Dalton Johnson 3/8/26 Dalton Johnson 3/8/26

A Not-So-Quick Stop To Photograph California’s Emerald Bay

As a South Lake Tahoe “local” I don’t often come to Emerald Bay because it is always packed with people and finding parking feels impossible unless it is midnight or 2am (yes, that is an exaggeration, but that’s how I feel). However, today, I was headed out of town at the perfect timing and along my drive I saw that Emerald Bay was going to look special at sunset.

As always, the gallery of images is at the bottom, so skip there if you don’t care about the words

How did I know Emerald Bay was going to be worth photographing? There was an inversion layer building, but one that wasn’t too dense, so I could still see Fannette Island. Which meant, staying to watch sunset and photograph Emerald Bay was well worth waiting for a parking spot.

Parked at “the perfect pull out” of Emerald Bay on my way out of town. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton

Much to my surprise, the “best parking spot” was totally empty! So, I whipped the van in place, grabbed my camera, and started playing around with a few different compositions.

Whenever the area is not packed, I like to scramble up the opposite side of the parking area to photograph my van and bay to give a perspective not often captured. When you do this, be careful not to knock down any rocks on passing cars or fall off the cliff. You would get seriously messed up!

What I Brought On Today’s Photo Walk:

As the evening unfolded, I flew my drone and watched the clouds ebb and flow as if they were an ocean tide sloshing on the shore. Poetic huh?! Maybe, but let’s get back to this for you all.

On evening that are cold with strong winds, flying a drone is challenging as the battery life is shortened. I think each flight I had was roughly 10-12 minutes, in comparison to the traditional 28 minutes under perfect conditions. So, I made quick work of what I could with the drone.

As the sun was setting, I couldn’t quite get everything I wanted from this single spot, so I wandered around to create a few more compositions.

The Floating Tea House

from $26.95

Size:

Material:

Mostly, those meant using the van to create a “frame” around the island. All in all, I’m happy with how this unexpected stop pushed my creativity and gave me the opportunity to create something new in a spot that I have visiting maybe 100+ times.

P.S. at the bottom is a FAQ for anyone curious about Emerald Bay.

Again, thank you to anyone and everyone reading this. If you have enjoyed this journal entry, shoot me an email to say hey: dalton@dalton-johnson.com

✌️

The Day’s Gallery

if you see any images that you would like as a print, send me an email

FAQ: Visiting Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe

1. Where is Emerald Bay located?

Emerald Bay is located on the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe in Emerald Bay State Park, along Highway 89 (California) between South Lake Tahoe and Tahoma. It’s one of the most photographed viewpoints in Lake Tahoe.

2. Why is Emerald Bay so famous?

Emerald Bay is famous for its deep turquoise water, dramatic granite cliffs, and Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe. The bay is also home to Vikingsholm Castle, a historic Scandinavian-style mansion built in 1929.

3. Is there an entrance fee for Emerald Bay State Park?

Yes. Parking lots within Emerald Bay State Park typically charge a day-use fee, especially at the Eagle Falls Parking Area and nearby trailheads.

4. What is the best time of day to visit Emerald Bay?

Early morning is usually the best time to visit Emerald Bay. Sunrise offers soft light for photography and fewer crowds, while midday tends to be the busiest with limited parking.

5. What is the best time of year to visit Emerald Bay?

Late spring through fall is the most accessible time to visit Emerald Bay. Summer offers warm weather and full access to trails, while fall provides fewer crowds and beautiful color around Lake Tahoe.

6. Can you hike down to Emerald Bay?

Yes. One of the most popular hikes is the Vikingsholm Trail, which descends about one mile from the overlook down to the shoreline and Vikingsholm Castle.

7. How difficult is the hike to Vikingsholm?

The hike to Vikingsholm is relatively short but moderately steep. The trail drops about 400 feet in elevation, meaning the return hike back to the parking lot is uphill.

8. Can you visit Vikingsholm Castle?

Yes. Vikingsholm Castle is open for guided tours during the summer season, typically from late May through September.

9. Can you kayak to Emerald Bay?

Yes. Many visitors paddle to Emerald Bay from nearby beaches like Baldwin Beach or Camp Richardson Marina. Kayaking is a popular way to explore the bay and reach Fannette Island.

10. Can you visit Fannette Island?

Yes, but only by kayak or paddleboard. Fannette Island is the only island in Lake Tahoe and features the ruins of a small stone tea house built for the owner of Vikingsholm.

11. Is Emerald Bay good for photography?

Emerald Bay is considered one of the most iconic photography locations in Lake Tahoe. The Emerald Bay Overlook provides a classic panoramic view of the bay, Fannette Island, and surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks.

12. Where is the best viewpoint of Emerald Bay?

The most famous viewpoint is the Emerald Bay Overlook along Highway 89. Several roadside pullouts offer slightly different perspectives of the bay.

13. Is parking difficult at Emerald Bay?

Parking can be very limited, especially during summer weekends. Arriving early in the morning or visiting during shoulder seasons can make finding parking much easier.

14. Can you swim in Emerald Bay?

Yes, swimming is allowed in Emerald Bay. The water is extremely cold year-round, even in summer, so most swimmers only stay in briefly.

15. Is Emerald Bay open in winter?

Yes, Emerald Bay is open year-round. However, winter storms can temporarily close Highway 89 (California), and trails may be snowy or icy.

16. Are dogs allowed at Emerald Bay?

Dogs are allowed in some areas of Emerald Bay State Park but are generally not permitted on certain trails leading down to Vikingsholm or the beach.

17. How long should you spend at Emerald Bay?

Most visitors spend 1–3 hours at Emerald Bay depending on activities. A quick viewpoint stop takes about 15–30 minutes, while hiking down to Vikingsholm or kayaking can turn it into a half-day adventure.

18. Are there restrooms at Emerald Bay?

Yes, restrooms are available near the main parking areas and trailheads, including the Eagle Falls Parking Area.

19. What else is nearby to see?

Popular nearby stops include Eagle Falls, Eagle Lake, and scenic drives along Highway 89 (California).

20. Is Emerald Bay worth visiting?

Yes. Emerald Bay is widely considered the most beautiful location in Lake Tahoe and is a must-see stop whether you’re hiking, kayaking, photographing the landscape, or simply enjoying the view.

About Dalton:

Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.

Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.

His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.

Dalton Johnson 2/28/26 Dalton Johnson 2/28/26

Staring Into The Yellow Eyes of a Short Eared Owl

By no means do I consider myself a wildlife photographer, but, yesterday, I had the chance to "chase" this owl around for about an hour.
Zipping past the bird on a fence post, I said to Kristin, "hey look, an owl."
"Wait, where? I didn't see it." She responded in disappointment.
So, I flipped the van around and checked out the owl.

as always, the full gallery is at the bottom, so skip there if you don’t care about the words

Zipping past the bird on a fence post, I said to Kristin, "hey look, an owl."

"Wait, where? I didn't see it." She responded in disappointment.

So, I flipped the van around and checked out the owl.

Then, it dawned on me. I packed my Tarmon 150-500 lens and should put it to use. So, I swapped lenses and attempted to walk towards the owl to take some photos.

It flew away.

Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton

Watching the owl hunt, I was a bit disappointed I didn't get a shot, but alas, that happens.

Loading back into the van, I drove off.

Almost back to the highway, "do you want to go back and find the owl?" I asked Kristin.

"If that is you asking for permission to do so, yes, go ahead and turn around." She knows me :-) and with the permission I flipped the van around and drove back to find the owl.

Scaring it away not one, not twice, not thrice, I new I needed to change up the approach.

What I Brought On Today’s Photo Walk:

No more walking up to the bird, I needed to stay in the van.

If somebody else would have saw this, they would be laughing and call me an idiot, but it worked.

Hanging outside of the the driver window, I inched forward in the van. Snapping photos every chance I could get just in case it flew away.

Snap. Snap. Move. Snap. Snap. Move.

Until, finally, I got close enough to capture this image with the 150-500mm lens. Now, the waiting game for the owl to turn its head.

Then, snap, snap, snap.

I got it!

Again, thank you to anyone and everyone reading this. If you have enjoyed this journal entry, shoot me an email to say hey: dalton@dalton-johnson.com

✌️

Additional Reads You Might Like:

The Day’s Gallery

FAQ About Photographing Owls:

1. What is the best time of day to photograph owls?

Most owls are crepuscular or nocturnal, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. During breeding season, you may also see daytime activity. Great horned owls and burrowing owls are often visible in early morning light, while barred owls may hunt just before sunset.

2. What time of year is best for photographing owls?

Late winter through early summer is ideal. During breeding season, owls are more vocal and active as they defend territory and feed young. Spring also offers better light and cleaner backgrounds before dense foliage fills in.

3. What lens do I need to photograph owls?

A telephoto lens between 400mm and 600mm is ideal. Owls are sensitive to disturbance, so longer focal lengths allow you to keep a respectful distance while still filling the frame. I use the Tamron 150-500mm, however a 70-200mm with a 2x converter would also serve you well.

4. What camera settings work best for owl photography?

Start with:

Shutter speed: 1/1000 or faster for flight
Aperture: f/4–f/6.3
ISO: Adjust for available light (don’t be afraid of higher ISO at dawn or dusk)
Continuous autofocus (AI Servo / AF-C)
Burst mode for action

5. How do I find owls to photograph?

Listen first. Many owls announce themselves before you see them. Research local species and habitat preferences. For example:

Great Horned Owl prefer wooded areas and open edges.
Burrowing Owl live in open grasslands and desert flats.
Barred Owl favor wetlands and dense forests.

6. How close can I get to an owl?

As a rule: if the owl changes behavior because of you, you’re too close. Use long lenses and let the owl remain relaxed. Ethical distance ensures natural behavior and protects nesting birds.

7. Is it ethical to use owl calls or playback?

Playback can stress owls, especially during breeding season. Many wildlife photographers avoid it entirely. If you use it, keep it minimal and stop immediately if the owl shows signs of agitation.

8. Can I use flash when photographing owls?

It’s strongly discouraged. Flash can disorient nocturnal birds and disrupt hunting behavior. Natural light or high-ISO performance is a better choice.

9. What shutter speed do I need for owls in flight?

Aim for 1/1600–1/2500 for sharp wing detail. Owls fly silently and smoothly, but wings still move fast, especially during takeoff or hunting dives.

10. How do I photograph owls at night?

Use:

A wide aperture (f/2.8–f/4)
High ISO
Silent shooting mode
A stable tripod or monopod

Focus on backlit silhouettes at dusk rather than full darkness whenever possible.

11. Why are my owl photos soft?

Common causes:

Too slow shutter speed
Missed focus on the eyes
Heat distortion over long distances
Shooting wide open at too close a focus distance

Always prioritize eye sharpness.

