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| Nostalgia in Wickenburg |
The big trip in December was our ramblings around the Mojave Desert, mostly in Nevada. There's more to share from December and January, though.
A Night at The Desert Botanical Garden
DBG Sculptures and Shadows
A friend and I checked out the Light Bloom Exhibit. We arrived at dusk and shot the striking sculptures by Yelena Filipchuck and Serge Beaulieu. The shadows were often as incredible as the structures themselves.
Team Roping
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| Action at the Rio Rancho Arena, Wickenburg |
Nearby Wickenburg is known as the Team Roping Capital of the world. I had no experience at all with the sport, but fortunately Verne Rainey, a member of the Wickenburg Photo Club, has plenty. He generously lead a small expedition for the rest of us. I learned so much, not the least of which was that the unpredictable, quick action is tough to shoot. I'll never be a rodeo photographer, but the experience was great.
Weekend Retreat at Oak Creek
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| Gypsy the Wonder Dog in the leaves next to Oak Creek |
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| Drone Selfie |
Our friends' Oak Creek property is a picturesque haven nestled amidst nature. The serene ambiance of the creek, combined with the warmth of our friends' hospitality, made it a perfect escape.
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| Late light reflected in Oak Creek Arizona |
The weather in January was
crisp, with the sunlight filtering through the trees, casting a golden glow on
the flowing water. It was an ideal setting for photography. As we enjoyed our
time by the creek, my camera was never far from my side, ready to capture the
fleeting moments of natural splendor.
Alamo Lake
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| First light in the Campground, Alamo Lake State Park Arizona |
Later in January we spent a couple of nights at Alamo Lake
State Park (AZ). We camped by the lake, embraced by the serene surroundings and
the vast expanse of the Arizona sky.
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| Earth Shadow and full moon set, Alamo Lake Arizona |
The changing light throughout the day transformed the
landscape, offering endless opportunities for capturing the beauty of nature.
Sunrise and sunset were particularly magical, with the sky painted in hues of
pink, orange, and purple, reflecting off the calm waters of the lake.
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| Fishing in near-solitude, Alamo Lake Arizona |
Marco put the boat in from a beach near our camp, and I particularly
enjoyed shooting his adventures with the drone.
The quiet of midweek in January rendered well from the air.
Yarnell Loves Pets Project
Over the two months I had the privilege of contributing to
the Yarnell Loves Pets project. This initiative, organized by the Yarnell
Regional Community Center, aims to highlight the special bond between Meals on
Wheels clients and their pets. Through photography, we sought to capture the
joy and companionship that these pets bring to their owners' lives.
As we visited several clients, I listened to their stories
about their beloved pets and the invaluable support they receive from the
community center. One elderly woman shared how her cat was a source of unconditional
love.
Another memorable visit was with a gentleman who described the love and affection between him and his dog. The images of Buddy snuggled in his arms captured the essence of their bond.
Through my involvement in the Yarnell Loves Pets project, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the role that pets play in many of our lives. The photographs I took will be part of a larger project aimed at raising awareness and funds to support the community center's efforts, including social media posts, printed assets, and videos. It’s great to use my passion for photography to make a positive impact.
Travel and photography have a unique way of opening our eyes
to the world around us, allowing us to see and appreciate the extraordinary in
the ordinary. I look forward to more adventures in the months to come, and to
the stories and images that will continue to unfold.
As always, there's more in the Winter Gallery on the website.
