I’d been wanting to visit Cuba for decades, but it had somehow evaded my priorities. Then a call came in with an invitation to fly to Cuba and contribute to the documentary project In the Footsteps of Walker Evans. I didn’t need many details. I signed on without hesitation. Since then I return annually and bring photographers like you. But here’s my story… My first visit to Cuba: Our objective was to photograph contemporary Western Cuba … more >>
Springtime and Summer Harvest brings color to The Palouse, an outstandingly photogenic region crossing the borders of Eastern Washington and Idaho. I travel there each Spring and Summer for my Palouse photography workshops when varied hues of wheat, canola and legumes blanket the vast rolling landscape. Ribbons of rural roads and tractor trails add leading lines to the patchwork quilt of this agricultural gem. Dazzling blue skies and vast open spaces set the stage for … more >>
While touring the countryside, I became fascinated by the reverent shrines within small Mexican cemeteries. The shooting conditions were difficult at best, and I thought it would make a great blog post to illuminate how I approached the work shot in midday sun, through dusty glass and with very limited time. I’m still editing the work, and finishing several concurrent projects.
August is when I prepare for another trip back to Burning Man. Despite the complicated logistics, endless details and physical challenges of photographing in the intense heat and alkaline dust, I am drawn to return again. . When I post my Burning Man photo galleries after each event, many people ask me for details on how I photograph there, and how I protect my gear (and myself) in such conditions. They also ask what gear I use, so … more >>
I recently led a full workshop in Washington’s Palouse region, where landscapes are most people’s major focus. But when traveling in the countryside, I love the meditation of photographing graphic abstracts in abandoned and industrial spaces. Such details provide an opportunity for me to get close, and provide a mental balance to photographing grand landscapes, local people and rural life. I believe those shapes, rivets and splinters have stories to tell me. I try to seek out graphic compositions where various materials overlap … more >>
There is deep American history imbued within every stalk of wheat and worn wooden plank in eastern Washington’s Palouse region. I sensed it when I slowed down and quieted my anticipation. I paused intentionally and inhaled the sweet air to further inform my senses. I love the panoramic landscape, big open skies, owls and authentic friendliness of the citizens, but I am even more captivated by their stories and traditions. . The region is a … more >>
In 2014 I decided to refresh my approach to photography. I was heading to Cuba to collaborate on a historical photography project. I wanted a greater connection to subjects than I’d been having with my face obscured behind my big beloved Canon dSLR. I needed a camera that could also frame subjects if held high, held low or when shooting from the hip. I wanted a lighter and smaller system for greater agility and spontaneity. Image quality had to be excellent, with great low-light performance … more >>
I was contacted by the art director at Yankee Magazine asking me to illustrate a feature for their 80th anniversary issue. The subject: “Inventions and Ingenuity from New England”. Nancy had seen several of my Photoshop montages over time, and believed that my style would be ideal the project. She especially liked my “Telling History” piece, a realistic montage project I’d done for the Baltimore Sun. I accepted the assignment knowing I’d enjoy another challenge of creating a illustrative visual using historic images. … more >>
New in this post:
• Seattle workshop “Creative Photography With Any Camera”
• Maine workshop “Autumn Photography and Creativity in Lightroom”
• Download a much-requested image from my collection
There’s more good stuff to share…
This is the story of my favorite and most collected images: “The Buddha of Borobudur“. I’m often asked about the location of this unusual place, and also how I made this image. I’ll describe my personal process, the gear I used and my Photoshop technique. I’ve learned from photographic travels that my best images come when I manage the excitement that could otherwise occupy my senses. When I have attempted to capture the quiet essence of … more >>
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