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International Mountain Day

Saturday, December 11th, 2010

The United Nations designated 2002 as the Year of the Mountain, meant to draw attention to mountain communities and culture, and to highlight their importance to the global community. Since then, December 11 has been recognized as International Mountain Day, recognizing mountain minorities and indigenous peoples.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve sought refuge and solace in mountains; many times throughout my life, I have stood on steep mountain slopes, feeling more at home than I’ve felt in any city or town. In graduate school, I studied–in part–human evolution at high altitude. Mountains have always been a huge part of my life; I’m happy to take the day to recognize the importance of mountain culture on the world stage. If mountains are a part of your life, take a moment today to reflect on the importance of indigenous mountain communities on our lives and on the global community.

The Great Western Divide, Sequoia National Park, California

Sierra Crest, Sequoia National Park, November 2010

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Tags: inspiration, landscape photography, sierra nevada, sunset photo

Photo of the Month–December

Wednesday, December 1st, 2010

Another year is coming to an end. Already. Just as the sun sets on another year, I’ll share a sunset image from our recent Sequoia National Park trip for this month’s image. This image was taken from the top of Moro Rock, a large, exfoliated granite dome, much like those found all over the Sierra Nevada mountains. You’re looking over hill layers toward the great central valley of California (the San Joaquin Valley); haze from the valley is contributing to the unique effect you see in this image.

Sunset as seen from Moro Rock, Sequoia National Park, California

Moro Rock sunset, November 2010

Have a great month, and see you in 2011!

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Tags: california, landscape photography, sequoia, sierra nevada, sunset photo

Nevermind the Weather

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

Recently, in the span of one week, we had record high temperatures in southern California, violent thunderstorms, and very fall-like weather, with rain and nearly 50 degree cooler temperatures than just a few days earlier. In short, its been absolutely crazy, and some locals have been telling me this is “earthquake weather.” I hope not.

Stormy Skies

What I do know is that I’ve spent a lot of time looking at the sky over the last few days. I’ve admired a series of gorgeous sunsets, and–like you, I’m sure–I’ve looked at the sky every morning as a hopeful indicator of what my day will be like. In fact, the more I think about it, we spend a lot of time looking at the sky. For centuries sailors have looked to the sky before setting sail (“Red sky at night…”); as photographers, we often differentiate a “so-so” photograph from an epic one depending on what’s happening in the sky; most people let what’s in the sky help define their mood, to some extent at least. So, the sky really does define our days, and our lives.

As much as it influences us, I also think we could learn from the sky. It carries the weather, but is ultimately unaffected by it, dealing with tumultuous changes easily and unscathed, and in a world that sometimes seems to be filled with our own hurry, hurt, and negativity, perhaps we could all take a moment to look up at the sky, take a deep breath and create our own high pressure system, so to speak.

What do you think?

Cotton Candy Sky

Posted in inspiration, Personal | 4 Responses »
Tags: inspiration, landscape photography, sunset photo, weather

Autumnal

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

Almost as if someone flipped a switch on the Autumnal Equinox, I have felt the days growing noticeably shorter, and a certain feeling of Fall in the evening air. It hasn’t necessarily been cooler; the thermometer at my house read 114ºF two days ago. Despite that, the signs of shorter days, cooler nights, grey skies, and rainy days are here.

Although its somewhat paradoxical, Autumn is my favorite season. Traditionally, in literature, it has been viewed with some melancholy: winter is on the way, summer is over, and people turn inward. However, I also view it as a time of new beginnings. I take advantage of the cooler days to scout new photographic locations, rainy days provide a chance make new prints to replace old ones in my house, and I really do love the invigorating feel of a cold Autumn day in the mountains.

Although I put time into new beginnings, so to speak, I also enjoy this time of year because I can turn my thoughts inward, taking on new photographic projects that I may not otherwise make time for, or catching up on the stack of books that’s built up on my bedside table.

What changes does this time of year bring in your life? Does Autumn evoke any special feelings or memories that influence your photography or work?

Moonrise at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve near Murrieta, California

Autumnal Moonrise, November 2009

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Tags: california, inspiration, landscape photography, sunset photo

(Mis)adventures in Joshua Tree

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Last week, a friend and I headed out to Joshua Tree National Park to continue our search for kangaroo rats. Also, partly due to the hot temperatures in the Mojave Desert (110°F+), we also were treated to some magnificent thunderstorms over the mountains and desert. Indeed, it felt really good being back in some weather. At times, thunder and lightning were within 1/2 mile of us, and I had forgotten how much I missed the smell of a summer thunderstorm.

A thunderstorm in Joshua Tree National Park, California

August Thunderstorm, Joshua Tree National Park, 2010

As the sun neared the horizon, I got what I had been hoping for: a magnificent sunset. Even though the light show didn’t last long, it was one of my favorite times as a photographer: a state of suspended animation where time seems to slow to a halt. It was one of those times when you almost forget to be a photographer and stare at the sky with your mouth open.

