunrise. It's a spectacular subject.

Thanks for the suggestions! That's a great shot/subject indeed! I will definitely pay a visit.

Docrwm · 07-07-2012, 02:43 PM

The old PLs rotated too, the circular part refers to how the actual lenses are coated/made - glad yours works fine.

**todd** · 07-07-2012, 02:54 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

The old PLs rotated too, the circular part refers to how the actual lenses are coated/made - glad yours works fine.

Yeah, well it's definitely old as it came from an old box in my grandpa's basement that had tons of old camera stuff in it.. Looking at those Marumi's online, that is more than I am going to spend right now, so this will probably be the one for this trip at least..

Docrwm · 07-07-2012, 03:06 PM

Originally posted by todd

Yeah, well it's definitely old as it came from an old box in my grandpa's basement that had tons of old camera stuff in it.. Looking at those Marumi's online, that is more than I am going to spend right now, so this will probably be the one for this trip at least..

No real need to if the old one doesn't negatively impact the output from the camera.

**todd** · 07-07-2012, 03:36 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

No real need to if the old one doesn't negatively impact the output from the camera.

Sounds good thanks! ;-)

ElJamoquio · 07-07-2012, 03:55 PM

Originally posted by todd

- I remember reading in Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure that it's best to expose greenery at -2/3. Do you folks agree with that? I hadn't read the book the last time I was in a lot of greenery in 2010, so haven't had a chance to experiment..

I'm a bit out of norm but I like -2 for greenery. I prefer underexposed pictures, though, and I process everything I want to keep. I'd recommend at least -2/3.

You should definitely bring your filter. The negative might be that it doesn't work with AF, but not a super big deal some of the time. If you like the way it looks in the finder, take the pic with the filter.

I have neutral density filters, the only time I really use them is for extended shutter... i.e. milky water pics. I find graduated filters more useful, to be honest.

I really like the value of Marumi filters. To be honest I like them better than B+W, but I don't think many/all people agree with me. Check on shipping cost/speed, of course.

**todd** · 07-09-2012, 02:14 PM

Well just got an enthusiastic suggestion today to add in Mt Shasta and Crater Lake to our stops.... Will be looking into how we can fit them in... ;-)

top-quark · 07-09-2012, 03:00 PM

I think the term "circular" is down to the physics of the thing. You can read the gory details here:
Polarizing filters test - About light and polarization - Lenstip.com

**todd** · 07-09-2012, 04:05 PM

That would be interesting if I have enough brains to understand it! :-D Gory physics indeed! :-)

**gaweidert** · 07-09-2012, 07:56 PM

Crater Lake has the bluest water that you will ever see. Oregon Caves nearby. Stop anywhere you want along the coast to get some great pics.

Don't waste any time trying to photograph a redwood tree. It simply cannot be done. I was out that way with the family in 1991 during our "Great Western Jaunt". I was never able to take a picture or even see one that captures the moment when you first look at one. Great vacation. We covered 9,100 miles in 5 weeks in our Aerostar van pulling a pop-up. Cheap way to see the country.

**todd** · 07-09-2012, 08:17 PM

Originally posted by gaweidert

Don't waste any time trying to photograph a redwood tree. It simply cannot be done. I was out that way with the family in 1991 during our "Great Western Jaunt". I was never able to take a picture or even see one that captures the moment when you first look at one. Great vacation. We covered 9,100 miles in 5 weeks in our Aerostar van pulling a pop-up. Cheap way to see the country.

I know exactly what you mean since we went to the Sequioa NF a couple years ago... I've seen some nice shots of big trees but mine were pretty lame... I was playing with hdr way too much.

Would love to be able to travel in style like you did! Our Saturn Outlook will be cramping our style the whole way! :-)

As it is, my fam of seven won't be camping at all on this trip because the wife simply won't allow it. We don't have the right tools, like a trailer, so I don't blame her. Fortunately we have some friends we are staying with for part, and then we've reserved some cabin lodging in Silver Falls.. Still have a few nights toward the end of the trip unplanned that I'm a bit concerned about... Certainly not like my younger solo years when I could crash wherever and whenever...

