24 Hours in Estes Park
Several months ago, my companion and I boarded a plane bound for Denver, with a subsequent excursion to the picturesque town of Estes Park to attend the nuptials of a dear friend of hers. The wedding was held at the enchanting Della Terra Mountain Château, perched amidst the towering peaks of the Rockies and conveniently located near the entrance to the magnificent Rocky Mountain National Park.
Although my stay was largely occupied by professional obligations, on the final Saturday of our visit, we managed to carve out sufficient time to explore the park. As we embarked on our journey back to Seattle, with the last flight of the day as our destination, we were blessed with a bountiful window of leisure to roam the park's roads and appreciate its stunning vistas. This was my maiden visit to RMNP, and the drive into the park was simply breathtaking, transporting me to a realm of grandeur, with the magnificent mountain peaks and endless expanses of wilderness enveloping me in an aura of serenity. The seclusion of the park on that day only added to its captivating beauty, as the only sounds that echoed in the vast stillness were the whispers of the wind and the gentle rustling of the trees. Annie and I are already scheming to make a return trip in May, when we will be in Colorado for another concert at Red Rocks.
For the duration of the trip, I relied solely on my trusty Fujifilm X100v to document our adventures, shooting everything handheld and processing the images with Adobe Lightroom Classic and Photoshop, along with the Nik Collection and Lumenzia.
A Journey To The Heart
September came and went in a blink of an eye. It was over before it began, it felt like.
During that month, I lived on the road, residing in my trusty truck, "Brandi". My girlfriend Annie and I had meticulously planned our trip for several months with the primary objective of reaching Denver, Colorado to witness a performance by "The Head and The Heart" at the prestigious Red Rocks Amphitheater. The tickets were a gift from Annie, either for my birthday or Christmas, however, we couldn't quite recall which.
As September approached, it was time to embark on our journey. Our only set stops were to visit my parents in Idaho for a couple of days and then finally reaching Denver. The rest of our trip was spontaneous, discovering new places and experiences along the way. Our itinerary consisted of scenic hikes, relaxing by tranquil lakes, and exploring uncharted territories. Our route took us through Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, and Oregon.
This visual diary below is a recollection of our trip. All the pictures were captured using my Nikon Z7 and Fujifilm X100v cameras, and processed with Adobe Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, Nik Plugins , and Lumenzia.
Kalaloch Beach - Overnight Trip
Very much glamping for the night. Flat and paved parking. Even a picnic bench!
Walking along the beach. Olympic National Park.
It’s been years since I had last been to Kalaloch beach. The last time I had been there was in 2016 with Annie. Heading to the Washington coast is something we never get tired of. I don’t think anyone can ever get enough of it, to be honest. There is something about the Washington beaches that always leave you wanting more.
Recently, Annie and I purchased a rooftop tent from Free Spirit Recreation. We’ve only been able to get out once before in it for a quick trip. The occasion arose once again where we could take off for a quick overnight trip. Though it had been slightly planned as we knew we might be able to get away. The planning I put into it was to pull a steak from the freezer, defrost it and add a little salt and pepper onto it 24 hours before. If you don’t know me, I love to cook.
We loaded up the truck and headed out to the beach. Taking a few back ways on our way there. I always enjoy slowing down and taking time to meander through the small towns on the way to wherever we are going.
Driftwood.
After a couple of hours of driving we made it out to Kalaloch and it was a beautiful and overcast day on the beach. The wind wasn’t too bad until later in the afternoon. We were able to walk a few miles on the beach before it really picked up on our hike back to the campsite. The tide was coming in while we were out on the northern edge of Kalaloch. Wandering around and watching the waves crash over the rocks is a thing of beauty.
Annie, wandering the beach and going to look at the tide pools.
After a few hours around at camp, the winds and rain came barreling into the coast. We knew this was going to happen but I did not believe it would rain as hard as I thought it would. I should have known better. The rest of our evening was spent up in the RTT having a couple of beers, playing war and 10,000 while the wind and rain battered the tent. I slept through most of all the storm, I guess Annie didn’t. Needless to say, I got a great night of sleep.🤷♂️
The next morning we packed up and headed off towards Port Angeles on a mission. Mainly myself because I was really craving Frugals. As we were leaving, the clouds were beginning to break and the morning light was starting to shine through. I can’t wait for more sunny days and more days on the beach.
