LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY

HOT CREEK - CALIFORNIA INYO NATIONAL FOREST

REFLECTION OF HALF DOME - YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

On a cold day in February, I hiked from my tent in Camp Four to Mirror Lake in the heart of Yosemite National Park. The goal for this trip was to capture the sun setting on the face of Half Dome. When I got to the area I discovered a problem. None of my lenses were wide enough to capture the image I had envisioned for this trip. In times like these when the gear doesn't match expectations, you have two choices. Pack up the gear and leave disappointed or solve the problem. This problem led me to wander up and down the Mirror Lake beach looking for a different angle of the scene. Finally, with little time to spare, I saw a reflection of Half Dome in the water. I took off my socks and shoes, then waded into the cold waters of that Yosemite stream. Instead of looking up at Half Dome I pointed my camera at the surface of the water and clicked the shutter.

TUNNEL VIEW - STORMY SUNSET | YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

There's a reason Tunnel View has such a reputation for providing visitors with an iconic view of Yosemite Valley. From here you can see the great, granite formations of El Capitan and Half Dome along with all the other features that make Yosemite a must visit location. While Tunnel View is packed by visitors in the warmer months of the year it is relatively quiet when the snows come and the temperatures drop. One particular afternoon on a cold February day I set up my tripod above Tunnel View in the hopes of catching sunset between the passing clouds. There weren't many opportunities but having a front row seat for the weather on that day was special. 180218_MAC_003414.tif

ANTELOPE CANYON - ARIZONA

The light filtering through Lower Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona creates a tapestry not found in many places in the world.

REED FLUTE CAVE - GUILIN CHINA

When you look at this scene, what do you see? I found the Reed Flute Cave on a trip through Sichuan Province China. The lighting throughout the cave was very interesting, but here, in the main chamber blew me away. I found the chamber in the middle of a full-blown concert, complete with Beijing Opera music and lasers bouncing to and fro. Patience was my ally to capture the image I envisioned. Without a tripod, I needed to lay my camera on my camera bag to stabilize it for the long exposure. Then I laid in the dirt waiting for a break in the laser light show. Thankfully, there was a break in the lasers that allowed me to capture this image of the cave. 101027_MAC_000004.jpg

ENDLESS COAST | POINT REYES - CALIFORNIA

MT LASSEN SHADOW CASTER - LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK

I had put all my gear away in preparation for my descent from Mt Lassen when I happened to turn around. I don't remember the last time I was standing atop a mountain as its shadow was cast upon the countryside below. Needless to say, the gear was quickly taken from the bag to capture the moment over Lassen Volcanic National Park. I had spent all my time looking into the sun that I had forgotten to turn around. Isn't that so true for most of us? Not staring into the direction of the sun, but focused on something that we forget to take a moment to consider all the different perspectives around our position. (View looking southeast towards Lake Almanor with Reading Peak in the foreground. Atop Mt Lassen volcano) — at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

LAYERS OF THE SIERRA | LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK - CALIFORNIA

MT LASSEN SUNSET2

Standing atop a dormant volcano is a humbling experience. From this spot atop Mt Lassen, I gained immense respect and appreciation for the energy required to move so much earth. Whenever we, as humans, start to feel too big for our britches mother nature reminds us where the real power lies. If you have a chance to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park, take it. The park is one of the few places in the world you can see each of the four main types of volcanoes in one area.

MT LASSEN CRATER SUNSET | LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK

Until I moved to California I had never heard of Lassen Volcanic National Park. I had no idea that it was one of the only places in the world that each of the four types of volcanoes can be found together. When I planned my trip I decided to spend one day watching the sunset from the top of Mt Lassen. My reward for hiking to the top was spectacular. From this vantage point, the horizon stretched to Mt. Shasta and beyond, which exceeded my expectations. I felt blessed to have the chance to witness this moment. 180711_MAC_000268-HDR.dng

ARTISTS PALETTE SUNSET - DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

SEA-ING STARS | CALIFORNIA COAST

OREGON SEA FOAM

Somewhere along the lost coast of California in early January I pulled off the road near a beautiful black sand beach. As the sun was setting and the cold breeze was blowing in from the ocean I was captivated by the patterns of sea foam that formed on the sand. Here I was, getting lost in the moment, I guess that's why they call it the lost coast. Maybe not, but it was fun to make the pun.

