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My artwork revolves around capturing the breathtaking beauty and serene moments of nature through landscape and wildlife photography. Using a Nikon D850 camera body, I have honed my craft with a versatile set of lenses that cater to various aspects of my photography. For most landscape shots, I rely on my Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 lens. This lens provides a great balance of flexibility and quality, allowing me to capture everything from sweeping vistas to intimate details. When I need to go ultrawide, especially in slot canyons or to capture expansive scenes, my Nikkor 16-35mm f/4 lens is indispensable. For wildlife photography or when I challenge myself with different landscape compositions, I turn to my Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6 lens. Though it's a hefty lens, the results it delivers are truly remarkable.
In my landscape photography, I focus on discovering the often overlooked details that bring a unique perspective to familiar scenes. Whether it's an unconventional angle on a waterfall or a long exposure of water to illustrate movement, my aim is to convey a sense of calm and tranquility that nature imparts. This sense of peace and quiet is what drew me to photography initially, and it's what I strive to capture and share with my audience.
When photographing wildlife, my approach is twofold. First, I seek to capture a moment of connection, such as a sparkle in the eye or a glimpse of personality that makes the viewer feel a bond with the subject. Second, I aim to portray these animals within their natural habitats, emphasizing the importance of conserving these environments. By showing wildlife in their true surroundings, I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation and desire to protect these precious outdoor areas.
Overall, my work is characterized by a deep appreciation for the subtle, serene, and sometimes hidden aspects of the natural world. My palette is defined by the rich, vibrant colors of nature, and my compositions often balance the grandeur of the landscape with intimate, calming details. Through my photography, I strive to capture and share the moments of calm and beauty that nature provides, encouraging others to pause, appreciate, and protect our natural surroundings.
When selecting my subject matter, a variety of factors come into play. First and foremost, I always adhere to the principle of "shoot what you love." For me, that means anything in nature. I am particularly drawn to mountains and water shots, as they offer a serene and majestic beauty that I find captivating. Over the past few years, I've also developed a deep passion for the Sonoran Desert, especially its iconic sentinels, the Saguaro Cactus. Their unique forms and the stark, yet vibrant, desert landscape provide endless inspiration.
Weather conditions are another key factor in my subject selection. If it's a stormy day with dramatic clouds and dynamic lighting, you can be sure I'll be out there capturing the atmospheric changes and the interplay of light and shadow. These conditions often create some of the most striking and evocative images.
When it comes to wildlife photography, the process involves a great deal of patience and a thorough understanding of animal behavior. Observing and studying the patterns and habits of wildlife is crucial to capturing those fleeting, intimate moments that reveal their true nature. Ethical considerations are paramount in my approach to wildlife photography. This means no baiting, no interfering with their natural activities, and, as I mentioned before, a lot of patience. Respecting the animals and their environment is essential to my practice, ensuring that the images I capture are authentic and do not cause any harm or distress to the subjects.
What primarily draws me to a particular scene or composition is good light. Light has the power to transform an ordinary scene into something extraordinary, highlighting textures, creating depth, and evoking emotions. Whether it’s the soft, golden hues of sunrise or the dramatic, contrasting shadows of a stormy sky, good lighting can reveal the intricate details and natural beauty of a landscape or wildlife subject in a way that nothing else can. In every shot, I strive to harness the best possible lighting conditions to bring out the unique characteristics and emotions of the scene. It is this interplay of light and nature that truly draws me to a particular scene or composition, creating images that resonate with a sense of wonder and serenity.
What inspires me is the profound calmness of nature. The inner peace that envelops me as soon as I hit the trail is my greatest source of inspiration. It’s the simple, yet powerful, moments that nature provides—the chirping of birds, the blooming of flowers, the gentle sound of water running—that fuel my creativity and drive my passion for photography. By capturing the peaceful essence of natural settings, I hope to share that sense of calm and inspire others to appreciate and protect the natural world.
My creative techniques revolve around simplicity and a light touch in the editing process, often resulting in photographs that have a painterly quality. This distinctive look comes from my commitment to keeping the editing process minimal, allowing the natural beauty of the scene to shine through. I print my photographs on high-quality watercolor paper, which adds a rich, textured dimension to the images. The prints are then mounted onto wood panels, creating a sturdy and elegant display. To protect the ink and paper, I seal the prints with a beeswax resin. This not only preserves the artwork but also eliminates the need for glass, allowing viewers to appreciate the image without the distraction of reflections.
By blending traditional photography with elements of fine art presentation, I've created a unique style that stands out. This approach allows me to present my work in a way that enhances its natural beauty and creates a tangible connection between the viewer and the image.