The Ultimate Visitors Guide To Lake Tahoe's Bonsai Rock
For the last decade, I have called Lake Tahoe my home and there are few spots that I return to several times throughout a year. However, Bonsai Rock, on the northeast shore of the lake, is one of those places.
Here's How to Climb Mount Antero in Colorado
Mount Antero rises to 14,276 feet and stands as one of the prominent peaks in Colorado’s Sawatch Range. Known for its gemstone-rich slopes and wide, 4WD-accessible roads, Mount Antero offers a unique experience for hikers and off-roaders alike. It’s a Class 2 hike that can be done in a day, though the approach is long and the route is exposed to the elements.
Here's How To Climb Mount Shavano, a Colorado 14er
Mount Shavano, standing at 14,229 feet, is one of Colorado’s more accessible 14ers—perfect for hikers seeking a big summit day without technical climbing. Located in the Sawatch Range near Salida, the standard East Slopes route is a moderate Class 2 hike with well-defined trails and breathtaking alpine views.
How to See and Photograph the Totem Pole in Monument Valley
Rising like a stone spire from the desert floor, the Totem Pole is one of the most iconic formations in Monument Valley—and one of the trickiest to photograph up close. Whether you're chasing sunrise light or dreaming of a long-lens shot that captures the scale of the Southwest, here’s how to see and photograph the Totem Pole respectfully and effectively.
Creativity Is A Muscle You Can Develop As Well As Overwork
Creativity is a muscle, the more you use it the stronger it gets. But, you can also overuse the muscle and wear it out. For the last few years, I have been in a stage of extreme output for my creativity. Creating a short documentary now airing on PBS, three travel series totaling 27 episodes, a poetry book, an e-book to help other photographers grow their career, commercial photo and video campaigns, an assignment on every continent in a single year for both editorial and commercial outlets… the list continues. Looking back, I would do it all again, but I also have to admit, I am not surprised my creativity has been at a low.
Traveling To Egypt Anytime Soon With a Camera?
I paired up with Tamron Americas to bring to life a 1500 word guide, filled with images, about photographing historical monuments in Egypt. This story is focused on sailing/cruising the Nile, visiting the ancient sites of Luxor, visiting museums, and, of course, photographing the pyramids.
Personally, this project was one in a lifetime, as I achieved a childhood goal of visiting every continent. Finishing with Egypt, a childhood fascination, I couldn't be more in shock. Before I write any more of a sob story about achieving childhood dreams, here is a taste of the article:
Climbing For Furley Is Now Streaming On PBS
Climbing for Furley follows Northern California resident, Epic Bill Bradley as he attempts to climb Mount Denali after the loss of his best friend, Furley. Bradley is an ultra-endurance athlete who has held world records and completed several mind-blowing races like Ride Across America, a quadruple Bad Water, double Ironman, and many hundred mile races.
Using Spec Work To Land New Photography Clients
While road tripping down the Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Santa Cruz, CA, I asked Kristin Riegel if she would be open modeling for a spec shoot for Blundstone while we stopped at Sharkfin Cove for sunset. She looked at me with a smile, “I’m ugly right now, but of course I will.” For the past three years, Kristin has always been there for me and the building of my career. For this, I am forever grateful ❤️
A Bob Ross Like Morning At Wild Willy Hot Springs In Mammoth, CA
Before the sun rose, we had our shorts on, bags packed, and towels slung over our shoulder. Andrew has the behemoth Muse Roamer that allows for a very plush life on the road, meanwhile I have modest comforts with a converted van. So, I crawled out of the van and headed into the heated Muse Roamer to enjoy coffee to wait for the best lighting.
The First Surf Image That Gave Me Faith I Could Do This Photography Thing
Getting a start as a creative is no easy task, especially when you don’t have a clue as to what you want to do, create, or, most importantly, enjoy. As a kid, I always thought I would be an author, which I became about a month ago with my first book, but the idea of “becoming a photographer” never crossed my mind. Becoming a filmmaker was not something I ever talked about with my family growing up, but my first documentary won a few awards at film festivals last year. So, what the heck did I do as a kid?
