Fitting quote for the week as we wrap up a week here in the United States commemorating the life of Martin Luther King Jr.: Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. - Martin Luther King, Jr. If you ever show up to a location you’ve had your heart set on to photograph only to find that the weather isn’t up to your expectation this photo

Nothing says White Sands National Monument in New Mexico like the iconic Soaptree Yucca plants that litter the dunescape.  The photo below was taken just after sunset in the blue hour under a rising full moon. Surprisingly it is quite a challenge to find a nicely isolated Soaptree Yucca plant in the dunes. While searching for the right yucca, in the right orientation and at the right time I discovered many cool featu

If there ever was a photographers playground to learn something about yourself creatively White Sands National Monument is the spot. Every time I visit I find new landscape opportunities and more importantly I expand my ability to see creatively. 100,000 acres of wild dune fields might seem monotonous or overwhelming, but once you venture out into the void the isolation allows you to focus in a new ways.  An added bo

This Weeks Friday Freebie iPad Wallpaper: White Sands Detail Friday Freebie features an image to liven up your iPad display with images from my travels… all for free. White Sands National Monument is a truly special place. The gypsum sand not only creates a beautifully unique landscape of white sand dunes it reflects the ever changing color of the sky during dusk hours. The resulting hues that make up the lands

So many times I’ve read that photography is the art of light, but in my experience first and foremost photography is an art of observation. Observation of light and shadow, color and texture, pattern and shape, and of course subject. What has most energized me creatively over the years is the charge I feel when I see and create something that so many others look past with indifference. I’m a firm believer

You might not think photographing a picnic table would be all that interesting, but at night White Sands National Monument looks like a moonscape. The gray and blue tones look very moon-like and in combination with the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired picnic shelters you feel like you’re awaiting a shuttle back to Earth. Fortunately for me there were no run ins with Marvin the Martian. [tags]photography, stock photo

If you ever want to see the desert come alive just spend some time there at night. This is true in relation to wildlife activity and finding a new take on landscape subjects.  We are diurnal by nature so it is very easy to look past what unique lighting can be found at night. The desert offers so many great subjects rich textures, wildlife, expansive landscapes, unique plant life, etc. and all of it looks completely

In 2010 I had a great time behind the camera and I was fortunate to have been present for some amazing moments including the  birth of my son (the ultimate experience).  While I’ve ranked my best photos in years past (best photos of 2009, best photos of 2008 and best photos of 2007) this year I’m finding it impossible to do. In fact by doing so I may just end up in the dog house as you’ll soon disco