Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Wild Thoughts

This is one of those scenes that seems like it can only exist in my imagination. I remember walking out to this ridge yesterday and seeing a magnificent buck staring right at me. At first I didn't realize there was a second one to the lower right, as luck would have it the one with the majestic antlers was in full view. A moment after this photograph was taken they vanished as though it was just an illusion. Its moments like these that remind me of why I do what I do.

As 2009 comes to an end, I'd like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and a great new year!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Last Clouds Of The First Winter Storm

Here is another image I captured after the first snow storm in Zion this year. I took it only a couple days ago and the snow has already disappeared except for a little dusting left on the high sandstone peaks. The clouds you see here are the last stragglers of the opening winter storm which left Zion white for a few short days..... until next time.
-David

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Salt Lake Tribune article about David

David was in a Utah newspaper, the Salt Lake Tribune on Sunday. They did an article about David being a top ten finalist for the Hasselblad Masters photography competition. To read it click Here.

We are very proud of David!

Monday, December 7, 2009

First Snowfall in Zion This Winter

While out looking for a snow covered red rock scene I stumbled upon these maples blanketed in a fresh coat of December snow. I decided the unusual amount of leaves left on the branches were worth a shot, especially since they were still red. There is something I love about Zion in the winter that I can't put my finger on. Perhaps its the smell of sage that when wet seems to fill the air, or the piercing quiet of the canyon when draped in a fresh coat of snow. All I know is that its the beginning of winter in Zion, and words cannot express how much I love this canyon!


Friday, November 13, 2009

Autumn Color Update

Here is an image I took a couple days ago near Virgin, which is located about ten miles outside Zion Park. There is still a lot of yellows inside and outside the park but the reds in my opinion are long gone. Its still worth the trip! Autumn colors or not, Zion is always worth the travel and will be sure to inspire all those who come.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Autumn Colors

Autumn colors are near the peak, if not peaking in some areas of the Zion National Park. David is out of town otherwise I would have him post a picture, but next week I will put one up of the colors.

Front Cover New Jersey Herald

David made it on the front cover of his home state paper,
the New Jersey Herald.
Here is the link to the article.

The article is about David being a Finalist for the
Hasselblad Masters photography competition.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Hasselblad Masters World Tour 2009


As a finalist for the 2009 Hasselblad Masters Photography Competition, my photographs will be on a tour around the world. Next stop New York City. (MILK Studios, October 22nd, 2009 10am to 10pm.)

Here is a video clip about the tour. Click Here.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Lightning near Eagle's Crags


Friday night there was a thunder lightning storm. Here is a photo I took of some of the lightning bolts with Eagle's Crags in the background.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

The road less traveled


On a recent road trip to Salt Lake City, I saw a storm brewing and decided to drive the back roads. I love the light beams in the distance, with the dusty road in the foreground and my two favorite companions, my wife and dog.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Adopt a Bighorn


We adopted a Bighorn today through the Zion Natural History Association.
The program benefits the Desert Bighorn projects in Zion National Park.
To find out more information regarding the Adopt-a-Bighorn
click HERE.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Monday, August 24, 2009

Charlie Brown on the Cover of the Las Vegas Guide

Charlie Brown making us proud on the cover of the Las Vegas Guide.

From the Archives


Just a fun photo of David meeting the past President of Zambia, Levy Mwanawasa. David spent 6 months in Zambia, Africa about 8 years ago, which is where he met me, his wife, MJ. We both did volunteer work with an NGO, Humana People to People. We had a wonderful time and this photo captures the magic of the experience.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Semi-Finalist for 2009 Nature's Best Award!

We just found out that David is a Semi-Finalist for the International 2009 Nature's Best Windland Smith Rice Award! This is a photography competition that tens of thousands of photographers enter and to be even picked as a semi-finalist is awesome! Congratulations David. We are crossing our fingers that he wins, in a couple weeks we find out.

http://www.naturesbestphotography.com/

Monday, July 13, 2009

Digital Survival Kit

We now carry Digital Survival Kits. David had so many people come into the gallery that needed their sensor cleaned and/or their lens cleaned that he decided to stock cleaners. David always has a cleaning kit with him while out taking pictures as it always seems like you need it most when you in the middle of nowhere. Our kits include a camera specific sensor swab, PEC pads, fluid, and convenient zippered pouch.

Lazy Days of Summer


Nothing like an evening hike with the dog.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Utah Arts Festival

Today is the last day of the Utah Arts Festival... We have had so many past customers stop by and say hello, we also have made many new friends! We love festivals, but it will be nice to be back home in Zion!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Utah Arts Festival

We will have a booth at the Utah Arts Festival located at Library Square
in Salt Lake City, Utah. June 25-28th. David has a couple new photographs
that he will be featuring at the festival! See you there. Utah Arts Festival Website

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Hasselblad Masters TOP TEN FINALIST

We are excited to announce that David was chosen to be in the TOP TEN FINALISTS for the 2009 Hasselblad Masters photography competition. This is the most prestigious photography contest in the world! This year Hasselblad is allowing the public, which means YOU, to vote for their favorite photographer! 

Please click HERE to vote for David! He is under the landscape/nature category, or you can also search for his name and vote. You do have to register to vote on their website...  Thanks again for supporting David, wish us luck!

The winner will be announced 1/01/10

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Pie

The best pie in Springdale is at Blondie's! (MJ)

Monday Morning 05/23/09

Monday Morning doing a photography workshop. Let me know if you are interested in joining... Max 5 people. info@davidjwest.com 435-772-3510

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

6th Annual Images of the Southwest Juried Photography Show


MJ and I in front of my exhibit hanging at the museum.


Master Museum preparator Jack Townes at work hanging the accepted images.


John L. Ninnemann (center) Jack Townes (right) and me before the opening of the show.
John is an accomplished photographer himself, having published a few books exclusively featuring his images. Including "Canyon Spirits- Beauty and Power in the ancient Puebloan World". I met John at my gallery, while he was giving a National Geographic tour through Zion National Park. John is on the board of the Center for Southwest Studies and invited me to be the judge of this years photography contest.




Out of the many entries, this image by John Mumaw, was my favorite
and won Best of Show. Congratulations John! His photograph caught
my attention because of its originality, dynamic composition and perfect exposure.



MJ getting professional hanging advice by
master museum preparator, Jack Townes.


MJ and I are back from a wonderful week in Durango Colorado. I was invited to judge the 6th annual juried photography show at the Center of Southwest Studies on the campus of Fort Lewis College. Check out their website http://swcenter.fortlewis.edu/Its an enlightening place for anyone interested in the culture of the Southwest past and present.

Durango is home to some of the nicest people you will ever meet. While out that way we made it to Mesa Verde National Park a couple times with my Linhof, when my film is developed perhaps I'll share an image or two from that trip. For now check out some images from the show on January 25th.

I had a hard time picking out my favorite photographs. Only so many images were able to hang on the wall from the numerous entries from both amateurs and professionals.

Thank you to all who entered and made the show a great success. It was an honor to be the judge among so many talented photographers.

David

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Welcome to the David J. West Blog

We just added this blog to our website, so now we can post regularly and also get feedback from our readers. We are enjoying the quiet peace of winter in Zion. January is a time for us to take and edit new photographs, enjoy time with family, and prepare for the upcoming season.

December we were away visiting friends and family. We were lucky to miss winter storms in both Utah and New Jersey (lucky because we were flying). David was overjoyed to meet two new nieces; Gabriella and Eve, born a month apart.

Charlie is trying to get our attention to go play ball so we will post another day!

David and MJ