Share article:
Share article:

A Smokey Week In The Palouse

The smoke made for big sun balls at sunset and sunrise

If you have been a regular reader over the years, you surely know that one of my favorites places in America to photograph landscapes is the Palouse.  This is an area located in southeast Washington state that can be best described because of its gently rolling hills as the Tuscany of America.  

Classic Red Barn

The region offers incredible, unlike any other area I know of.  There are no overlooks or pullovers for that perfect photo.  The landscape is dynamic, and you need to chase the light and find the shot that works for you.  

Over the years I explored every paved and dirt road there is, and on every trip, I still find new places that offer up a unique image.  

The Side Of A Grain Silo

This past August we did a small workshop there and Michael Durr, our videographer came along and documented the adventure.  His video indeed shows just how special the Palouse is.  I have also included the video he made from our June trip.

Video From The Harvest Workshop

This year we had to photograph under very tough conditions.  Due to so many forest fires around the country the region was shrouded in a thick haze with the smell of fire.  It was so bad that your eyes were irritated by the end of the day.  This limited visibility as well as making shooting sunrises and sunsets almost impossible.  So, when facing challenges like this you push through them and make the best of the moments, and we did just that on this trip.

Video From The June Spring Workshop

Some More Images

My Favorite Truck

 

Still one of my favorite places to visit

 

Sunsets with the smoke in the sky added rich color

 

Bringing in the harvest

 

Harvester at work

Kevin Raber
December 2018

Share article:
Photography is my passion and has been for 45 plus years. My career in photography has allowed me to travel the world, meet some of the most interesting people on the planet and see things I could never have dreamed of. My goal is to share the passion of pictures taking through photographs and teaching with as many people as I can hoping it brings them as much joy and happiness as it has me. I do this through Rockhopper Workshops and other projects as well as teaching at my Gallery in Indianapolis.
See all articles by this author

You may also like

lomography fisheye graffiti front on grey
Camera & Technology

Features Not Flaws and a Roll of Film

Lomography's Fisheye No. 2 Graffiti puts a 170-degree view, one shutter speed, and a spray-paint body in your hands for $69. We think that's a good deal for some film…
Team Lula

Team Lula

·

September 24, 2026

·

8 minutes read


Photographer using the Sigma 20-60mm F2.8-4 DG Contemporary lens outdoors
Camera & Technology

Sigma’s Two Lenses We’re Excited About

The 85mm F1.2 DG | Art and the 20-60mm F2.8-4 DG | Contemporary arrive on schedule, and each one solves a different problem.
Jon Swindall

Jon Swindall

·

September 24, 2026

·

6 minutes read