Steve's Photoblog
Dorena Covered Bridge
Posted by Steve Rice (Olympia, United States) on 19 April 2009 in Architecture.
Built in 1949, this 105 foot (32 meter) bridge of the Howe truss type spans the Row River in Lane County, Oregon, USA. It is sometimes called the Star Bridge because it provides access to the Star Ranch, a once proud spread. It has a 3 ton (2.7 metric ton) load limit.
Part of the Covered Bridges of Oregon series.
Ajay from Pune, India
One quick one, Steve. Why they they decide to make wooden bridges, why not concrete ones? You might have explained it earlier but I think I missed on that part.
19 Apr 2009 5:13am
@Ajay: I think it was because wood was so plentiful everywhere in the USA during the heyday of these bridges. For these Oregon bridges, many of which were built in the 1920s and 30s, I found reference to a State Highway Division standard design created in the 1920s. During that period, apparently the switch to concrete had not yet happened or at least not completely. The standard design also seems to explain why the Howe Truss was used so often.
Hiro from Kyoto, Japan
Coverd bridges are very photogenic. How do you decide BW or color?
19 Apr 2009 5:49am
@Hiro: I simply look at the photos and decide which way I think would look better. Sometimes, I try both ways just to see. It's a totally subjective process.
Manola from Bassens, France
ça m'a toujours fait rêver ces petits ponts de bois.. et en noir et blanc c'est encore plus charmant!!!
19 Apr 2009 6:17am
Pavan Kaul from Mumbai, India
Such grace and beauty in this wonderful structure, presented with such artistry! Superbly composed and processed Steve! I love the contrast as it really brings the subject out!
19 Apr 2009 6:23am
GJC from Kyoto (京都), Japan
This is lovely. The tones stand out. I'm amazed at how many of these bridges there are, and how well they are maintained.
19 Apr 2009 8:16am
Veronelle from Lens, France
beautifull coverred bridge in b&w, nice composition and original
19 Apr 2009 11:03am
EYES WIDE SHUT from The library of my soul, United Kingdom
Fabulous in mono, a timeless quality and magnificent beauty.
19 Apr 2009 11:40am
P J W Miller from Chase Terrace, United Kingdom
Another good composition of this classic design
19 Apr 2009 1:14pm
bluechameleon from Vancouver, Canada
I really like the shapes of the windows in this one...shades of art deco in the middle of rural America. This is a cool shot Steve!
19 Apr 2009 1:15pm
-1q5yChØt!c- from Persia, Iran
perfect shot here
i like the contrast and perspective
19 Apr 2009 1:34pm
Don from spokane, United States
I have thoroughly enjoyed your covered bridge series. Today's is excellent in fine black and white. The pristine looking restorations should be the pride of the neighborhood. These are a wonderful heritage to keep looking like this indefinitely.
19 Apr 2009 2:27pm
Ronnie 2¢ from London, United Kingdom
This has to be one of the best series running right now . . each image is worth an accolade and this one is no exception.
19 Apr 2009 2:57pm
Mariana from waterloo, Canada
Gorgeous BW shot . Beautiful covered bridge . I love them !
19 Apr 2009 3:03pm
Giovanni from Milan, Italy
So beautiful! Love the windows on the side. Very nice shot!
19 Apr 2009 3:04pm
Peggy M. from somewhere in, France
A place which offers several angles of photography, but when we have this imposing presence, it's really a delight ! Beautiful place.
19 Apr 2009 3:53pm
xavier cardell from menorca-barcelona, Spain
Nice BW. If you permit one comment... I believe that the space above the roof should be bigger. The only thing missing for a brilliant composition :-)
19 Apr 2009 5:01pm
@xavier cardell: Thanks for that. I always debate how much sky to include.
john4jack from Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Steve, I've been through this bridge on a bicycle many times. Terrific shot.
19 Apr 2009 5:34pm
JJ from Jersey City, United States
Wonderful B&W capture of this interesting bridge I find the slats on the windows quite interesting
19 Apr 2009 6:16pm
observing from North West, United Kingdom
Another superb shot Steve, and I like how the road enters left, and leaves the frame right, nicely composed. A tidy looking bridge too.
19 Apr 2009 8:41pm
jeff (aka dogilicious) from Millerstown, PA, United States
Classic angle and composition. Really like the b/w here.
19 Apr 2009 11:38pm
One from Açores, Portugal
A very nice covered bridge, I did not know that existed so many ! Excellent angle !
20 Apr 2009 2:08am
Laurie from New Jersey, United States
That is a really fine covered bridge. Just beautiful and wonderful in black and white.
20 Apr 2009 3:08am
ordinaryimages from Kentucky Bluegrass, United States
Black & White serves him well. best...jerry
20 Apr 2009 3:43am
dj.tigersprout from New York City, USA, United States
i love how each one has a character all its own! lovely in b/w!
20 Apr 2009 4:08am
Paco Díaz from Palma de Mallorca, Spain
I like this Star bridge, very well preserved with its 60 years. The b/w works very well here.
20 Apr 2009 4:12am
10fraction from Rennes, France
the blacks are somewhat...well...too black, nut overall a very nice B&W variation of a colored world, great idea
20 Apr 2009 3:15pm
Diane Schuller from Hythe, Canada
how wonderful to see the kind of detail in these bridges and that most of them are so well maintained. I love the windows on this one
20 Apr 2009 9:50pm