12. What is the best autofocus mode for owls?

Continuous autofocus (AF-C / AI Servo) with animal eye detection (if available) works extremely well, especially for perched birds that may suddenly take flight.

13. How do I photograph owls without disturbing them?

Move slowly. Avoid direct eye contact. Stay low. Don’t approach nests. If an owl is repeatedly looking at you, puffing up, or shifting position, back up.

14. Are owls protected by law?

Yes. In the United States, owls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to harm, harass, or disturb them — especially during nesting.

15. How do I photograph burrowing owls responsibly?

Stay far from burrow entrances. Never block access paths. Shoot from your vehicle when possible. These small owls are particularly sensitive to disturbance.

16. What weather conditions are best for owl photography?

Cold, clear mornings are excellent. Owls often perch visibly to sun themselves after cold nights. Light snow can also create beautiful contrast against darker plumage.

17. How do I photograph white owls without blowing highlights?

If photographing a snowy owl, slightly underexpose (-0.3 to -0.7 EV) and protect highlights. Use your histogram rather than relying on the LCD preview.

18. What’s the biggest mistake beginner owl photographers make?

Getting too close. Ethical distance should always outweigh getting the shot. A calm owl is a photogenic owl.

19. How do I compose better owl photos?

Look for:

Clean backgrounds
Eye-level perspective
Catchlight in the eyes
Natural perches (avoid distracting manmade elements)

Leave space in the frame for the direction the owl is looking or flying.

20. How do I photograph owls in snowy environments?

Use exposure compensation to prevent gray snow. Watch for white balance shifts. Shoot in RAW to recover highlights and maintain feather detail.

21. Do owls return to the same perch?

Often, yes. Owls are creatures of habit and may use the same hunting perches repeatedly. Observe patterns rather than chasing them.

22. Is it better to shoot handheld or with a tripod?

For perched owls at low light, a tripod helps. For flight, handheld shooting provides more flexibility and tracking ability.

23. How do I tell if an owl is stressed?

Signs include:

Head bobbing
Feather puffing
Repeated scanning of you
Flying off repeatedly

If you notice these behaviors, give the bird more space.

24. What’s the best way to improve at owl photography?

Spend time observing before shooting. Learn their behavior. Scout locations without your camera. The more you understand the owl, the better your images will become.

About Dalton:

Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.

Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.

His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.

Dalton Johnson 2/8/26 Dalton Johnson 2/8/26

A Morning At Hotel Oasis

Last night, I began a new assignment that highlights one of the top 10 dog friendliest hotels in the world (a ranking system I didn't know existed). While none of this mornings photos showcase the countless dogs roaming around, they do showcase the property which is aptly named Hotel Oasis.

February 7, 2026

as always, the full gallery is at the bottom, so skip there if you don’t care about the words

This morning, I took my coffee black and in total silence as dogs roamed the beach. Additionally, I snapped these image of the property as the sun rose, then did a little bit of journaling. The hotel is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Loreto, yet a short walk to the malecon, which is filled with stores, restaurants, bars, and at the moment an extension of the Carnival ceremonies.

Tonight, I get to learn about the importance of Chocolate Clams to the area and document them getting "cooked the traditional way."

Thank you Baja Sur Tourism Board and Hotel Oasis for trusting me with this :-)

What I Brought On Today’s Photo Walk:

Sony a7r4 (the updated version if you are a gear nerd)
Tamron 25-200mm all-in-one zoom
Peak Design Lite strap (I was lucky enough to get the camo version from the Sitka collab that sold out in less than 24 hours and feel cool about that)

The Day’s Gallery

About Dalton:

Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.

Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.

His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.

Dalton Johnson 1/23/26 Dalton Johnson 1/23/26

I'm regretting coming to NYC without a camera...

Right now, I am in NYC for a few marketing/networking meetings, so I left the camera in Baja. It's bulky and I figured an iphone would do. It doesn't 🤷‍♂️ sorry for calling you out Apple.

However, yesterday I met with 30-ish brands/tourism boards/hotels at IMM by TravMedia

I'm buzzing.

January 23, 2025

as always, the full gallery is at the bottom, so skip there if you don’t care about the words

The meetings were short, 15-minutes a pop, but the story ideas that now fill the pages of my notebook light me up from the inside out. Why?

Well, I have always dreamed of sitting down and sharing how I love to tell stories, but felt I never really had access. Then yesterday happened.

Each meeting, I explained how I prefer telling stories and I could see the eyes of people on the other side of the table lighting up.

My preference: start with a relatable human story that is kinda quirky then zoom out to why it matters for the general population.

During those meetings we brainstormed people and stories that are fun, energetic, and visually appealing. Think:
documenting the sea to table movement following a lobster fisherman
reclaiming the connection to the land via foraging tours
stargazing with an astronomer to tell the story of dark skies

Now, the hard part is in front of me, turning these ideas into a reality. Which means:
pitching
fund raising
pre-production work
production
editing
distributing

No doubt, it all can't be done in a single year, however I would love to try.

Thanks for reading and looking at some blurry iphone snaps ✌️

What I Brought On Today’s Photo Walk:

iPhone

The Day’s Gallery

About Dalton:

Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.

Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.

His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.

Dalton Johnson 12/30/25 Dalton Johnson 12/30/25

Gear Review: A Month Long Road Trip With PackFire, I Couldn’t Be Happier

Kristin and I loaded our converted van and headed for a month in Colorado. At first we really didn’t know what to expect from the trip, but we had a few goals to summit peaks, trail run a total of 50 miles, and spend time around the Estes Park area taking photos and rock climbing. Turns out the weather on this trip didn’t really cooperate with us, but in hindsight, my favorite memories from the trip come from hanging in woods making s’mores over the Packfire fire pit at the end of the day, here’s why.

While there was a fire ban at the end of the our trip that prevented us from having any open flame, at the start of the trip, we settled into the habit of having a fire at the end of each night. Sometimes roasting hot dogs or bratwurst over the fire for dinner and maybe some marshmallows for desert, but we always sat and talked. Recalling our high’s and low’s from the day while Chestnut, our dog, ran around as we tossed sticks and balls for the rambunctious puppy.

Since we are traveling in a van together, you would think Kristin and I would have roughly the same day, but far from the truth.

Often I went on my own adventure and she on hers. When the adventure was something we both wanted to do, we would go together. Those nights around the fire were my favorite.

What I Liked About PackFire:

The backpack container keeps it all in once place and makes transporting easy
Fits in the back of the van super easily
I can use full logs without having to cut them
Easy clean up, just dump the ashes in a trash or dig a hole
Using it felt safe, something I was worried about as it comes in three peices

I typically travel with the small Solo Stove, so this trip was an “experiment” to bring the Packfire and I will say I couldn’t be happier. The Packfire is way more practical for vanlife and overlanding because it packs down and is easy to carry. It doesn’t get the back of the van dirty as backpack holds in the leftover ash, if you don’t clean it when packing the fire can up.

PSA: I was dumb and touched the outside while it was hot and burnt my hand. I was an idiot, but I just wanted to say this so you don’t do it yourself! Long story short, make sure the fire can has cooled before you attempt to put it away.

I know, I waited till the end to say this, but yes, I do recommend the Packfire if you are in the market for a fire can and I would take this over any of the competition (which I have used most of the main competition). The collapsable feature is a true innovation in the space and I don’t know why this hasn’t been done before!

Order Your Packfire

Again, thank you to anyone and everyone reading this. If you have enjoyed this journal entry, shoot me an email to say hey: dalton@dalton-johnson.com

✌️

Packfire Trip Gallery

About Dalton:

Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.

Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.

His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.

Dalton Johnson 12/11/25 Dalton Johnson 12/11/25

Tomorrow I Leave For a 10-Week Project Through Baja, MX

Preparing for a 10-week road trip to Baja is a labor of love. Something will go wrong, so planning a road trip project like this is about building out resources to not get into trouble. This mental freedom allows for more fun and creativity with the camera along the road trip.

December 10, 2025

This journal entry doesn’t have any photos, but a few videos, let me know if you like the change (photos will return in 2 days)

The day is here for me to finally start leaving for the Vamos a Baja project that I have been selling, promoting, and, well, annoying the hell out of all of you for the past few months. If that annoyed you, I am sorry, but on the bright side, the project sold out and I am happy to say, the next 2.5 months are going to be filled with adventures, so follow along on your favorite platform:

If you don’t care about social media, you are a better human than me and I don’t suggest you start. But, this is enough of a rant, so let’s dive into the preperartion required for this Vamos a Baja project.

Here is a short list of maintenance for my van to prepare it for the journey:

Get insurance for Baja. I used Baja Bound and the cost was $450
100k check-up and an oil change. This cost $2100 OUCH!
New tires, shout out to Hankook Tires for gifting the Dynapro AT2’s to me. This cost $200-something to install
Have my awning welded as it broke on the last trip to Colorado - a $200 mistake
Fill the propane and buy new water jugs. I now have 21 gallons of water I can hold

There are still a few more maintenance items scheduled for Dec 12th due to delayed parts.

In total, I will be spending roughly $4,000 to get the van ready and if I had to pay for the tires, it would be closer to $5,500!

After I take a deep breath and realize that I am not going to go broke from the maintenance of the van, I looked towards the inside:

Camera gear
Clothing
Surfboards & SUPS
Snorkeling
Camp gear like tables, chairs, etc.
Warm layers (I will be making a short detour to NYC for two events in January)
Fire-pit
Living requirements like pots, pans, food, bedding, etc.

Yup, this is a fully loaded van that is ready to roll down highway at speeds far to fast. I’ll admit now that I am a speeder.

Not all of the packing for the trip to Baja was done in a single day, but over the past five days, the van has been getting cleaned and packed. Today, was just the last full day of preparing for the road. Now, the van is loaded up and we are heading to Baja starting tomorrow.

So, I guess this is good luck to myself in some way, right?! Wish us luck!

Again, thank you to anyone and everyone reading this. If you have enjoyed this journal entry, shoot me an email to say hey: dalton@dalton-johnson.com

✌️

About Dalton:

Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.

Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.

His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.

Dalton Johnson 12/9/25 Dalton Johnson 12/9/25

Photographing the Supermoon Over South Lake Tahoe

Preparing for my next project, two months in Baja, I was running errands all day and got caught up in Carson City, Nevada at an optometrists appointment. While the eye-doctor was very kind by saying, “You know you are handsome, model handsome” I wanted to get my contact prescription and head out to photograph the final supermoon of the year.

December 04, 2025

as always, the full gallery is at the bottom, so skip there if you don’t care about the words

Kristin watching the final supermoon of 2025 rise above the ridgeline of South Lake Tahoe. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton

Yesterday, I scouted my ideas for the supermoon but all that effort was now wasted. There was no hope of my making the drive to Emerald Bay. So, I pulled an audible and headed to one of the beaches in South Lake Tahoe, CA instead.

