ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
I am a landscape and nature photographer based in San Diego, California. I’ve been serious about photography since 2004, when I received my first digital SLR as a gift, and it’s been an exciting journey ever since. I’ve learned that photography helps me connect with the natural world in a deeper and more meaningful way. It forces me to slow down, listen, and observe. These images represent some of the most special moments I’ve experienced on this fascinating and beautiful planet Earth.
I grew up with a love for nature and adventure (go figure). My uncle took me on my first backpacking trip when I was 13, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The Sierra Nevada “Range of Light” is close to my home and I spend many days each year deep in this wilderness. One day, I hope to complete the length of the Pacific Crest Trail in one season, but until then, I am slowly ticking off sections, one by one. I also enjoy climbing and as a San Diegan, of course I dive and surf.
My wife and I are avid travelers, and our shared passion for the exotic takes us all around the globe. Though most of the images you’ll see here were made in North America, you will find a few from Asia, South America, and Europe. As Mark Twain famously wrote:
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…”
MY EQUIPMENT
I currently shoot a Canon 5D Mark II and L lenses, though some of the images in these galleries were made with the original 5D or 30D. I use a Gitzo basalt tripod and Acratech Ultimate ballhead, which are light and strong and perfect for extended trips into the backcountry. I am an enthusiastic proponent of ultralight backpacking techniques, which allow me to travel light and fast. My total pack weight, excluding food, water, and camera gear, is often less than 15 lbs.
Depending on the subject, my goals, and the conditions, I will use any of several Singh-Ray graduated ND filters or rely entirely on exposure blending techniques during post. I shoot RAW and use Photoshop to make final adjustments to the color, contrast, and exposure in each image. I do not use Photoshop to add or remove significant elements from a scene, other than dust spots and the like.
Nature photography, in the way that I practice it, involves a balanced mix of reality, creativity, and artistic vision. My goal is to create compelling images, which often means shooting in dramatic light or in interesting weather. I hope these images inspire you to search out a little adventure for yourself.
MY MISSION
Beginning in 2011, I have decided to embark on a new mission: I will use my photography to help protect and restore the wild places you see in these galleries. These are areas that need our protection, and it’s wonderfully motivating to think that, together, we can make a difference.
I pledge to donate 50% of any print sale to one of the charities listed here. In other words, if you purchase a print for $100, I will donate $50 to one of the charities on my approved list.
If you would like to learn more about this program, please see my donation page. If you have any questions or comments, you may email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).