Go Outside and See Cool Stuff!
Growing up our family vacations often involved driving several days across different parts of the country which opened my eyes to just how beautiful, diverse, and, extremely expansive America truly is. Middle of high-school years I went on a camping trip to Northern New Mexico. Spent a week backpacking in the mountains and ever since have been hooked on the Southwestern States. Over the years took any opportunity to travel to New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and Southern California.
Fortunately for me, in January of 2014 was able to finally make the decision of moving to Phoenix, Arizona and have not looked back to the Midwest ever since.
When I am not working in the studio I enjoy wandering around the Southwest with my camera, camping, hiking and taking photographs of this beautiful section of our amazing country. Find here selected outtakes from my adventures, and, links posted below should you care to purchase a print.
Please enjoy and thank you for your support!
Superstition Mountains, Arizona
Caught the moon coming up against the last sunset light on the Superstitions at Lost Dutchman State Park in the Tonto National Forest just east of Phoenix. The waiting around for sunset and moonrise takes forever but once they finally happen things move quite fast traveling across the horizon.
Grand Canyon North Rim
The contrast between North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon is quite amazing. The north is higher elevation with more alpine trees. On this visit had thunderstorms moving across the canyon with the afternoon sun attempting to reach through the cloud cover.
Morning coffee at camp near the canyon and little bird hopping around a tree stump checking out my coffee and breakfast.
In the forest next to camp near the canyon a ground squirrel collecting nuts in the morning sunshine.
Prescott National Forest
One of the unique features of Arizona are the differences between the higher elevation mountain areas. In one area will find different trees and rocks and plant than one other side of a valley. Here, camping at Lower Beaver Creek in Prescott National Forest, the towering Ponderosa Pines are King.
Click to shop Canvas prints starting at $155.00
Classic Neon Signage
Throughout Arizona will find all kinds of classic neon signage. From points along Route 66 in the north down past Tucson in the south plenty of amazing neon art to seek out. Both Casa Grande and Tucson have interesting signage museums. One of my favorite signs is the Diving Lady located at the Starlite Motel in Mesa, AZ
Salt River, Arizona
While its more famous cousin, the mighty Colorado, flows through canyons and valleys to the north, on the east side of the state the Salt River makes its way from the White Mountains through canyons and valleys of its own. East of Phoenix along the Salt River at the Water Users Recreation Site, towering rocks in the setting sunshine with a view of Four Peaks off in the distance.
Mingus Mountain
Arizona Highway 89A is famous for its route through Oak Creek Canyon from Sedona to Flagstaff. Further south, 89A winds through the Prescott National Forest and Mingus Mountain is just south of Jerome, AZ. This was taken first weekend of September. These thunderstorms marched across the Verde Valley and within a few minutes rain and hail let loose at camp.
Old Town Scottsdale
Sometimes the best photography adventures are located just down the street or in the neighborhood. Old Town Scottsdale is famous for its art scene, shopping, quality restaurants and night life. Long exposure night photography is always fun in older historical districts.
Night time traffic around the bronze horse fountain in Old Town Scottsdale.
The famous Welcome sign on Main Street in Old Town Scottsdale.
Mogollon Rim
The Mogollon Rim is a geological formation spanning across Northern Arizona and is the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. Just east of Payson, AZ can climb up to Forest Road 300 for alpine camping, lakes and wide open blue skies. This shot is a panoramic view taken from the vista overlook.
Phoenix at Night
View of the Phoenix Valley looking east towards Camelback Mountain from Piestewa Peak Park.
Low Desert Sunset
In the Saguaro forests north of Tucson the low desert is full of cholla, ironwood, saguaro and so much other desert life. Camped under these saguaro east of Red Rock, AZ and in distance on the horizon Picachu Peak is waiting.