Shaving off 20 minutes from the drive, I was able to grab my camera and the massive lens then head for the beach.

I just hoped the alignment would work and the trees wouldn’t get in the way.

What I Brought On Today’s Photo Walk:

Sony a7r4
Tamron 150-500mm - needed to make the moon look “big”
Peak Design Lite strap (I was lucky enough to get the camo version from the Sitka collab that sold out in less than 24 hours and feel cool about that)

My shoes squishing on the beach at 4:24 pm, the moon was set to rise at 4:32 pm. Giving me 8 minutes to figure something out.

Asking Kristin, who was forced to join, to stand on a dock while I ran down the beach to see if there could be an alignment, she agreed.

Turns out, it didn’t work. So, I called here — we were out of shouting range — and said:

“It’s no use, do what you want, this beach doesn’t have an alignment.”

“Okay, I’ll walk towards you.”

“Sounds good.”

Southwest Airlines photo-bombing the supermoon. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton

Disappointed my work the day before wasn’t going to pay off, I kept trying to find something to create a worth-while image.

As the moon rose Kristin and I tried to create something, but most of the shots were average. Which is okay and expected, only I had wished for more.

A bit bummed, I kept snapping images until at one point, a plane started to fly through the frame.

Within seconds, I shouted, “Whoa! A plane just flew through the frame and it looks rad!”

“Oh, let me see.” Kristin stated. “Oh, that is cool.”

I guess luck was on my side.

While I kept firing off frames, nothing else caught my eye. Not a big deal as the plane shot made me happy.

Again, thank you to anyone and everyone reading this. If you have enjoyed this journal entry, shoot me an email to say hey: dalton@dalton-johnson.com

✌️

The Day’s Gallery

About Dalton:

Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.

Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.

His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.

Dalton Johnson 12/5/25 Dalton Johnson 12/5/25

7 Lessons I Learned While Creating My Newest Adventure Documentary; 14ERS

There was no intention of making this documentary, but as the summits ticked and I kept pressing record, a story unfolded. I guess that is the luck of the draw when you put yourself in the right position. If you are here as a fellow peak bagger, I hope you enjoy the film. If you are here as a filmmaker, I hope these lessons help you along your journey.

1) Filming a documentary as a crew of two was dumb.

While the end result of 14ERS is something I can be proud of creating, the origin story of the project started with a simple question:

"Can we summit all of these peaks in the time window we have?"

There was no goal of making a documentary, but I did have my camera, so why not film the process, right?

At least that is what I thought.

Turns out, filming yourself is freak'n hard and WAY more work! Also, the downside of not being able to move the camera makes creativity a bit harder. What do I mean? Since we were filming ourselves, the camera movements are very simple/created in post.

Most of the movement shots are done via POV. Making this film have very natural feel. However, the mix of VFX and graphics really bring the overall quality of the film from a basic vlog to a film.

A few tips for filming yourself:

b-roll is key, so set up time lapses, talk to the camera, and film your surrounding area
have a good tripod
be willing to attach the camera to things for POV / fixed shots in weird places like a water bottle, hiking pole, etc.

2) Making a documentary takes about 2 to 3 years... with all the resources at hand, maybe 18 months. If you are about to embark on this journey, here's what I wish I knew at the time investment.

I just released my second documentary and I've started to notice a pattern for the creation timeline, so here's a rough timeline streamlined:

3-6. months planning, researching, getting permits, aligning people
6-12 months finding investors/sponsors (optional and done at same time as planning)
2 months to film (just fyi you might need to wait a few seasons to film, slowing the process)
1-3 months to outline footage and create first draft
3 months for edit and revisions
1 month sound and VFX
2 weeks exporting and creating marketing materials
2-3 months promotion (assuming you are not doing a film tour/film festival circuit)
1 day release

If all of this is perfectly aligned, you might be able to finish in 18 months. Expect for this to take longer is you are solo editing and make sure to leave time away from the project so you can look at it with fresh eyes.

3) These were the 5 most challenging parts of making my most recent documentary:

filming is the fun part, but sitting down to create the story arc takes time and collaboration
the process is slow and revisions take a while to get them right
publishing is much harder than another round of edits
finding sponsors vs investing your own money
promoting the film can make or break the investment (especially if this is a personal project)

4) Reaching the metaphorical (and physical) summit isn't really worth the hype.

I've chased summits for nearly 10 years and have more than 100 under my belt, but I don't remember most of them. Hell, if it wasn't for photos I don't even know if I would remember standing on the summit of the peak. So, thankfully I have photos, right?!

So, what is climbing a mountain about?

That's personal, but here are a few principles that apply to physical and metaphorical mountains you can climb:

1) CURIOSITY - can you start that business and make it profitable? can you push through the burning in your thighs? can you snap a photograph that will tell a story?

2) VISION - you have an idea and don't want to stop until you see it for yourself. This goes beyond curiosity because you already have the belief you can do it, it's just about following through

3) EDUCATION - if anyone told you climbing a mountain was pointless, they are not wrong, but you can still learn from pointless things. The mountains have taught me far more about who I am and what I can do than any classroom I have been in. It's the school of hard knocks, but dang the mountain is a great teacher.

These three words (I call principles, but maybe I am using that word wrong... yes I did look up the definition) are the truth as to why you should embark on a journey to a summit you choose.

Instead of letting others tell you to climb this mountain or that mountain. Pick your own and go climb it.

Wow... I didn't expect that ending lol

5) Distribution is key for funding a project

The longer I am in this industry the more I loath the question, “so, where is this filming going to end up?” Since I am not an established filmmaker with a track record of winning emmy’s the answer is, “I don’t know.”

However, the get investors interested in a film, they want to know what the ROI is going to be. So, building out a stream of distribution channels can be huge. This doesn’t have to be OutsideTV, Netflix, etc. Distribution can come in all shapes and sizes.

Here are a few of the places I look to distribute:

film festivals (duh)
podcasts
short form social (this gets views and leads to longer video)
blogs and newsletters
specialty websites

Together, these can scrap up at least a million or more views if deployed correctly.

If you want to read more on this system, I call it the “Follow the Journey” system and have a longer article about it.

6) There were so many doubts in my mind the entire project length.

At first, I didn't even know if we would be able to summit every peak, let alone film it, then turn the clips into something worth watching.

I was filled with internal doubt the entire time:

Was I wasting my own money?
Was this project going to be fun if I filmed the entire time?
Did I have the knowledge base to even make this dream come to life?

All of these internal questions battled inside of me for almost two years, but last week, I released the full documentary.

You can watch it here if you want: https://youtu.be/P8VzC7_85MI?si=P773MNdvbKXMes86

Turns out, I can do it.
Turns out, I have the knowledge.
Turns out, that risk was worth while.

Now, for the next steps of the process:

1) submitting to film festivals (kinda doing it backwards, but that's okay with me)
2) landing/submitting to streaming platforms
3) learning how to marketing a film once it is published

For now, I'm just taking one step at a time, but, I am excited to see where this goes in the end.

7) Finding the joy in the smallest of moments, that might be the greatest take away from this project.

I used to think the only thing that mattered were the incredible shots that took somebodies breath away. However, throughout the course of this project, my mindset around this shifted.

Instead of focusing on perfect light, I focused on what actually mattered, the journey.

Yes, you still need those banger shots to tell the story, but without:
the flowers on the side of the trail
the trailhead signs
the silence and stillness not often found on the trail
the grand views during "poor light" you see while summit 14ers

the story would have fallen flat.

Instead, I leaned into the journey, the process, the experience one gets while on a mountain.

That made this project feel very human, elevated the project, and made it into the documentary it has become today.

About Dalton:

Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.

Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.

His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.

Dalton Johnson 12/4/25 Dalton Johnson 12/4/25

This System Gets Me 1M Views Every 90 Days

Over the past 10 years I have developed a distribution system I call, “Follow the Journey” to bring viewers along virtually on these kinds of trips. While I don’t have a massive following, 50-something thousand in total, this distribution system is designed to engage viewers over and over again through a variety of formats as well platforms. The secret is staging and diversity.

Over the past 10 years I have developed a distribution system I call, “Follow the Journey” to bring viewers virtually along content trips. While I have not built a massive following, roughly 50k+ in total (check out my media kit for up to date data), this distribution system is designed to engage viewers over and over again through a variety of formats as well platforms.

The secret is phasing the release of content and diversity of content delivered.

My idea for this began in 2020 when I started to realize people wanted to follow a journey, but didn’t want to work to follow. So, I created this system to showcase and encourage casual viewers to return time and time again. Keeping up with the adventures I was personally going on.

Now, I use this model to distribute content and get millions of views from the projects I am creating for myself, or clients.

An selfie from the creation of 14ERS, a documentary that took viewers along for the ride to the top of each 14er in the Sawatch Range over 20 days. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton

Phases of the Content:

I have found how I release content to in phases to be more important than what I am releasing. Not to say you can just release crud into the world, but the platforms algorithms are so good at finding an audience, when you put it out into the world, the dreaded algos will do work for you, finding the audience the content fits.

So, here is how I publish content in phases that brings viewers along for the journey and keeps them interested. Meaning, they come back time and time again:

Getting Started: Provide a BTS look at getting ready and building suspense for the trip. Showcasing how people can follow along and why they should follow along. Introduce the stories you are going to tell and what people can expect when they follow.
The Journey: Showcase daily POV of the trip “in real time”, recaps at the end of every day across platforms while planting easter eggs for long form content, and share slightly longer weekly round ups across several platforms with more easter eggs. The easter eggs here are key to keep the interest going. Note: this doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a cliff hanger or say “I’ll be sharing more on this in a separate post”, etc.
Post Trip: Debrief the trip to the audience who has followed along, share what is to come and how you will do this, but in the mean time provide ways for followers to binge the highlights and BTS of what was done. This is great for the new people seeing you for the first time. Also, tease what is coming up and how it will get done. Examples: how you edit the finished trip, how you process traveling, what does it look like to continue the journey, etc.
Long Form Reminders: Share the long form with those who have followed along, getting everyone re-excited for the trip. This is the full circle moment for the viewers. They lived the journey with you, now they want to join. This could be a film premier, a showing, IRL event, or as simple as releasing the video on YouTube.

Leaping into the freezing waters of a glacial fed lake while on a project in Alaska. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton

Diversity of content, with average numbers for all you data driven people out there:

Being everywhere at one time is taxing and doesn’t lead to the best content, but being in the places that fit what you are doing can create significant impact. So, when distributing content, I try to be in several places that make sense for me and not focus on being everywhere. Below is the breakdown of where I am with the average daily views this brings.