Consistency VS Frequency, Creatives & Marketers Need To Know The Difference
Consistency is not frequency, yet many creatives think these words are synonymous. Heck, I used to think this was the case until a few years ago, which lead to me leaving all social media platforms for about 2.5 years, but that is a story for another time. To debunk the consistency vs frequency argument, I’m starting with the fundamentals…
Photographing Olmstead Point In Yosemite At Sunset
Photographing Olmsted Point in Yosemite National Park is an overcrowded tourist experience I pretty much never pass up. While I have been to this spot roughly 20 times, each stop is different, so I always bring my camera. With its sweeping views of Half Dome, Tenaya Lake, and Clouds Rest, this spot is a favorite among landscape photographers. Equipped with a Sony A7R IV and a Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 lens, you can make the most of this location's photographic potential.
Sunrise Just Hits Differently in the North
The warmth of my bed hugged me, saying, "Stay here, forever. I'll keep you warm and comfortable." And, boy, how I wanted to stay under my covers and look out my window at the sunrise, but I was here for an assignment, not vacation.
Free Work Is Never Free
From 2016 to 2022, my focus was strictly on adventure content. I chased swells towering 50 feet above my head as I snapped images from the water, dangled from ropes 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley’s floor, and all the things in between that stroke an adventurer’s ego.
Testing Peak Design's Outdoor Bag Photographing Blue Whales in Loreto, BCS
For two months, the Peak Design Outdoor 45L Pack sat on my shelf. Its design intimidated me: no traditional clips, a roll-top, and an array of dangling cords. I’ve packed hundreds of bags, but I couldn’t figure out where to start with this one. I shelved it for "later," waiting for the right opportunity. That opportunity finally arrived. I was heading to Loreto, Baja California Sur, for a quick trip to photograph whales. Carry-on only, no room for error.
The Tamron 150-500mm Was Always On My Camera While I Drove to Alaska, Here’s Why
When I drove to Alaska with my dad and later returned with my girlfriend Kristin, one thing remained constant: the Tamron 150-500mm lens was always attached to my camera. If there’s one thing you learn quickly on a road trip to Alaska, it’s that wildlife can appear at any moment. Whether it’s a bear lumbering along the roadside, an eagle soaring overhead, or a moose grazing in a meadow, you’re constantly surrounded by incredible opportunities for wildlife photography. Having the Tamron 150-500mm on my camera ensured I was always ready to capture those fleeting moments, no matter when or where they happened.
The Complete Photography Guide to Yosemite's Glacier Point
As passionate photography enthusiasts, we had delved into the works of modern greats who had immortalized Yosemite's breathtaking vistas. However, we aimed to add our own unique twist to this iconic location. Surveying our array of gear and props, we hatched an ambitious plan: to capture a skateboarding photograph careening down the serpentine road leading to Glacier Point. Join us on this journey as we blend the adrenaline of skateboarding with the tranquil majesty of Glacier Point's sunrise, creating a photographic masterpiece of our own.
Photography Guide For Monument Valley
Capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of Monument Valley through photography is a dream for many enthusiasts. Monument Valley, located on the Arizona-Utah border in the heart of the Navajo Nation, is renowned for its iconic sandstone buttes, mesas, and stunning desert landscapes. However, like any natural and cultural treasure, there are guidelines and considerations to keep in mind when photographing in this majestic location.
The Photographer's Guide to Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a photographer's paradise, a place where nature's artistry unfolds in a breathtaking display of colors, shapes, and textures. From the iconic arches to the rugged landscapes, every corner of this park offers a wealth of photographic opportunities. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the essential information you need to know about visiting Arches National Park as a photographer, the best spots for sunrise and sunset photography, the most photographed arch, the ideal time of year for photography, and tips for capturing stunning images.
Movie Road In The Alabama Hills Should Be On Every Hollywood Buff's Must See List
Movie Road stands as a testament to the enduring allure of cinematic history in the Alabama Hills of California. This iconic road has played a pivotal role in numerous Hollywood productions, attracting filmmakers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike. From its rich history to its captivating scenery, Movie Road offers a unique blend of nostalgia and natural beauty that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.