07-07-2012, 12:01 PM	#1
todd Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,791	Headed to Oregon for the first time next week... With my freshly acquired K5/DA15 tools in hand! First up the I5 to stay with friends in Redding CA for a few days, then I'll be at a family camp in Foster OR (northeast of Eugene) with my fam for five days, then we'll head to Silver Falls (Sublimity OR) for a couple days after that for waterfall mania. We are not sure where we are headed after that, but the general direction we have in mind at this point will be toward the Northern Cal coast and down on the way back, which is all unfamiliar territory (Until we get to Eureka, where I've been albeit decades ago)... Any tips, or suggestions for stops/locations up there? We don't even have accomodations lined up yet for after Silver Falls because that leg of the journey has been a last minute idea.. (Rather than just coming straight home down the I5).. I'd like to visit the Redwood National Park for sure, so trying to figure out where to stay that would be the closest to that.. (Looks like it might be Crescent City) Other things I am pondering: - I remember reading in Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure that it's best to expose greenery at -2/3. Do you folks agree with that? I hadn't read the book the last time I was in a lot of greenery in 2010, so haven't had a chance to experiment.. - I have a polarizing filter (an old Vivitar 49mm that I got for free) but haven't used it at all yet. Is it worth paying much attention to in the green settings I'll be in? I remember reading in Peterson's book that it helps when photographing water (especially if its cloudy)... - I am wondering if I should also pick up a neutral density filter.. Any thoughts/suggestions there? (Which thicknes, which brand, etc?) I am probably going to have to pick one up at a retail outlet at this point if it's going with me... (thinking Samy's)... (We're leaving Wednesday) Last edited by todd; 07-07-2012 at 12:07 PM.

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07-07-2012, 12:10 PM	#2
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by todd With my freshly acquired K5/DA15 tools in hand! First up the I5 to stay with friends in Redding CA for a few days, then I'll be at a family camp in Foster OR (northeast of Eugene) with my fam for five days, then we'll head to Silver Falls (Sublimity OR) for a couple days after that for waterfall mania. We are not sure where we are headed after that, but the general direction we have in mind at this point will be toward the Northern Cal coast and down on the way back, which is all unfamiliar territory (Until we get to Eureka, where I've been albeit decades ago)... Any tips, or suggestions for stops/locations up there? We don't even have accomodations lined up yet for after Silver Falls because that leg of the journey has been a last minute idea.. (Rather than just coming straight home down the I5).. I'd like to visit the Redwood National Park for sure, so trying to figure out where to stay that would be the closest to that.. (Looks like it might be Crescent City) Other things I am pondering: - I remember reading in Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure that it's best to expose greenery at -2/3. Do you folks agree with that? I hadn't read the book the last time I was in a lot of greenery in 2010, so haven't had a chance to experiment.. - I have a polarizing filter (an old Vivitar 49mm that I got for free) but haven't used it at all yet. Is it worth paying much attention to in the green settings I'll be in? I remember reading in Peterson's book that it helps when photographing water (especially if its cloudy)... - I am wondering if I should also pick up a neutral density filter.. Any thoughts/suggestions there? (Which thicknes, which brand, etc?) I am probably going to have to pick one up at a retail outlet at this point if it's going with me... (thinking Samy's)... (We're leaving Wednesday) Sounds like an excellent trip. On the old Vivitar PL filter - as I recall the old ones can cause some problems on digital sensors and the recommendation is to use only CPL filters. My preference, after a bunch of reading and after use for nearly a year, is for Marumi CPL filters because they are highly rated but relatively inexpensive.

07-07-2012, 01:59 PM	#4
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,460	Not sure what to tell you on where to stay etc. but Silver Falls is a lovely park. Oh, as I recall, for Redwood NP it's kinda equidistant between Crescent City and Eureka/Arcata area (both are a fair drive away). Assuming that you are driving, head for the Oregon Coast and take 101 all the way to California. Cape Lookout is a bit north but a lovely feature to see. The great dunes just south of Florence are fun as well. The many coastal bridges are lovely too. Post some pictures. Oh, I almost forgot. In Redding, you HAVE to go to the Sundial bridge in the very early morning for sunrise. It's a spectacular subject. Last edited by blackcloudbrew; 07-07-2012 at 02:05 PM.

07-07-2012, 02:10 PM	#5
todd Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,791 Original Poster	Originally posted by blackcloudbrew Not sure what to tell you on where to stay etc. but Silver Falls is a lovely park. Oh, as I recall, for Redwood NP it's kinda equidistant between Crescent City and Eureka/Arcata area (both are a fair drive away). Assuming that you are driving, head for the Oregon Coast and take 101 all the way to California. Cape Lookout is a bit north but a lovely feature to see. The great dunes just south of Florence are fun as well. The many coastal bridges are lovely too. Post some pictures. Oh, I almost forgot. In Redding, you HAVE to go to the Sundial bridge in the very early morning for sunrise. It's a spectacular subject. Thanks for the suggestions! That's a great shot/subject indeed! I will definitely pay a visit.