Until next time, Kalaoch…
Fujifilm X100v first impressions
Recently I was feeling so out of touch with photography. I have sold off most of my kit and now only run a Nikon Z7 with two lenses and a X100v. I wanted to move away from using my smartphone when out and about. I was constantly watching KEH.com for a X100v to pop up. Finally, after a few months one popped up for sale. I jumped and bought it right away.
Port Orchard Marina - First walk with the X100v.
First Impressions and Ergonomics
My first impressions with using the X100v was more of a learning curve. I have been using Nikon bodies for as long as I can remember. Most of that time using a D4 and D610 with a battery grip. Switching to something that much smaller was shock almost. I struggled at first to use it. The ergonomics felt so wrong and shooting felt awkward. That being said, after a few days of walking around with it and using it non-stop, everything was becoming second nature. The dials and adjustments are so easy and intuitive to use when on the fly.
Desceding to Lake Cushman.
Image Quality
Shooting with the X100v was a new experience in a way. I had become so used to the IBIS in my Z7 that I never really thought about it much. I was also at this point used to using the EVF all the time. Switching to using the rangefinder viewpoint of the X100v was a truly enjoyable experience.
First off, the first photos I made with my X100v were well… Bad. I wasn’t used to it. Getting into the swing of things and using it changed that.
The image quality is honestly absolutely lovely. I love the files I can get out of this camera. I use the Fujifilm emulations that are built into the camera for 99% of the photos that I am taking with it. There are very few at this point that I don’t use them on. The only ones I won’t use the emulations on is food. That I like to edit myself and work to create my vision with it. The emulations are beautiful. Using this daily, I do a lot less editing after they import. I only add just a few minor tweaks to pull your eye where I want you to look. Dynamic range of the X100v at lower ISO is great. There is plenty of detail even in the darkest shadows. I can’t speak to the high ISO performance at this point, since I haven’t used it above 1000 ISO yet.
Browns Creek - Olympic National Forest
Final Thoughts
Have you lost touch? Are you unenthusiastic about photography? Want to ditch the smartphone?
Then maybe the X100v is for you. I fell in love with photography again thanks to this camera. I felt joy and happiness again while shooting. Getting out the Z7 just felt like doing work for clients and not something that was for me and for the reason I love photography. The feeling of just going for a walk while carrying the X100v has been refreshing. It’s made me look forward to getting out and carrying something small and light with me. It feels like photography again.
All photos on here have been made using Fujifilm emulations profiles and edited to taste in Adobe Lightroom.
The last two were shot with no profile and edited in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.
Change - Seattle, Washington
To the alley - Seattle, Washington.
To see more photos taken with my Fujifilm X100v head over to my Daily Life gallery.
Into The Buckhorn Wilderness
Day one: Tubal Cain Trailhead to Buckhorn Lake.
The start of the trip was a late one. Annie had to open at work. She was up at 3:50 AM. After she was off and back home, she was able to switch a shift around, and then we were off after that!
Arriving at the trailhead late meant the parking would be a little cramped when we would pull in. It didn’t help that anyone at the trailhead knew how to park, at all.
We loaded the last few things into our packs, and we were off into the forest. The first few miles was a gradual climb up through wild rhododendrons that were just about in full bloom. As you make your way up, you have a trail to your left that takes you into Tull Canyon and the Tubal Cain Mine. Tull Canyon is the almost final resting place of an SB-17, a search and rescue variant of a B-17. The SB-17 collided with a mountain ridge en route to a search and rescue operation. A few flight crew members did not survive the impact and slide down into the valley. After the wreck, the fuselage was salvaged and is now one of the two remaining B-17’s that are airworthy.
