A Photographer's Love Letter: The American Southwest

Zabriskie Point

T

his mysterious land of enchantment—the American Southwest—is a siren song seducing many an explorer, writer, poet, artist and even those seeking healing of the metaphysical kind. It’s an indescribable allure that promises those of a curious nature to provide endless fascination. For those suffering the ills of industrialized urbanization, the open road and vast empty spaces have long inspired romantic notions, uplifted spirits, encouraged self-discovery and delivered an unabashed sense of freedom. You’re entering a realm imbued with a magical charm and a tangible presence of ancient people.

Laguna Beach, California

Cresent Bay

Hard to tell but a storm had just cleared after raining for days and the sun was out with no clouds (a landscape photographers' nightmare) but it gave me a chance to get out and tinker around the beach. 

Interview: Landscape Photography Magazine 2019

I ran into an ole friend the other day. We worked together in the medical field in Pediatrics some 17 years ago!  Since leaving, I'd seen her children grow up on social media and it was so cool to see them all in person, all grown.  As we were catching up, she says ..."and what about you and your photography!!"   When we worked together, I wasn't a photographer, I was a painter.  In fact, I painted the murals for the entire Pediatrics Center and got a big kick out of the whimsical nature of the art and how the kids reacted.  It was good times.

A Lofty Place In History

By Valerie Millett

Published In National Geographic 2019

Representing February 2019

15th Street, Newport Beach

I've had this project in the back of my mind for literally years. 
My memories of Newport Beach are so endearing that I've wanted to see if I could capture the "essence" of what made this place so special. 

Lowepro Backpack Review

Ihad the opportunity to review Lowepro’s Flipside 400 AW backpack last year.  That backpack survived some intense hikes, including Angel's Landing and the Narrows in Zion National Park. To this day, The Flipside bag still remains one my favorite.

Multi-day treks with camping gear in tow mingling in the same cargo space as expensive camera gear create numerous concerns.  The added weight could compromise stability on rugged trails. Conventional backpacks aren't set up to secure delicate lenses and cameras. Good thing Lowepro specializes in just that. 

 The idea is to carry as much photography gear needed to capture the landscape but still have room for other essentials such as clothing layers, food, water, and first aid and accessories. 

First Friday Phoenix

That mindless droning of the downtown business hub transforms into an eclectic mix of art, crafts, music, dancing, drinking, eating, incense, hedonism, religion and the "warm smell of colitas rising up through the air" 

Spring In The Sonoran Desert

San Juan Capistrano

 I remember these places even as a kid, it's so Southern California. Quaint little eats tucked into old beachside neighborhoods. It's these iconic images of a place I loved so much as a child and a culture that still resides deep in my psyche that are so enjoyable to photograph. 

Lowepro Flipside 400 AW Backpack Review

I had the chance to try Lowepro's Flipside 400 AW camera backpack on my recent trip to photograph a few hikes in Zion National Park. This camera backpack is a high capacity backpack built for the outdoor shooter.  

The Lone Cypress

Classic West Fork 2018

I've put to thought often,
how it is that
certain locations just resonate so brilliantly
with your own psyche.
When I look at my own images, it's the first thing I see or I don't see. 

This place 
is always full of magic. 

Arizona Highways 2019 Scenic Calendar

The Month of January 2019 for Arizona Highways Magazine

The Sonoran Desert: My Backyard

A desert storm is something to be experienced, over and over again. I love the storm seasons, especially the warm monsoons.  Beautiful dramatic backdrops, the sand travels in waves, the lightning strikes, the thunder cracks and rolls  all mixed with fragrant sage, acacias and mesquite for a unique desert bouquet.

#GetOutside

It's been raining on and off now for a few days and this morning.  I wanted to see the Dells saturated by the rain as the colors deepen and the patterns stand out.  On a subdued morning, under a broody monsoon haze, we spied some kayakers.  The Dells are spellbinding. One could easily meander around these formations for days.  

 

Facebook Unplugged

   AP PHOTO/PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS

After almost 10 years on Facebook, I unplugged. 

Published by National Geographic 2019

Several years ago, I wrote a story about my first hiking trip into the Narrows of Zion.  On this particular trip I was fortunate enough to have the hike all to myself in the wee hours of a warm May morning.  It was a rich experience the felt entrancing and humbling to be in a place of such intense beauty.  At times, I'm bathed in the soft canyon bounce light and got lost in the sounds of the Virgin River rambling on by as my legs, my whole body sways with it's rhythm. 

The echos of the canyon wrens keep me company and I just can't stop looking up. 

Autumn's Grand Tapestry