Badlands, Sand and Salt

Setting sun and wind, Mesquite Dunes, Death Valley National Park

I’m no stranger to Death Valley National Park.  I’d thought I wouldn’t join another workshop there, and that I was only interested in photographing less popular backcountry locations by myself now.  Then a last-minute spot became available on a Visionary Wild workshop with Jerry Dodrill and Todd Pickering.  On impulse I signed on to this front-country, stay-in-a hotel-room adventure.

Closed road, Mojave National Preserve

Sunrise in the Joshua Trees, Mojave National Preserve

I drove out in the van and spent some time in the Mojave National Preserve before the group convened.  Sadly, my favorite place to camp there had been designated wilderness.  No motor vehicles are allowed.  I was less than thrilled to see the turn-off blocked.  There are lots of other options, though, and I settled in at mid-elevation among the Joshua trees and in a nice quiet spot with no traffic.

Workshops keep a more robust pace than I do traveling alone.  Landscape photographers are always up and out in the dark, and this trip was no exception.  On my own, though, I generally get some work done and grab a nap during mid-day.  Instead, the group enjoyed the 4-plus-hour image review sessions.  These were excellent and were time well spent, despite missed naps. I have pages of notes on everything from technical photo processing tips to quotes from Galen Rowell. I also don’t do the long restaurant dinners after sunset shoots when traveling on my own.  After 6-hour sleep nights all week, I was ready for a recharge despite feeling deeply inspired.

Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park

There were variations on familiar locations, like hiking into the badlands a bit at Zabriskie Point for a less common vantage point and to allow us to use the dry wash as a leading line.  It didn’t hurt that the light was spectacular as well.

Snowy Telescope Peak and pink sky reflected, Death Valley National Park

This location in Badwater Basin also blessed us with uncommon sunrise color as we tromped around in the crunchy (but surprisingly durable) salt deposits.

Pastels after sunset, Mesquite Dunes, Death Valley National Park

I love shooting sand dunes but have avoided the accessible (and therefore popular) Mesquite Dunes for quite a while.  Because we were staying at Stovepipe Wells, adjacent to the dunes, we did three shoots there. We had the mixed blessing of wind.  Though there was grit in my teeth and ears, the wind wiped away footprints and created some cool atmospheric effects with backlight.

Ominous clouds over Mesquite Dunes, Death Valley National Park

Storm clouds also did a good job spicing up the dune shots one afternoon.

HDR image from inside a slot canyon in the Funeral Mountains, Death Valley National Park

There seem to be endless side canyons in the mountain ranges throughout the park.  I’ve just scratched the surface with twenty or so canyon hikes, and there are always more on my list.  The guys took us to this little gem in the Funeral Mountains.

Mud Crack Detail along Badwater Road, Death Valley National Park

Sometimes inspiration is available in unlikely places.  This is a detail of a roadside display of mud cracks.  It takes a particular kind of person to appreciate this sort of scene and I’m that kind.

Dune Detail, Death Valley National Park

Details are important to storytelling, and easily found in this magic place if you’re looking for them.

Virga and salt polygons, West Side Road, Death Valley National Park

Dunes and snow, Death Valley National Park

The Mojave Desert lends itself well to dramatic black and white presentations.  These are a couple of favorites from this trip.

Velvet Turtleback, Twenty Mule Team Canyon, Death Valley National Park

I’m sure that, in the planning of this trip, Jerry and Todd were hoping for flowers.  Winter and Spring have been painfully dry in the desert southwest this year, and we didn’t see much.  In fact, this Velvet Turtleback (Psathyrotes ramosissima) was about all I saw.  I celebrated this small victory.

The workshop wrapped at about 3:00 on day five.  At that point, I settled the van in a quiet spot and grabbed that long-delayed nap, then contemplated locations for desert photography next season.

There’s much more in the Spring 2025 Gallery on the website.

Mentors, Influencers, and Informal Teachers

Bisti Badlands at sunset, Photo by Kerrick James

I’ve been thinking recently about how, without formal photography education, I’ve continued to learn and stay current.  I’ve had the great fortune to work and study with a variety of photographers in venues as diverse as in-person workshops and on-line trainings.  These relationships offer the ultimate in custom, often one-on-one learning experiences, and often lead to life-long friendships.

I’d like to share a few words about some of those relationships.  I’ll pair my thoughts with images inspired, one way of another, by the teachers.

I’ve left a few significant examples out because the circumstances of the interactions are best not shared.  There’s always something to be learned, even if by mis-example.

 

High-key Portrait from Marrakech

Do you remember Lynda.com?  It was an online learning platform for diverse topics.  I started taking courses from Chris Orwig (at the time he was teaching at Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara) on Adobe software around 2008.  I think I started with CS3. He had a terrific way of clarifying Lightroom and Photoshop and sometimes included some thoughts on portraiture.  He’s known for high-key portraits, especially in the local surfing community, and I admire his style very much.