We made our way across copper creek and began the real part of the climb. The trail switchbacks it was through the forest and spits you out on an almost wide open hill side. That’s when you get your first real glimpse of Buckhorn Mountain. You’ll never forget that first glance. As we worked our way to the cutoff for Buckhorn Lake we slowed down and soaked up the sun and views. At 5.6 miles, you will reach the cut-off to the lake. Two creeks and a bit more climbing later, you follow a steep and rooted trail to the lake.
Buckhorn Lake was the highest I have ever seen it. We dropped our packs, set up camp and reluctantly dunked ourselves into the lake. It was a shock to the system. Rinsing off sweat had never been so difficult. After that, we rushed back to change and hang up the sweaty clothes we washed off. Then it was time to make dinner, have a nip of whiskey, and watch the sunset from our tent. That night was a beautiful one. Camped right on the lake, Buckhorn Mountain towering above and the rush of the waterfall that feeds the lake.
Buckhorn Lake to Iron Peak
It was a clear morning on the lake. We woke, made coffee, and broke down camp. The original plan was to hike from Buckhorn Lake to the Charlia Lakes. Once again, were back, zigzagging through the trees. After a quick mile and half, you break from the trees and fully witness the majesty that is the Olympics. You have a 360 degree view of the mountains. It’s one of those views you never tire of. Now that we had broken from the trees, the fun begins again. The snow was still covering much of the trail in the higher elevation. Instead of switch backing your way up, it’s a straight climb up the snow and hillside to try and avoid most of the snow. Once you make your way past, you’ll reach the saddle below Iron Mountain. You can see for miles. It was when we were reach the top of the saddle, we realized that reach Charlia lakes was out of the question. Seeing how much snow was still covering the area to the south of Marmot pass, we decided to have a shorter day, and camp on the saddle. That’s okay though. From our tent we could see Seattle, Mount Rainier, Adams, and St Helen’s.
The next morning was an uneventful one. We packed up and headed straight back down to the car. There were swarms of day hikers and the weekend was approaching. We thought it would be best for us to just pick up camp and head back home. We did make it back to the car in just over 2 hours.
Spring Has Sprung
It felt like just the other day we had below freezing temperatures and snow. Now every day is almost 60 degrees, and we have 12 hours of daylight!
To me, it’s a welcome sign. I am so ready to get my backpacking gear out and head into the mountains to get away from it all.
Recently we got away for the day to wander around the forest. I made a few photographs that day. Two of which I was very fond of.
The warm morning light of spring was falling through the forest. I have missed this sort of light in the forest. It feels like it has been ages since I have been out in it.
This last one is a three image panorama of Ranger Hole. This was the first time I have ever stopped in here over the years. Usually I am passing it early in the morning heading to a secret spot I found years ago. Probably the best spot for sunrise in the Olympics is hidden nearby here. I’ll show you that later..
In other news I am working on launching a print store on here. The Prints navigation will now take you to the storefront where a few different sets of photographs are available. I will be adding more and more to it as time goes on.
Mount Walker
The day before going on a hike I am one of those people who constantly refreshes NOAA.gov to watch the weather for where I am going. I can’t help it. It’s the skier in me. I have to know.
I woke up at 6 AM. Not only that, but I hopped on my phone to once again refresh NOAA and check the weather one last time. 45 °F and mostly sunny was the forecast. I grabbed my backpack loaded up with my camera gear and day hiking gear then headed to my truck to warm it up. Hitting the road from Port Orchard it was a cold foggy morning until we reached the Hood Canal Bridge. Once we took the left onto the bridge the Olympic Mountains were out in full glory with the golden morning sun falling on them.
F-Stop Loka UL
After getting to the trailhead of Mount Walker there was a thin layer of mist lying across the valley. We loaded up and hit the trail. It was also my first hike with my new day hiking/camera bag; the F-Stop Loka UL. Watch for a review after I have taken it out a few more times. About 20 minutes into our hike we had gained just enough elevation to see over the trees and across the valley to see Mount Townsend. I was pretty excited about that. What I really wanted to do this day was make a large panoramic photograph from the summit of Mount Walker
The forecast definitely changed from mostly sunny. Heavy fog rolled in and the lightest snowfall started to fall on us. As much as I wanted a beautiful sunny day I will never turn down a snowy day in the forest. The trail only had a small amount of slush and ice from the last storm system that moved through. Days of warmer temperatures and rain washed away most of it. Around the 1800’ level, there was a solid layer of snow and ice. Which the snow that was falling started to pile on top of. The rest of the hike was a steep push through the snow and ice to the top.