Dramatic, fiery sunset in joshua tree national park, califronia

Fiery sunset I, August 2010

Fiery, dramatic sunset in joshua tree national park, california

Fiery sunset II, August 2010

After the show ended, we started a drive through the park, hoping to find some critters along the road…kangaroo rats, snakes, toads, or anything else. Indeed, we found something very interesting (and unexpected): Common Poorwills (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii). Poorwills are nocturnal birds that roost on the ground, flying straight upwards to catch insects. We found several Poorwills in a short distance and decided to use my car to drive close to them, hoping to photograph them. It was at this point we added the “mis-” to our adventure.

In trying to get the Poorwills to cooperate, I had my car engine off for five minutes but left my headlights on. Yeah, you can see where this is going. Or can you?

After doing that, i started my engine and drove around for a few minutes. I shut my engine off again a few minutes later (headlights also off), while we photographed a Poorwill along side the road. However, when I tried starting my engine again, nothing happened. It simply didn’t make sense, but I could only assume that I hadn’t run the engine long enough for the alternator to recharge the battery. Maybe the starter motor had broken. Whatever was happening wasn’t good–it was late (about 9:30pm) and we were not on the main park road.

We managed to get the car into neutral and to the main road. After this, we waited. It took about 1.5 hours for someone to drive by. Unfortunately, he didn’t have jumper cables, and I had moved mine to my wife’s car only a few days before this trip. The gentleman who stopped did offer to call our wives once he had cell service. At least they wouldn’t flip out when they woke up the next morning to missing husbands!

My wife did call a wrecker, which showed up at our location about 2 hours later. The driver gave us a jump start, and we were on our way, laughing about lessons learned, arriving home about 3am, without photos of kangaroo rats.

What does one do when waiting for help in the middle of the night? This photographer takes photos.

night scene in joshua tree national park, california

Waiting for a tow, August 2010

Oh, and just to prove there actually was a nocturnal bird at fault for our misadventure, here you go:

Common Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii), August 2010

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Tags: california, Joshua Tree, landscape photography, sunset photo

Stillness

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

After leaving the Sierra high country, we hiked near the base of Half Dome (yes, we did climb it!), through Little Yosemite Valley, and eventually into Yosemite Valley itself. While it was nice to have some of the luxuries of civilization (e.g. showers, flush toilets and beer), coming off the trail into that much chaos is a little overwhelming. We spent the next day in the Valley picnicking, sight seeing and relaxing. That night, we drove up to Glacier Point for one last look at the Yosemite high country, and to escape the crowds a bit.

On the way up to Glacier Point are some fantastic meadows that have gorgeous wildflowers, peaking in about mid-July. Those meadows also have huge numbers of mosquitoes, so I didn’t spend long.

We spent most of our time enjoying the view from Glacier Point, reminiscing about the adventure we’d just had, and looking forward to the next one. Not a bad end to a backpacking trip by any stretch of the imagination.

Half Dome, yosemite national park, california

Half Dome, July 2010

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Tags: california, landscape photography, sunset photo, yosemite

The Cathedral Range

Monday, August 16th, 2010

After reading Lyell Canyon, we hiked into Tuolumne Meadows–and civilization. I have to admit that I feel like a bit of a prat “complaining” about re-entry into civilization after “only” 5 days in the backcountry, but I felt so relaxed and at ease from our adventures thus far, it was difficult to cope with suddenly being surrounded by cars, pets, and people…everywhere. But, the cheeseburger I bought at the Meadow Grill was very welcome!

We had somewhat heavy rain all afternoon, and a fantastic sunset that night. Unfortunately, I rode to Lee Vining with my wife and son to have dinner and help her get ready to join us on the trail the next morning. She was more than a little excited for her first backpacking trip, and I couldn’t blame her. How many people get to have their first backpacking experience among the most beautiful and awe-inspiring scenery in the world?

The following morning, with my friend and wife as company, we headed out towards Yosemite Valley, crossing over the Cathedral Range towards Sunrise High Sierra Camp (HSC). The HSCs are fantastic camps with all the comforts at home. We did our own cooking, but did enjoy not having to filter our water. I also have to confess that I enjoyed the Minarets and the Ritter Range so much that I though the best scenery was behind us, but the views of the Echo Peaks, Mathes Crest, and Cathedral Range were among the finest of the entire trip.

That evening, I hiked up on top of a dome near Sunrise HSC to photograph these fantastic geological features.

Cathedral Peak, the Echo Peaks, and Mathes Crest, July 2010

Echo Peaks, Yosemite National Park, California

The Echo Peaks, July 2010

Stream in Yosemite National Park, California

Stream in Long Meadow, July 2010

It really was a fantastic evening, and was just a taste of what was to come.

Posted in california, national park, sierra nevada, yosemite | 4 Responses »
Tags: black and white, california, inspiration, landscape photography, sierra nevada, sunset photo, yosemite

Lyell Canyon

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

After leaving Thousand Island Lake, we continued north on the John Muir Trail, over Island Pass, and toward Donahue Pass. The summit of Donahue Pass marked not only the entrance to a new watershed, but also the border between the Ansel Adams Wilderness (Inyo National Forest) and Yosemite National Park.

