Antelope Crack

The narrow sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon can pack a surprising number of tourists when it gets busy, even if this photograph doesn't suggest it. Page, AZ

Wahkeena Creek

A quick detour off the Multnomah-Wahkeena hike to check out this awesome creek with lush green moss growing all around it. Columbia River Gorge, OR

Hourglass

Moving through the canyons in Antelope were like running sprints. The crowds and number of tours moving through the narrow passageways only presents you with a limited amount of time to capture some of the more unique features. The sand falling over the ledge highlighted the need to slow down and appreciate exactly where you are standing, and reflect on how our time on this earth is running out, one grain at a time. Page, AZ

Multnomah Falls

First car in the parking lot at the Multnomah Falls Lodge that morning and was able to photograph these falls and the pedestrian bridge in total peace. Shortly after, I ran into another photographer who i'd met earlier in the week and we trekked the Multnomah-Wahkeena hike for the remainder of the morning. I was happy to hear that despite the massive wildfires in the area this past summer, that the rangers were able to save the lodge and limit the damage to this beautiful area. Columbia River Gorge, OR

The Watchman

After touring the Antelope Canyon that morning, I drove east to Zion National Park for a few days of hiking. I had picked this location while scouting Google Earth prior to my trip, and had planned to shoot the sunset that night. With monsoon season upon us, I decided to setup early to secure my spot, but also hope to get some amazing storm shots in contrast to the usual sunset shots from that location. Over 2hrs, and a nasty thunderstorm later, I stood there soaked and ready to capture the post-storm light. As I was about to give up, the clouds broke slightly, casting an amazing light over the Virgin River and The Watchman Mountain. Zion National Park, UT

Spirit

I was lucky enough to experience two light ray events while in Upper Antelope Canyon that day. The first was a thin pencil-like beam that barely illuminated the small area we were in, and then this one on our way out in this epic cathedral. Our guide threw sand into the air to help pronounce the light, with my shutter capturing this ghost-like pattern rising up through the canyon. It is hard to put into words how amazing this area is, and to be able to capture the light, colour, and texture of these canyons was definitely something I won’t forget. Page, AZ

Panther Creek Falls

The first stop after landing in Portland was to head North into Washington State and seek out this amazing waterfall. After navigating through some winding logging roads complete with downed trees and descending down the hillside holding on to a raggedy piece of paracord, I arrived at the bottom of this first set of falls along Panther Creek. The noise in this location was incredible, and the unrelenting mist soaked through all my gear and required frequent wiping of the lens and filters. I thought the rest of the trip would be hard-pressed to compete with such an amazing first exposure to Columbia River Gorge and the Pacific Northwest, but this area continued to surprise me over and over with lush green landscapes and wispy waterfalls throughout the rest of my trip. Columbia River Gorge, WA

Kanarra Creek Falls

It’s not very often that you can experience such an iconic place by yourself, and be able to take-in it’s grandeur and sheer awesomeness without being disturbed by other visitors. This was one of those cases, where I was the first one at the trailhead, and had this amazing waterfall all to myself for nearly an hour. Although the roar of the falls dominated the canyon, there was a peaceful emptiness to it that I absorbed while photographing the scene in front of me. I left with this photograph, some amazing memories, and smile on my face knowing that I may never experience that place the same way again. Kanarraville, UT

Lower Oneonta Falls

Captured deep within Oneonta Gorge, and travelling through 5*C chest-deep water for most of the hike led me to one of the most spectacular dead-ends I could ever ask for! This location was the reason I chose to visit Oregon this past spring, and it (along with the numerous other areas I visited) did not disappoint! The water temps and 7am start meant I had this entire place to myself for most of the morning, and despite the thunderous roar of the cascading water within the walls of the Gorge, it was eerily peaceful and calm. Columbia River Gorge, OR

Jessup Trail

A bit of artistic license taken while processing this photo of the Jessup Trail boardwalk in Acadia National Park. The low-lying foliage, birch groves, and 400+m of boardwalk made for a short and quiet hike that afternoon. Acadia National Park, ME