UnBound, the weekly newsletter:

37k+ weekly readers = 5k/day
if you are not signed up I highly suggest checking it out: Click to Sign Up For UnBound
creates long form articles: grows over time with SEO (I don’t include these numbers as it is hard to track for a specific series)

Social media (sharing BTS, posts, reels, stories, etc. throughout the trip):

LinkedIn: 3-4k/day
Instagram: 1-2k/day
YouTube: 3-4k/day
Reddit: 4-10k/day
Pinterest: I use it, but don’t count these numbers
Threads: I use it, but don’t count these numbers
TT: not on the platform, but considering
X: not on the platform

Leveraging earned media:

Digital Magazines
Podcasts
Newsletters
Tourism Boards
Collabs with local pros, tour operators, guides, influencers, etc. across social media
Blogs (this one isn’t as impactful anymore)

Paid media (for an extra push or if needed):

While it has not happened to me yet, if everything flops I will put my own money behind the content to get it over the 1M mark if I am required to via contracts.
With 40-something projects of this kind under my belt, I have not had to do this, yet, when I include projected viewership numbers. Fingers crossed I still don't have to, but if I did, it means two things:
- first, I over-estimated what I could accomplish and gain
- second, what I am putting out is not worth viewing
- in both cases, that is on me, so understand these for yourself

So, tally that up, not including earned media, paid media, or long for article views, we are already at 1.1M organic views in 90 days.

Kristin enjoying a not so casual catamaran ride in Nicaragua while on an assignment for Rancho Santana Nicaragua. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton

There you have it, the “Follow the Journey” system I use to gain returning viewers of longer projects.

While this method doesn’t lead to follower growth, it is a great way to increase your visibility as a creative and start gaining fans who want to follow your journey in this creative life.

If this was helpful for you, or you want to connect, shoot me an email: dalton@dalton-johnson.com

About Dalton:

Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.

Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.

His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.

Dalton Johnson 12/4/25 Dalton Johnson 12/4/25

Never Skip a Meal With Friends in the Dirt

Partially rehydrated bites of pad thai crunch between my teeth. If I was Alex Honnold, I’d use the the word, “mastication” but I’m just a simple outdoors guy who enjoys hanging with friends and eating food in the dirt. I mean, what more could you ask for than pretty view, some dirt under the nails, and a good night sleep under the stars?

Honestly, I could think of a few things, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves as your next meal with friends should be right around the corner. If you are anything like me, you’re probably asking yourself what you’re going to cook, so here are a few camping meals that I have enjoyed over the years.

Pre-surf breakfast burritos in San Juanico, Baja. Follow Dalton Johnson on Instagram for more stunning images & stories

The Perfect Breakfast Burrito

Now, there is no “right way” to make a breakfast burrito, but there surely is a wrong way. So, let me just establish some of those faux paws:

not heating up your tortilla
only having eggs and cheese in your burrito
a poorly wrapped torilla
forgetting the salsa
forgetting the avocado
the burrito not feeling heavy in your hand
cold eggs

While it doesn’t take a foody to know the difference between a good breakfast burrito and an average breakfast burrito, if you are camping, a breakfast burrito can fuel your full day adventure. As an avid remote surfer, especially when surfing in Baja, here’s how I think you make the best breakfast burrito:

STEP 1: skillet your veggies in oil; onions, bell peppers, jalapeños (if you like it spicey)
STEP 2: mix with eggs (add salsa to eggs for more flavor/fluff) into your veggies
STEP 3: add cheese
STEP 4: heat tortilla on separate pan until soft
STEP 5: add scramble to burritos and wrap
STEP 6: cook the full burrito on all sides until crispy

That final step makes the burrito next level.

Taking a break to fill the belly while bikepacking outside of Phoenix, AZ. Follow Dalton Johnson on Instagram for more stunning images & stories

The Classic Dehydrated Meal (hopefully spiced up a little)

Boring without a doubt, but there are a few tricks to make your dehydrated, or freeze dried food, better. Obviously, every meal has it’s own additions that are worth add, but here is a general rule of thumb:

hot sauce
condiments, ideally ones that come in packet form
veggies, pre-sliced if you are a hero

Also, dehydrated food has come a long ways in terms of flavor and options, so don’t just grab the tried and true lasagna. Here are few meals to try out that I have enjoyed recently:

Day one burgers on the glacier are the perfect way to send off on an expedition to climb Mount Denali. Follow Dalton Johnson on Instagram for more stunning images & stories

Burgers at Basecamp (don’t forget to bring the mustard)

While burgers may seem like the impossible food to bring on most camping trips, they really aren’t. You just need to eat them early in the trip or go to a really cold place, like a glacier. While filming a documentary on Denali (you can watch it for free on PBS, click here) we had burgers on day one. If you are car camping, just use a cooler and some ice to keep your meat cold. If you are backpacking… well, I wouldn’t suggest it.

Burgers don’t have to be complicated to taste really freak’n good, but here are some tricks to make your friends wanting more:

add some fajita spice to the meat
make your patties thick and char the outside for an added flavor
bring along cheese and not that Craft singles cheese, but real cheese
invest in good buns, this goes a long ways!
make sure to have some veggies like lettuce, onions, tomatoes

Katy cooking up some pasta during a vanlife meet up. Follow Dalton Johnson on Instagram for more stunning images & stories

The Ever Classic Pasta

Lame as it sounds, pasta is a classic. Sure, most people will think of pasta as a camping food that is easy to make and keeps forever, but doing pasta right will raise any and all spirits on the trail or at the campsite. Here are my tricks to making good pasta:

cook till al dente, then add the sauce to finish cooking
make a great sauce and add extra cheese
did I say cheese, yes, add more please
salt and pepper
try this before saying no… add mushrooms chopped up small. I started to do this and it levels up the pasta

You know they are a good friend when they offer you the last slice of pizza. Follow Dalton Johnson on Instagram for more stunning images & stories

Pizza Over The Fire

True friends will give you last slice a pizza. I don’t when this started, but I cook a backcountry pizza whenever I go backpacking with a stove. When I say “have a stove” I mean with a whisperlite stove and some pots. While these stoves are notorious for being scary to cook over your first time, they offer a lot of versatility for a cook in the backcountry. Cobbler, scrambles, pizza, calzones, pasta, cake, brownies, oat meal, you name it, it can most likely be cook with a whisperlite.

Pizza is hard to make, but it doesn’t have to be. In the backcountry use a whisperlite and at a campsite use your campfire. Here’s the easy button for pizza:

Trader Joe’s pizza mix
Cheese, lots of cheese
Red sauce
Pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, whatever you want

The trick to cooking a great pizza is to almost finish the crust before adding any toppings. I know this sounds strange, but your fire or stove isn’t going to be hot enough, so cook and flip your crust like a pancake, then top it.

Dalton Johnson 12/3/25 Dalton Johnson 12/3/25

Super Moon Scouting In South Lake Tahoe

I was scrolling social media this morning (almost never a good idea) and, thankfully, I follow some science accounts because they posted about a supermoon happening tomorrow. This got my head spinning with photo ideas and figured I would go scouting this evening to see what I could create. Only there was one catch, the cloud cover was so thick I could not see the moon.

December 03, 2025

as always, the full gallery is at the bottom, so skip there if you don’t care about the words

Arriving at Emerald Bay and realizing the clouds are so thick, this might not work. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton

While this plug for PhotoPills is about to happen, by no means is it an ad. However, it should be because this app worked amazingly to find what shots would/could align tomorrow.

Holding the app to the sky, I started to visualize just where the moon would crest over the horizon. Since this moon is at sunset, it will dawn a redish hue as it rises, at least I hope so. Laughing to myself, I have to search google to understand what is going on with the moon phases. Here’s what I have learned:

December full moon is called the “cold moon”
Tomorrow’s moon will be a supermoon, which means it is slightly closer to Earth than usual and looks 15-30% larger at moonrise
Tomorrow’s moon is not a blood moon, but it might look red

Now, don’t get mad at me for all the jargon, I’m just the messenger with a camera, hoping to create a cool image tomorrow night.

So, what’s my plan?

What I Brought On Today’s Photo Walk:

Sony a7r4 (the updated version if you are a gear nerd)
Tamron 28-200mm all-in-one zoom (they have launched a newer model of this, but haven’t tried it yet)
Tamron 17-28mm (they have released the G2 version of this lens that I like more, but I grabbed this one today by accident)
Tamron 150-500mm
Peak Design Lite strap (I was lucky enough to get the camo version from the Sitka collab that sold out in less than 24 hours and feel cool about that)

After scouting today, which I am grateful for because my original idea would not have worked based on the alignment and terrain, I have a few ideas:

the safe shot: long lens shot of the moon rising
the risky shot: there is a slim chance the moon rises over a road that I can have Kristin drive the van, or her car, timed perfectly for the moon to rise behind the vehicle
the average shot: if the road is busy, I will pivot to a shot with Kristin as the model, the the two trees (photographed below). hopefully creating something cinematic or artsy

If I could do all three I would, but I really wont know the conditions of the evening until very close to the moonrise. At the moment, the weather is predicting clear all day and clouds at 4:00pm. The moonrise is roughly 4:10pm. So, if the clouds roll in, I’m screwed.

Fingers are crossed all works out.

For the most part, the sunset was boring until I turned around. Then, these two were the perfect silhouettes for the burning red sky. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton

When I first started this idea of a photo essay and journal entry every evening, I thought it was going to be stupid. Turns out, this has really kicked off my creativity! I guess doing the thing you love makes you happy… who would have thought?!

Again, thank you to anyone and everyone reading this. If you have enjoyed this journal entry, shoot me an email to say hey, maybe share your moon photo with me as well!

dalton@dalton-johnson.com

✌️

The Day’s Gallery

About Dalton:

Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.

Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.

His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.

Dalton Johnson 12/3/25 Dalton Johnson 12/3/25

I Failed By Day Three, So Here's a Flashback to Greece

Day three of my personal challenge to create a photo essay everyday I’m not on production came and went. Turns out, to create a photo essay in a single day, plus write a story about it takes about 2 to 3 hours and somedays I just don’t have that much time. A prime example, today.

But, who really cares? Let’s blow this popsicle stand and head to the Greek Island of Mykonos.

December 2, 2025

as always, the full gallery is at the bottom, so skip there if you don’t care about the words

While my excuse for not getting out is “valid” it doesn’t really matter why. However, my ego wants me to defend myself, so here it is: I was getting a new sliding glass door installed and the contractor needed my help, so, I was lending a hand until 6pm. Sunset is roughly 4:38 pm these days. Aka not a chance of a sunset photoshoot.

