After the sun sets in Sedona, the glowing westerly sky produces a warm and radiant hue on the red rock mountains that surround the area but only for a few minutes, and then it's gone. I arrived prepared and early to wait for that warm glow to appear on Cathedral Rock. There wasn’t a lot of light so I knew I’d have to use my tripod to accommodate a slow shutter speed. I framed the shot and then as darkness drew I checked my exposure settings and adjust them accordingly until finally, the glow appeared! ....and then just like that, it was gone. My patience, perseverance (it was cold!) and determination paid off, I got the prized shot I was hoping for. That said, I equate my sense of joy in photography to an Easter egg hunt and this shot was finding a huge cream filled Easter Egg (minus the calories, lol)! To my naked eye, the sky was black and the shadows in the foreground were black but because of my 5 second exposure (with my Sony a7r iv camera) I able to capture that which I couldn’t see; the result of which you see here. Things I like about this photograph include; the STRONG composition, the subtle colors (or lack thereof), the contrast, the (visible) details in the cliffs (which are almost impossible to see during the bright daylight hours) and how the darkness on the bottom Cathedral rock and the bright of the sky frame this iconic Sedona mountain. This is definitely one of my favorite!
I’ve visited Albas falls many times over the years, and it never ceases to amaze me. Albas falls is a remote set of falls; one large (and wider) one below this one and a few smaller ones above this one. There’s a loop trail that meanders around the falls and Celista Creek that provide many stellar views. The forest floor is completely covered with green, flourishing moss, fallen trees and mushrooms; all thriving from the moist environment. Within the steep canyon walls the mist from the falls feels so refreshing; especially on those hot summer days. During spring run-off Celista Creek looks more like a river and although it’s quite a spectacle to see it’s not for the faint of heart or for little ones either. The trail is generally wet and slippery so good shoes are required. This is bear country (both Black and Grizzly), and I’ve seen many in this area before so I knew to be on the look out. The bears were just coming out of hibernation… so yah, I did’t want to be their first meal! :-) So, I packed my bear spray and I felt quite safe but the thunderous falls were so loud that I wouldn’t have heard a bear come up from behind me anyways. The vibrational sound penetrated my body and the earth below my feet shook too! To capture this shot, I had to increase my ISO, slow down my shutter speed (I had to use a tripod) and use a neutral density filter (which reduces the amount of light entering the camera), and then continually wipe the mist off of my lens! Wet and cold I hiked back up to my car; excited in knowing that I got some great shots. LOL, I was so embraced by this scene that I totally forgot about the bears! What a great day!
In the spring, a grizzly bear’s diet consists of approximately 70% grass, to replenish their lack of proteins during hibernation. This is why you often see bears along roadways, where grass grows in abundance. Knowing this, I had my camera at the ready as I traveled along this (somewhat) remote logging road in the interior of British Columbia. I travel this road often and I see black, brown and cinnamon bears on a regular basis but this was the first time that I came across a grizzly bear. Grizzly bears come in many sizes, and this female (her cub was nearby) was relatively small. I once saw a grizzly that was at least 3 times larger (it was incredibly massive!) so I now have a sincere fear of them. I stayed with these grizzlies for approximately 10 minutes, and they didn’t seem to mind my presence. As I watched and gazed into their eyes, I felt at peace with them but I know those seemingly calm eyes are very deceiving and they deserve respect; I kept my distance. In this photo, she lifted her head to watch a vehicle drive behind me. Frightened by the noise of a bouncing utility trailer it was pulling, she and her cub scurried into the forest. Although I was disappointed that my photo session came to an abrupt end, I knew that this (my last photo) was going to be a keeper! Yay! I felt VERY fortunate by this opportunity. It's now a great memory and I’m thrilled to add it to my photography portfolio and here on my website.