SECRET BEACH - OREGON

The Oregon coast is full of hidden locations that you would miss while driving along at 70 miles per hour on Hwy 1. The Hidden Beach is both a bit of a secret and not that hard to find with a little searching on the web. If you are willing to do a bit of research you will find yourself in an incredibly beautiful place. 171226_MAC_000260.ARW

GRAND PRISMATIC SPRING RAINBOW - YELLOWSTONE

The Grand Prismatic Springs is one of Yellowstone National Park's most recognizable landmarks. Despite scalding temperatures and high mineral content, various organisms thrive. These organisms give the springs its wide range of colors. This view of the springs was from the boardwalk. When I was developing this image I noticed the rainbow in the steam. I was so excited for that unexpected result of this visit to Grand Prismatic Springs. 180504_MAC_003164-HDR-Edit.tif

SNOWFIELD ATOP MT LASSEN - LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK

Having the right gear is only useful if you know how to use it. ***EMBARRASSING STORY*** Trudging through the snow and ice field my hiking poles kept coming apart. Each time it happened I got more frustrated. I finally realized that when I assembled them there was a locking mechanism I kept overriding because I thought it was the proper thing to do. The locking mechanism is similar to that of an umbrella. So when the pole was fully extended it should take some work to get it to collapse. Once I realized the error, the sticks worked GREAT! Having learned my lesson, I've put many more miles on my poles. Live and learn. :D

PATTERNS IN SAND - GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK

Patterns in the sand are always changing. No two moments will ever be the same. I felt very fortunate to have a few days to spend exploring the Great Sand Dunes National Park of Colorado. Seeing the golden grains at sunrise and sunset was worth the effort of climbing from one apex to the next. Did you know that the Great Sand Dunes National Park is the highest elevation sand dunes in the world? The dunes exist at just over 9,000 feet above sea level. They are ringed by a Colorado mountain range that tops out at over 14,000 feet. 180827_MAC_2752-HDR.dng

GOLDEN HOUR - GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK

In August of 2018 I drove from my home in the San Francisco Bay Area to Colorado. On the way back from visiting with old friends I spent a couple days exploring the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. The park is at an elevation of over 9,000 feet and has the highest elevation sand dunes in North America. The tallest dune rises more than 650 feet from the desert floor. My goal for the second night was to camp among these giant formations. With a permit in hand and my bag filled with camera and camping gear I started my way into the heart of the sand dunes. As the afternoon turned into evening the light changed to this beautiful golden hue across the land. The shape of the dunes made such interesting subjects that I couldn't stop taking picture after picture. Although the landscape was beautiful, if you look closely you'll see sand being blown across the top of the nearest sand dune. This part of the scene serves as a lesson about preparing myself and my gear for the elements. With sustained winds of 20+ mph, gusting to 40+ mph the sand found its way into every nook and cranny of my camera, tripod, and bag. Also, in places my skin was not covered, I felt the sting of each grain's impact. This is a reminder that for every photo posted there is always a story from behind the scenes. Also, a reminder to do your homework before venturing out into the beautiful places in the world. It can be the difference between an enjoyable adventure and something much worse.

RED ALGAE - ARTHURS PASS NEW ZEALAND

I took my mom to visit New Zealand on her first ever international vacation. For two weeks we drove around the south island taking in the amazing landscapes and culture. One day, while driving to Arthur's Pass, I saw these rocks covered in red algae set against alpine blue waters. Captivated by the colors, I pulled the car to the side of the road to investigate. Thankfully mom is a patient lady because I spent more than an hour testing different angles of this landscape to find interesting compositions. New Zealand is famous for its vast, sweeping landscapes and imposing mountain ranges. However, for this particular moment, the beauty I found was on a smaller scale.

LUPINES OF LAKE TEKAPO

Every spring people come to New Zealand to see the brilliant Lupine blooms. Here, on an early morning at Lake Tekapo, this patch of flowers caught my eye because of the stunning background.

LAKE PUKAKI - NEW ZEALAND

I've never set eyes upon a body of water so blue as Lake Pukaki near Mt. Cook. New Zealand was an amazing place filled with the most varied and photographic landscapes. I look forward to the opportunity to come back to New Zealand with more time to explore.

