Travel
As a kid, my dream was to see the world. My oldest core memories come from road trips with my family growing, which is why I think I love them so much still to this day. Every year, I try to take at least 3 or 4 "big" road trips to new places. However, whenever I can return to a location that blew my mind, I get very happy. And, I must say Monument Valley is one of those locations.
Read MoreI 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:
For the past few months I’ve been obsessed with Craig Mod and the way he shares his great walks around Japan with his readers. This sparked inside of me the desire to look at how I share my road trips with everyone on my weekly newsletter and those who read The Travel Journal religiously. Enough fanboying over Craig and his amazing work (BTW he just released a new book), here is what that really means for the upcoming road trip around a relatively overlooked part of the Western United States.
Read MoreWithout much daylight left, local surf-pro, Austin Smith-Ford, waxes his board for an evening of surf a few miles north of Santa Cruz, CA. A local’s only spot where you’ll surely be yelled at if you can’t say “hey” to at least a few surfers in the line up.
Read MoreGolden light coats the largest natural lake in California and blankets the Emerald Range lining the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. From Pope Beach, looking north across the lake reminds me of being in a cove opening to the ocean. Kristin inflates her Bote kayak and begins the short paddle to her ideal destination during this sunset.
Read MoreClimbing 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.
Read MoreWhile 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 ❤️
Read MoreFor a couple of years I was the go to photographer for water bottle companies. While you can say what you want about photographing outdoor lifestyle campaigns around water bottles, it was rad. Right now, I am smiling as I look through my archive at the countless photoshoots I did for brands like MiiR and Klean Kanteen but something is off!
Read MoreBefore 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.
Read MoreGetting 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?
Read MoreConsistency 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…
Read MoreHere are 16 tips for budding photographers looking for quick advice on getting started in the career of adventure photography. After 10 years in the career, adventure photographer Dalton Johnson shares his experience to becoming the go to content partner for brands with adventurous clients.
Read MorePhotographing 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreTucked away along the Oak Creek in Sedona, AZ is L’Auberge de Sedona. This four star resort should be on everyone’s bucket “must-stay” list if you are looking for luxurious stays. If you are a Sunday brunch kind of human, well, they also have the best Sunday brunch in town. But, good luck getting a room, this spot is almost always booked out, so get on your reservations now.
Read MoreAs a kid, I dreamed of visiting all seven continents. I’m proud to say, after this trip to Egypt, my 12 year-old-self would greet me with a smile and say, “Good job, Dalton, you did it. Now, were else else are we going to go? You’re only 31.” Laughing to myself as I write this, I understand my younger self was never satisfied. I’m still kind of like that, but, for now, it’s time to sit back and process this privilege I’ve been blessed to enjoy.
Read MoreFrom 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.
Read MoreTucked away in Halibut Cove, Alaska is a hidden series of cabins with waterfront views belonging to a two key Michelin adventure lodge; Stillpoint Lodge. Getting there might spike your cortisol levels if you are not keen on boat rides or plane flights, but once you’re standing on your front porch staring out at the water, all your stress will fade away.
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