I recently attended an amazing photography conference in Pincher Creek Alberta, where there were a number of speakers that covered a variety of photographic topics; I was in my element! Although I was primarily there to hear Viktoria Haack and Adam Gibbs speak (two renowned BC photographers who’s style and genres I admire), I actually enjoyed all the speakers and presenters. Their work, combined with their shared wisdom, was inspiring; so much so that it inspired me (personally) to dive into some new (to me) genres. That said, I was particularly interested in the discussions that pertained to astrophotography (including aurora borealis), wildlife photography and Black & White photography; just to mention a few. When I left the conference I decided to concentrate on black and white for a while, so imagine my delight when I came across this old farmhouse (not far from Pincher Creek). At first, I was merely fixated on the old abandoned homestead but as I walked around I noticed all the amazing leading lines which added to the overall composition. Considering the subject, I knew this photograph would look amazing in black and white; by naturally adding a sense of mood, mystery and age.
Recently, after months of building my photography business, I took a break from my creative passions (business and photography). In that time I recognized my need to keep busy and how very blessed that I am to be able to do what I love. As I was driving my motorhome one early and chilly morning, I saw this bridge view over some shrubs (thanks for the higher perspective of the RV). I continued to drive past for well over 5 minutes while I debated whether or not I should turn around. Obviously, I turned around (and I’m glad I did!). I had noted a spot that I could park my RV but I hadn’t noticed just how high the vegetation surrounding this pond was. Fortunately however I found a trail that lead to the shore of pond (how lucky!). As I was setting up my camera gear I noticed these two Canadian geese casually swimming towards my planned composition. I hurriedly increased my shutter speed (to capture their movement) and waited for them to arrive at this planned position. Almost as though on cue they posed for me! This photograph was my very first photo after this break and I felt so rewarded!
We often walk through life without paying much attention to the obvious, however with an intent to “see” (beyond a glance) we will discover a world that we never noticed. If I asked you what color shade is, you would likely say it’s black (or grey) however if you pay attention you’ll discover that’s not the case, and this photograph is a prime example. No doubt you’ve noticed how snow looks blue (or pink, or purple); that’s because the snow picks up the colors of the sky. Just like the snow, in this photograph the pale (almost white) colored cliffs behind the saguaro picked up the incredibly vibrancy of the blue sky. When I walked towards this saguaro tree the very first thing I noticed was the color of the shade. Wow!... it made me stop in my tracks! In that moment of wonderment, I noticed three things; the blue colored shade, all the back-lighting, and the vivid greens. When I combined these three things with my composition, I knew that I had a “keeper” and I could hardly wait to get it into post processing! As a matter of fact, I was so excited by the scene that I immediately sent an iPhone shot to daughter before taking this shot with my Sony a7r IV. This photo was taken near Dutchman State Park (just east of Mesa, AZ), at the base of Superstition Mountain; just after a week of rain, which made the sky SO vibrant! *Notice how "fat" the saguaro is? Interestingly, saguaro's retain water, which is key for it's survival.
While on our way to visit Wickenburg, we decided look for some photographic opportunities and potential boondocking (dry-camping) sites in the Lake Pleasant area, north-west of Phoenix. Just a short distant from the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, the world changes; as we noticed as we drove down a dusty gravel road, through small mountainous valleys and rocky gorges. The area was (quite notably), densely covered with saguaro trees. When this lake (Lake Pleasant) came into view, I noted how intriguing it was to see both saguaro trees and a lake in one “frame”. Driving further north I noticed the sun’s reflection in the lake and stopped to take a photo. I carefully placed my feet as I made my way down the prickly pear embankment and framed this shot when suddenly a truck barreled past. Seeing the dust, my first instinct was to run back into truck however I knew I wouldn’t make it there in time so I ate the dust, lol! To my surprise however the dust lofted down into my frame! Although my camera (and myself) got sugar coated with dust, I was elated to get this shot! I absolutely love the softness and muted colors of this photo and how the dust (which looks like fog) adds to the interesting combination of sun, lake reflections and sky.