The Tranquil Maple

This Japanese maple tree in full bloom had the most vibrant canopy i’d ever seen, especially with all the lush greens i’d worked with so far throughout Oregon. Deceiving in size, I had walked past this a number of times in search of the “big maple”, only to realize the actual tree is maybe 5’ tall. Sticking my lens in underneath this tree yielded an amazing perspective of twisting branches, colourful leaves, and lush green moss and quickly became one of my fondest memories of this trip. Portland, OR

Horseshoe Bend

The bend is an amazing geological feature located just South of Page, AZ where the Colorado River meanders around the horseshoe-shaped canyon. An easy hike in, and no ropes or barriers to prevent you from making the 1000+ ft descent, gave me an excellent opportunity to set up multiple cameras on the very edge, resulting in this panoramic image. Page, AZ

Sandstone Swells

My first real shot at abstract photography occurred while looking up in Antelope Canyon. The mesmerizing patterns and flows of texture etched into the sandstone walls, combined with the unique and ever-changing colours reminded me waves crashing in a pool. It also served as a good reminder that the best shots aren’t always in front of you, and widening your views on things can present some amazing opportunities. Page, AZ

North Bubble Hill Runs

A late(r) start to the morning than I had planned meant I had to run up the trail to the North Bubble summit in time to greet the sunrise over Jordan Pond and Acadia National Park. After a few minutes to catch my breath and settle into my composition, the sky lit up, casting amazing colours over the pond, and pink granite rocks. Acadia National Park, ME

Golden Solitude

A lone tree stands over a vast expanse of golden grain fields as time slowly passes by. Belleville, ON

Cobblestone Bridge

While roaming the Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park, we ran across a local who pointed us towards the Cobblestone Bridge. It was built by creating an arched form with cobblestones being mortared into place on top. Once the arch was set, the form was removed, creating the only bridge in Acadia made from cobblestone. We followed a makeshift trail along Jordan Stream, arriving at the bridge standing tall over the scattered rock formations and quickly found this composition using the bridge to frame the lush vegetation in the forest. Acadia National Park, ME

Wiesendanger Falls

An early morning start on the Multnomah-Wahkeena hike meant I was the first to arrive in the parking lot shortly after sunrise. The goal was to start the 5mi hike ASAP in order to shoot all 8 waterfalls before the sun would start to cast harsh light on the scenes. A fellow photographer Michael Hellen, who I had met a few nights earlier at Rowena Crest, coincidentally also had the same game plan. We kicked off the hike and began capturing images. As we arrived at Wiesendanger Falls, our luck ended, but not before the sun cast some amazing light rays just off to the side. Columbia River Gorge, OR

Fairy Falls

I'm speechless after hearing about the fires in the Columbia River Gorge due to the carelessness of a few teenagers and some fireworks. I had the pleasure of visiting this lush trail back in May during the spring thaw, and the vegetation and waterfalls had an incredible effect on me. My thoughts are with the residents, and I hope that the damage will be limited and the Gorge will bounce back to its former glory. Columbia River Gorge, OR

Coral Way

Large moss-covered Oak and Mahogany trees have created an amazing canopy over this East-West running road just South of the Miami International Airport. We were lucky enough to stumble across this location after picking up our rental car while heading down for a week of diving in the Florida Keys. With a little planning, and some dodging of oncoming traffic, I was able to capture this amazing scene on our way back from the Keys before spending a few days on South Beach. Miami, FL

Sun Setting on Rowena Crest

When your main shot doesn't work out, you turn around and shoot PNW wildflowers in early-May! I arrived at this location to shoot some iconic twisty roads and light trails after the sun set behind me. To my luck, a rockslide had occurred on the twisty road just past the entrance to the parking lot, preventing my shot. Trying not to waste the opportunity, I frolicked over the fields searching for a backlit composition, which you see here. Hood River, OR