Indian Creek

2 weeks ago I was in Indian Creek, UT. I met up with a few friends at camp '6' for some wholesome climbing fun. I am pretty sure the entire time we didn't leave camp before 11 a.m. which doesn't lend to the greatest light, but hey, if you're tagging along, you take what you can get.

Indian Creek is located in south east UT in the middle of the desert. It is famous for the perfect cracks in the miles upon miles of rock wall, my 'models' were all about getting on tough climbs.

Climbing photography can be a bit of a head trip. First, you have to 'jumar' a fixed rope, clip your bag to the system and shoot away. The scare for me is potentially dropping an expensive lens/camera body. I suppose to get a decent shot you have to take a risk. Luckily, I didn't drop anything this day or the entire trip for that matter.

For this particular shot, I was hanging at about 90 feet shooting down on Leif. Snapped a bunch of frames, then rappelled off the climb. I have a bunch more, and some of my other Indian Creek work can be seen here.

A month later...

Well it's been roughly a month since my last post. As you can guess, I've been quite busy as of late. Two weeks ago I took part in a photography workshop here in Jackson called Photography at the Summit. The workshop was put on by photographers Corey Rich, James Balog, Richard Clarkson, and National Geographic Adventure Magazine photo editor Sabin Meyer. Under their instruction we shot images of climbing, kayaking, camping, running, biking, and outdoor lifestyle. Above is an image I made in the Gros Ventre mountain range looking back on Grand Teton National Park. I used multiple off-camera lights, and gels to create this image.

I'd encourage everyone to investigate the work of the instructors above.

Also, I've just returned from Indian Creek Utah where I shot climbing and mountain bike images more on that next...

Play whats NOT there

One of the greatest jazz musicians Miles Davis once said, "Don't play whats there, play whats not there." This quote was brought to my attention by one of my favorite photographers and friend from Connecticut, Jake Wyman. I think this quote can be applied to photography particularly well. Don't shoot whats there, shoot whats NOT there.

Well, I decided to give it a shot. I shot this image by reversing the direction of my lens. Basically I held my lens backwards up to my camera and shot away. I used flashes shot through umbrellas to create the bright, soft light. It's pretty cool what you can do when you focus on the unknown and try something a little different.

Branching out

As you can see I specialize in Adventure Photography. These images are the type that inspire me and most everyone else to get out, and conserve the environment. The book I recently just finished Let my People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard (owner and founder of Patagonia) speaks about the environment, diversity and their interplay with business. He also speaks of diversity within business, where, as a business person, one should constantly branch out and look for new ways of doing things to become sustainable.

Working for a the local paper, I am forced out of my comfort zone of shooting in wild places. I am given a contact number, have to seek the person (or persons) out and shoot photos of them in their work place, or whatever the context of the story entails. Sometimes the people I have to work with suck. They want to get the shoot over with and have no interest in helping to make a great photo. That was not the case this past week.

I was put on the cover story which happens to be a local group of DJ's under 21 that throw parties for kids that are under age. They provide a sober time for kids. They were not throwing a show, so we had to put together something else. We decided to shoot in a playground, showing the grass roots of the program - having fun. We did. They brought their DJ equipment and a bunch of glow sticks. We set up on the playground, and inspired by a few Phish concerts I've been to, I decided to have a friend throw the glow sticks into the air behind the group.

This is a perfect example how one must learn all aspects of a trade, while it is nice to specialize in one genre, all aspects of the trade often come into play. As I see it, a photographer must understand all variables that go into photography. It is important to learn about artificial light, working with models etc., just as it is important to understand how to shoot a great landscape photograph.

I'd encourage all to go out and try something different with what you do for your profession. Take a risk and see what the results are. Patagonia's business model embraces this idea, and they seem to be doing well.

In short, don't be afraid to diversify.

