Dogwood in Sequoia National Forest

Fluttering Systems: Epoch vs. Era.

Synchronicity

If you have not joined the discussion over at John's blog I would urge you to.

Corn Lilies Near Nelder Grove

If you happen to photograph the field of corn lilies just before nelder grove on the right side heading in, I will tell you: watch out for the giant holes in the ground. You can easily biff your entire rig. If you are John O'Connor though, you would walk through the swampy area barefoot with ease.

Woods of Cotton

Flow!

Emerging Dogwood

These are images from last week along the Lewis Creek trail and I was hearing a lot of talk about how Yosemite's dogwoods have started to bloom and are a t peak for photographing them. I thought since Lewis creek would be a lot further along than Yosemite I gave it a try. To my surprise there wasn't hardly a bloom in sight. I did see a couple trees toward the end of my day that were blooming but the flowers were still green. I would think this week and next week would be pretty promising for photographing these guys. Hope the update helps, now get out there and start making some images!

Peacock Pattern Trap

What an amazing and elaborate creature. My wife and I had stopped at Casa De Fruta and we caught these fellows hangin around right in the middle of mating season. They will vibrate their feathers in an attempt to lure in a mate as the patterns flurry it creates such a cacophonous sound along with the various howls, it's quite mix of audio and not to mention visual.

Cloud Triptych

Awarness in stealth mode...

...Ode to a missionary mother ascending signals of her love for me. A great light being, protruding into issues I'm seeing, leaning toward a photographic embrace. Satori moment so suitable to escape a state that was supposed to be so beautiful.

A Storm's Vehement

What an excellent light show this was, constantly changing. I intended to remake the photograph below with the same composition at sunset, but to my dismay the water level had descended a few feet and the compositon was no longer. I guess I was lucky to be there both days and would'nt of had it any other way. This angry storm grew and morphed like it had something to say. My wife Sara and I watched it and took it all in. Made handheld from 4 exposures.

Rising Water Levels at Millerton Lake ll

Rising Water Levels at Millerton Lake

Started my day off today greeting the sun at Millerton lake. The road I expected to travel on to get to my spot was closed: naturally I walked to another park of the lake where a small inlet of water trickled in. Compared to my last visit the water levels had risen considerably, which is great, but my composition was completely different that I expected it to be. With time running short I fit nicely between two rocks with the water beneath. I made this image risking equipment and sacrificing a few peanuts to the lake but was well worth the trip. It goes to show that spontaneity produces interesting results even if you have to get all photo man split stance in the water to make it happen.

Wake Up!

I was going to wax poetic about how we are destroying this planet but I think it's kinda like beating a dead horse. So wake up! - It's Earth day again do something helpful!

Wild Flowers off the Highway 41

I noticed these fellows the other day driving home, I ultimately decided that a soft sunset would complement these colors and that I should go back. The photograph made here was the second trip, the first being much too windy to render the flowers sharp. It did take some time to choose a shutter speed with two dilemmas present: if it's too slow the flowers would blur from too much movement, too fast and the crawling clouds would look more harsh. Here the clouds win. Although there is a bit of movement in some areas with flowers, I am pretty happy with these complimenting colors. Keep your eyes peeled for exploding colors on the landscape! I'm stoked on color this spring!

What will you find?

There is always a plethora of photographic opportunities at our fingertips, everywhere we turn something beautiful is bound to be seen, especially in the natural world. John Muir once said: "When one tugs at something in nature he finds it connected to the rest of the world" I believe this statement to be pretty accurate. When I become an observer of nature, I am opening up to the channels of calming and spiritual benefits this earth has to offer (even if simply studying a flower) These channels are ones that we often can't tune into due to the busy schedules and chaos that is our modern condition. This image was made from a cluster flowers growing from what seemed to be a dead tree in our backyard. To isolate the flowers I underexposed them on a black background using window light. Being that it was a white subject, shooting in raw came in real handy when recovering harsh highlights: one of the reasons raw is absolutely essential at all times. It was nothing more than a wonderfully fragrant plant until I later discovered it to be a white lilac. Lilacs flower on old wood, and produce more flowers if unpruned. If pruned, the plant responds by producing fast-growing young vegetative growth with no flowers, in an attempt to restore the removed branches; a pruned lilac often produces few or no flowers for one to five or more years, before the new growth matures sufficiently to start flowering. A very interesting plant that is bisexual, with fertile stamens and stigma in each flower!. Symbolizing love and hardy character, this guy was unknown to me until I took a second to stop and open up my senses. So I challenge you to seek out something beautiful and learn more about it. Open your eyes, it's the greatest show on earth!

