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Photography is like a machine that effortlessly transports us to epic locations through visual stimulation. Amidst the countless images I have captured, a few hold a special place in my heart. Below are a few of these treasured photographs that encapsulate the essence of joy, nostalgia, and beauty, reminding me of the power and artistry of the craft.
This beautiful sunset was captured on a steep hillside on the north side of the Shasta Valley in Northern California, USA. In this composition, the viewer is looking southeast across the valley, over the jagged rocks of Sheep Rock, and into the snow-capped peak of majestic Mount Shasta. The greyish-purplish area on the mountain is the burn scar of the 2021 Lava Fire. Captured during January warm spell, I should have not had access to this location. I would normally be under several feet of snow. Sadly, the area is under severe drought that continues. Location: Siskiyou County, California, USA
In the middle of the 2022 fire season portions of Northern California were burning to the ground. One of these locations was in the view of this fire lookout tower in southern Klamath County. (glow seen in the lower left) . Now occupied by cameras and computers, this tower once housed a couple of full-time scouts that scanned the Southern Oregon Cascades for new and fresh hotspots. Today, the tower automatically scans for new fires but still stands tall 6000 feet over the landscape. On this night, I was just outside of the river of smoke to see witness the lit tower, fire, and Milky Way. Location: Chase Mountain, Oregon
The Northern Lights dance with meteors in the South Central Southern Oregon sky of the high desert. Location: Eastern Klamath County, Oregon
In eastern Klamath County, Gerber Reservoir rests quietly. On this warm April night, the Aurora Borealis made a dramatic appearance. As seen here through a fence. Location: Gerber Reservoir, Oregon.
One of my all time favorite images and best sellers is "Whitebark and the Wizard." It is an amazing piece but, I never liked how faded the galactic core appeared. For several years, I planned to recreate the image. I patiently waited for the right time of year - to position the Milky Way just right. With just the perfect amount of moonlight to illuminate the foreground, whitebark tree, and Wizard Island. It all came together when a beam of headlights kicked off from Discovery Point to add a little something extra to the capture. Location: Crater Lake National Park, Oregon.
A California Sea Lion poses in the warm spring sun on a dock at the Crescent City harbor. Location: Crescent City, California
On a warm night in July 2022, I found myself on the rim of the Crater Lake caldera for a potential night of aurora activity. As I was waiting for the Northern Lights to kick off I set up at Discovery Point to calibrate the camera system. Then all of a sudden, a massive shooting star or possibly even a piece of space junk entered the atmosphere and illuminated the dark sky. I feel fortunate to have been able to witness such a mystical occurrence and just as fortunate to have my camera open and capturing an image as it streaked across the sky. Location: Crater Lake National Park, Oregon.
The galactic core of the Milky Way rises over behind Canby's Cross at the Lava Beds National Monument in Northern California. The cross is a memorial to the only US General killed in combat in US history. Location: Lava Beds National Monument, California
A summer thunderstorm rolled quickly through the Wood River Valley near the base of Crater Lake and the community of Fort Klamath in August 2022. On this night, I set up at one of my favorite locations along a creek to capture the passing storm. Location: Fort Klamath, Oregon
At first glance, the tufas of Mono Lake feel alien with their oddities. However, they are uniquely iconic in their earthly forms. In this spring photo, the formations are illuminated by the setting moon over the Sierras behind the camera. Just as the Milky Way rises behind the formations to the east. 🌌🌔 What is not seen in the image are all the half-dollar-sized spiders hiding in the nooks and crannies. 😬 Location: Mono Lake, California
Just after sunset, the glow from the nearby cities of Reno & Tahoe can be seen over the eastern sierras and Mono Lake. This long exposure was captured along the shores of the South Tufa Area looking north toward Paoha Island. Location: Mono Lake, California
The eastern sierras near Mammoth are known for epic winter recreation. But the area is also a hotbed for volcanic-heated hot springs. Several hot springs are in view in this image as they flow into Hot Creek. Location: Eastern Sierras, California.
Golden Gate Park, California
In July of 2020, the Caldwell Fire erupted south of the Lava Beds National Monument in far Northern California. The fire was fueled by hot dry winds and quickly grew to over 80,000 acres. Location: Tulelake, California
This historic art deco drawbridge spans the Siuslaw River along the Oregon Coast. Built in 1936, this 1568 foot long masterpiece connects the towns of Florence and Glenada, Oregon. Location: Florence, Oregon.
While camped at the bottom of Mount Shasta in Northern California, I woke up early to capture sunrise on a cold spring morning. As the sun began to rise, a fresh cup of coffee was brewing on the stove. The sounds of songbirds and the distant whistle of a train horn filled the gentle morning breeze with a joyful serenade. I set up my camera in the middle of the dirt road where I camped nearby and waited for the perfect moment. Light began to illuminate the thin clouds over the mountain. In just moments, sunlight hit the highest peak as it crested the horizon. In what seemed like hours but only minutes, light began to fall on the glaciers, peaks, and valleys of the volcano. At this moment I was at peace. Unfortunately, later that year in a very hot and dry summer. A thunderstorm rolled over the mountain. Lightning struck a high-altitude pine tree just below the tree line and the Lava Fire was born. The wildfire raged on the mountain and burned for several weeks. Severe damage was done to the forest, wilderness, trails, and historic railroad architecture. The Lava Fire burned through this location eliminating the natural green beauty of the valley. Where just a few short weeks earlier, I stood in awe of the majesty of Mother Nature. Before she reminded us of who truly is in charge. Location: Mount Shasta - Klamath National Forest, California