MILFORD SOUND - NEW ZEALAND

The drive into Milford Sound on the south island of New Zealand was filled with one spectacular vista after another. We only had a day to drive down and back but I can see wanting to spend days and weeks hiking the trails to all the hidden places away from the roads.⁣ The contrast of the green forest with the snow and glaciers of the mountains in Fjordlands National park were breathtaking. If I had been driving myself, mom and I wouldn't have made it very far because everywhere we looked the views were awe-inspiring. 181109_MAC_2856-Edit.tif

REMARKABLES AFLAME1

Driving around the south island of New Zealand for two weeks with mom was an unforgettable experience. As the trip was coming to a close I stopped the car near a cluster of yellow flowering bushes. With the mountain range known as the Remarkables rising in the background, I worked to get a composition that offered contrast. ⁣ This view was near the city of Queenstown, New Zealand. The Remarkables are the most recognizable landmarks around the city. 181109_MAC_3362-Edit.tif

REMARKABLES AFLAME2

Driving around the south island of New Zealand for two weeks with mom was an unforgettable experience. As the trip was coming to a close I stopped the car near a cluster of yellow flowering bushes. With the mountain range known as the Remarkables rising in the background, I worked to get a composition that offered contrast. ⁣ This view was near the city of Queenstown, New Zealand. The Remarkables are the most recognizable landmarks around the city. 181109_MAC_3384-Edit.tif

BONSAI ROCK SUNSET LONG EXPOSURE - LAKE TAHOE

Soon after I moved to California in 2017, some friends talked me into splitting a ski lease in Lake Tahoe for the winter. This turned out to be a great decision because I fell in love with the area. From snow capped peaks to the clear, blue waters Lake Tahoe has something for everyone. One difference between just taking photos for a hobby and as a job is the amount of work I put in to research. Over that winter I spent hours online and outside looking for interesting subjects. This effort led to a long list of places to photograph. One of first places on the list was a boulder roughly 100 yards from the shore, called Bonsai Rock. On a spring night I took a drive to the eastern side of Lake Tahoe to photograph the spot at sunset. With the warm colors of the spring sun casting a golden glow on the scene, I set up my camera and tripod to enjoy the moment. As I was taking the photos I used a few different perspectives and techniques. For this particular photograph, I chose a long exposure to slow down the motion of the water to mirror the sky and draw attention to Bonsai Rock as it glowed in the last rays of the sun.

BONSAI ROCK SNOW COVERED - LAKE TAHOE

When winter comes to Lake Tahoe, most of the crowds flock to the ski slopes. This leaves most of the lakeshore deserted. On this particular evening, the deep snows blanketing the hillside deterred even more visitors from the famous Bonsai Rock. I shared this winter sunset on Lake Tahoe with only two other strangers. We laughed and marveled at the fact that we had the place all to ourselves. In my opinion, having a chance to see Bonsai Rock with snow on it was worth the cold and getting dressed up in my winter best. The more I explore with my camera the more I have become accustomed to being uncomfortable in some way. However, the other part of the lesson is that these are the situations that will likely make for cooler, more unique moments. 190121_MAC_0097-HDR-Edit.tif

BONSAI ROCK HDR PANORAMA - LAKE TAHOE

When winter comes to Lake Tahoe, most of the crowds flock to the ski slopes. This leaves large portions of the lakeshore deserted. On this particular evening, the deep snows blanketing the hillside deterred even more visitors from the famous Bonsai Rock. I shared this winter sunset on Lake Tahoe with only two other strangers. We laughed and marveled at the fact that we had the place all to ourselves. In my opinion, having a chance to see Bonsai Rock with snow on it was worth the cold and getting dressed up in my winter best. For this particular image of the well known Lake Tahoe boulder, I used a series of HDR frames to capture the panorama. The more I explore with my camera the more I have become accustomed to being uncomfortable in some way. However, the other part of the lesson is that these are the situations that will likely make for cooler, more unique moments. 190121_MAC_0333-HDR-Pano-Edit.tif

HOOVER DAM SUNSET

The Hoover Dam is a marvel of engineering and construction techniques. I've been there a few times, each time I see something new and am further impressed by this work of art. I got to share this visit to Hoover Dam with my mom, uncle, and a couple of cousins. They were patient with me while I waited for the sun to get into the right position.

