All in Adventure Photography

How to Bootstrap a Summer in Alaska

Our morning was the start to a perfect Alaskan day. The sun was out and a cool breeze from the Arctic Ocean kept the fog away as we commuted across Kachemak Bay. Stepping off The Far Side, a two story boat, onto Stillpoint Lodge’s dock in Halibut Cove, Alaska where we were greeted by the staff – they already knew our names – and escorted us to the main lodge. We enjoyed any drink of our choice and a charcuterie board as we learned about the float plane flights, glacial kayaking, and wildlife tours in store for us this week. A quick tour of the grounds, ending at our private cabin overlooking the cove. My girlfriend, Kristin, and I were out of place. A single night at the lodge cost more than I make in a month, yet we were here for a week and it wouldn’t cost us a dime. So, how is that possible?

For She is the Drug of Choice

This nature poem is a thank you to mother nature. As a little boy, I would run around the “woods” of my backyard naked letting my imagination run free. In many ways, my work allows me to continue this adventure through my imagination (not so much the naked part), and explore the natural beauty of our planet. I am unsure why, but any chance I get to see this planet, I take it. From mountains to the ocean, I crave the beauty of our planet and attempt to share it with you all.

How to Create Commercial Photography on a Budget

There is nothing more annoying than a company low balling you to create content. At least that is what I originally thought! Companies are just trying to get as much as they can within their budget, there is nothing wrong with that. Heck, I always try to get as much money as possible for a job, so am I any different? Not really. So, what should we do to try to fix this budget confusion around creating content?

How to Make Money as a Freelance Content Creator | Part 2 of 5

If you are a freelance content creator, or have aspirations on becoming a freelance content creator, this five part series will help you lay the foundation for making money. In episode two of this five part series, I cover ways to generate active income streams for freelance careers. To do this, I dive deep into what types of active income exist and what the end results will look like. All of these are focused on freelance jobs.

Your Reminder to Wake Up Early

Waking up early is a novelty. Crawling out from under your covers is difficult, but worth it. Throughout a year, at least one of my highlights comes from waking up early to catch a sunrise. Often my motivation is a photo idea, but sometimes it is a climbing mission, or an outing with a friend. Regardless, do something hard and wake up early a few times a year! It’ll be worth it.

How to Hand Shape Surfboards

In this photo essay Dalton Johnson documents Ryan Lynch hand shaping a surfboard from a blank. Documenting the process of how to make a surfboard from start to finish, this photo essay shows the beauty of the hand made process. If you are curious on how to make a surfboard, this photo essay will give you a look behind the curtain at how to make a surfboard.

The Freelancer's Conundrum

The message is clear, distractions happen, learn how to handle them. In the end, I wrote the above as a stress relief exercise and to spew out an idea that I had been festering away in my brain for the last few days. In many ways, it was pestering me so much, I just wanted to get it down on paper so I could forget about it.

It's My Job - Commercial Photography

At the end of the day, my job as a commercial photographer is to sell a product. While photographing a campaign, a thought constantly repeats in the back of my mind and kinda goes like, “You are shooting a (insert product), that is the focus.” This mantra helps balance the struggle between creativity and capturing an image that will sell the product. Overall, the limitation in creating commercial photography is not an art director or creative freedom, the constraint is usually time and money.

Reviving the Lost Art of Letter Writing

After a three day digital detox in Joshua Tree National Park, void of vibrations and pings, penning a note felt like the perfect way to continue the slowed down lifestyle and show some gratitude for time well spent with good friends. Pulling a pen from the drawer, tearing out a blank sheet from his notebook, and sitting down with a fresh cup of coffee, Dalton Johnson shares the story of a weekend adventure.

Blue Bells Ringing

When I sat down to write this poem, I imagined an older women living alone, off the grind, in a cabin. The cabin I had stayed at. This nature poem was an attempt at showcasing the mental battle of being alone in the woods, mixed with the reality of curiousity. I wanted the poem to have a sense of fun, yet be serious. Attempt a small commentary about living off the land and a slower pace life.

Arc'teryx and Dirtbag Living

The second episode of the podcast has dropped! In this episode, we dive into the world of dirtbag living with the Manager and Community Lead at Arc’teryx, Krista Coole. Personally, I met Krista through Beau Martino, about a year ago. Throughout that time, Krista has focused on building out the ambassador program for Arc’teryx Norcal.

The Dirty Secrets of Being a Travel Photographer

From the outside looking in, travel photography is a dream. As a travel photographer, you get to hang out in cool places, do all the adventurous things, and see the world… for free. Right? Well, not exactly. The reality is, if something is happening, you have your camera to your face photographing. If nothing is happening, you are jocking for position to get the next shot, or, you are importing content, cleaning gear, etc. Yes, you get to be in the places, but you rarely have the opportunity to do the activities. For example, this was a 40(ish) day shoot. In the end, I got to play (surf, rock climb, snorkel, etc.) for six of them. That is less than if I worked a 9-5 job!