Illustrated Book Cover

I've been in the field a bunch this past summer and fall and am now working to get new images from the northwest and other locals posted as soon as possible. New recreational stuff is coming from Montana, Washington and Oregon. Just recently had this image published as a book cover on the city of Portland. Interesting that they decided to use a photo illustration but I guess the publisher really liked this image even though I'm not if he's have ever been to Portland.

Little Known Conflict

Most of us really don't have a clue what it's like in some of the more desperate parts of the world until it comes face to face in the form of some sort of visible human suffering.  This last assignment for American Legion magazine was just such an example.  Imagine living in total fear for your families life and your own simply for being a translator for US troops in Iraq.  This man and his family were long standing citizen's of Bagdad and had be violently threatened numerous times culminating with a body of a dead victim being left at their doorstep as an example of what was in store for them.  Now in this country as part of a program to help these folks he will be headed back to Iraq simply because he can't find a job here that will pay as much as being a translator in Bagdad.  Interesting challenge on this assignment as I could not show his identity and still had to make an interesting and story telling visual.     

Ultimate super-light tripod

After some thorough research looking for a super duper ultra lightweight tripod and head I really didn't find anything that fit the application I was thinking of.  Namely back country hiking, biking, overseas travel and general active recreation and travel photography.  I'm thinking something of carry on variety, very minimalist but still stout enough to hold my 5D Canon Body and 70-200mm IS zoom.  Most of what I looked at on the internet was about twice the weight I was targeting.  Enter the Gitzo GT0531 6X Carbon fiber tripod.  Given not cheap, but very strong for it's size.  I ended up matching it up with a Really Right Stuff BH-25 ballhead with circular platform.  Now the head wasn't to bad, coming in at just under $100. And the nicest part is the whole set up weighs 1.75 lbs!  Now thats a lightweight tripod setup.  

Wasatch Wonder

Just back from Utah and not all the good skiing and/or  shooting is up the cottonwood canyons.  Good turns, good folks and great terrain to be had at both Snowbasin and Powder Mountain near Ogden.  Great upper mountain OB stuff with good scenic value when the weather cooperates.  After a four day stay of cold temps and no precipitation I almost left for SLC but changed my mind when it looked like Snowbasin got a skiff of new.  Skiff turned out to be just over boot top off Allen's Peak via the tram.  Gotta like those high mountain lifts...........           

Ski the Methow!

Kinda backed up here as it has been an action packed winter and by the looks of it far from over here in our Oregon Cascades.  Earlier this season I made a trip to Methow Valley in Washington State and shot some nordic skiing with my son Nick.  If you ever want a winter activity to keep in great shape, skate skiing is it!  The Methow has long been one of those winter destination spots I've wanted to visit with miles and miles of great trails, not to mention a more remote section with huts for over night stays.  I was also lucky enough to shoot with Eberline family while I was there who showed us around for the day.  Thanks and kudos to them             

Stock Archive Finally

After being with Digital Railroad for almost a year and just starting to get the hang of how their DIY stock image site works they send me a surprise e-mail saying they are done--as in going out of biz.  You know when I researched stock sites for photographers I basically decided I had 2 choices DRR or PhotoShelter.  I have since switched to PS and wish I would have made them my initial choice in the first place.  Great folks there and excellent features on their site including options for e-commerce, marketing and customizing your personal archive.  Anyway we have a searchable archive up and running once more and will be adding new images regularly.  Posts will be heavy on the travel, adventure, active lifestyle themes.