East of Montrose

East of Montrose

If you remember my release of The Black Canyon of Colorado from a few weeks ago, this is what lies directly east of the Black Canyon. When I look at this photograph, I see an afternoon sketch of the eastern dunes evoking a sense of adventure with a touch of mystery.

If you look closely, you will actually see tracks that were made by 4-wheelers and dirt bikes. These dunes are 4-wheeler heaven, providing seemingly unending trails for the adventurous at heart.

This fine art photograph is available for purchase. Contact me for details.

The Voice of Reason

The Voice of Reason

We all have conversations going on in our head at all times—debating the pros and cons of whatever we're thinking about. This image depicts the small voice in our head personified, as if speaking wisdom directly to the larger figure.

As a success coach, one of my go-to topics is, for you to be consistent, you have to become your own best coach. No one knows you better than yourself. Over your lifetime, you find the things that work best for you and as a result . . . you also have a sage voice advising on the best path to take at all times.

While we may not always pay attention, the internal guidance is forever accessible. I love how this image showcases that constant conversation going on in our minds.

Blend

Blend

The spirit of life is both bold and gentle, dashed in emotion and color.

The bright colors and striking shapes in this image remind me of snappy music or the energy of a bustling crowd. I seek visuals which invoke that powerful and happy feeling—the type of art that is good for the soul. The result is that—when I buy and frame these images and bring them into my home, I have something I know that, no matter what is going on in my life at that time, will nudge and prompt me to a positive outlook and hopeful attitude.

Double Glow

Double Glow

With brilliant lights and magnetic energy, it’s no surprise there's a crush of humanity in Times Square on a Saturday night. 

It's a fascinating place to be an observer—especially as the people are coming and going from dazzling Broadway Shows. This moment captures a glow, showcasing not only the romantic feelings of the couple in focus, but also the palpable radiance of an incredible performance on Broadway.

The Black Canyon of Colorado

The Black Canyon of Colorado

We launched our March 2018 mountain photography helicopter trip from Montrose, Colorado. It was a 3+ hour drive from Aspen—an incredibly early start to the day. But, our first reward was this view of Colorado’s Black Canyon as we headed towards the snow-covered mountains.

With caverns rolling to awe-inspiring depths, Colorado’s Black Canyon served beautiful views with tremendous contrast between the one-mile drop to the bottom of the canyon and the 14,000 ft high peaks in the distance.

The incredible Rocky Mountain views around the Aspen terrain could not differ more. The image of this natural masterpiece hinted at the marvels yet to be seen on our journey. 

New Black and White Abstract

Meteor

Contrary to what some believe, what creates a great image is not perfection, but imperfection. Perfection is often uninteresting, uninspiring, and lacking visual interest. It’s almost always the perceived imperfections that really make a photograph compelling.

When I look at this particular image, my eyes dance from imperfection to imperfection. I am more interested in the oddities than the normalities.

Serene Landscape

Sea of Tranquility

Calming, inviting, and relaxing—Sea of Tranquility is a particularly serene birds-eye view of vast open waters.

Initially I was intrigued by the visible detail in the water. Fields of seaweed created dark masses under the water, alternating with brilliant aqua highlights created by the sun reflecting off of the white sand, and layered with a subtle wash of color revealing the ship paths of voyages long past.

While composing the shot, I was amazed at how the atmosphere was masterfully blending the colors of the sea and sky together. Then some interesting clouds in the distance caught my eye—a perfect compliment to balance the elements of sea below.

New Abstract

Bubbles

In creating an abstract photograph, not only am I thinking about the composition and colors, I also look for rich textures and interesting contrast between lights and darks.

This photograph is a great example of how textures and contrast come together to create a pleasant and striking black and white composition where the element of color is not even needed.

New Art World Image

Full Moon, AIPAD, NY 2018

I captured this photograph because it’s a perfectly balanced composition of people interacting with works of art.

I enjoyed documenting the range of emotions high art evokes. The woman to the right is joyful and lighthearted, while so many faces around her are profoundly contemplative. There’re many different ways to internalize art, and to me, they’re all equally valid. That’s the real beauty.

New Abstract

Winter

I had to shoot this moment because I was taken with how quickly rigid, imperfect trunks become smooth, rolling shadows in the snow.

I love capturing the duality of snow.  It represents an ending, and, at the same time, snow wipes a clean slate for rebirth. The disparity of the transformation is echoed by the contrast of the light and the shadows.