El Capitan and Merced River Monochrome

Succulents

I was inspired in my own backyard the other day by the shapes of these wonderful succulents. Natures designs are never ending and always pleasing to me.

Spring Colors at Pine Flat Lake

The Colors at Pine Flat lake last weekend were exploding. I would recommend to go sometime soon because this spring should be a bit more colorful this year and it's worth the drive even without a camera. So many various shades of purple and orange, enough to make a guy smile.

Blue Agave

Spotted this guy just after brief rain and really is (and I dont like using this term, but it's true) just a snap shot. I made just one exposure and realized it was what I wanted and moved on. Agave!

Celestial Body of Mist

Don't have too much to say on this one except that fog is probably one of the most fleeting moments especially along the coast. The scene had completely changed after I made the fourth exposure. Still not sure if I like the slightly blue tone or just straight black and white.

Rocks and Surf, Big Sur

Pfeiffer Beach Big Sur ll

Everything about Big Sur is mystical.

Pfeiffer Beach Big Sur

Everything about this beach is amazing!

Evanescent Purple Sand: 3,650 Days Well Spent

This Photograph is dedicated to my incredible wife Sara. At this spot, around 3 years ago I proposed to her, not knowing I was going to, but the moment called. We planned a trip last weekend in celebration of our time being together and this purple sand revealed itself. We have heard people talk about "the purple sand beach" before, but little did we know, it was under us the whole time. I guess it may be seen after strong winds or after a high tide. It goes to show that no matter how familiar you are with something or someone, new things will always be revealed with time accordingly. Look for more posts on Big Sur soon. Cheers to us!

"Big Sur is the greatest meeting of land and sea"

...as the wise american poet, Robinson Jeffers once said. I would have to agree, at least based on my limited travels thus far. Almost every beach I came into contact with had some sort of fresh water flow that would ease right in, peaceful and serene. Nothing short of breathtaking, these aquatic connections intrigue me deeply and speak as metaphors to a greater unity. As you can see in the bottom right corner of this photograph, there is a small stream making it's way to the oceans edge. I don't think I have ever seen so many various shades of blue in my life. This is another attempt like my early post: "Just In Time" to capture the moving beauty of Garrapata Beach.

Sixth Street Clouds

I realized these clouds today just before sunset looking out a shuttered window. The awe inspiring formations called out just as I have called out. Amusing but confusing, an alien friend, with spitfire kick: storm clouds above, I see another face that lives in me. What do you see?

Happy 80th Birthday Grandpa!

I think seeing my grandpa's excitement of exploring had a lot to do with my connection to nature. Although I didn't realize it when I was younger, I have to thank him for the important role he has played in my photography and spirit. Millerton lake fog and rocks just after sunrise. Happy Birthday to a thoroughly impressive man.

Portrait of a Leaf

I'm a big advocate of learning to enjoy the simple things nature has to offer. Recognition of it's perfection is a spiritual thing indeed. I saw a nice leaf and put it on a black background, opened the blinds and photographed it. I love this leaf like sun loves clover.

Once in a Blue Moon

Happy new year everyone! This last thursday a blue moon shed some light on the coming year. According to a few things I was reading online, the phenomenon of having two full moons in one month (or a blue moon) occurs on average every 2.7 years. This last time this happened on new years eve was in 1990 and it wont happen again until 2028. A great way to start the new year!