Reframing a scene
Reframing the Scene: Why Less is Often More
This shot takes me back to a trip Kevin and I took to Grand Teton National Park in 2013. We were watching a storm roll in, and I spotted this beautiful stand of trees. I knew if the sun could just peek through those heavy clouds, the contrast against that moody, dark sky would be incredible.
Photography is often a waiting game, and we got lucky. In these situations, the "light show" usually only lasts for a few seconds, so you’ve got to be ready to click that shutter the moment it hits.
The Shift in Perspective
At first, I captured a group of four trees as the light broke through. It was a solid shot, but something felt like it could be tighter. I swapped to my 70-200mm lens to isolate just three of the trees instead.
The result? I liked the composition of the three trees much better. Plus, the sun decided to play along and hit the second frame with even more intensity, making those autumn colors absolutely pop against the dark backdrop.
My Pro Tip for Your Next Adventure
Whether you’re out in the middle of nature or wandering city streets, don't just "get the shot" and leave.
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Play with focal lengths: Try isolating subjects to see if a tighter crop tells a better story.
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Move your feet: Sometimes stepping just a few feet to the left or right completely changes the perspective.
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Wait for the light: If you find a great subject but the light is "meh," try coming back at a different time of day.
You might not visit these places twice, so make the most of the moment while you're there!
"What’s your go-to lens when you want to simplify a busy landscape? Do you prefer a wide-angle to capture it all, or a telephoto to pick out the details? Let me know in the comments!"
Fishing skills
The Underwater Anglers of McNeil River
There is a rhythm to the McNeil River that you only truly feel after sitting on the banks for hours. While most people imagine Alaskan bears standing atop waterfalls catching salmon mid-air, the reality is far more diverse—and entertaining.
In my time observing these magnificent animals, I’ve learned that every bear has its own "signature" fishing style. Some prefer the classic method of snatching jumping fish, while others take a more patient approach, simply watching and grabbing. Then, there are the divers. This particular bear (pictured below) caught our eye with his unique technique: he preferred to go completely underwater to hunt his meal.
More Than Just a Photo Op
Being at the McNeil River viewing area for hours on end taught us that photography is only half the experience. The real magic lies in the quiet moments between the action:
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Behavioral Quirks: Watching how one bear’s fishing "method" differs from another.
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Social Interactions: Seeing the hierarchy and communication between bears in their natural habitat.
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Expert Guidance: We owe so much to our guides from the Alaska Fish and Game. They have the enviable (and vital) job of documenting these bears daily, and their insights made our stay so much richer.
A Rare Glimpse into the Wild
Looking back at these photos from the trip Kevin and I took in 2010, I’m reminded of how rare this experience truly is. Because of the strict lottery system, only about 200 people a year are granted the opportunity to visit.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have won that "lottery" several times over the years. Each visit leaves us with a fresh set of stories and a deeper respect for the wild heart of Alaska.
Storm over Mono Lake
On the drive from the ghost town of Bodie to Mono Lake, Kevin and I were met with a sudden, dramatic storm. We managed to pull over at a viewpoint just before the descent into the valley, and I scrambled to grab my camera before the light shifted. While the result is more of a spontaneous "snapshot" than a meticulously planned composition, I love the drama it captured. These days, I’d likely just reach for my phone, as it’s rarely easy to keep full camera gear ready while transit. After a long day of shooting, I was mentally ready to relax at the hotel, only to be caught off guard by one last incredible view.
Angel of Death
A few miles out of the town of Hanksville, Utah there is a spire that takes over the landscape once you find it. Towering tall and alone is this giant spire that the local climbers call "Long Dong Silver" and I have also heard the name "Angel of Death". I chose that name to call it on social media so it would not be taken down. It is about a two mile hike through the the open landscape and through a hidden canyon. Once you round the corner to the canyon you see it. The wind is always blowing and it can be very hot in the daytime. I would love to get a milky way shot here and it is on the list to do. In this photo I place the word "Hikers" in the lower right corner so you can see the group of hikers and see the size of this canyon.
Tree at sunset
This tree was located in the farming bottoms of Blackwell, Arkansas. Lots of people visited this tree and photographed it due to it's unique look. I came here many times to photograph the tree in different weather and lighting conditions. Sunset was one of my favorite times to be there. A storm took down the tree many years ago, but it was a social media sensation for a while.