Zipping up a large puffy jacket, I headed into the dark with a headlamp to walk the dog. Under the night sky, I considered taking astro photography, but the clouds were thick overhead and the moon, when I could see it, was bright. So, my final option for a photo essay didn’t work.

Walking in the dark, I thought about what I could do and the answer was obvious, but I just didn’t want to admit it to myself. So, Chestnut ran around me in the dark, lit up by the headlamp around his neck, for about an hour. Then, I accepted the obvious: I have thousands of unedited images, why not look through those and write somthing?

With that said, let’s blow this popsicle stand and head to the Greek Island of Mykonos.

Kristin looking like an actress waiting for her long lost lover to return and sweep her off her feet (hopefully that is me 😉😅). Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton

As if out of a movie, Kristin and I landed a dream job, the summer of 2024, aboard Clipper Cruises Greek Island hopping voyage. Kristin would be working on some social media marketing projects and I would be creating images and videos about the trip from Athens to Istanbul, with several stops along the way. While I have delivered the project, there are still a little more than 1,000 selects sitting in my archive unedited from this trip.

In many ways the unedited images drive me bonkers because they are good enough for the world to see, maybe even for somebody to license or add to my portfolio, but there is no obvious incentive to edit them. So, they sit on a hard drive and collect dust like a distant memory.

Thankfully, today I was given the reason to off load some of these images. So, thank you to everyone who looks at these images and reads this.

After leaving Athens, Greece, the ship headed for Mykonos’s. A party island, is what I was told. For the most part I knew very little about the Greek islands other than historical accounts and word of mouth. So, I was excited to see what the white building, blue roofed island was actually like. Spoiler, we didn’t find any parties.

For the most part, the island was filled with tourist, but still gave off a slow vibe.

Yes, there was a strip for shopping, but once you left the main corridor that had fantastic gyros and greek salads, the neighborhoods were quiet, navigated by cats, and friendly locals.

What I Brought On Today’s Photo Walk:

Sony a7r4 (the updated “b” version if you are a gear nerd)
Tamron 28-200mm all-in-one zoom (they have launched a newer model of this, but haven’t tried it yet)
Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 zoom (they now have an updated version of this lens that I like more)
Peak Design Lite strap (I was lucky enough to get the camo version from the Sitka collab that sold out in less than 24 hours and feel cool about that)
Peak Design Backpack Everyday Bag

Like most tourist, Kristin and I started our Mykonos wanderings at the Venetian Windmills not far from the port. This spot overlooks the ocean and invokes that sense of wonder I assume most would have felt who grew up on this island; What else is out there? I’m not sure why, but there is something inside of me burning with that question. That desire to see what else is there. Satisfied, that for the most part, over that hill is just another hill, then another. Yet, each time I get to explore, the elation of joy bubbles up.

Looking for a little something more, we walked into the center of town, hoping to get lost enough to find some of the heart of Mykonos.

Windmills, wine, lemons, and food. We hopped for some iced coffee, but if anyone has been to Europe, they know from experience that doesn’t exist.

Along the walk, I surprisingly started to fall in love with the island. I say, “surprisingly” because there is no nature to be found where we walked. Everything is manicured. Everything is a dusty white. Everything has a place.

Surely, we were out of place, but isn’t that the roll of tourists?

Like all good tourists, we posed for photos in front of blue doors. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton

Camera in hand, we looked for places to snap images like:

doors
staircases
overlooks

And, I’ll admit, Mykonos has a surplus of all the above. The challenge became finding the “right door”, the “right staircase”, or the “right overlook”. In the end, it didn’t matter. What mattered was spending this time together, wandering the streets of Mykonos in a bit of disbelief that we were both here for work. Traveling together and seeing a place like this.

The only thing that could have made it better would have been some iced coffee while we played a game of chess in some random amphitheater.

Again, thank you to anyone and everyone reading this. If you have enjoyed this journal entry, shoot me an email to say hey: dalton@dalton-johnson.com

✌️

The Day’s Gallery

About Dalton:

Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.

Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.

His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.

Dalton Johnson 12/1/25 Dalton Johnson 12/1/25

A Walk in My Backyard with a Camera and a Single Lens

Getting out of the car, today’s walk was going to be short and full. Kristin and Chestnut were joining me for the evening stroll. Yes, it’s day two of my personal challenge to go for a daily photo walk, and this one was a close call. Today was filled with an afternoon of chores; taking Chestnut to the vet, donating stuff to Goodwill, and more boring things like that. The real life of a photographer, am I right?!

December 01, 2025

as always, the full gallery is at the bottom, so skip there if you don’t care about the words

Anyways, the day was getting ahead of me, but I packed my camera because I knew this was going to happen. Keeping today’s photo walk close to home, we parked at the trailhead about two blocks from our house so Chestnut could run and I could snap a few frames. Kristin was just along for the ride. Moral support I suppose, or she was feeling some FOMO after seeing yesterday’s photographs.

My watch read 16:21, or 4:21 pm, for those who don’t use military time. BTW I am not in the military, nor was I raised in one, but telling time via military time is one of the best things.

Sunset is roughly 4:45, so I only had 20 minutes to create something. Luckily, the colors were popping like it was nobodies business right outside of the car. Lifting the camera to my face, I snapped my first image of the evening: A golden silhouette of pine trees.

My first frame of the evening. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton

My eyes were flooded with the golden light of sunset. While I wanted to stay and snap some more images in the area, Chestnut needed to run, so we continued along the trail to an overlook and let the fluff ball run around, free.

What I Brought On Today’s Photo Walk:

Sony a7r4 (the updated version if you are a gear nerd)
Tamron 28-200mm all-in-one zoom (they have launched a newer model of this, but haven’t tried it yet)
Peak Design Lite strap (I was lucky enough to get the camo version from the Sitka collab that sold out in less than 24 hours and feel cool about that)

“Would you go stand on those rocks so I can take a photo?” I asked Kristin

Without a second thought Kristin responded, “Nope, you’ve taken that before, do something different.”

Damn! Tonight was going to be only landscapes I guess.

While I enjoy taking landscape images, this spot, despite views of Lake Tahoe, is boring without snow. The trees are often in the way and without a drone packed, the foreground is mostly bushes without leaves and dirt.

Not the best recipe for a photograph.

So, I just played around with my camera as the clock ticked, minute after minute. Frame after frame.

Here are some of the shots I tried to create:

A solar flare image - yes, I got one, but it is boring
Kristin and Chestnut walking on a log together with Tallac in the background - Chestnut wanted to play and wouldn’t follow Kristin on the log
A series of Kristin bundled up, cold - she wasn’t happy about these, but I think they are cute
Another moon shot, framed - it worked, but not my favorite

After the sun set, a layer of fog started dancing along the north shore of Lake Tahoe. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton

As the light faded, Chestnut got the zoomies. Terrorizing the dirt, the snow, and barking at us, he sprinted in every direction, often doing circles around Kristin and I. Just the thought of Chestnut and all his craziness makes me smile.

Tonight was good evening walk, even if it was only 29 minutes long.

Looking back, here’s how I could have improved my photo walk:

used the car window to give a sense of place and frame up the golden light in the pines
brought along a drone to reach different angles
taken a timelapse of the fog moving in and out along the north shore
snapped more frames of Chestnut and Kristin
come with an idea other than “to document”

While I am not sure how much this will change the way I shoot, I can say ideas 1,3,&4 are all ways of creating I could have embraced without changing my approach to these photo walks.

Again, thank you to anyone and everyone reading this. If you have enjoyed this journal entry, shoot me an email to say hey: dalton@dalton-johnson.com

✌️

The Day’s Gallery

About Dalton:

Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.

Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.

His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.

Dalton Johnson 12/1/25 Dalton Johnson 12/1/25

Here's Why You Need To Visit Sedona In December

Sedona is a destination that I've returned to time and time again as its stunning red rock formations, mystical vortexes, and a unique blend of outdoor adventures pull me back. Sometimes I live large in hotels and other visits to Sedona, AZ I sleep in the red dirt while camping in the expansive BLM land surrounding the town.

However, I had never been to Sedona in December and that lingering feeling pulled at my curiosity string, so I packed my bags and headed for the land of red rocks. What did I find? Stunning beauty and maybe the best time to visit. Here’s why:

What You Will Learn From This Article:

The pros and cons of visiting Sedona in December
What there is to do in Sedona during the month of December
Hiking trails to explore during winter
A few sleeping recommendations (from camping to living large)
Answers to your FAQ about visiting Sedona in December, scroll to the bottom for these

Cathedral at Sunset

from $26.95

The Pros and Cons of Visiting Sedona in December:

Pros:

Mild Winter Weather: December in Sedona offers a mix of weather. While there might be occasional rain and snow, the majority of the days are showered with sunlight. The average temperature hovers around a comfortable 58 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an ideal escape for those seeking a reprieve from harsher winter conditions elsewhere.
Open for Exploration: Unlike some tourist destinations that wind down in the winter months, Sedona remains vibrant and accessible in December. Most tourist operators and activities are open in December.
The Iconic Winter Landscape: Witnessing Sedona's iconic red rocks wearing a blanket of snow is a magical sight. If you are a photographer, this is even more exciting! The winter landscape adds a layer of charm to the already awe-inspiring scenery, creating a unique and picturesque setting.

Cons:

Occasional Rain and Snow: While Sedona experiences mostly sunny days, occasional rain and snowfall can be expected in December. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions and plan accordingly, especially if participating in outdoor activities.
Crowds During Peak Times: Despite being a quieter season compared to the bustling spring and fall months, December can still attract its fair share of visitors, particularly around the holidays. Popular attractions and accommodations may experience increased demand, so planning and reservations are advisable.
Limited Nightlife: Sedona is not known for its bustling nightlife, and December is no exception. While the daytime offers a plethora of activities, those seeking vibrant nightlife options may find the options limited.

Kristin embracing her inner convict as she watches over the landscape, pretending to be on look out while at the Robber’s Roost. Follow Dalton on your favorite social media platform.

Top Activities to Experience Sedona Like Never Before:

Without a doubt, Sedona is filled with adventure and that is why I continually return to this epic landscape. The best part of visiting in Sedona in December is that the crowds are smaller and the temperates are more manageable for full day outings. After several visits to Sedona, this trip during December was by far my most active. Below are a handful of the adventures Kristin and I embarked upon during this three-week long trip to Sedona:

1) Helicopter Tours with Guidance Air:

With all the the activities I have done in Sedona, by far one of the best has been soaring above the iconic red rocks with a helicopter tour provided by Guidance Air. This unique perspective opened my eyes into the vast network of sandstone walls and the fortitude the indigenous people had when living here. One of the cool things we saw along the flight were cliff dwellings from the indigenous people that seemed impossible to reach.

