Waterscapes
Read MoreSunset fades over Mitre Peak in Milford Sound, New Zealand. The Māori name for Milford Sound is Piopiotahi, meaning one single piopio, which unfortunately is now an extinct bird in New Zealand. This shot was captured as water returns to the Sound as the tide rolls in. The water advances quite quick at sunset and in just minutes, the water depth can increase many inches in height, covering your ankles and forcing you further back to look for new compositions. This particular shot captures the glow of the fading light and the beautiful and typical foreground in Milford Sound: algae covered stones and small salt ponds. The long exposure used on this shot delivers silky smooth water, soft clouds and brilliant tones of color.
Dawn arrives along the shores of Lake Wanaka, New Zealand. The highly popular yet lonely Wanaka Tree is in frame. This tree is one of the iconic photographic gems of the south island of New Zealand and is sought after by professionals and tourists alike. There are no shortage of photographs of the lone tree, however, I wanted to approach the scene a bit different than most. I chose to compose this shot with the natural framing of the foliage a further from the water. The soft light of morning and the slow, quiet breeze made this morning a memorable one. Of course, the tree was the main event - unique and impactful in its own right.
Shot at the very end of the Tasermiut Fjord, in South Greenland where the water meets the ice sheet. We were told the glacier retreats around 45 meters per year on average. The glacial melts and runs underneath giant formations of the vibrant blue ice. At night, when sleeping near the glacier, you will hear large pieces falling off into the fjord water. It often sounds like dynamite as the ice avalanches down.
This image was shot after a late Summer storm at one of my favorite beaches in Lake Tahoe - Chimney Beach. Growing up in Tahoe, I frequented this beach which is accessible via a sub-mile trail on the east shore. I have a ton of memories that date back to childhood where a quick boat ride or hike down to Chimney Beach ended in a nice picnic or sometimes a fire. It had been years since I had been back before this evening. I stood on a boulder image for a couple hours in order to capture the waves' motion, color and reflection on the water just right. A 1.3 second shutter allowed for a nice capture of movement and color. The changing conditions and fading light sometimes challenges the ability to capture what you set out to obtain, especially when using filters to block out the light. Even if you return without a usable image, it is still amazing to experience these beautiful moments in life.
Bright sun rays appear on the western side of Lake Tahoe before sunset. Iconic Bonsai Rock, on Tahoe’s east shore, is in frame. This image was shot in late Autumn, 2017 as winds picked up before sundown. Golden hour light reflected off the splashing waves and created a special mood. I have been a long time visitor of Bonsai Rock, but every year, water levels fluctuate allowing for the capture of new and unique perspectives. The rock gets its name from the small “Bonsai” like pines sprouting from its cracks and is a sought after scenic destination for landscape photographers from all around the World.
This image was shot from Lake Tahoe’s eastern shore during a late Autumn sunset. During the summer, this secluded cove is a favorite destination for nude sun bathers. Later in the year however, it is much too cold for the scantily clad to bare their skin. This also means you can show up and watch the sunset without perhaps even seeing another soul. Simply serene. This beach is one of my personal favorites from around the popular alpine lake - one of Tahoe’s most beautiful gems. The small beach, aptly named Secret Cove, is littered with medium sized boulders and unbelievable leopard like sand patterns in the shallows. A long exposure of 47 seconds was utilized in this scene to smooth the water, colors and clouds while I stood in the chilly water watching the scene progress.