 

Emerald Cave, AZ, Named by Kerrick James.  This is his composition, but I couldn't resist

I can’t overstate what a terrific mentor I have in Kerrick James.  He’s one of the few photographers I know who can make a living in travel and lifestyle photography and is a go-to photographer and writer for a number of major publications.  I’ve travelled with him, as a guide and socially, and he helped me get involved with local publications and with the nonprofit Through Each Other’s Eyes, which we both work with today.  Among other things, Kerrick has taught me about adventure, bravery, and packing big experiences into short trips.

Rock Creek Arch (which, sadly, collapsed last year), Lake Powell

I've had the pleasure of Gary Ladd's company and wisdom in a number of places, but mostly on Lake Powell.  I'm thinking there have been five houseboat trips into this place which is as familiar to him as his backyard, largely because that's what it is.  Gary is soft-spoken, until he has one too many yoo-hoos and gets delightfully silly.  He leads quietly by example and is unequalled in finding just the right spot at the right time.

Kee Etsicitty, Navajo Nation Fair

Mostly, I know LeRoy DeJolie from workshops with the (sadly defunct) Arizona Highways Photoscapes. LeRoy is Navajo, and most of his work comes out of the stunningly beautiful Navajo lands.  Under his guidance, I’ve explored Monument Valley, Canyon De Chelly, and the Navajo Nation Fair, to name a few.  Serendipity and spontaneity seen to ride on LeRoy’s shoulders.  For example, at the Navajo Nation Fair he introduced himself and a part of the group to a Code Talker.  The late Mr. Etsicitty spent some time with us, explaining how the Navajo Language was used as code in World War II and giving us a chance to make portraits of him.  I’ve told this story in more detail before.

 

Colorado Autumn.  Jerry encouraged me up a treacherous slope to figure out this shot

It's tough to know where to start talking about Jerry Dodrill.  We met by chance in a workshop he taught for the exemplary outfit, Visionary Wild.  My relationship with Jerry, Like that with Kerrick, has delightfully blurred the line between client and friend.  Lucky me. From the depths of the Grand Canyon to his home turf in Central California, I’ve had a consistently great experience with Jerry.  He’s Joyous, energetic, and encourages me to push myself.  Jerry manages to be rigorous and playful at the same time. I’m looking forward to some time in California’s Mojave Desert with Jerry next week.

 

Arizona Highways Magazine is an increasingly rare publication in its support of photographers.  It is a pleasure and a privilege to work for them, and I couldn’t begin to list the relationships that have come from that.  For example, Jeff Kida, Photo Editor, and Pete Ensenberger (who previously held that title) have been generous teachers.  Pete does portfolio reviews with me that are terrific opportunities to learn from his extensive experience. Jeff has a wide range of experience and knowledge – I come home from our lunches with list of things to learn more about and with inspiration.  Priceless.

 

Cowboy Portrait, Composed on my own using Scott's wisdom

Scott Baxter is famous for his spectacular platinum-palladium prints, particularly of ranching life in Arizona.  I’ve done a couple of cowboy-themed workshops with him and have been consistently impressed with his uncompromising style.  He emphasizes the importance of knowing your subject and is a master of the portrait. He likes to give his pointers and let students apply them on our own. I’ve learned so much from him.

 

Great Smoky Mountain autumn.  I took this one out on my own after a week of group work

Colleen Miniuk is tough to sum up in a paragraph.  She brings enthusiasm and play to her teaching and at the same time a penchant for teaching scientific aspects of creativity and visual language. She has a knack for bringing people together, especially groups of women.

 

High-key composite inspired by Lisa

Most recently, I’ve worked with Lisa Langell, a particularly creative and energetic artist who has taught me about thinking outside the box.  I’ve enjoyed learning from her about photography of cowboy culture and hummingbirds. 

Well, that’s a lot, more folks than I expected to come up with when I first thought about this post. Each relationship feels like a blessing.

Thanks for riding along.

Guatemala Stories

 

It’s always great to be back in Guatemala, which feels like a second home.

 

We’ve been visiting for almost 20 years, and we’ve seen some impressive changes.  The adult illiteracy rate in the Western Highlands (where poverty is worst) has dropped from 2/3 to 1/3.  Though the reasons for this are varied, including redoubled commitment from the Ministry of Education, nonprofits like the one we work with are a solid part of the change. There’s also a rising middle class, which I see as a very positive change.  The only really discouraging thing is that the (already horrendous) traffic problem is worse.

 

Florentina, about age 13, Santiago Sacatepéquez Guatemala

The whole family, Santiago Sacatepéquez Guatemala

Marco, Flor, Daniella, Rebecca, Carlos, Santiago Sacatepéquez Guatemala

Those who have been with me for some time will remember that we have been fortunate to enjoy a visit with our first scholarship student, Florentina, each trip.  This time we gladly accepted an invitation to meet the ENTIRE family at her house.  17 years ago, we met a determined 12-year-old girl whose family couldn’t afford school.  The Government pays through the equivalent of 6th grade.  Now she is a banking professional, married, and has an 18-month-old daughter, Daniella.  She’s sent her sisters to school, and lives in a lovely home, which can certainly be described as middle class.  None of her family will ever be illiterate or live in poverty again. We’re so proud.  By the way, there was food and a piñata (nothing is so funny as a laugh-at-the-gringos game, but all in good fun) at this party.