07-07-2012, 02:43 PM	#6
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	The old PLs rotated too, the circular part refers to how the actual lenses are coated/made - glad yours works fine.

07-07-2012, 02:54 PM	#7
todd Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,791 Original Poster	Originally posted by Docrwm The old PLs rotated too, the circular part refers to how the actual lenses are coated/made - glad yours works fine. Yeah, well it's definitely old as it came from an old box in my grandpa's basement that had tons of old camera stuff in it.. Looking at those Marumi's online, that is more than I am going to spend right now, so this will probably be the one for this trip at least..

07-07-2012, 03:06 PM	#8
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by todd Yeah, well it's definitely old as it came from an old box in my grandpa's basement that had tons of old camera stuff in it.. Looking at those Marumi's online, that is more than I am going to spend right now, so this will probably be the one for this trip at least.. No real need to if the old one doesn't negatively impact the output from the camera.

07-07-2012, 03:36 PM	#9
todd Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,791 Original Poster	Originally posted by Docrwm No real need to if the old one doesn't negatively impact the output from the camera. Sounds good thanks! ;-)

07-07-2012, 03:55 PM	#10
ElJamoquio Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 4,873	Originally posted by todd - I remember reading in Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure that it's best to expose greenery at -2/3. Do you folks agree with that? I hadn't read the book the last time I was in a lot of greenery in 2010, so haven't had a chance to experiment.. I'm a bit out of norm but I like -2 for greenery. I prefer underexposed pictures, though, and I process everything I want to keep. I'd recommend at least -2/3. You should definitely bring your filter. The negative might be that it doesn't work with AF, but not a super big deal some of the time. If you like the way it looks in the finder, take the pic with the filter. I have neutral density filters, the only time I really use them is for extended shutter... i.e. milky water pics. I find graduated filters more useful, to be honest. I really like the value of Marumi filters. To be honest I like them better than B+W, but I don't think many/all people agree with me. Check on shipping cost/speed, of course.

07-09-2012, 02:14 PM	#11
todd Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,791 Original Poster	Well just got an enthusiastic suggestion today to add in Mt Shasta and Crater Lake to our stops.... Will be looking into how we can fit them in... ;-)

07-09-2012, 03:00 PM	#12
top-quark Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Aylesbury, Bucks Photos: Albums Posts: 492	I think the term "circular" is down to the physics of the thing. You can read the gory details here: Polarizing filters test - About light and polarization - Lenstip.com

07-09-2012, 04:05 PM	#13
todd Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,791 Original Poster	That would be interesting if I have enough brains to understand it! :-D Gory physics indeed! :-)

07-09-2012, 07:56 PM	#14
gaweidert Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,325	Crater Lake has the bluest water that you will ever see. Oregon Caves nearby. Stop anywhere you want along the coast to get some great pics. Don't waste any time trying to photograph a redwood tree. It simply cannot be done. I was out that way with the family in 1991 during our "Great Western Jaunt". I was never able to take a picture or even see one that captures the moment when you first look at one. Great vacation. We covered 9,100 miles in 5 weeks in our Aerostar van pulling a pop-up. Cheap way to see the country.

07-09-2012, 08:17 PM	#15
todd Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,791 Original Poster	Originally posted by gaweidert Don't waste any time trying to photograph a redwood tree. It simply cannot be done. I was out that way with the family in 1991 during our "Great Western Jaunt". I was never able to take a picture or even see one that captures the moment when you first look at one. Great vacation. We covered 9,100 miles in 5 weeks in our Aerostar van pulling a pop-up. Cheap way to see the country. I know exactly what you mean since we went to the Sequioa NF a couple years ago... I've seen some nice shots of big trees but mine were pretty lame... I was playing with hdr way too much. Would love to be able to travel in style like you did! Our Saturn Outlook will be cramping our style the whole way! :-) As it is, my fam of seven won't be camping at all on this trip because the wife simply won't allow it. We don't have the right tools, like a trailer, so I don't blame her. Fortunately we have some friends we are staying with for part, and then we've reserved some cabin lodging in Silver Falls.. Still have a few nights toward the end of the trip unplanned that I'm a bit concerned about... Certainly not like my younger solo years when I could crash wherever and whenever...