How to See and Photograph the Totem Pole in Monument Valley

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.

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As A Kid, My Dream Was To See The World

As A Kid, My Dream Was To See The World

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. 

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Outdoor Retailer Was a Miss, But At Least We Had a Hotel

Outdoor Retailer Was a Miss, But At Least We Had a Hotel

After an enjoyable hotel breakfast—that isn’t a joke, I love those waffles—I walked the couple of block to the Salt Palace for day two at Outdoor Retailer. If you read the day one recap, you know my immeditate take on the tradeshow, but I was hopeful that today would be a bit better. I still had a little less than half the showroom to walk and chat with brands. So, let’s dive in:

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A Lake Shower Before Attending a Professional Event

A Lake Shower Before Attending a Professional Event

Waking up at the campsite, Kristin read me a confusing text and our morning plans changed. Originally, we were supposed to head to a friends house to shower before heading to Outdoor Retailer as our hotel room wouldn’t be ready until 2pm. However, that friend got called into the office and our chance of being “clean” for the trade show was now out the window. So, I did what any recovering dirtbag would do, shower in the nearest body of water.

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"The Living Past Never Predicts The Same Lies Twice" a Poem by Dalton Johnson

"The Living Past Never Predicts The Same Lies Twice" a Poem by Dalton Johnson

"The Living Past Never Predicts The Same Lies Twice" is a poem by Dalton Johnson published in his first book 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. This article also has a video of Dalton reading aloud his poem. You can purchase this book on Dalton Johnson's website or on Amazon.

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Creativity Is A Muscle You Can Develop As Well As Overwork

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.

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We Came To City of Rocks To Climb, But Are We Really Climbers?

We Came To City of Rocks To Climb, But Are We Really Climbers?

After graduating college I was lost and lived on the road. During that time, I fell in love with the physical and mental challenge rock climbing provided, but I never got that great in comparison to others who’ve dedicated the same amount of time to the craft. In my hay-day, I would on-sight low 5.11 and project harder 5.11 rock climbs. My base has always been an average 5.10- climber. But, rock climbing has expanded my mind on what is possible and places to explore. A prime example, visiting City of the Rocks. If I did not rock climb, there is no reason I would have visited this Idaho destination. Sure, it is pretty, has a historical connection to the California Trail, and there is some good hiking, but there are a lot more places in the world I would visit first. However, with my climbing gear taking up substantial space in the back of van, this stop was a no-brainer.

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We Are All Learning Together

We Are All Learning Together

For as long as I can remember, I’ve hated not knowing. That could be not knowing a surprise is going to happen or no knowing something in a conversation. Regardless, not knowing really irritates me. So, when embarking on a road trip where the whole point is to embrace the unknown, you would think I would constantly be annoyed. Well, the contrary is true. Not knowing what is going to happen brings me joy, excitement, and that feeling of wonder that only comes when loosening the reins on life a little bit.

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