As expected, climbing 1300′ from Rush Creek to the summit of Donahue was not super enjoyable, and neither were the clouds of mosquitoes–probably the worst we’d encountered on our trip so far. At one point, I set my pack down to have a snack, drink, and to rest my shoulders, and I counted about 40 mosquitoes on the shoulder straps! However, bigger things were afoot today, as we watched the cumulus clouds condensing above us, and the thunderheads starting to build! How exciting…perhaps my “curse” of photographing a cloudless Sierra would finally be broken.

By the time we arrived at the summit of Donahue Pass, the clouds were thick and thunder was rumbling all around us. This is when my inner photographer began battling with my common sense. The landscape on the Yosemite side of Donahue pass is among the most beautiful I’ve seen–fields of rich red Indian Paintbrush, gorgeous hanging valleys, a truly stunning alpine environment. However, something inside tells me that its unwise to be above timberline when there is active lightning. We chose to err on the side of survival and didn’t linger long for photos.

Despite my regrets about that, we did arrive in the bottom of Lyell Canyon with enough daylight to allow me to explore pretty extensively with my camera. All of the side streams in the area (collectively known as the “Lyell Forks” of the Tuolumne River) and ever-present wildflowers, I had a fantastic time. Plus, much to my pleasure, the mosquitoes were not bad–compared to the previous few days, I felt like they were nonexistent. Yay!

Lyell Canyon and Donahue Pass, Yosemite National Park

Lyell Canyon and Donahue Pass, July 2010

Lupine, July 2010

After dinner, I took another walk, heading back south, toward Donahue Pass. My knees prevented me from hiking too far, but I did find some fantastic corn lilies (Clintonia borealis), which make fantastic abstract photos during the summer when they’re at their peak.

corn lilies and log, yosemite national park, california

Corn Lilies, July 2010

Finally, while walking back, I saw a fantastic sunset materializing through the trees. While I didn’t have time to run back out to the open meadow, I did find an open area where I could use the river as a foreground element. I can’t really complain at the way this image came out, making a fantastic ending to the day.

lyell forks of the tuolumne river, yosemite national park, california

Lyell Forks of the Tuolumne River, July 2010

As I laid in the tent that night, I looked forward to meeting my wife and son the next day in Tuolumne Meadows, and drifted off to sleep with visions of flush toilets, cold beer, and the Whoa Nellie Deli dancing through my head, not necessarily in that order.

To see all of my Yosemite images, click here.

Posted in california, national park, sierra nevada, yosemite | No Responses »
Tags: black and white, fine art, landscape photography, sunset photo, yosemite

Minaret Lake

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

“To the south of Mount Ritter are some grand pinnacles of granite, very lofty and apparently inaccessible, to which we gave the name of ‘the Minarets.’” –California Geological Survey, 1868

I’ve always loved the view of the Minarets from Minaret Summit, behind Mammoth Mountain. When the opportunity came up to hike into Minaret Lake, at the base of these fantastic spires, I jumped on it. The Minarets are an arête, a high, thin ridge formed when two glaciers work toward each other, back to back.

The hike into the lake is somewhat demanding, gaining about 2200 vertical feet over 7.8 miles. We arrived in Mammoth about 1pm, and after catching the shuttle to Devil’s Postpile National Monument, we were able to hike into the lake by 7pm. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to spend much time, as this was a spur trip from our goal of hiking the last 1/3 of the John Muir Trail. We had to leave again by 9am the following morning, giving me time to photograph only one sunset and sunrise. I would have liked to spend a few more days at this location alone!

Minaret Lake, Ansel Adams Wilderness, California

Minaret Lake evening, July 2010

Minarets, Ansel Adams Wilderness, California

The Minarets at night, July 2010

Minarets and hiker, Ansel Adams wilderness, California

Self-portrait, Minaret Lake, July 2010

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Tags: landscape photography, night photography, sierra nevada, star trails, sunset photo

Photo of the Month–May

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010

Spring is in full swing in southern California; on our walk tonight, I enjoyed the Brittlebush in full bloom, and noticed several migrant and summer-resident bird species who have arrived in large numbers: black-chinned sparrows, wrentits, indigo buntings, tanagers, etc. With all of these changes happening, its almost impossible for me not to have “senioritis” of sorts. By this point in the school year, seniors in high school and college have already mentally checked out, looking forward to their upcoming freedom, thus suffering from senioritis. In the same way, I’m looking forward to long hikes in the mountains, lazy summer evenings at Mono Lake, and early mornings in the sagebrush of the eastern Sierra.

One of those summer evenings is the inspiration behind May’s photo of the month. Last summer, on an early August trip to Yosemite and Mono Lake, we enjoyed a fantastic dinner at The Mobil Mart (Whoa Nellie Deli) in Lee Vining, then headed up to Yosemite to follow the sunset out of the park. I started at Olmsted Point, worked my way east to Tuolumne Meadows, and finally photographed the last light of the day on Mt. Gibbs, the second highest peak in the park (12773′), with the Tuolumne River as a foreground.

This is a 3-image HDR shot I processed in Photomatix. The river and forest were already in the shade, with the beautiful pink glow left on the peak. I wanted to preserve as much detail as possible, so I chose to process this as a high dynamic range image.