I am at the Grand Canyon! I had the pleasure of visiting the canyon last winter too however I lost all (yes ALL), of my photos when my hard-drive crashed; a valuable lesson... use more than one hard drive! Now that the days are getting shorter and the cold weather is keeping you inside, I'll post photos more often and "report in", for those whom are following my travels :-) I often come across a scene that just takes my breath away, and I ask myself "Does anyone else see what I see?". I guess that's why I enjoy sharing my photos with you so much, in hopes that they'll take your breath away too. I cycled the south rim and got a few fantastic shots, what fun! I had such a grand time at the Grand Canyon. that I named this photo "A Grand Life".
This photo was taken at Bartlett Lake, a reservoir lake located north-east of Scottsdale and slightly north of Rio Verde, Arizona. Popular with anglers and campers, it’s quite unique lake with rugged mountains surrounding it and saguaros growing along its shoreline. Sometimes, we photographers have to be very persistent; I went to Bartlett Lake 4 times to get this shot! It was a 45 minute drive from my RV so I left early (in the darkness of night) so that I’d be there before the sunrise. The first time I went, I chose to go on a day when there was snow on the mountain tops but unfortunately the combination of cloud cover, rain and the (icy cold) winds made it impossible to get any kind of shot. On my second attempt I didn’t have much luck either. I was disappointed by the dark and dreary sky so I spent the morning hiking and searching for future compositions; so it wasn’t a total loss. Eventually I found this one and vowed to come back on a sunny day. The next time I went, everything was perfect until I had a run in with a *Cholla, and it won…. Ouch! So, that quickly ended that photo shoot! Regardless, I wasn’t going to give up and with visions of this pre-planned composition in mind, I head out there for yet another visit. Finally, I got the shot I was hoping for! A Chollas are a desert plant that are completely covered with barbed needles. They are also known as a Jumping Cholla, for its habit of jumping (rolling) along the ground in the wind. They easily fall off their mother plant and then have a tendency to “jump” (if you will) on to the skin or clothing of a passerby…. it’s pure 100% OUCH! I must say this was on of my most “painful” shots! LOL
This image was as I saw it however in order to expose it properly I had to combine two identical photographs. One was exposed for the tree and the other one for Cathedral Rock. I found this location earlier in the day, and then returned during the golden hour. Timing (as always) was everything here, as was the planning and executing of it!
I captured this photograph inside the Tumacácori National Historical Park (just south of Tubac, Arizona and north of the Mexican border). The park consists of the ruins of 3 Spanish mission communities, including a restored church and a museum. It was originally established in 1961, in a different location, and then after the Pima rebellion of 1751 the mission moved to its present location, on the west Sid of the Santa Cruze River. By 1848 the mission was abandoned and efforts to restore and stabilize it began in 1908. These clay pots were inside the mission's storeroom (also known as the granary). The granary pots were filled with seeds and grains and were stored for next season’s crops (keeping them safe from rodents). The pine beams you see here were hauled from the heights of the Santa Rita Mountains, which in turn supported the thick adobe columns. These pots where in a small room, so small as a matter of fact, that I had to push myself into a corner to get this shot. What I love about this photo are tapering lines and how they’re in contrast with the circular pots. Notice how the dominate color of the pots demand your attention. This, together the linear photographic components, lead your eyes around and about the image but always back to the pots. *Notice how the pots are inset and that there’s room for more.
