Horse Butte southeast of town may not look like much when you pass it, but it’s actually a great place for photos. Its crater is filled with old dead and gnarled trees that contrast nicely with the red cinder. The large Ponderosa pine on top stands as a lone sentinel on the highest point. Sunrise is the best time to shoot, especially on a frosty winter morning. You can also shoot here at sunset, especially if there are mixed clouds in the sky. You get beautiful views in all directions and a sweeping view over Bend, the mountains and the eastern outback.
To see more of Christian Heeb's work, visit the Cascade Center of Photography.