Landscape, Nature And Travel Photography

Death Valley National Park is both extremely hostile yet beautiful. Late last week and through much of the weekend I made my way to Death Valley in an effort to scout out some new locations for a workshop I’m holding there next month (details below) and to take advantage of the new moon for some night photography.

Death Valley Sand Dunes at Sunset

Temperatures peaked at 114 degrees during my time in Death Valley. The heat during late morning to mid-afternoon poses quite a physical challenge and is also photographically difficult due to the intensity of the light. In contrast early morning and late evening light in Death Valley can make the varied desert landscape a photographers paradise. Such was the case with sunset light painting the vast Mesquite Dunes landscape near Stovepipe Wells (see photo above). Pastel colors emerge and contrasty shadows can create attractive patterns as the sun rises or sets. I can’t wait to return and share some of my favorite spots with those who join me in October.

Death Valley Photo Tour – Death Valley National Park, California – Friday October 16th – Sunday October 18th, 2009

Technorati Tags: Death Valley National Park, California, Mesquite Dunes, Landscape, Photography, Nature, workshop,

I’ve finalized dates for photo tours and workshops in Monterey, Death Valley and Yosemite National Park for the later half of 2009. I’ll be adding more details about these shortly on my Photo Tours page. Mark your calendar, revisit my site often for updates and don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you’d like to sign up.

Sea Otter Photo Tour – Monterey, California
Saturday November 7th, 2009 (8am to 12:30pm)
Limited to 8 Participants
Price:  $349

Death Valley – Death Valley National Park, California
Friday October 16th – Sunday October 18th, 2009
Limited to 4 Participants
Price:  $799

Yosemite Valley – Yosemite National Park, California
Friday December 4th – December 6th, 2009
Limited to 6 Participants
Price:  $599

Sea Otter Photo Tour – Monterey, California
Saturday January 23rd, 2010 (8am to 12:30pm)
Limited to 8 Participants
Price:  $349

For additional information, contact Jim at – [email protected]

Technorati Tags: Photography, Photo Tour, Workshop, Yosemite, Death Valley, Sea Otter, Monterey, California

This months Sea Otter Photo Tour in Monterey was such a success that I’ve opened another for mid-December. Around this time of year it is possible to catch sight of pups. If we’re lucky we might see a couple. Unlike the last tour this one will be on a Saturday and will be a late afternoon – sunset trip. If you missed the last outing (see the highlight photos) be sure to make this one.  Sea Otter Photo Tour details.

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Technorati Tags: Photo Tour, Workshop, Photograph, Sea Otter, Monterey, California

This fall I will be leading (2) two California Sea Otter photography tours near Monterey, California and you’re invited!

From the comfort of a pontoon boat those in attendance will have the ability to photograph the natural behaviors of California Sea Otters and potentially other species including Harbor Seals, California Sea Lions, Cormorants, Pelicans, Grebes, Surf Scoters and many other shore birds. Each tour will be limited to 5-8 people to ensure everyone has the opportunity to get great photos and interaction with my assistant and I.

Learn more about the September 7th, 2008 and September 14th, 2008 California Sea Otter Photo Tour. See you there!

California Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)

Technorati Tags: California Sea Otter,  Enhydra lutris, photography, wildlife, tour, workshop