Spencer McDonald Photography

03/18/2026

It is always a joy to share and sell my art with others. This "Pike Place Flowers" print was sold framed to an art buyer from Lino Lakes, MN. Thank you. 😀

https://spencer-mcdonald.pixels.com/featured/pike-place-flowers-spencer-mcdonald.html

03/14/2026

Out shooting for my favorite landscaper. I captured this stunning water feature that he built for one of his clients.

There’s something incredibly peaceful about this water feature. The peacefulness of the sound of moving water. His water feature brings together natural boulders, smooth river rock, and cascading fountains to create a backyard space that feels both relaxing and alive. The textures of the stone, the gentle flow of water, and the surrounding greenery give the entire landscape a natural mountain-inspired look.

Features like this not only add visual beauty but also create a calm atmosphere where you can slow down and enjoy the outdoors... maybe with a rich cup of coffee. Sometimes the best place to escape for a few minutes of peace is simply your own backyard.

03/10/2026

Just starting to put my new Nikon Z7 II through its paces, and I’m already impressed. 📷 These three photos from along the Boise River and Trails at Freedom Park.

• Photo 1: 7 exposures blended into an HDR to capture the sky, clouds, and river reflections.
• Photo 2: 5-frame HDR of the rustic footbridge, bringing out the strong light and shadow patterns.
• Photo 3: A single frame processed as HDR, showing how much detail the Z7 II can pull from one shot.

So far, this camera looks like it’s going to be a great companion alongside my Nikon D850 for landscape photography.

03/10/2026

Well… this week was pretty exciting in the camera world at my house.

I just unboxed my brand-new Nikon Z7 II, and it’s officially the newest member of my camera family. 📷

For years my trusty Nikon D850 has been my go-to camera for real estate, landscape, and urban photography. That camera has captured many homes, Idaho sunrises, historic barns, city streets, and plenty of HDR images along the way. It’s still an incredible camera and will absolutely remain part of my kit.

But I’ve been curious about Nikon’s mirrorless system for a while now, and the Z7 II seemed like the perfect next step. Same high-resolution capability I love, but in a mirrorless body with some impressive new technology.

The unboxing feels a little like Christmas morning for myself... carefully opening the box, pulling out the camera body, that fresh-out-of-the-box feel, and wondering about all the photos it’s going to capture in the years ahead.

I’m really looking forward to putting this camera to work on Idaho landscapes, urban scenes, and some upcoming HDR photography.

The D850 isn’t going anywhere, but the Z7 II is about to start earning its keep.

Now comes the fun part... getting it out into nature and the city.

Have any of you made the jump to mirrorless cameras yet?

03/09/2026

Freak Alley in downtown Boise is one of those places that never looks the same twice. The murals are always changing, new artists are always adding their voice, and every visit feels like discovering something new.

I captured this moment when the light of the day mixed with the vibrant colors of the alley’s street art. It’s an incredible place to explore with a camera... every wall is a canvas.

If you’ve ever walked through Freak Alley, you know how inspiring it is.

Do you have a favorite mural in the alley?

Freak Alley at Dusk by Spencer McDonald

08/20/2025

This photograph was captured in the Foothills of Eagle, Idaho. I love the reflection of the clouds on the water after a fresh rainstorm. The entire scene calms the mind. This is a moment to stop, breathe, relax your soul, and reflect on the goodness of life.

https://spencer-mcdonald.pixels.com/featured/reflections-spencer-mcdonald.html

07/29/2025

Owyhee River.

05/17/2025

The old train station in Lyssa, Oregon. According to records this was built around 1903.

https://spencer-mcdonald.pixels.com/featured/union-pacific-depot-at-lyssa-spencer-mcdonald.html

10/21/2024

Got out with my beautiful wife tonight to photograph this old home along Hwy 16 near Emmet Idaho. Love it with the couch still in the shell of a home. 😎

10/16/2024

The fall color from Hyde Park in Boise, Idaho. 🍂