A Photographer's Love Letter: The American Southwest

This 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.

Sonoran Shade

#GetOutside

Our monsoon season has arrived right on schedule with the Fourth Of July. 

 It's been raining on  and off now for a few days and this morning, I packed my camera backpack in the SUV and just headed out. I wanted to see the Dells saturated and subdued and this morning, under a broody monsoon haze we spied some kayakers.  As always the Dells are spellbinding. One could easily meander around these formations for days. Several years ago, I came here on a "date" to kayak around the Dells and it was a blast but I could've killed for my camera!

Go Halo! You are amazing. 
Canon 5D MarkIV Tamron 150-600mm @ 600mm

Summer Daze

Sunrise in the Coconino Forest. 

Halo and I have witnessed a few sunrises here, it
never disappoints. It's easy to leave that other world at the trailhead. 

As the sun rises, 
the lighting becomes so beautiful. Second by second the canopy overhead 
starts to illuminate and animate the scene 
into a dreamlike world. 

Desert Oasis

Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. 

This is another paradox: what is soft is strong_Lao-Tzu

Desert Landscapes Rock

“A plant needs to do more than stretch its leaves toward the sun. 
It also needs to send down roots deep into the ground. 
They hold on tightly in the dark,
 out of sight where it is easy to forget about them. 

But it is the fact that a plant can do these two things at once, 
anchoring itself to the earth even as it reaches for the sky, that makes it strong.” 
― Cameron Dokey

Sunrise on the desert landscapes at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum 
This place could easily be addicting! 

Horton Creek Trail

Payson, Arizona

One of my most favorite hikes, especially in the Spring. Head out on the trail early and you wont see another hiker for hours. I like to start on the trail at sunrise and have these amazing pools and run-offs all to myself. 

Bonsai Rock - Outdoor Photographer - Beth Young

Photo by Beth Young

Photographing Lake Tahoe's Bonsai Rock - Outdoor Photographer: 

Bonsai Rock is an iconic feature of Lake Tahoe, a 191-square-mile lake surrounded by a mixed conifer forest and breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada.

California Dreamin

Newport Beach Pier

15th Street

Newport Beach, California

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 why this place has had a lifelong impact.

The Beach

Newport Beach

Published by National Geographic 2019

Several years ago, I wrote a story about hiking in the Narrows of Zion, a profound experience.  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 to be in a place of such intense beauty.  At times, I'm bathed in the soft canyon bounce light and entranced by the sounds of the Virgin River rambling through my legs, my whole body sways. 

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

Oak Creek

Ive only had the Mark IV for a few weeks now but the moment I pulled the trigger and previewed my first playback image, I could immediately see a difference. 

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.  

Native Smile

 Seen in Arizona Highways Calendars 

Aravaipa Wilderness Canyon

Aravaipa Wilderness Canyon- Fall 2017

These Dark Days Of Autumn Rain

The West Fork Trail-October 2017

Fall in the Eastern Sierra Nevada 

Eastern Sierra Nevada- 2016

Falling Forward

California Color

Where did the time go?
 2016 has seemingly slipped out of my control and threatens to come to an end soon. Seems like a blur and in reality, so much of this year was spent dealing with the fallout of the previous year.