If you have the chance, and the funds, I highly suggest taking a flight with with Guidance Air. The pilot loved his job and was a great eye in the sky, pointing out cool things I would have never spotted on my own.

>>> You can watch the video of our experience from our sunset tour with Guidance Air here.

2) Off-Roading with Polaris Adventures at Red Rock ATV Rentals:

Hands down, this is the most fun I have ever had in Sedona!

For those seeking a more hands-on experience, renting a side-by-side from Polaris Adventures at Red Rock ATV Rentals offers an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Tearing up the trails and going way too fast was such a fun adventure for both Kristin and I while in Sedona. The days were sunny, so we didn’t have to battle weather conditions while off-roading.

Since both Kristin and I are beginners, having “perfect weather” was needed for us to feel safe alone on the trails. If you can and want to do something completely memorable, I highly suggest renting a side-by-side and exploring the trails of Sedona.

Here’s Where We Went in the Side-by-Side:

3) Endless Hiking Trails and Cave Seeking:

Even in the cooler months, Sedona’s hiking trails remain open and ready to welcome adventurers. The mild winter weather provides an ideal opportunity to explore the area’s stunning red rock formations and unique landscapes without the intense heat of summer. For those seeking truly memorable experiences, three standout hikes—Subway Cave, Robber’s Roost, and Seven Sacred Pools—offer a mix of geological marvels, breathtaking views, and tranquil escapes into Sedona’s natural beauty.

Subway Cave:

The Subway Cave is one of Sedona’s most iconic hiking destinations. Accessible via the Boynton Canyon Trail, this hike offers a moderate challenge and rewards explorers with a stunning natural cave shaped like a subway tunnel.

What to Expect: The hike spans approximately 6 miles round trip, weaving through dense forests and towering red rock cliffs. As you approach the cave, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views and the unique, tunnel-like formation that makes the Subway Cave a favorite among photographers.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and catch the morning light streaming into the cave for spectacular photos.

Robber’s Roost:

For a more secluded and adventurous experience, head to Robber’s Roost, a hidden cave perched high above the valley floor. This trail is less trafficked, offering solitude and a sense of discovery.

What to Expect: The hike to Robber’s Roost is relatively short—about 1.5 miles round trip—but it involves a steep ascent, so sturdy footwear and some scrambling are required. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of Sedona’s rugged landscape, framed perfectly by the cave’s circular opening.
Historical Note: The cave was once rumored to be a hideout for outlaws, adding a touch of mystery to your adventure.

Seven Sacred Pools:

The Seven Sacred Pools is a unique hike that combines easy access with stunning natural features. Located along the Soldier Pass Trail, this hike is perfect for those who want a shorter excursion without sacrificing beauty.

What to Expect: The trail is 2.4 miles round trip and leads you to a series of naturally carved rock pools filled with water, depending on recent rainfall. The pools are surrounded by towering cliffs and offer a tranquil spot to pause and take in Sedona’s serene atmosphere.
Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife that frequent the area, particularly near the pools.

4) Crescent Moon State Park:

For a serene escape, head to the river at Crescent Moon State Park. The park offers a peaceful setting along the banks of Oak Creek, with picturesque views of Cathedral Rock. Whether for a leisurely stroll or a contemplative moment by the water, Crescent Moon State Park provides a tranquil retreat.

5) Rent a Mountain Bike from Thunder Mountain Bikes:

Mountain biking Sedona during the month December is hit or miss. You could be pedaling through a thick sticky mud or ripping down a trail without dust. There really isn’t a good way to time this other than watching the weather, but when you time the weather right, you’ll understand why Sedona is considered one of the world’s best mountain bike spots.

We didn’t travel with mountain bikes for this trip, so we rented from Thunder Mountain Bikes. They provide an excellent option for those looking to test out the trails for themselves. Renting a mountain bike from Thunder Mountain Bikes is quick and easy, just give them a call or walk into the store.

>>> You can watch our day of mountain biking here. By no means are Kristin nor I good mountain bikers, but we loved it.

Dispersed camping for free in Sedona, AZ. Follow Dalton on your favorite social media platform.

Sleeping Options in Sedona:

L'Auberge de Sedona:

L'Auberge de Sedona, nestled along the banks of Oak Creek, offers a luxurious retreat amidst the red rocks. With cozy accommodations and upscale amenities, this resort provides a serene escape for those looking to unwind after a day of exploration. Make sure to enjoy their Sunday Brunch!

The Wilde:

The Wilde, a boutique hotel in the heart of Sedona, blends modern comfort with the town's distinct charm. Conveniently located, it provides easy access to Sedona's attractions while offering a stylish and cozy place to rest.

Dispersed Camping:

For those seeking a more adventurous and budget-friendly option, dispersed camping is permitted in certain areas around Sedona. This allows visitors to connect with nature on a deeper level, sleeping under the stars while surrounded by the enchanting red rock landscape.

Hard to complain about views like sunrise from our BLM camping spot. Follow Dalton on your favorite social media platform.

Experiencing Sedona in December is like stepping into a winter retreat where red rocks and mystical energy create an unforgettable backdrop. With mild weather, fewer crowds, and a variety of open attractions, it’s the perfect destination to escape the typical winter chill. Whether you're soaring above the majestic landscape on a helicopter tour, exploring rugged trails in an off-road vehicle, or immersing yourself in the town’s vibrant culture, Sedona offers a one-of-a-kind experience that blends adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.

Pack your bags, prepare for awe-inspiring views, and let the magic of Sedona in December captivate you. From starlit evenings under the crisp desert sky to the warmth of Sedona’s welcoming community, your journey here will leave you with memories that last a lifetime. Let the red rocks inspire and enchant you this season.

About Dalton:

Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.

Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.

His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.

FAQ — Visiting Sedona in December

Q: What is the weather like in Sedona during December?

A: December in Sedona, Arizona is cool but generally pleasant for exploring. Daytime highs tend to be in the mid-50s °F (around 55–58 °F / ~13–14 °C), while nighttime lows often dip into the low 30s °F (around 32 °F / ~0–2 °C).

Many days remain sunny or partly sunny, though occasional rain or light snow — just enough to dust the red rocks — is possible.

Q: Will snow make hiking or exploring difficult?

A: Snow in Sedona during December is usually light and infrequent. When it does snow, it rarely accumulates enough to seriously affect roads or trail access.

That said — because evenings and early mornings are cold — if you plan to hike at dawn or dusk, bring warm clothing and be aware that trails might be slick or icy when there has been precipitation.

Q: Are popular hikes and outdoor activities still available in December?

A: Yes — most hiking trails, scenic drives, and outdoor attractions remain open in December.

Because the weather is milder than summer, December can be a great time to hike or explore without the extreme heat.

Q: Is December a good time to avoid crowds and save on lodging or rentals?

A: December tends to be quieter than peak tourist seasons. As a result, parking lots fill up less quickly, restaurants and accommodations are easier to book, and prices — for lodging or car rentals — can be more favorable.

But keep in mind: the holiday season (around Christmas / New Year) can bring a bump in visitor numbers, so it’s still smart to book early if you plan to travel around then.

Q: What should I pack for a December visit to Sedona?

A: A layering system works best. Expect cool mornings and evenings (so warm jackets, hats, gloves may be needed), but comfortable mid-day temps — a mix of long sleeves, sweaters, and T-shirts will serve you well.

Also bring sturdy hiking shoes or boots (especially if snow or rain has made trails slick), possibly a light waterproof shell, sunglasses (the desert sun still shines), and maybe a scarf or buff for windy/red-rock dust exposure.

Q: Is swimming or water-based recreation realistic in December?

A: Not likely. December temperatures are too cool for comfortable swimming, and any water-based activities would probably feel chilly.

That said, winter brings its own charm — red rocks dusted with snow, crisp air, and often quieter rivers/creeks for peaceful views.

Q: What unique benefits does Sedona in December offer compared to summer or peak season?

A: Visiting in December offers a mix of milder, pleasant daytime weather (no scorching desert heat), fewer crowds — which means easier trail access, more available lodging, and less competition for parking or restaurant tables.

Plus, the possibility of a light dusting of snow on the red rocks adds a striking, distinctive aesthetic — offering a different vibe than typical desert-sun photos.

Dalton Johnson 11/30/25 Dalton Johnson 11/30/25

A Late Autumn Walk at Fallen Leaf Lake

Something came over me as I lingered in the CVS parking lot trying to decide if I should continue with the day’s chores or take the Sunday evening off and head for a sunset walk at Fallen Leaf Lake. Looking for some encouragement, I texted Kristin, “Hey! Why don’t you get ready and we go for a sunset hike at fallen leaf?”

November 30, 2025

Turns out, she wanted to stay in.

Feeling the resistance building, I headed home to grab my camera, notebook, and a jacket for the cold.

Looking at my watch, I knew my timing was going to be just after sunset and without any clouds, the sky was going to be boring. In other words, a poor evening for a photo walk. Yet, for the past few months, I’ve been weighed down by my first home remodel and beyond stressed. When I say beyond stressed I mean I’ve got to the hospital three times for a stress induced rash which covers my body from head to toe.

Not pretty.

So, when I decided to pull my camera out and blow the dust off of it for the first time since September, I was reluctant.

At this point, my creativity with the camera has faded away. Ego has created a battle of internal dialogue that I “have to make money” when I pull my camera out instead of just enjoying the cha-chick of the shutter button whenever I feel like it.

While I am a professional photographer, filmmaker, and writer my career has always been focused on the craft of storytelling. I don’t have a trust-fund, so I do have to make money from my art, however money has never been the driving factor for my craft.

So, as simple as taking my camera out for a photo walk that will most likely never make me money may seem, this act has been a first step to reconnecting with my love for the craft of photography.

Walking to Fallen Leaf from the “local’s parking lot”, I was hoping for an epic solar flare with Mount Tallac in the background. This lake has a few dream shots I would like to create, but today was not the day for that. Today was just for fun.

Turning off my music and removing the earbuds, I wanted to hear the lake, the birds, the wind, and everything else.

Dogs barked.

Water sloshed.

Leaves rustled.

I looked for frames, but nothing was good enough for me to push my shutter button.

Wandering out onto some rocks, I figured I would get a different perspective, but nothing. Looking down in disappointment that I couldn’t find something epic. The rocks below the surface of the water caught my eye.

Without putting too much thought into it, I slowed my shutter speed down to 1/2 second and clicked the shutter as I zoomed in and out. Snapped 7 frames, hoping one would be in focus and look cool. Turns out, two of them were halfway decent.

As a glimpse of play returned to my finer tips, I hopped back to the shortline across the rocks which I came then started to look for something new. Ideally, a picture of Mount Tallac.

I tried.

I failed.

I tried again.

I flubbed.

