Whatcom County – Jolene's Life in Focus

BelleWood Acres

October 3, 2011March 14, 2012Posted in UncategorizedTagged apple orchard, apple pie, Apples, Autumn, BelleWood Acres, humor, life, photography, red apple, Whatcom County16 Comments

With 25,000 apple trees, BelleWood Acres is the perfect place to spend an autumn afternoon with a good friend (and my Nikon). Andy introduced me to owners, John and Dorie, who planted the first trees back in 1996. Today, in addition to their primary commodity, visitors can find a pumpkin patch, a gift shop, and some amazing baked goods and apple cider. Andy bought an apple pie, which we drooled over and devoured later.

The majority of our time was spent walking through the rows of the orchard, snapping pictures. I had an unfortunate encounter with a rather large spider that had cleverly strung a web with the consistency of small guitar string across my path. As I stood strumming the odd web, he jumped on my leg. Spiders are my only known phobia, and the sight of it on my leg threw me into a panic. In the half second it took me to realize he was on me, I’d swatted him off. This was immediately followed by blood curdling screams and a mad dash back to wherever Andy had disappeared so he could inspect ever inch of my clothing. I was safe, but I insisted Andy walk in front of me the rest of the trip. He’s such a good friend!

Spider incident aside, it was a fun trip, and I’ll definitely return to BelleWood. Enjoy the photos!

_DSC0155 — The Incredible Andy! Spider killer. Apple levitator.

Mount Baker

December 21, 2010Posted in UncategorizedTagged Canon, Canon 40d, Farm, Jolene Hanson Photography, Jolene's Life in Focus, Mount Baker, photography, Whatcom County14 Comments

Yesterday I went in search of a great view of Mount Baker. After driving down many Whatcom County roads, I finally found what I was looking for! You wouldn’t know if from the picture, but I nearly lost some phalanges it was so cold outside! I can’t complain too much, considering half the country is buried under snow and ice, but I do need to find a good pair of gloves for these photo excursions.

I Want A REAL Tree…

December 5, 2010Posted in UncategorizedTagged Christmas, Christmas Tree, Evergreen tree, Jolene Hanson, Jolene Hanson Photography, Jolene's Life in Focus, photography, Saw, Tree Farm, Tree Hugger, U-Cut Christmas Tree, U-Cut Tree, Whatcom County16 Comments

What do you do when your roomie wants a real Christmas tree and you feel indifferent? You call your friends, buy some hot apple cider, and then drive into the country to find a real tree, of course.

Here is the proper way to locate the perfect tree and cut it down yourself.

First you find a U-Cut tree farm with a great view.

Wander through the farm until you find a tree you can’t live without. Give it a big hug.

Ask Andy to give you a quick lesson in saw basics.

Feel empowered.

Before you get too involved in the cutting, it’s important to have someone hold your glasses.

Put a little muscle into it. That tree isn’t going to cut itself down.

After it’s down, have Andy help you walk the tree back to the truck. Rick will be texting people about it.

Drink hot cider while the boys finish the job.

Visit Harris Avenue Cafe

December 2, 2010Posted in UncategorizedTagged Autumn Leaf, Bellingham Bay, Bellingham Washington, boats, canvas prints, Christmas gifts, Closed Door, Dublin Ireland, Fall leaf, fall leaves, Fallen, framed prints, Gift ideas, Harris Avenue Cafe, International, Ivy, Japanese Maple, Jolene Hanson, Jolene Hanson Photography, Jolene's Life in Focus, jolenehanson.com, Madrona, Madrona Tree, Magenta, matted prints, Mount Vernon Washington, Northern State Hospital, On Edge, photography, Pursuit, Rusted, Sedro Woolley Washington, smugmug, Twisted II, Whatcom County10 Comments

2010 was tough, but a creative gold mine. I took thousands of photographs this past summer and fall! I was scheduled to display my work at Harris Avenue Cafe this month, so I had to narrow it down to my 10 favorites. This was quite the challenge.

After much debate and buying a $5 Home Depot hammer, I nailed my 10 framed choices to their walls. So, if you happen to be up in Bellingham, Washington…and in the Fairhaven area…and if you happen to be hungry, you should visit Harris Avenue Cafe! I personally recommend the Eggs Toulouse with smoked salmon.

Here are the 10 I am displaying. Which is your favorite and why? I ask because, as a photographer, I’m always curious as to what moves people.

Fallen
8×10 Print; $50
Bellingham, Washington

Madrona
8×10 Print; $50
Bellingham, Washington

Magenta
11×14 Print; $75
Whatcom County

Pursuit
12×18 Print; $85
Bellingham, Washington

International
12×18 Print; $85
Mount Vernon, Washington

Twisted II
11×14 Print; $75
Bellingham, Washington

Vanishing Point
11×14 Print; $75
Dublin, Ireland

Rusted
8×10 Print; $50
Bellingham, Washington

Closed Door
11×14 Print; $75
Whatcom County

On Edge
11×14 Print; $75
Sedro Woolley, Washington; Northern State Hospital

You can purchase prints from my website at jolenehanson.com. If you are interested in any of the above photos, which are already framed and matted, visit my website for contact information. I am willing to print, frame, and mat any photo of your choice from my galleries. Canvas prints are also an option (much less expensive if you purchase from me directly than from the website).

I love doing this stuff!

Magenta

October 28, 2010Posted in UncategorizedTagged Autumn, Canon 40d, Fall, Ivy, Jolene Hanson, Jolene Hanson Photography, Jolene's Life in Focus, leaves, Magenta, photography, Stoney Ridge Farm, Whatcom CountyLeave a comment

Magenta ivy, lining an old barn in Whatcom County, inspired this post. I love this time of year and the beautiful colors!

Camera: Canon 40d
Location: Stoney Ridge Farm

October Forecast

October 1, 2010October 1, 2010Posted in Western WashingtonTagged Canon 40d, Jolene Hanson Photography, Mount Baker, October, photography, Whatcom County2 Comments

I wanted a picture of the sunset to usher in the last quarter of 2010. I had high hopes for 2010, and I can’t say it has been a bad year, but it’s definitely been a tough year. With a little trepidation and a lot of excitement, I walk into October thinking of my trip to Ireland and the preparations I’m making for my future beyond that. Who will I meet in Dublin? Will I be able to drive on the wrong side of the road without incident? Will I be picked to taste test Scotch Whisky and Irish Whiskey at the Jameson distillery? Time will tell.

Camera: Canon 40d
Location: Whatcom County road