Russ Bishop | Russ Bishop Photography | Nature Photo Blog

August 1, 2013August 6, 2019

The Louvre Museum

Louvre Palace and Pyramid at night, Louvre Museum, Paris, France

Paris is known the world over as The City of Light and rightfully so. When the sun goes down on La Ville-Lumière, the classic monuments and cobblestone boulevards of this vibrant city take on an entirely new appearance.

Many may not realize that its name first referred to its fame as a centre of education and ideas during the Age of Enlightenment, and later to its early adoption of street lighting. During the second half of the 19th century Emperor Napoleon III transformed Paris into a modern city, tearing down entire sections dating back to the Middle Ages, and opening large avenues which let light into the former mediaeval city.

The Louvre Museum is a showpiece not only of some of the world’s finest art, but of Paris after dark. With more than 8 million visitors each year it is the world’s most visited museum, and houses nearly 35,000 objects from prehistory to the 21st century.

Built in the 12th century, the Louvre has been transformed through the ages from a fortress, to a royal palace, an artist’s residence, and finally to its present role as a bastion of the art world. It’s modern glass pyramid, created in 1989 by architect I. M. Pei, is a fascinating design that bridges the gap from the old world to the new. And the golden glow from its reflecting pools is enough to make the Mona Lisa smile.

July 18, 2013October 30, 2015

Along the Waterpocket Fold

Morning light on volcanic boulders under The Castle, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah USA

Utah is a geologic wonderland and exploring its myriad canyons and plateaus is journey through time. With one of the highest concentrations of parks in the country from iconic Bryce, Zion and Arches to the seemingly endless expanse of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, one could spend their entire lifetime on the Colorado Plateau and still not see it all. Yet there are still grand vistas worthy of protection in this vast landscape making the prospect of seeing it and preserving it a lifelong pursuit.

One park that often gets overlooked is Capitol Reef. West of the Henry Mountains and east of the town of Torrey, it straddles the most prominent landform in the area – the Waterpocket Fold. This massive upheaval in the earth’s surface (a monocline in technical terms) is over 100 miles long and exposes some 70 million years of our planet’s evolution.

The town of Fruita along Highway 24 on the Fremont River corridor is rich in Mormon pioneer and Native American history. Surrounded by orchards under the towering sandstone cliffs, it’s a beautiful spot to spend a day or a week exploring the natural wonders of this special park.

Capitol Reef National Park contains nearly a quarter million acres in the slickrock country of central Utah. And with only one paved road bisecting it, it’s not hard to find your own space to photograph, hike, or simply contemplate the incredible light and form along the great expanse of the Waterpocket Fold.

July 12, 2013January 22, 2020

Silver Falls State Park

Oregon is well-known for its lovely waterfalls and lush green surroundings so typical of the Pacific Northwest. The Columbia River Gorge includes some of the finest and most recognizable cascades in the world making this an idyllic spot for hiking and photography.

But its proximity to the city of Portland and the interstate highway make this a popular destination that’s certainly no secret. On my last visit a new bride was having her wedding pictures taken under Multnomah Falls complete with stylist and catering! So if getting off the beaten path is more to your liking, then check out some of the other parts of the state that offer great opportunities to experience the beauty and solitude of falling waters in a pristine setting without the crowds.

Silver Falls State Park east of Salem is one such gem that includes several beautiful falls in a remote valley. It is the largest state park in Oregon with over 9,000 acres, and its 24 miles of trails allow plenty of opportunity for quiet contemplation, exploring, and photography. South Falls shown here is the centerpiece of the park – the trail carved into the cliff behind providing a unique view of its 177 foot plunge.

Other destinations such as Proxy Falls in Willamette National Forest and the Rogue River Scenic Byway in southern Oregon are well-worth the diversion off the major highways. As with many locations in the west, a sense of adventure and a willingness to leave the pavement will allow you to experience much more of the wilder side of Oregon.