In conversation with Rex Pickett
A behind the scenes photo of interview with Rex Pickett about his latest book, Vertical, which is the Oregon Wine Press exclusive cover and feature story. The December issue will be available Monday at the same time the book will officially start shipping, though some copies of the book are already circulating around Oregon tasting rooms. For more insight into Rex, visit his blog at http://rexpickett.com/, and watch the video interview below . . .
What a difference a week can make. Last Tuesday I was in Napa in 85 degree temps, and this morning I woke at the Allison Inn & Spa to a beautiful dusting of snow contrasted by the golden vineyards.
A glorious sunrise at the Allison Inn & Spa with a dusting of snow over fall foliage, Willamette Valley, Oregon.
View from my room #307 at the Allison Inn & Spa, a picture perfect vantage from the loveseat overlooking fall vineyards dusted with snow, Willamette Valley, Oregon.
View from the balcony of my room #307 at the Allison Inn & Spa, Willamette Valley, Oregon.
Sometimes the only way to get the best vantage point for landscapes involves a helicopter flight or waking before dawn and driving an hour to wine country from my home base in Portland. Other times like this morning I’m pampered by staying in a room with a view and enjoying a brisk walk around the the Inn’s garden path to capture these scenes. After finishing my shoot of the Allison Inn rooms today, I’m looking forward to a scrumptous lunch at their renowned Jory restaurant and an indulgent spa suana & steam room session to warm up. Life is good!
Each year there’s a few days of perfect fall conditions where the vineyards are in their peak conditions. On November 15 & 16th I was fortunate to photograph California wine country on crystal clear, 85 degree days. There’s no better way to experience the terroir of the wine country than flying in a helicopter without doors – the views were spectacular from the Golden Gate Bridge to Carneros, Sonoma, and Napa Valley – I love my job!! Here’s a few highlights:
View to Pacific Ocean from Evening Land's vineyards, Sonoma, California
Russian River winds through Sonoma vineyards on a brilliant fall day.
Aerial view of Spring Mountain Vineyards overlooking Napa Valley, California
Revana winery & vineyards, Napa, California
Raymond Vineyards, Napa, California
Ideal aerial set up: R44 helicopter with the doors removed, clear 85 degree day in mid November
However ideal the conditions are for aerial photography, experience from years of flying has taught me the most important considerations for capturing the best angle and drama of the subject. Learning to work with pilots who are adept at maneuvering the helicopter at low altitudes, holding steady for panoramic stitch photos, and getting to the right angle of the sun to backlight vineyards and cut out surrounding distractions can take determination and time to optimize. When all the elements do come together, there’s no better way to capture a sense of place from this unique vantage point.
Here’s a link to the updated aerial photo gallery on my website:
http://andreajohnson.photoshelter.com/gallery/Aerials/G0000iV_4mt0gP4U/
Timing is everything: The transition between summer and fall this season, like harvest, has been quick and dramatic. With rain forecast for the next 10 days, I was able to find one morning with sunlight, fog, and optimum fall colors in the vineyards. There’s no better way to cover a lot of ground quickly than an aerial helicopter shoot. Here’s a few highlights:
Brilliant golden vineyard contrast with surrounding hillside in this panoramic photo over WillaKenzie Estate, Willamette Valley, Oregon.
Fog began rolling in over the hill quickly, this view looking north over Willakenzie Estate about 6 minutes after the first panoramic photo.
Warm hues of a foggy fall morning showcase new tasting room at WillaKenzie Estate.
Colene Clemens recently completed construction for their tasting room near WillaKenzie Estate. Fog skirts around the winery & tasting room, perched above estate vineyards.
A 180 degrees view of Colene Clemens Winery as the fog continues to roll in.
Landmark barn at Colene Clemens peaks through gap in fog.
Placing harvest bins in preparation of pick later that morning at Alexana Vineyards, Dundee Hills, Oregon.
I love aerial photography, it is my favorite way to capture unique landscapes with a sense of place and drama. I’ve been fortunate to fly with the same pilot for the past 7 years, fine-tuning my expertise on shoots throughout Oregon, Washington, and California. I’m often able to piggy-back several properties on the same shoot, and these photographs get more mileage than any other type of photography in books, magazine features and covers, and general marketing material. It’s a surprisingly reasonable expense – please contact me if you are interested in a custom quote.
Here’s links to a few websites of wineries that have utilized aerial photography uniquely:
Penner-Ash http://www.pennerash.com/
WillaKenzie Estate http://www.willakenzie.com/index.html
Hyland Vineyard Estates http://oregonvineyardproperty.com/hyland-vineyard-estates/
and a link to more aerial photos on my site
http://www.photoshelter.com/mem/gallery/gallery-show/G0000bbu5OzbTx4c
Here’s a few photo highlights from a whirlwind week in Burgundy during harvest. I’m looking forward to future visits for more in depth coverage for Scott Wright’s book on La Paule celebrations, and continued work with Evening Land. It will take me awhile to recover from being ’embedded’ with the harvest crew 24/7 – the French know how to live life fully!
Les Falaisaes De Baubigny limestone cliffs overlooking southern Beaune,, the southern part of Côte d'Or
Panoramic view of the premeir cru vineyards surrounding Volnay, Côte de Beaune
Sunrise and fog brush the vineyards in haute Côte de Beaune
Scott Wright with the legendary Frédéric Lafarge, a biodynamic producer in Volnay, Burgundy, France
Thibault Huber is involved in all aspects of harvest and a passionate advocate of biodynamics. Domaine Huber-Verdereau, Volnay
Thiébault Huber serves casse-croute, a traditional snack of baguettes with chocolate & wine
The last day of harvest 2010, crew of Domaine Huber-Verdereau, Volnay
Thiébault Huber opens a Methusaleh, equivalent to eight 1.5 litre bottles, of Domaine Huber-Verdereau pommard premier cru 2002, to share with his harvest crew for La Paulée
Thibault Huber dressed up for a mock presentation about biodynamics during his La Paule celebration
Estelle, wife of Thierry Violot, leads the signature La Paule song, "Le Ban Bourguignon," celebrating the end of harvest 2010, Burgundy, France
Thierry Violot-Guillemard winery & home surrounding the smallest premier cru in Burgundy
Enjoying a personal cellar tasting in the home of Anne & Herv Sigaut, Burgundy, France
Christophe Vial, winemaker for Evening Land, sampling at his cellar in Beaune
Dominique Lafon, consulting winemaker, Evening Land, at his family's estate, Domaine des Comtes Lafon, in Meursault
Old pinot noir vine, Burgundy
Tango dancing is a nightly occurance at Caveal de la Huchette Jazz club, Paris, France