 

There are currently 3 kids we sponsor in middle school.  This is Madelyn and her mom, who we met for the first time last week.  She’s in the 9^th grade.  We’ve seen such an increase in confidence in these kids in two years.  Partly that’s because the program includes activities one Saturday each month to build self-esteem, work in their communities, and learn about career opportunities to name a few.  There’s also social support, because poverty brings many of the same struggles there as it does here in the states.

This trip was for Members of Rotary Clubs, and the group included Rotarians from Canada and The Cayman Islands in addition to US Club members.  One of my favorite parts of this trip is meeting them, as well as Rotarians from Guatemala.  International friendships are a great benefit of being a Rotarian.  We were welcomed at a meeting of the 100-year-old Quetzaltenango Club.  After a good meal and some scotch, several of us were invited to join in on a club tradition, to be given an animal nickname.  We walk around the room to music, and members vote on the monicker.  I’m the Flamingo (thanks for asking).  I figure it could have been worse.

Delfina, Casa Flor Ixcaco, San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala

The Western Highlands are mostly populated with people of Mayan descent.  They’d like you to know that Mayan civilization didn’t disappear – they’re still there.  Lots of adroit folks are re-kindling native arts with co-ops.  We had the honor of visiting Casa Flor Ixcaco in San Juan La Laguna, Where Delfina told us all about the process of bringing just-harvested cotton through the prep, spinning, and dying process.  The quality is mind-blowing. 

 

The burning of the Bull, Chiquilaja Guatemala

Learning about different cultures is priceless.  Here’s a somewhat frivolous, if shocking example.  There’s a tradition called the “burning of the bull,” which involves lighting fireworks which are attached to a sort of cage with a bull’s head attached.  The alarming part is that there’s a teenaged boy dancing around with the cage on his back.  Once we saw this display indoors! Guatemalans do love their fireworks.

 

And then there are the students.

 

So many stories.  There are more images in the Winter 24-25 Gallery on the website.

Little Winter Gems

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

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

Gypsy the Wonder Dog in the leaves next to Oak Creek

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. 

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

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.

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.

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.

Monthly Favorites 2024

Change of season in Arizona's White Mountains

Yep, here I am again with gratitude and awe, looking back at the year’s work and experiences.  Thank you all for riding along!

January

Winter fog in Peeples Valley, just up the road from my home in Yarnell was irresistible.  The moody black and white image shows Hidden Spring Ranch’s thoroughbred horses and cottonwoods. As if that weren’t enough, when I turned around there was a fog-bow across the highway in Maughan Ranch land.

February

A cold solo trip to the Mojave Preserve and Death Valley turned up some photographic opportunities.  There was a nice storm over the first night.  Driving over a mountain pass to my next camp I came upon snow on Joshua trees, a rare treat.  

March

I like to get away on my own to the Harquahala Mountains, one of my favorite places to find solitude nearby. I was on a zoom meeting in the camper van when this light came up and I ran out with my gear and shot it.

April

The point of the trip to central Texas was the eclipse.  I had fun shooting it from a friend’s driveway, but the real attraction was wildflowers.  I loved the backlighted glow here in Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area.

May

This somewhat silly composite came about during a workshop with Colleen Miniuk called, “In the Footsteps of Georgia O’Keeffe.”  Perhaps I was inspired to be daring like Ms. O’Keeffe.  Here’s the road to Ghost Ranch, Cerro Pedernal (a favorite subject for her, though I couldn’t say why), the moon, and a skull she collected which is on display at her Abiquiu.

June

My husband was teaching scouts at Flyfishing Camp, so Gypsy and I ran off to the North Rim Forest, our happy place.  I shot this from a camp just off the Arizona Trail which offers lovely hikes in both directions.  The light took me by surprise.  Pro tip: black pets look great with backlight.

July

Fish Lake National Forest (Utah), on the way to our habitual summer trip to Park City.  Flowers, sweeping views, quiet.  This area has become a favorite.

August

This time I tagged along on the fishing trip, collaborating with Marco on the planning while combing through Google Earth for camp sites near rivers.  This one didn’t pan out so well for fish, but the morning light was worth the stop, to me at least.

September

Perhaps the best part of the rare opportunity to camp at RC Scout Ranch was access to Box Canyon, just downstream. I relish the opportunity to shoot here again, in different light and with clear water.  In the meantime, I’ll relish the memory of shooting this one, hanging off a ledge.

October

Hell’s Backbone has long been on my list of places to explore.  During the autumn Utah trip, we decided to see what was there, taking the long way from Boulder to Escalante. I put the drone up to show some of the drama we experienced.  Here’s sunrise looking down at Sand Creek Canyon, on the left in the aerial. Aspens are doing their thing on the far slope.

November

Morocco.  I’d envisioned this image in the Sahara, and am so pleased that it worked out. There are so many memories in this album of photos, and it was tough to choose just one.

December

The highlight of December was an 8-day solstice trip through the desert. The brightest spot of that trip was the quest to find and photograph this striped tinaja in Nevada.

Again, thanks for riding along this year.  With any kind of luck, there are great things coming in the new year.  Cheers.