We arrived at Monument Valley with plans to tour and photograph the valley; we were so excited! We didn’t however do our homework prior to our arrival, and were disappointed to find out the park was closed because of Covid. So, we made the most of our time here and decided to explore the area around Monument Valley instead. We chose to explore a side road that was paved to begin with, then it turned to gravel and then it turned into a forestry service road. We were alone and it felt freeing to be alone; the only car in the middle of nowhere and away from civilization. Suddenly I saw something move across the rocky desert scape, “Wild donkeys!” I said with excitement (I had never seen them before). They were a far distance away so with my camera and long lens in hand I slowly walked towards them; not knowing anything about wild donkeys, I wondered if they’d be curious about me. Then with some trepidation I wondered what would I do if they did! Quit quickly however, they ran off and I didn’t even get a single shot. We continued on and as we turned a corner, these four wild donkeys stood right in front of us! Now, knowing how skittish they are, I quietly (and quickly) got out of the truck to take aim. Initially, they were huddled together but as I approached them (ever so carefully) they backed off and stood as you see them here; just as curious about me as I was about them. I knew how very, very blessed I was for this once in a lifetime opportunity, so with that in mind, I made sure all my settings were I wanted them and held my camera steady. What I love about this photo is how perfectly lined up they are!
This location is often used for weddings and as luck should have it, a small wedding was taking place as I was shooting this photo. They stood slightly left of this photo but close enough for me to hear them share their loving and touching vows....as I stood in the red mud with tears in my eyes :-) Years ago I owned and operated a photo lab and when the snowbirds came back with their rolls of film, their photos were often red; red foregrounds, red roads, and red mountains too. Well, my assistants Donna, Sharon and I thought that this just couldn't be, so we tried to fix them but then we'd ruin the other colors! At the time, this was quite the dilemma (lol). Fast forward to 2013, when I visited Sedona for the first time, and to my surprise, everything was red! So, you may be wondering what that story has to do with this photo? Well, there's actually another puddle directly behind this one and in order to get this shot, I had to stand in the puddle AND the red/clay mud. I should have taken a photo of my hiking boots! LOL
As darkness filled the floor of canyon, the chilly breeze chased most of the tourists away; it was time to call it a day. It was really quite dark and I should have headed back to my RV but the temptation to stay for this “one last shot” was too great. These colors are somewhat unique for the Grand Canyon but as the sun slowly sets the canyon’s colors change (and surprisingly quickly!). First, the vibrant hues are replaced with a warm glow, then a cool blue and then there’s complete darkness. You can see these varying colors in this photo. There was very little light so I had to use my tripod. I set my ISO/ASA to 640 and my shutter speed at 1/4 of a second. I could tell from the viewfinder that this was going to be a great shot, and a uniquely different one too. That said, I absolutley love how soft this photo is and how very painterly it looks too. I sat in the canyon’s beauty for a while; with my heartfelt thoughts and in appreciation of the many dreams I have yet to live. I named this photo “Grandview Nightfall” because it was taken at Grandview Point at nightfall.
When I edit my photographs, I’m a purist (true colors, no manipulation) but this photograph is different, I feel it's "art" (a combination of both photography and art). That said, I thoroughly enjoyed adding my artistic and creative self to this image. Although the color version of this photograph is quite striking but I intentionally edited it out. “Why?”, because I wanted to add a gentleness to this otherwise high contrast flower. At the same time however I left the high contrast in the eye of the flower, which is this photo's focal point. My goal is to capture the viewer's interest first, and then their curiosity. Black-eyed Susans are considered a symbol of encouragement and motivation, which can be attributed to the plant's adaptability, thus popularity. It's also Maryland's official state flower. The name of this photograph came about by combining the "eye" in Black-eyed Susan and the fact that it was created by me, the "artist".
Over the years I have seen a lot of sunflower photos but my goal here was to create a unique and unusual photograph; in such a way that it would draw unique interest. It was at least 8 feet tall and with its (full grown) weight it was drooping heavily. Fortunately, I was able to stand right under it which gave me the perspective I wanted and the bounced lighting the ground provided. As I stood staring at the sunflower from underneath, I noticed the rainbow of colors in its center, the linear patterns and the variety of textures. I took a few shots from the left, and then from the right but when I composed this shot I knew instantly that IT was the keeper!