I tried some more and figured I should move on. Nothing was really that great. So, I just walked and let my mind wander. Talking only to myself, I tried to relocate that joy I used to have years ago when all I did was walk around and take photos, admiring the stunning world we are blessed to live upon.

My smile started to return as the rocks crunched under my feet. Looking over my shoulder, I caught a glimpse of the moon shining bright. So, I zoomed my Tamron 28-200mm lens to its max, 200mm, and focused on the moon.

It was a boring frame.

In an attempt to spice it up, I put a tree in the foreground and clicked.

Not my best work, but something I might touch up later.

I had not realized just how deeply exhausted my creativity has become behind a camera. For the past 8.5 years, I have been honing my craft almost daily. However, the last three years have been a slog. My guy wants to blame the industry for not being very profitable or consistent, but the reality is, I lost the love for pushing myself behind the lens unless I was being paid.

For the last two years, I might have had 10, maybe 20, afternoons like this even walk along Fallen Leaf Lake.

A walk with the camera. No need to make money, just go out an click some frames to honor this beautiful place I call home.

If anyone is actually reading this and are thinking I am a troubled human, maybe slightly depressed, I would disagree. While I have lost my smile, for now, I know that deep down clicking the shutter button makes me very happy and writing little stories like this makes me even more happy.

I just need to give myself permission to do more photo walks and let me ego trip around making money go. Find the passion and love for telling stories for the sake of a good story. Not that this journal entry is a good story, but I think you know what I mean.

Those are the thoughts my ego conjures as I take these images fading into blue hour. A battle in the mind fueled by ego and complicated interwoven story of money and art.

For the last 10 years, my business has been profitable every year. I make an above average income and yet my ego is weirdly unsatisfied. Honestly, I have had an issue with my ego for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I excelled at swimming so much that I thought I had a chance of making Olympic trials. However, I didn’t like the human I had to be to swim at that level, so I gave up the dream to be on a team. That lead me to water polo. I was good, but not great. Meaning, I had no Olympic promise in me, but a good chance I could have played pro in Europe, if I didn’t tear my labrum in my shoulder. However, that forced break from water polo gave me the camera, writing, and a chance to retake my childhood dream of traveling the world and telling stories.

My mind races with each footstep around Fallen Leaf Lake. Recalling this past, reliving these past eight or so years of chasing my childhood dream, and recognizing in 2024 I had the privilege of traveling to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle for storytelling assignments.

At 31, I accomplished my childhood dream.

All of this pulls at the ego as I try snapping images of an average lake under average light.

These are not the Pyramids of Giza or the Northern Lights, it’s the mundane. The beauty of nature as nature. Nothing grand and nothing subtle. Just nature being nature.

Maybe, I have just been too privileged these past few years. Or, maybe, the timing is just perfect.

Angora Peak framed by two stumps. I looked for a spot where branches, roots, or something could encircle Angora Peak and it’s reflection, but no luck. So, as I walked around the rocky beach of Fallen Leaf Lake, I settled for this final frame of the evening.

Clicking the shutter button a few more times, I continue navigating the northern shoreline of Fallen Leaf Lake with my camera. Part of me wishes one of these images were print worthy, but that is just ego talking.

Realizing my face stung from the cold air, I started heading back to the car and home.

Along the way, I snapped a few final frames, the one with the two stumps and Angora Peak in the background is my favorite of the entire evening.

But, along the way, a thought stuck me, “What if I did this every day?” This being a photo walk and short story.

My guess, I would start to regain that love I once had for unpaid outings with my camera and I would start having fun. So, here’s to giving it a shot.

I hope to publish a story a day everyday I am not production. If I can during production days, cool, but not a priority.

We shall see where it goes.

And, if anyone read this story to the end, thank you. If you want to go for a photo walk together sometime, send me an email: dalton@dalton-johnson.com

✌️

The Set of Images Worth Sharing:

About Dalton:

Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.

Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.

His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.

Dalton Johnson 11/30/25 Dalton Johnson 11/30/25

Giving Yourself Permission To Dream

Following your dreams is f%^&ing hard!

As a kid, I dreamed of traveling the world and telling stories, but there was no clear path to making this happen. I had role models who gave me insights into what living your dream life looked like, but no industry connections for telling stories. So, when I started down my path of living my dream life, I looked to my greatest roll models to figure out how they were able to live their dream lives.

My Mom: a stay at home mom (very privileged for this and beyond grateful)
My Dad: the founder of a $1M+ construction business

Together, they fostered a loving childhood deeply rooted in chasing your dreams.

My Mom's slogan, "never clip my wings" was often repeated to us and my Dad as a we grew up. She was filled with ideas and creativity that she needed to itch. The good news for my brother and I, it almost always had to do with a new meal or game.

My Dad wasn’t very vocal about is dreams, or vision, but he woke up at 4:00 am every morning, packed his lunch, and headed out the door by 4:30 am, or 5:00 am, depending on if he was going to the gym. Working all day building his business. Returning home sometime between 6 pm, or 7pm. Without knowing it, my Dad modeled the work ethic it takes to be successful.

I gave up all of my worldly possessions and moved onto a bicycle so I could become a student of storytelling.

How does this relate to following your dreams and how freak'n hard it is?

Well, my Mom's dream was to be a stay-at-home Mom and my Dad wanted to build a business he was proud of. So, I grew up watching these two model what it means to chase their dreams. While their dreams were different than mine, and yours, their actions gave me permission to chase my goals.

That permission to chase my dream is critical.

Why?

Well, if you don’t give yourself permission to chase your goals, you are not going to be okay with: 👉the criticism from others when you start
👉the fortitude to push through failures
👉accepting rejection as a not for me

These hurdles you have to jump over can be debilitating. When I graduated college and decided to be homeless so I could pursue a photography career, my friends and family were shocked. Often their words were not kind and stated I was throwing my life away.

From the outside, there is no question it looked like it.

However, I figured I would give this dream life I had visualized as a 12 year old a chance. I knew I would fail and that if I worked hard enough, I could push through.

Turns out, 8 years of being homeless is what it took for my to start living my childhood dream of traveling and telling stories.

Three years into chasing my dream life, I bought this van (with a loan from my Dad that I had to repay with interest) and slept on the floor in a sleeping bag. No shower, no running water, for 18 more months.

Don't let me fool you into thinking everything is sunshine and rainbows. It wasn't.

As a kid, I thought:
👉 people who owned magazines were rich
👉 it was fun to huddle on the bathroom floor for "slumber party" when the power was shut off
👉 playing with the display toys in Target and never bringing them home was normal

Only now do I realize those were sacrifices my parents made to chase their dreams.

Turns out, their actions wore off on my more than anyone could imagine because:
👉 I was homeless, by choice, for 8 years building my career as a storyteller
👉 lived on rice and vegetable soup cooked on a hand-me-down Coleman grill
👉 turned down a full-time teaching gig to live in a car and become a student of storytelling

While the journey has been f%^&ing hard! Building my career has culminated into something larger than I could have ever imagined. All of those sacrifices have been worth it now that I am on the other side.

However, if I had not given myself permission, stuck with my vision, and pushed daily for years, I don’t think I would be were I am at today. In fact, I know I wouldn’t be. Most likely, I would be a teaching math in Watsonville, CA.

The point at which I stated to feel like I had made it.

Photo 1: My Dad and I road tripping to Alaska so I could film my first documentary, Climbing For Furley, which is now on PBS.

Photo 2: My Mom and I in Antarctica. She was my plus one when I headed there for an assignment covering avian flu and cruise ships

While at the start of my storytelling career my Mom and Dad had questioned me so hard about the path I was on I often avoided having conversations with them, these two moments are the catalysts for me and my family connecting over what it is I had dreamed of doing.

After these trips together, they got a glimpse into how I work and the joy it brings me.

So, I challenge to you sit down with a notebook and ask yourself a questions:

What is your dream life (write this out as detailed as possible)?
What does “giving yourself permission” really look like?
How long would you be willing to sacrifice to see your dream life come to fruition?

About Dalton:

Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.

Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.

His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.

Dalton Johnson 11/22/25 Dalton Johnson 11/22/25

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. From rock jumping to hanging with friends on a quiet beach (hard to find in Lake Tahoe) to kayaking to photography, Bonsai Rock is a must visit. At least, I take all of my friends and family here whenever they come to see me and here’s why.

What You’ll Learn In This Article:

How to get to Bonsai Rock
How to actually find parking at Bonsai Rock
Water activities for everyone at Bonsai Rock
Stargazing and astrophotography when visiting Bonsai Rock
Photography tips I’ve used to capture stunning images at Bonsai Rock

Jumping off Bonsai Rock in the waters Lake Tahoe — For those without a fear of heights, go ahead and leap into the chilly waters of Lake Tahoe. Follow Dalton Johnson on Instagram for more stunning images & stories

Pros of Visiting Bonsai Rock

Unique Photography Opportunities: The rock's picturesque setting and the bonsai trees atop the main rock make this spot a fantastic subject for photographers, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Sunset Views: Sunset at Bonsai Rock is particularly magical, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere that's perfect for relaxation (as long as nobody is blasting music from a speaker).
Short Hike: Bonsai Rock is relatively easy to access, with a short hike if you can snag a parking spot in the pull out.

Cons of Visiting Bonsai Rock:

Crowds: Bonsai Rock can get crowded during the peak summer season and parking is limited, so get there early
Limited Parking: There are only two parking areas for Bonsai Rock, one is free and one is paid.
Seasonal Access: The accessibility of Bonsai Rock during the snowy season can be dangerous, I don’t recommend it.
Limited Amenities: There are no toilets, ADA ramps, or, well, any infrastructure. Please practice all LNT principles when visiting.

young women swimming at bonsai rock lake tahoe — It’s all smiles for Kati after leaping off Bonsai Rock into the cold waters on a summer day in Lake Tahoe. Follow Dalton Johnson on Instagram for more stunning images & stories

How To Get To Bonsai Rock and Parking Options (hint, parking is the hardest part)

There is no easy way to say this, but getting to Bonsai Rock and parking for this area is a bit of a nightmare. While I wish I had local tips for you, the reality is you just have to show up early or get lucky. My personal preference is to stay late to watch sunset at Bonsai Rock, so I always opt for the free parking areas.

This Is How You Get to Bonsai Rock:

GPS Coordinates (the easiest way): If you're using GPS navigation, the coordinates for Bonsai Rock are [39.2167° N, 119.9122° W].
Also, here’s a Google Maps link for you: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5qgNxTgrTGSGFGUVA
From North Lake Tahoe: Drive to Sand Harbor State Park, located on the northeastern shore of Lake Tahoe. From there, continue driving south for another mile to a small pullout on the lake side of the highway. If there isn’t parking here, continue driving up the hill.
From South Lake Tahoe: Take US-50 east to Spooner Summit, then turn left onto NV-28 toward Incline Village. Follow NV-28 north along the lakeshore for about 8–10 miles. Just before Sand Harbor (if you see Sand Harbor you’ve gone too far), look for a small lakeside pullout — that’s the unofficial parking for Bonsai Rock. NOTE: you will have to do a U-turn to park, this can be dangerous, so please be careful.