MARSHALL BEACH SUNSET

Growing up in the Midwest the ocean was always just a distant dream. Now that I live in California I'm blessed to have it in my backyard. The Golden Gate Bridge is the icon of the San Francisco Bay. So many pictures have captured its beauty and grace over the years. On this particular night, I set out to showcase the beauty of the water over which the bridge stands.

MARSHALL BEACH TWILIGHT | SAN FRANCISCO - CALIFORNIA

MARSHALL BEACH NIGHT | SAN FRANCISCO - CALIFORNIA

BIG BASIN SUNRISE | BIG BASIN REDWOOD STATE PARK - CALIFORNIA

KINGS CREEK FALLS - LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK

Perspective is something we all have. Sometimes it's good to look at the world from a different perspective to find hidden or overlooked beauty. In researching for this shot I knew the waterfall was stunning and that the best light was around sunrise based on the direction of the opening of the canyon. I arrived at the prescribed time to take the images I had envisioned. However, because I had time I kept looking for new ways to capture the scene. I found myself drawn to the large boulder with its mini-waterfall. Taking off my shoes, I waded into the 55(+/-)F water to compose. Long after my feet had gone numb I got what I was after. Persistence. Perseverance. Perspective. Don't be afraid to look at things differently. You are likely to surprise yourself with what you see. Today, that is more important than ever. It's good to have your own thoughts but be willing to consider a different viewpoint. Seek out other perspectives. Be humble and respectful.

MONUMENT ROCKS SUNSET - KANSAS

Once upon a time, the Great Plains were under a shallow ocean. As the waters receded over time, they left mineral deposits in their wake. In the plains of Kansas is a series of formations known as Monument Rocks. 170702_MAC_000033.ARW

EMERALD BAY LAKE TAHOE SUNRISE

Tucked away on the southwest corner of Lake Tahoe is a beautiful spot named Emerald Bay. One cold winter morning I wrapped myself in all the winter clothes I had brought with me, to wait for sunrise in this picturesque location. With temperatures hovering around zero I paced back and forth waiting for the sun to rise over the lake. As the skies started to lighten Lake Tahoe and the bay in front of me began to come alive. It may have been a cold morning, but having this view all to myself was a great way to spend a morning. 2018_01_21_MAC_LAKE TAHOE_00479.ARW

FANNETTE ISLAND LAKE TAHOE SUNRISE

There is a beautiful part of South Lake Tahoe named Emerald Bay. In the middle of the bay is Fannette Island. Once upon a time, a wealthy family built a home on the shore in the bay and a tea house atop the island. Can you find the tea house in this photo of Fannette Island? 2018_01_21_MAC_LAKE TAHOE_00616.ARW

Landscape Photography | Yosemite National Park | Peaceful Stream

When people think of Yosemite they think of grand vistas and big granite walls. However, if you look a little closer you might find hidden gems like this little stream.

A TOUCH OF GREEN - MCARTHUR BURNEY FALLS

While camping in Lassen Volcanic National Park, I took a little side trip to see McArthur-Burney Falls. The falls are very impressive, but on this day the spray was so powerful that I knew I couldn't get the image I wanted because the lens just wouldn't stay dry. Instead, I spent some time admiring the cascade before setting off down the loop trail. This image from downstream wouldn't have been possible without the water flowing down the falls. The moss/lichen on the rocks is sustained by the spray that was soaking my lens. As the song goes...."you can't always get what you want, but you get what you need...." I wanted a cool shot of the McArthur-Burney waterfall, but I got a reminder that it is ok to put the camera down to just enjoy a moment.

RAINBOW BRIDGE - MCARTHUR BURNEY PARK

While camping in Lassen Volcanic National Park, I took a little side trip to see McArthur-Burney Falls. The falls are very impressive, but on this day the spray was so powerful that I knew I couldn't get the image I wanted because the lens just wouldn't stay dry. Instead, I spent some time admiring the cascade before setting off down the loop trail. As the song goes...."you can't always get what you want, but you get what you need...." I wanted a cool shot of a waterfall, but I got a reminder that it is ok to put the camera down to just enjoy a moment with the falls. Following the water downstream I came upon the Rainbow Bridge. The bridge spans the stream flowing from the falls. While I didn't get the shot of the waterfall that I had come for, this scene and landscape were just as wonderful.