Carmel

I love Monterey and the area around it!

Channel Islands part 3

We went ocean kayaking around the cliffs Santa Cruz islands. There were beautiful views of Ana capa island as well as Dolphin's and jelly fish that came right up to us.  The whole experience made me want to invest in a water proof housing for my 5D. One day... Until then I'll be quite happy shooting landscapes on solid ground!

Seven Teacups Canyoneering

I had a fantastic time recently with Alpine Training Services. I participated in their CIV class. We went to the Kern River for a few days to learn how to canyoneer in swift water. And wow, the Seven Teacups were really flowing! At the end of the day I felt confident and prepaired for more adventures. Such a cool sport. I can't wait to head back up to Kernville again. Moral of the story: You don't have to drive to Utah for some sick canyoneering; its right here in Southern California's backyard.

Canyoneering Shots

I recently got to do some product photography for Alpine Training Services (ATS). They have a new rappelling device that will be on the market August 2010! I got to hang off the side of a 150 foot waterfall and shoot. Talk about fun! If you DON'T KNOW what canyoneering is, I suggest you check out the ATS page for some great videos and images! www.alpinets.com

Utah Winter Mountains at Night

Was there any doubt that my second favorite (in the nostalgia sense) place to shoot in Utah is a little snow covered field overlooking the mountains north of Provo. I can't recall ever having explored there during the day. But I have been there countless times at night. Normally by myself, but on occasion with a close friend or two. So many peaceful nights up there. A few years ago my brother bought me a Mountain Hardware down coat. Its bomber to say the least and it has kept me so warm on the often 5 hour long excursions to take photos. So partial thanks for any snow winter images goes to Mr. Mohawk Myke. Thanks for visiting. Check back for tomorrow's post. I promise some awesomeness.

Utah Landscape

I got a request to post a few of my favorite Utah landscapes. There are so many, so today and tomorrow I am posting two sentimental places. While Utah Lake (above) has been described as shallow, massive, and probably full of pollution... it reflects most every beautiful Utah sunset throughout the year. Definitely a favorite place to go at dusk. Check back tomorrow to see the next landscape!

Peru Landscape

As promised, I am going through the rest of the Peru Photos, Still have some rolls of film to develop as well!

Peru

I recently got to do some photography in Peru. We hiked the Salkantay Pass 4 days till Matchu Pitchu. I fell in love with the light in the Andies. The clouds continually rolled through and the light bounced all over the mountains giving me the problem of having too much good light! I don't know if I have ever taken so many landscape shots during daylight hours! This is our Peruvian guide Joel at the top of the Salkantay pass. The mountain behind him had just erupted with several avalanches and made for a spectacular backdrop. I used my 580EXII and diffuser as a fill flash on him. Many more posts from Peru Photography coming soon!

Meteor Shower in the Fog

Hit up Laguna (top of the world) for this view. Its quite difficult trying to nail the right moment to capture a shooting star. Lots of luck. This would be one of my favorites from the night. The fog was rolling in and we saw quite the etherial show.

Little Carona Night Photography

There are many advantages to shooting the beach at night...no people in your shots...experimenting with the moving water...and no coyotes! This was shot a bit after 2am, the tide was coming back in from its lowest point. Once again my friend Mike came along as an awesome guide to the area and help with any "light painting" that was needed.  I will post more of the images from the night soon!

Joshua Tree Night Photography

This last weekend my friend Mike and I took a random trip in the middle of the night to Joshua Tree National Park. It was my first time there and his first time doing night photography. After the 2 and a half hour drive, seeing the landscape and amazing stars, I knew it was worth the drive. It is possibly my new fav place to do night shots. We also were surrounded by coyotes... 4 or 5... really close...Mike asked in a panic if he could run to the car...I appreciated that he didn't just up and leave me without asking...such a gentleman. But we were brave enough to keep shooting through the night...just in a place down the road a bit.

Chasing Light...

Over the last 24 hours I have spent the majority of time outside in nature. I suspect I am subconsciously soaking it up, anticipating the concrete heat from the city to shock my system. Perhaps thats why urbanites flee to the beach, crowding the sand for a chance to be close to the earth. Photography is light, and photographers have been famously referred to as chasers of light. What else could keep me out until 3am this morn and have me back on the road for the sunrise at 5am? There is a sense of anticipation that comes with the hunt. And I feel like I have been chasing light all my life. But today was odd, I remembered that sometimes you can't control everything. There were clouds, rain, hail, wind, harsh sun and many obstacles bringing frustration. But sometimes when you have gone as far as you can go on your own, the clouds part and the rising moon gently illuminates the scene before you. Last night, the photo above brought back thoughts of all the happy accidents, tender mercies, and moments when the light just comes to you. Thank you if you have ever brought light into my life with your presence.

Catharsis and Introspection Through Photoshop

I took these two photos at very different times in my life this summer. It occurred to me that I approached the same subject differently in very subtle ways... What does it mean? Perhaps it reflects my state of mind? Represents the start and end of a journey? A new outlook on life?And if so, have the trees been placed on the wrong sides? What could it be? perhaps...just maybe...the light was different...you decide.

Night Photography

During the last 6 months or so I have fallen in love with night photography. She is a shy mistress and takes time. But she doesn't sass me and will never leave me or cheat. So I promise to start sharing with everyone more of our romantic nights. Here she is...

More fisheye happiness...

Some of these exposures were as quick as 5 seconds, others closer to 30. The noise does not build up that badly for digital. Although I hope to be shooting on some 35mm later this week for a tight grain structure. The best part of night photography is how peaceful it can be alone in the forest at night. I was reminded of dear Stan Brackage (film theoretician) this weekend. He claims the medium of film allows us to see through new eyes as we wouldn't normally see - for instance, as a baby or a bee might see. In a round about way, night photography validates some of his ideas.