The last push to the top.
Google Pixel 4XL+Lightroom Mobile.
Upon reaching the summit we were treated to one incredible view..
North Viewpoint
Google Pixel 4XL+Lightroom Mobile
No, it wasn’t quite the view we had been hoping for, but you can’t always get the exact conditions you hope for. All that matters was we got out and enjoyed the day in the snow. I did get my camera out to take one photo while on the hike. It’s had 3 versions of it already in its 72 hours of existence. This was the one that I have settled on for now. We decided to hike the road out to add more distance on our hike. The whole way down I was watching how the mist would float through the trees. I couldn't stop staring at them. After watching the trees and looking for a composition I liked I had finally found one I truly enjoyed.
Morning Mist
I still have a couple of limited edition metal prints for sale over on my shop. Go take a look!
Snowmageddon 2021
Snowmageddon
2021
The rare occurrence of snow has struck once again in the lowlands of Western Washington. The chaos that ensues after the snow is always incredible to me. I grew up playing in the snow as well as living in Spokane and the Silver Valley for a couple of years. The snow is one of my favorite things.
Snow falling on the water in Port Orchard.
Though, seeing the snow in the lowlands of Western Washington is always a different feeling to me. Growing up here we never would see much at all. Maybe once or twice a year if we were lucky. During this round of snow about a foot of snow fell in town which was pretty incredible to wake up to.
Evening stroll
Evening stroll part 2
Waterman Pier
Later on, in the evening the storm started to roll in with full force. The winds were absolutely howling. The was causing white-out conditions and snowdrifts were forming in front of your eyes (okay not really that bad but you get the idea).
The next morning after the brunt of the storm had passed we woke up to almost a foot of snow! Of course, we got up early and headed out for a quick drive around town before all the folks who can’t drive or shouldn’t drive in the snow were out. The town looked gorgeous with the fresh blanket of snow over it. After getting out for the short jaunt around town it was time to head back and enjoy the snow day at home.
My drone was almost hit by a flock pigeons..
The day called for Ranch Water (tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico), and my first attempt at making the traditional Spanish dish; Paella. It was my first attempt but definitely not my last one. I plan on trying it again next week after we finish eating this batch. This round of it was slightly improvised since I had most but not all of the ingredients I would need. Next time will be a smaller batch of seafood paella.
The first attempt of paella.
Until next time everyone!
PS: I still have some limited edition metal prints over in my shop!
Obstruction Point Snowshoe: A Winter Adventure in Olympic National Park
One of my favorite ways to get out in the winter is snowshoeing. it’s such a fun activity as well as great exercise. Getting out on a bluebird day in the mountains is one the best things to do in my opinion. Wandering your way through the snow covered forests and out onto a ridge where you can bask in the glory of the mountains around you is something you never get tired of.
Brandi basking in the rare February sun (Brandi is my trucks name).
Ice covered Hurricane Ridge Road
Annie and I headed to the Olympic Mountains to get some snowshoeing in. Specifically, we headed to the Hurricane Ridge entrance of the Olympic National Park. We reached the gate to the park shortly after 9 am The road up into the mountains wasn’t too bad. It was 35°F when we passed the gate. It stayed just about the same temperature until we were almost to the top where it only dropped about another two degrees. There was ice all over the road in the shaded areas as to be expected in the early morning. When almost to the top the road had a solid layer of ice over it.
The descent to Obstruction Point Road
Making the best of the sunny days.
After parking, getting our packs ready, and snowshoes on we hit the trail. It’s a fun experience getting onto the trail here as the snow gets higher. The trail starts behind the snowbanks. Which were about 4 feet high. Luckily someone had knocked out a large chunk of the snowbank for people to get up and on to the trail.
