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.