You Only Have Two Parking Options:

There is no easy way to park for Bonsai Rock if it is crowded, so make sure you show up early as there are only two parking options.

Roadside Parking: Along Highway 28 (North Lake Boulevard), you will find limited roadside parking opportunities in a variety of pullouts. These are good for a handful of vehicles, but be aware of the cliff. This option is free, and can be challenging during busy times.
Sand Harbor State Park Parking: The most convenient and recommended option is to park at Sand Harbor State Park then rent a kayak and paddle to Bonsai Rock. This option is safest and best for families. The parking spaces are limited due to the popularity of the area, so show up early. Keep in mind that there are parking fees for this state park.

IMPORTANT: When parking at Sand Harbor State Park, please be aware that there is no way to walk from Sand Harbor to Bonsai Rock. If you try and get caught, you will get a ticket. Also, this is very dangerous. Access to Bonsai Rock from Sand Harbor is only by water, making it an ideal starting point for kayaking, paddleboarding, and SUPing adventures.

Bonsai Rock at sunset with a long exposure — Make sure to stay until sunset, if you can, because Bonsai Rock at sunset is phenomenal! Follow Dalton Johnson on Instagram for more stunning images & stories

Bonsai Rock Has Something For Everyone, Here Are My Favorite Activities at Lake Tahoe’s Bonsai Rock

Main Activities At Bonsai Rock:

Water Activities; like kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, paddle-boarding
Picnicking; especially at sunset
Jumping off the Bonsai Rock; just be aware of the rocks under the water
Stargazing; if you get a roadside parking spot

1) Kayaking, SUPing, and Swimming at Bonsai Rock

>>> I wrote another article with a full break down for anyone kayaking and SUPing at Bonsai Rock, click here to read that.

Bonsai Rock is not only a stunning spot to watch sunset, but a great access point for the lake. If you snagged one of the free parking spots, getting to the water can be challenging for those not accustomed to sandy trails or when you are carrying a kayak or SUP. If you are SUPing or kayaking, the best thing to do would be to park at Sand Harbor and paddle to Bonsai.

What I Pack When Kayaking At Bonsai Rock

Kayak: I personally own a few Oru Kayaks that make walking down to the water easy because they can fold up and be carried like a suitcase, this is the kind I own.
Sunscreen: I’m not sure why, but I really like the Dermatone sport sunscreen. I don’t seem to get sunburnt with it.
PFD: By law, you need a PFD to kayak or sup on Lake Tahoe. Please bring one with you. I’m a fan of the belt kind with a pull string to inflate.
Snacks: You can’t go wrong with a bag full of trail mix, right?!
Towel: I’m a sucker for a good turkish towel and have been using these one’s by Sand Cloud for a few years. They are still holding up.

2) Picnicking at Bonsai Rock

Don’t overcomplicate things when it comes to picnicking at Bonsai Rock in Lake Tahoe. Pack some food (I like burritos) and a few beverages, a large towel, a jacket, and enjoy. Sure, there might be a ton of ticks and tips, which I will put down below, but the jist of a good picnic at Bonsai Rock is to have the things you enjoy and a few good people.

Pack a Picnic: Prepare a picnic basket with your favorite snacks, sandwiches or burritos, and beverages. Don't forget essentials like a blanket, utensils, and napkins.
Scenic Spots: Look beyond the small sandy beach for your picnic by exploring the rocks around the area. If you can find them, there are a few rocks you can off of as well as a rope swing. But, for the most part, just lay down a blanket.
Stay for Sunset: Bonsai Rock for sunset is the best. Bring a romantic partner or your family. Regardless, if you have a good sunset, you’ll never forget this picnic.
Clean Up After Yourself: There are no trashcans, so semember to clean up after your picnic, disposing of trash properly, and following Leave No Trace principles to protect this pristine environment.

Young man backflips into Lake Tahoe from Bonsai Rock — Riley making backflipping off Bonsai Rock look easy. Hint, this is not! Follow Dalton Johnson on Instagram for more stunning images & stories

3) Jumping off Bonsai Rock Into Lake Tahoe

>>> I wrote a full article about how to safely jump off Bonsai Rock into the chilly waters of Lake Tahoe, so click here to read that deep dive.

For those not scared of heights, Bonsai Rock is a great spot for rock jumping. Sure you could call it cliff jumping, but it isn’t much of a cliff, so I say rock jumping. Roughly 8-12 feet above the clear waters of Lake Tahoe, you can leap off the rock and splash into the refreshing water below. I’ve done this jump in every season, yes that includes winter, and has been safe every time. Just know your limits

What You Need to Know to Safely Jump off Bonsai Rock:

Safety First: Prioritize safety by evaluating water conditions and potential risks before taking the plunge.
Water Depth: Assess the water depth to ensure a safe landing and watch out for underwater hazards.
Risk Awareness: Rock jumping carries inherent risks, so it's crucial to be cautious and make well-informed decisions. There are a few rocks that you could hit if you jump in the wrong place.

4) Stargazing & Astrophotography At Bonsai Rock

Before we dive into this, make sure you park at the roadside pull-out over Bonsai Rock, otherwise your car will be locked inside the State Park. You don’t want that!

I am a huge fan of stargazing and astrophotography at Bonsai Rock becuase this spot has some of the least amount of light pollution around the entire lake, so seeing the stars and Milky Way is “easy”. Easy is in quotes becuase if you know what you are looking for, it is easy. If you don’t, well you have to learn. I have written a guide for beginner stargazers, if that is you, consider reading it. For now, here are some tips for a successful stargazing adventure at Bonsai Rock:

Best Time To See Milky Way: Late July till early September is the best time to see the Milky Way in Lake Tahoe, so consider the timing of your visit
Bring Warm Layers: Watching the stars from Bonsai Rock can be very cold from wind and the lake chill. The lake can create a micro-climate that is colder than the predicted weather, this is my go to jacket whenever I know it is going to be cold.
Bring a Camera and Tripod: If you are going to watch the stars, consider bringing a camera and tripod to create astrophotography as well. The milky way often aligns perfectly with Bonsai Rock, which is really cool to see and has created one of my favorite images.

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Tips For Photographer’s Visiting Bonsai Rock For The First Time

I’m a photographer by trade and Bonsai Rock has been the center piece of many photoshoots for me. Both fine art prints and lifestyle photo shoots for brands have brought me back here time and time again. Because of this, I can honestly say I might be the photographer who has spent the most amount of time photographing this rock and its surrounding area. So, here are a few things I have learned over the years photographing Bonsai Rock

My Best Tips For Photographing Bonsai Rock:

Golden Hour Magic: The soft, warm light during sunset enhances the textures and colors of the rock and bonsai tree. In other words, the best time to come photograph this spot is sunset. There is no need to do anything fancy, just bring your camera, a tripod, and maybe a filter. That will be more than enough to capture a stunning image of Bonsai Rock.
Sunrise Sucks, Skip It: There is no easy way to say this, Bonsai Rock at sunrise is cloaked in a shadow and is very cold. I don’t suggest you come for that. However, blue hour at Bonsai Rock can be stunning, especially with a long exposure.
Use a Slow Shutter Speed: If you are trying to capture a fine art print of Bonsai Rock, use a slow shutter speed to make the water look like silk. To do this, you will need a tripod and a shutter speed of roughly 3 to 10 seconds. Longer than that, you will need a neutral density filter.
Lifestyle or Fine Art or Instagram: I often joke this spot has been overrun by influencers taking selfies, but that is far from the truth. Most likely you will find other photographers with a tripod and bulky camera sitting at the water’s edge snapping sunset images. So, when you come get creative. Try having a human subject or create a fine art piece or attempt to capture that banger image for Instagram.

SUPing for sunset during a fall thunderstorm at Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe. — I highly recommend staying for sunset at Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe. Follow Dalton Johnson on Instagram for more stunning images & stories

Visiting Lake Tahoe’s Bonsai Rock should be on everyone’s list because this spot combines adventure, natural beauty, and creative inspiration (especially if you have a camera). So, don’t miss out on this wild spot that has boulders you can clearly see in the water. Rent, or pack, a kayak and gliding across the lake, attempt to capture print worthy images at sunset through your camera lens, or pack a picnic with your loved ones. Regardless of how you enjoy Bonsai Rock, visiting this spot will surely leave a good impression of Lake Tahoe on you. Or, at least it has for me.

If this article has helped you plan your trip, or inspired you, please consider sharing it. If you have any questions about Bonsai Rock, feel free to shoot me an email: dalton@dalton-johnson.com

About Dalton Johnson:

Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.

His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for adventure-minded, photography-loving humans who want to read great stories every Wednesday.

Here Are More Lake Tahoe Adventures To Consider

Dalton Johnson 10/28/25 Dalton Johnson 10/28/25

Here's Why Day Rates Are Dying and Where They Still Exist In Photography

Ripping along the OHV trails of Sedona, AZ for Polaris Adventures. Connect with Dalton on your favorite social platform: @storiesbydalton

Who still uses day rates when hiring a photographer? This is what I'm seeing...

Part of the industry is clinging to day rates meanwhile another part of the industry is looking towards photographers to be the producer, creative director, editor, photographer, etc.

In other words:
1/2 the industry still relies on the "old model"
1/2 the industry is looking for a new model

Now, that is a bit confusing so, let us dive into which half is doing what.

The 1/2 of the industry using the old model of day rates, photo reps, etc. are the legacy brands and agency world. So, think Satchi & Satchi, Coca-Cola, Ford, Oglivy, Garmin, etc. Why? Because it is the model they have built and it works. Moreover, they are more confined to budgets given to them and set day rates let them know if they can afford the photographer.

Meanwhile, the brands who are social first, or just a younger more agile brand, are moving away from day rates with photographers because they are handing over a full project to the photographer and letting them "do their thing". This is most common in the social space, but larger and larger brands are following this model. So, what does it really look like?

Brand has an idea, reaches out to the photographer and says, "We have $5k, can you build a library of images for us to use on social around product x?"

The photographer can negotiate, but for the sake of simplicity, let's just say they agree. That photographer is now acting as a solo-agency (assuming they don't have a team), so they are;
-storyboarding
-finding models and paying them
-location scouting and doing the permitting
-getting things approved by brand
-building and paying for the team
-shooting the project
-culling the images
-editing
-delivering

That's the life of a solo-agency owner…