The trail down to the road is hands down the worst part of the entire snowshoe experience here. When we were there whoever cut trail followed a skiers track down. They took the most direct route down to the road. I followed it down but when we came back at the end of the day I went and cut a zig-zag track back up the hillside so it would be easier for others to come back up the trailhead parking.
Clouds rolling across the ridge.
Looking back towards sunrise ridge.
Soaking up the views.
Breaking trail.
After about an hour we hit a spot where we would stop and grab some lunch. We passed one other group in the same area who decided to do the same thing. As we had our lunch we could see one other group heading up breaking trail towards Steeple Rock I believe. I am not 100% sure about the name of it.
Overall, if you have the time to get away for a day to the Olympic Mountains you can never go wrong. The obstruction Point snowshoe it is a good beginner/intermediate level hike. It’s mostly flat with some slow longer uphill. If the trail is broken in it should be no problem at all. You’ll wander your way through dense forest open ridgelines with absolutely stunning views.
Had to get one of us together!
Have fun out there and stay safe!
Dungeness Spit - A quick day trip in Western Washington
It’s been nothing but rain here in Western Washington for the last few days. The days of sitting inside were starting to get to us, more than they normally do. Don’t get me wrong, this has been a weird winter. As I sit here and write this it’s 50°F outside and it’s the second day of February.
The 5 mile long Dungeness Spit located near Sequim, Washington.
Cliffs along the beach to the SW.
After watching the weather on NOAA.gov we finally decided that we should just go for it. After countless times of refreshing the page to check different places and seeing where was getting the least rain, we both jumped at the idea of heading out to the spit. The need for some beach time has been at an all-time high.
The view we have been waiting for..
Annie, about 30 seconds before she started laughing.
A pile of kelp strewn across the beach
Getting to the spit is a walk in the park, literally. The short drive into the refuge takes only a few minutes. You’ll pass parking areas for the cliffs and camping before you arrive at the final parking area and this is where you’re adventure will begin.
Once you’ve parked, it’s a short walk down a well-marked path to the beach. That first sight of the whole spit is truly breathtaking. Even on a cloudy overcast day. On your walk down make sure to slow down and read all the signs along the way. They are all well worth the read, especially if you have never been!
And no, we didn’t hike out to the lighthouse on this trip. We arrived a little late and didn’t have the time to make it out. Next time!
One last ocean view before we go.
Two image stack for depth of field.
Hey, if you’re new here why don’t you consider adding your e-mail to my mailing list. Don’t worry, I won’t ever spam you.
Winter photography - My favorite photos from this winter so far..
This winter has sure been off to a slow start. It’s been mild, warm, and rainy. Though we have had some good snow days here and there. A couple of fun days of skiing, a few snow hikes/walks, and plenty of ripping around in the Wolverine side by side.
North Fork Coeur d’Alene River, Idaho. DJI Mavic Air.
I’ve only gotten out a few times to photograph this winter but I have thoroughly enjoyed the few times I have. My favorite day was a spontaneous trip up to Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park. It was a beautiful bluebird day. The sun was bright and the few clouds that were there would rip across the landscape.
Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park, Washington. Nikon Z7 + CaptureOne and Nik Silver Efex.
Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park, Washington. Nikon Z7 + CaptureOne and Nik Silver Efex.
Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park, Washington. Nikon Z7 + CaptureOne and Nik Silver Efex and cyanotype toning.
Last but not least, a set of portraits of my lovely girlfriend, Annie.
And, one more thing after that.. I just listed a few signed metal prints from a gallery show in Spokane. Head over to the print section on my website and pick one up for yourself. They are a one-off set of photographs.
Corn Country - A black and white set
Some time spent at home waiting for the winter to kick off has me sitting around at the computer a little more often. I’ve spent some of that time going back through some photos I didn’t spend much time with.
This is a revisit to some photos from the heart of farming in America.
