I am an award-winning fine art landscape photographer who has exhibited his work in various nationally-juried gallery exhibitions. I strive to create powerful, moving images of the places that I visit, inviting viewers to experience new and interesting scenes. I hope that through photography I can inspire others to not only explore the natural world around them, but to broaden their appreciation for the world's natural areas.
One of my passions is to foster a love and appreciation of photography in others, and to help them in expanding their knowledge and skills in the craft. I am open to discussion and enjoy helping others learn.
While I enjoy getting out in nature and hope that you do as well, I'm also a member of Nature First. This organization was founded by photographers and focuses on educating and guiding professional and recreational photographers about sustainable, minimal impact practices which help preserve nature's beautiful locations. There are seven principals that guide a Nature First mentality:
If you are interested in learning more, please see the links at the bottom of this page.
The mountains are calling & I must go & I will work on while I can, studying incessantly.
— John Muir
It took a long time for me to truly discover my love for photography and to use it as my means of artistic expression. As a child, I spent many summers with my grandparents going on camping trips to the mountains. I believe it was because of their willingness to take us on these trips where I could explore rivers and rocks and trails that I developed such an appreciation of the natural world around me. To this day I still enjoy camping and hiking and feel a strong connection to the outdoors. I believe we have a responsibility to protect our natural areas for ourselves and future generations to come, so that all can enjoy the beauty of nature. One of my favorite quotes, which you often see only the first part of, is from John Muir.
The first part of the above quote is often printed on t-shirts and various items which are enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts all around the world. John went on though to indicate a responsibility to the mountains which he so loved. He was instrumental in the creation of the National Park Service, and spent large amounts of time in Yosemite. Coincidentally, Yosemite is the place which truly inspired me to work on my landscape photography. Seeing Yosemite's valley view for the first time was an amazing experience. I knew that I wanted to be able to take what I saw and share it with others so they too could appreciate one of the wonders of this world.
One of the most rewarding things about being a photographer is to be able to capture a particular moment in time and share that with others. Though the scenery will remain, it is never quite the same ever again. This gives each person the ability to see and capture a unique moment in time which will never be repeated. My favorite times are sunrises and sunsets in remote places where it is usually just myself and nature. Watching the light strike the tops of mountains, the sun explode from behind peaks sending rays of light into a valley, listening to flowing rivers, breathing in the fresh air and scents of nature, and listening to bugling elk or other wildlife in the distance. I hope that my photography conveys this sense of amazement and awe at the beauty of nature and inspires others to go explore and experience nature in this way as well.
If you are interested in learning more about Nature First, I encourage you to visit their website and read more details about the organization. I hope you would also consider joining as well.