A short uphill walk through an old growth forest lead me to a set of switchback stairs, a viewing platform and a 115 foot (35 meter) suspension bridge that overlooked this 99 foot (30 meter) waterfall. As I hiked up to the waterfall I was very quick to notice the terrain; it was SO lush! The old growth forest floor was covered with large broad leaf ferns and the surrounding trees were draped with heavy green moss; which in itself was photo worthy but because my time was limited I couldn’t stop. At the top of the stairs was a viewing platform and a suspension bridge that crossed over to the other side of the canyon. It was quite the sight to see and because the gorge was so narrow and deep, you can imagine how loud the sound of the cascading water was! I walked across the sturdy steel cable suspension bridge to a viewing platform on the other side. It however had a limited view of the falls so I decided this view was far better. From this view I noticed the natural lead in lines and the highlights created by the open sky above and although one might consider downed tree lying across the water a distraction, one might also consider it a point of interest (as I do).
The "Desert Agave" grows in the lower elevations of the Sonoran and Majavi deserts where it is hot and dry. The leaves have a distinct cyan/bluish tinge and are quite thick, and can grow up to 27 inches in length. The pronounced teeth along leaf edges are dark-tipped, a third of an inch long, and like most agave the underside of each leaf bears a permanent imprint of the teeth from the once underlying leaf (created when the two were growing together). The black tips are really sharp so you don’t want to back into one by accident (!), as I found out not long ago when I recently transplanted one ....ouch! I cropped this photo so that it leans (if you will) towards an abstract view; notice how I’m only showing part of agave. I love the flow (the diagonal and horizontal lines), the “teeth” and subtle colors. This photo would look great as a stand alone statement piece or blend well with a busier desert photo.
Finding and planning photographic locations takes time (sometimes multiple visits) and physical effort but the rewards often yield some amazing photographs! The physical effort however doesn’t seem like a chore when I’m engulfed in my passions (early morning starts, cycling, hiking and photography); it’s then that I’m in my “happy place”! What could possibly be more fun than searching for spectacular locations, and then later have a prize photograph to go along with the memory! That said however, both weather and lighting play such a big roll and sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate but oftentimes I end up with the most amazing unexpected shots! This photograph has such a story. I had been searching for quite some time for a desert scene that wasn’t cluttered with desert debris (the overgrown desert and the fuzzy bushes (as I call them!). The overgrown vegetation often fills the entire foreground scene which stops the viewer’s eye from traveling through the photograph. That said, I was thrilled to find this location with its uncluttered foreground and strong composition. Notice the diamond shape of the predominant shadow and how your eyes follow its lines to the cholla and ocotillo. Then the ocotillo leads your eye up and back over to the top of the rocks; creating a circular path for your eyes to travel. The other thing I like is the combination of darks and lights. The shadows and highlights (which is often referred to as the darkest darks and the brightest whites) are complimentary in any photograph or painting. I found this location on an early morning bike ride at Brown’s Desert Ranch (a hiking/biking area in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale) but unfortunately the best light was long gone so I made a mental note to return. That said, checking the next day’s weather forecast is always a big part in planning my photography shoots and although (on this day) it was more overcast than I had expected the sun did poke through occasionally; just enough to get this shot!
I spent Christmas in Desert Hot Springs (with some dear friends) and although I wanted to travel home to my family I had to considered the implications; my tightening time frame (to the set up of the Arizona Fine Art Expo) and then of course, the threat of covid exposure. One of the most visually interesting things in Palm Springs are the 100's of wind turbines that cover the valley floor and hillsides; my objective here (besides Christmas!) was to get some "signature" shots of the Coachella Valley. It was late day when I noticed a sudden weather change so off I went, to my pre-planned photographic destination. With my tripod firmly anchored in the desert sand and my camera focused on a grouping of wind turbines, I suddenly noticed a change in overall color, and then I noticed why.... and you might say I changed my "focus"! The first thing I noticed was the complimentary colors of the hillsides and then I noticed the matching colors of the sky! "Really!" I exclaimed to myself! I was SO excited! It was (truly) so thrilling to witness this! I'm sure though, that most people wouldn't have noticed the colors of the hillsides but I'm so color intuitive that they "screamed" (lol) at me! With little time to spare, I removed my camera from my tripod, switched lenses and hand held this shot. I wanted a high quality panoramic shot of this scene so this photograph is actually comprised of three shots (that I later stitched together in post production). Sure, I didn't get the shots of the wind turbines I wanted but I got this shot instead; which made my day!