Appalachian State University Football

Yeah, I know this is a photography blog. But how can an alum not mention the ASU upset of Michigan? They are saying this is the biggest upset in college sports history. Yes, bigger than Boise state upsetting Oklahoma last season and George Mason making it to the Final Four in 2006.

Needless to say, I'm excited. Here is a quick clip, if you have not treated yourself to highlights, please do.





Espn's highlights here.





Some photography to come soon...

A little fun

Last week, before my backpacking trip I visited the Scottish festival here in Jackson on assignment for the Planet Jackson Hole (the newspaper I freelance for). The festival was fun, I got the chance to experience the log tossing, bagpipes and traditional Scottish food. Above and beyond the festivities this little girl stood out to me.

During the festival it was raining. Typical Scottish weather. Most people ran under the tent for refuge, but this girl couldn't get enough of her umbrella and the rain. It got me thinking how awesome it is to see people having a great time, no matter what the conditions may be. When was the last time you made an excuse not to do something because of the weather? Perhaps next time, rethink and be prepared. You never know how much fun you might have.

Teton Crest Trail

For the past couple of days I have been backpacking through Grand Teton National Park via the Teton Crest Trail. It proved to be one of the best hikes I have done thus far in my life. Simply put, words cannot describe the experience.

This image sums it up for me.

Pictured is Ben Graham descending into the south fork of Cascade Canyon from Hurricane Pass with the Grand, Middle and South Tetons in the background.

Perseid Meteor Shower

Each year the Perseid Meteor Shower rains over the Northern Hemisphere. This year, it happened to occur on a new moon, which proved great viewing. We went out to Shadow Mountain for the event.

The meteors can be as large as a pea or as small as a grain of sand. As the meteors enter Earth's atmosphere it compresses the air in front, which heats up. The meteors vaporize and light up creating a shooting star.

The meteors were created by a comet called Swift-Tuttle. The comet itself is 6 miles in diameter, similar in size to the one that wiped out the dinosaurs. Last seen in 1992, Swift-Tuttle is the largest comet to repeatedly pass by earth.

We observed about 2-3 shooting stars a minute. Good times had by good people, and we had an awesome view of the Tetons to boot. Hopefully you got out and enjoyed it as much as we did.

Karate and Derby Cars

Two weeks ago the county fair came through Jackson. Part of the festivities is the demolition derby. To be honest, I never went, or even desired to go. But when the derby was over they stashed all the wrecked cars just outside the facility.

I ventured out there last night to shoot the cars. Surprisingly one my of roommates wanted to come. So he did. We arrived out there at about 11 p.m. and I began to shoot. About 5 minutes into it I told Leif (my roommate) to karate kick the side of the car. He did, and I'm into the results.

This isn't traditionally my type of photography, however, I have been spending some time over at another blog called Strobist. This blog tells you everything you need to know about off-camera lighting. That is what I did here. One flash was placed directly behind the subject, then one off camera right about 15 ft away. Set the camera F8, on blub exposure, stood on top of the car and made the shot. Some cool stuff can be done by simply getting light sources in creative places.

A little for your ears

It's interesting how some art mediums can be paired together. For instance, music and film. It seems as though every song has some new booty-shakin' video paired with it. Most are for the pop crazed teens, but I stumbled upon something fresh, and healthy.

For a few years now I have been discovering music through a radio station in the Blue Ridge Mountains called WNCW. They played a song by a DJ a few weeks ago by the name of Mocean Worker (pronounced by saying ocean, with an 'm' at the beginning). I visited his website and he's got his new music video posted for his new song 'Shake ya boogie.' It's probably nothing you will see on MTV, but who watches that anyway? Basically I've been inspired to dedicate an entire post to this video and his music. I guess it is because after I watched it my headache was gone and I ran a marathon.

Well, actually I didn't run the marathon, but it did clear my head. His music is capable of healing. Seriously.

