Google Plus is a playground of photographical awesomeness. Since I first joined there last year I have developed numerous relationships with many amazing, passionate, and gifted photographers. I love going to my stream and watching the beauty in our world be brought to my attention in a diverse multitude of ways. When I encounter the work of Gary Randall my stream pauses, as I delve into the world, as it delves into me, through his vision and his lens. Tis my honour to draw all of your gazes to the beauty of our world as showcased by this month's featured photographer: Gary Randall.

Lolo Pass, Sunrise on Mount Hood

Mount Hood 

Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Green Canyon Creek

How did you get interested in photography?

I've always been artistic and photography appealed to me when I was just a young boy with an old Brownie Hawkeye. After I enlisted in the Navy I bought a Yashica and shot black and white film that I would develop it in the base photo lab. I fell away from photography after I married, had children and pursued a career in something "more practical". When my life situation changed about ten years back I picked up the camera again, which was at the beginning of digital, and the rest is history.

Kalapana lava

Flowers and a night cloud cap, Mount Hood

Dalles Mountain bouquet

Antelope Canyon

How long have you been a photographer?

I've been a hobbyest most of my life. A professional for about six years.

What is your favorite place to photograph? Or subject?

My photographic muse is my local neighborhood snow capped peak, Mount Hood, Oregon.

Perseid shower

man-made meteor shower

Mount Adams, Washington

Elowah Falls

How can photographers help change/impact the world, while they are traveling?

Cameras are always a good segue to some interesting conversations. In the conversation lies the secret to relating to, and affecting, people.

Are there rules in other countries people need to be aware of about who or what you can or cannot shoot?

I don't have much experience with laws or rules in foreign countries. My experience concerning photography protocol or etiquette relies more on common sense and courtesy.

Marquam Bridge, Portland, Oregon

Sandy River sunset

Cloud cap sunrise

Still Creek

Any photography tips you want to share?
Understand your gear. Learn all of the manual controls of your camera. Find and follow those whom they would like to emulate as inspiration and then study techniques in creating and processing. The most important thing that one must do is the same as any other skill one wants to master... practice, practice, practice.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

Photography is a wonderful hobby but a difficult trade. Don't ever lose the love of creativity and artistic expression by turning it into work.

Columbia River

Jonsrud Viewpoint sunrise

Trillium Lake sunset

Many links can be found at my web site or on Flickr:

www.gary-randall.com

flickr.com/photos/rowdey/ 

Books:
Jacks Yak - Keith Richardson - Photography contribution.
Timberline Lodge - A Love Story - Jon Tullis - Photography contribution and editing.
A Perfect Passion - The Perfect Place, The Photography of The Pacific Northwest - Author

Magazines:
AAA, Via Magazine
Nature Conservancy publications
AIA, American Institute of Architects Trade publication
Newspapers, business directories, phone books

Gallery displays:
Mark Spencer Hotel, Pearl District, Portland, Oregon
Matthews Gallery - Lake Oswego, Oregon
Wyeast Book Shop and Art Gallery, Welches, Oregon

Jordan Oram is the Photography Editor for Wandering Educators

All photos courtesy and copyright Gary Randall