Superstition Mountain is located east of Phoenix and Apache Junction. It was once volcanic but now this sleeping giant is a popular recreational area for bikers, ATV'rs, and horseback riders too. It's rugged and sheer sided peaks are well over 5000 feet and can be seen for miles. I camped at the Lost Dutchman State Park, which is conveniently located behind from where I took this photo. I left my campsite early; giving myself plenty time to find the perfect composition. It wasn't easy to get here; I climbed over boulders, around bushes and dodge the prickly cacti too (ouch!) and it seemed to never end (lol). As the mountain grew larger, I stopped to take a series of focus stacked shots until I eventually parked myself here. I stayed until it was dark and watched as the light changed, and took photos as it did. There is a trail at the bottom of the mountain that runs from left to right, and then into the shaded canyon on the right. Those that are agile climb to the top of the mountain on the far right. I did hiked into the canyon a few years back but I wasn't prepared to go that far on a hot day. Arizona is known for it's amazing sunsets which casts some amazing colors on the desert floor (just like this photo). I headed back after I got some blue hour shots but boy, was it dark and walking back in darkness wasn't fun! Oh well, I made a new memory and I chuckle at the new (more) scratches on my legs (which seems to go hand in hand to get the shots I want, lol).
It occurred to me the other day, that I am a "weather chaser" (lol... just like storm chasers but I chase the "weather"). More specifically, I chase after the unique weather because it adds drama (and/or a mood) to my photographs. The downside of weather chasing IS the weather (lol); the cold, rain, snow and wind (along with early mornings and late evenings). When I get a shot like this one however, I reap the rewards! As I approached my destination for the day (Picacho Peak State Park, between Phoenix and Tuscan), I noticed a huge storm building and filling the valley in front of me. The storm was a sight to see, complete with lightning, rain bursts, rainbows and the sun was mixed in there too. It was so spectacular; I wished I was in the thick of it! By the time I stopped at the state park, all that remained of the storm was the rain. My decision to stop here was a last minute (weather) decision so I arrived without campsite reservation. Fortunately however they just had a cancellation (Yay!). I was set (and hoped the "weather" to return). As I detached my Jeep from my RV it occurred to me that park wraps around Picacho Peak (to the west) and that maybe there would be some "weather" on that side. So, with that in mind, off I went. I parked at the Sunset Vista Trailhead and noted a beautiful sunset forming (something I couldn't see from my campsite). With my camera backpack and my tripod in hand I ventured onto the muddy trail. The clouds still lingered behind me as I hiked and then suddenly a beautiful rainbow suddenly appeared. I was so tempted to turn my attention but because time was of the essence, I stayed focused on this composition. I love this photo's composition (it's one of my favorite compositions). The lay of the land, the greenery, sun, highlights, darks and clouds all help lead your eye into, through and out the photo. I also like the warm tones (the setting sun created), the lush colors of the foliage and rocks (thanks to the rain), and the strong vertical lines of the saguaro trees (in contrast to everything else). Although it's been chilly, windy and raining I feel so blessed to be here with my camera on this winter day!
Rightfully named because there's a bird perched on the bolder! This sunrise photo was taken from Scottdale's McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Tom’s Thumb trail. Looking south-east towards Weaver's Needle and Superstition Mountain (as seen in the distance).