Check it out... THE MOCEAN WORKER

The Project - Teaser's

Well, I promised I would update as things progressed with the movie I worked on in New York City last April and as it turns out, it is moving right along. The folks from Renhart Films have put out their first two teasers of the movie The Project. The film, as I've said before, is about a group of film makers that move to New York City to make a documentary on inner city youth. I shot the movie stills for the Project, a few can be seen here.

It is a very graphic and explicit film. I would even venture to say that the one minute teasers are rated 'R'. So, make sure there are no small children around and check it out.


O.K.... I've warned you. The teasers are below.


Teaser #1



Teaser #2

Boulder Island

About a week ago a few friends of mine ventured out to Grand Teton National Park. Since the 1940's the park as been a destination for some of the best mountaineers in the world. Good for them. We spent some time off the peaks exploring a pretty cool place called Boulder Island.

We packed some climbing gear (and photo gear) and headed out to the trail head. One mile later we were at Leigh Lake. About forty yards into the lake is Boulder Island. An island with a 30 foot boulder on it. Fitting name, eh? We tossed our gear into a raft and swam the short distance to the island. We arrived, set up a top-rope and just took it easy, climbing, sitting in the sun, and enjoying the peace and quiet of the island. I wish I could tell you a crazy story about a bear sneaking up on us, or an epic climb but none of that happened, just a few good people and a relaxing time. Something we all need every once and a while.

This was my first venture out with my new fish-eye lens, and we had some fun with it. Here is a shot of my roommate at the time- Brian hangin' out in the air. He has since left for Lake Tahoe to compete in a 30 mile run- then is off to become a CPA in Oregon. We wish him the best.

On a side note, please stop by my website to check out the new photographs I have made in the recent weeks. Also, if anyone has an old washed up leather briefcase, I sure would like it. Shoot me an email (derek@derekdiluzio.com) and we'll make arrangements.

The Project

At the end of April I traveled to New York City to work on a movie with a long time friend, Tim Duff. Since we parted ways in high school to pursue different careers, he chose the ever complicated job of movie producer. Basically he is responsible for putting together everything for a movie shoot. The only thing he doesn't do is direct and edit- even though he dabs into that every once and a while.

Tim called me up and asked me if I can come out and shoot movie stills for his new movie 'The Project', a film about inner city youth shot documentary style. The catch is the fact that the film is fiction so it isn't a true documentary, however it will seem like it when you watch it. I had a great experience working with so much talent in the city. I just updated Gallery 6 on my website with a few images from The Project.

Above is an image I made on location in queens. We were shooting a drive-by scene. This was a moment between takes. I wanted to capture the the moods of each of the actors/actress in a single frame. This is one I particularly like.

For more info on the movie go to www.renhartfilms.com. The movie is in post production, so things are kind of in a dormant stage at the moment. I will keep updating as it progresses.

Cheers!

The Middle Teton and South Teton

As you know, Jackson WY is located at the base of Teton National Park. Nearly 3 million people visit the park each year. You can see most of them pulled over on the side of the road, standing on their car door step sticking a digital camera about 6 inches from their face and snapping a photo. Other instances you can see these people (locals here call them gapers) staring at a moose or elk, getting dangerously close to get a shot for their photo albums. Making all of us late for work.

I mention the gapers because the only way to get away from them is to get up at the crack of dawn and get far into the back country. Thats exactly what my roommate and I did on July 3rd. We had the idea to climb the Middle Teton. We began our ascent at 6 a.m. And was at the base of the south-west gully, our route up the Middle Teton by 10 a.m.

The gully was steep and littered with loose rock but we made it up by 11:30 a.m. and took in the view. We got a magnificent view of the south face of the Grand Teton. This image is pictured here, with the summit of the Middle in the foreground. We each basked in the moment of a summit, then descended back to the saddle.

We were at the saddle by 1 p.m. and had a snack. This view is quite amazing as well. On either side are the Middle and South Tetons and down below off a cliff is Ice Flow Lake. Taking in the view we decided to make an assault on the South Teton. Well that payed off too. That climb was very easy and we were able to bag 2 peaks in one day. Needless to say my legs were sore for 2 days.