The effect of the movement of light and shadows over the snow becomes a dance that very few ever notice . . . but the beauty and excitement is still there.

New: Abstract

Burnt Orange

The color orange will challenge you. It’s not one that just likes to blend in with the crowd. And not every shade of orange has what I consider to be an aesthetic appeal. But every now and then, I stumble across a glorious shade of orange that stops me in my tracks.

This particular image caught my attention for a variety of reasons, but the light and dark highlights really help these tones pop to what I felt was a wow status for the color orange. I was grateful to capture it so I would have it to appreciate again and again.

New: Abstract

Tropic Wind

These colors and textures are fascinating! But what I find the most intriguing are the shadows which were created by the nearby plants blowing in the wind. All these elements combine to evoke memories of pleasant times.

New: Black and White Landscape

Desolate

Though I often pass by abandoned structures on my travels, they don’t always strike my interest. But on this stormy winter day, I became enthralled with this particular scene. Decade after decade, storm after storm, this structure has stood the test of time. Though worn and weathered, it stands tall to remind us of simpler times.

Humans have an innate ability to innovate and improve—just think how differently this would be if built today—but we also have a tendency to overcomplicate things. I’m a big proponent of advancement in all areas of life, but I also know simple is better. The juxtaposition of this scene inspires me to continue to do more less.

New Abstract: Face Off

Face Off

Balance and precision define this image.

This composition was not intended to expose the “what” of the objects depicted, but rather to reveal the intention of their shared deeper nature which creates a direct but unemotional confrontation. I wanted to show what they could mean to each other as abstract forms intruding without apology into each other's space.

The negative space between the smooth corners of the angular forms is as deliberate as the metallic shapes themselves.

In this way, it evokes the paradoxical emotions of firm resolution and gentle tranquility.

New Abstract: Transcendence

Transcendence

I was immediately attracted to the composition of lights and color dancing out of the darkness.

I knew there was something fascinating going on, but I could not have known that each white light would transform into a perfect crystalline sand dollar at super high-resolution. This is exactly the sort of happy accident that has kept me inspired as a photographer for so many years.

The soft waves of the strands contrast the clean edges of each bright orb burning against the dark.

Falling, repeated, one after another—the lights have a dreamlike effect, real and unreal at the same time.

New Abstract: Harlequin

Harlequin

Happenstance: chance or a chance situation, especially one producing a good result.

This abstract composition that I titled, “Harlequin,” was found by pure happenstance—in my photographic work, many of my best images are.

Created from a single, chance visual encounter.

If we pay attention and are present in the moment, magic can unfold in front of our very eyes, there is much to observe that is hidden in plain sight.

New Street Image: Man at the MoMA

Man at the MoMA

Here, I captured a moment in time at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

What struck me most was the excitement and the curiosity of the patrons—from school children to matrons, and everyone else in between.

I followed this elderly gentleman as he nearly skipped around the exhibition rooms with childlike glee, discovering modern masterpieces at every turn. He paused here to fully absorb the rolling abstract bodies depicted in Pablo Picasso’s Two Nudes.

I was reminded of what Picasso once said, "It takes a long time to become young."

New Landscape: Mountain's Peak

Mt. Sopris West Peak #1

Like a life model in different poses, Mt Sopris presents us her form.

The angle of her ridge rises and falls from background to foreground, drawing the eye along with it. Stark shadows and the steep lines of her precipice intimidate as well as inspire.

This intimacy with Mother Nature did not come easily. Our ex-special forces pilot flew into a realm of arctic conditions, skimming the ridges and tree line at a speed of over one hundred knots. A blast of ice-cold air numbed me and the crew as I opened the side door of the helicopter to capture the scene.

New Abstract: Archipelago

Archipelago

Once again I am fascinated by the variegated, random patterns that I encounter when exploring with my photography.

Looking at the world though a camera forces one to take pause and consider not only what is hidden in plain sight, but also the “big picture” and our place in the world. This image, for me, has an organic, elemental energy. It holds my attention, coaxing me to explore the surface and discover hidden nuances of the harmonious composition.

New Landscape: Windswept Ridge

Windswept Ridge

When I edit my archives, I constantly unearth little jewels of imagery that rekindle the awe that I felt when I had the opportunity to take that particular shot.

Here Mount Sopris takes me on a visual journey of discovery once again. Bold yet beguiling, the curvaceous flow of its windswept ridge seduces the eye with its sinuous form.