Ice - A New Collection of Photographs
I’ve been sitting on these photographs for almost a year now. I had taken them back in November of last year. Right before it started snowing in the mountains. I was able to get up the lake with minimal gear. AKA I didn’t need snowshoes just yet.
This set of photos was one that I kept coming back to over the months since I shot them. I made countless versions of them and nothing just ever felt quite right to me. As I made those different versions I slowly kept making them a little darker and muted each time. I was listening to one of my favorite albums each time I made this darker series of edits. The album has an overall dark and heavy feeling throughout. Continually listening to the album over and over is what brought me to this final set of photographs.
Camera: Nikon Z7, Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Macro. Post Processing: Capture One Pro + Adobe Photoshop.
They escaped the weight of darkness
to forge a path into the marrow of the spirit
They chose to drown in a deeper vacancy
an emptiness that quells the null
a pool for the forgotten
They escaped the weight of darkness
to drown in another...
To Drown - Agalloch
Hazy beach days
As you all know the world is basically on fire. It’s been hard to sit back and watch all the wildfires destroy the forests across North America. My brother and his wife have been stuck inside with the smoke from the Oregon wildfires. We all decided it was time to try and get away from the smoke as much as we could. We all decided to head out to the Washington coast to escape it a little bit. The air quality still wasn’t the best, but the sea air felt so refreshing in comparison to what we had all been in. It was a few days of quality family time, flying kites, running on the beach, and driving on the beach with my love.
Luckily as I am writing this the rain has finally come back to the Pacific North West. It’s been long overdue and much needed.
Stay safe out there.
All photos shot on Nikon Z7 + FTZ Adapter + Nikon 50mm 1.8G. Post processing CaptureOne Pro.
Road Trip - Back To South Dakota
It feels good to be back here in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This time not having to worry about a tire exploding or something like that. This time I can leave base camp and head up into the hills and actually get out to see them. One downside of towing the trailer along is some places get a little too difficult to get into. Or the roads are far too narrow for it. Having the trailer parked down at the Black Hills KOA is convenient. Not too far from the hills and now I have power and water without having to get the generator out. Honestly, I really just wanted air conditioning. I’m inside the trailer with the a/c cranked and enjoying a Pile-O-Dirt Porter by Crow Peak Brewing.
This morning was a nice cool morning. Started the day out by heading up finishing the wildlife loop in Custer State Park. Which was pretty uneventful this morning. The evening before was quite opposite… saw a few bison on the loop. After finishing the loop it was time to head up on the Needles Highway. If you’ve never heard of this do take some time and look it up. It is one absolutely beautiful drive. I’ll be heading up there again this evening for the sunset. The road through needles is tight, winding, and dramatic. The road also has a few tunnels on it. Though if you’re like me and driving a lifted F350 those tunnels are just a little tight. I mean inches to spare with the mirrors folded in.
after the drive up and across needles I took the road out and into Deadwood. Not much to say about this since I didn’t stop to get out and look. Doing my best to avoid all group contact with people. That’s why it’s been a pleasure to have to the trailer. All I need to stop for is diesel and food to cook. Being able to keep to myself has been a large part of this journey.
In the morning I’ll be heading off to Badlands National Park. I also researched a place to catch the sunset from. Hoping that location works out well. Stay tuned to find out.
Road Trip - Iowa
It’s about 73 degrees out and a humidity percentage of around 100000% on the last full day here in Iowa. It’s been a few days of absolutely gorgeous weather and sunsets here in the Midwest. I was able to go out and see the Buddy Holly memorial, the SECOND highest point in Iowa, fly the drone around, see some beautiful country and learn a little more about life on the farm. If you’ve never been to the Midwest it’s well worth a visit. I’ve only seen a little sliver of it in my life but each time I’m here I always find something else to love about it. You can’t beat the sunrises and sunsets back here. This afternoon I spent some time photographing my sister. creating some photographs for her to use on her website and social media channels. I’ll probably add one of the portraits I made of here onto my portraits section of the website. On Saturday morning it’ll be time to pack up and head out. Off to Hot Springs, South Dakota to camp out for a few days. I’ll be spending some time up in the Black Hill National Forest exploring what it has to offer…
Road Tripping to Iowa
Well.. I’m sitting here in Rapid City, South Dakota. I’d rather be sitting in the Black Hills National Forest camping like I had planned on. Sometimes things don’t go the way you plan. Sometimes your tire hits something and shears down to the steel cable in the tire. Now I’m waiting for a new set BFG KO2’s to get delivered to Point S Tire here in Rapid City. Of course, they’re an oddball size and no one has them in stock anywhere in town or nearby. So, that means I’m sitting here in the trailer at KOA for the next couple of days. Luckily the little store the KOA has sells beer. That will help the time go by.