Two major peaks in the Tetons in 12 hours with a good buddy on your birthday. It doesn't get much better.

Oh yeah. No Gapers. Much better.

Road Trip

Inspired by the mountain bike film Roam, a few buddies and I headed down to Sun Valley, Idaho for a few days of riding. For those who have never been, it is a beautiful town nestled at the bottom of the Sawtooth Mountains. Sun Valley is world renowned for their mountain bike trails. Not because they are by any means technical- just thousands of miles of perfectly groomed single track. I rode 30+ miles with my camera and a flash. Here is an image from one of the few rock gardens we found on the trails. I biked ahead and set up on the trail to capture this shot. I was about 12 inches from the rider (Damian Quigley).

For those who enjoy Mountain Biking or hiking, go to Sun Valley, camp out a few nights and enjoy their trails. It is truly a unique place.

Snowboarding: June 20th

Yep, thats right. Some how I convinced my buddy James Ryder to wake up at 2 a.m., hike 3 and 1/2 hours, snowboard for 5 minutes, lay out in the meadows below the Middle Teton for an hour, then hike 2 hours out.

It's not easy prying yourself out of bed at 2 am for a few snowboard turns in terrible conditions in the middle of the summer. But after a cup of coffee, some cereal, a fruit roll-up and the chance of making one awesome photo in morning light- nothing can bring you down. Right?

We began hiking at 3:30 a.m. in the pitch dark and made it to Garnett Canyon without having a full conversation- just incoherent, groggy comments. I made this photograph here, in the canyon with first light of the morning hitting the Middle Teton. A moment that is well worth the early start.

We then climbed talus, scree, and snow fields and arrived just below the Middle Teton where our decent down the Cave Couloir began. We traded our mountaineering boots for snowboarding boots, strapped into our bindings and boarded for about 5 minutes (you can see the couloir just next to James in the image posted). After boarding we made our way back to the trail, took our shirts off and waited for a few beautiful women to come around the corner. An hour and a few snickers bars later, the women never showed. We packed our bags, and hiked out to the car.

Exhausted, we went home and napped for a few hours before happy hour. Thats when our day began...

A clean room and a full-body suit

Last weekend I set off to cover some high tech business in Jackson. As it turns out the highest resolution projector in the world is being developed right here by Alces Technology. To get some perspective, take a look at a high definition TV. Now move close to it and check out the detail. Multiply that detail by 4. Yup, these things can put out a mind-blowing amount of detail. Wondering, 'where can I get one of these?' Well, they are not up for consumer purchase... yet. They aim for a consumer product in a few years. You will have to go to a planetarium or IMAX theater to experience one of these machines.

These guys don't mess around. Literally. To work on the chips, you must put on a full body suit with a hair net and booties then step into a 'clean room'. Chris DeMarco (pictured here), and I went into the facility for a photo shoot. Shooting photos while feeling like you are in the twilight zone is quite the experience. Working with these guys was a blast. They were all about taking photos and got into it, constantly joking around and having fun. Boy, it's nice to be with people who actually like their jobs and are doing some amazing things at the same time.

Welcome!

Hello everyone. Welcome to my photography blog. Here you will be able to log on and track my recent photography endeavors. As most of you know, I specialize in extreme sports and adventure travel photography. Here you will be updated on new images and the stories that made them happen. Beyond this, I have also been shooting for The Planet Jackson Hole newspaper. For 'The Planet', I shoot all walks of life- which gives me many different subjects to shoot. So I invite you to check back regularly (at least once a week) to get updated on the new projects I am working on here in Teton County- or anywhere for that matter. Also, feel free to comment on my posts. I have left it open to anyone to comment, there is no need to register. I hope all is well in your world and I can't wait to hear from you. Go ahead and bookmark this page. It will fulfill all your wildest dreams....