Anyways, I’m currently on my way to Iowa to visit my sister for a bit. After that, It’s time to hit the road back to Washington. Though It’s going to be a slow one. Two to three weeks to come back home. There is a number of places I want to go spend some time on the way back. Places like The Badlands, Bruneau Sand Dunes, Jackson, I could make a big list here but I won’t I don’t have many set destinations. Mostly going to see where the roads lead (or wherever looks pretty rad).
Stay tuned to the blog and Instagram to see where I end up going. There won’t be tons of fully processed photos from this journey until I get back home. I work from a gaming laptop, so color accuracy isn’t the best, even when calibrated. If the colors look off that would be why. I’ll make corrections and upload corrected photos when I am able to. Once I am home I’ll be back on my art monitor to create a series of photos from the trip.
Have any recommendations of things to see while I’m out here? Shoot me an email and let me know!
Until next time,
Chance
Glacial Memories
Amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine, I've had the opportunity to delve into my archives. Revisiting older work with a fresh perspective has been a delightful experience. Recently, I've been reflecting on my Alaska photos, inspired by my work on a moody, dark forest scene. I pondered how I could infuse a similar sense of cold and darkness into those Alaska photos to enhance their overall atmosphere.
If you ever come across a photo on my website that catches your eye and you want a print of it, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Quarantine Photo Excursion - Garden Edition
I apologize for the prolonged absence from my website. As you may know, the world is currently grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic, and it has affected us all in one way or another. In my hometown of Kellogg, Idaho, life went on relatively unchanged, with just a slight drop in activity levels. However, when the stay-at-home order was put in place, I lost my seasonal job, and found myself alone for about 20 days. Eventually, I became tired of solitude and decided to visit my parents in Port Orchard.
Today was a quiet day, and we didn't tackle any household projects. Instead, I went for a walk, a kettlebell workout, and a 5-mile bike ride. Afterwards, while lounging in the sun, I realized it had been two months since I last picked up my camera. Reading "Creative Calling" by Chase Jarvis, an idea struck me - to wander the garden with a 24mm lens and restrict myself to that focal length, in an effort to challenge my creative abilities in a familiar setting. The photos below were taken with a Nikon 24mm 2.8D lens and a Nikon D610 camera body. Note that some colors may appear slightly off, as I am currently working without my art monitor, but I will have it back soon.
Until next time,
- Chance
Fall In The West
The fall here in North Idaho has been off to an interesting start. During our first week of fall, we had our first snow of the season. Trust me, I didn’t believe the forecast at all. Even though the die-hard skier in me was hoping it was going to be true. A few days after reading that we woke up and looked out the window to see high up in the mountains the trace of white on the treetops. Seeing the first snow is one of my favorite things. To top it all off Silver Mountain was having their first annual Cidefest in the Mountain Haus. We had the perfect excuse to go up the mountain for Ciderfest, we had to go play in the first snow.
During the brief little bit of time fall has been here the colors have been changing fast. on the daily drive, I see the colors growing more vibrant every single day. Which means I need to head up into the mountains and cover some ground on foot. It’s time to make some new photographs of this fall while I can. We’ve been able to go paddleboarding. Explore some of the gulches around the valley. A little bit of fall car camping, and a few delicious Bloody Marys at Quinns Hot Springs. Until I can get out and photograph more of the fall here are a few photos from this fall so far.
