David J. West Blog

Kauai

2012-01-29T15:37:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I returned from a week in Kauai, Hawaii with my wife and daughter. We went thinking of it as a vacation from work, not as me being on a nonstop photo-safari. I did take my camera gear along and managed to create a few images.

Mystical Koke'e Forest

The day was coming to an end and I had not created any new work while trekking through this tropical rainforest in the Koke'e Forest in Kauai. I was enjoying the humid fresh air, the air in Zion Canyon where I live is so dry! Suddenly as I rounded a bend in the trail light beams began to faintly appear until they grew stronger and created this dramatic light. It goes to show that sometimes when you least expect it Mother Nature may have a surprise for you at any moment.

Rainbow Eucalyptus

Rainbow Eucalyptus is one of the most colorful trees I have ever seen! Each year patches of bark shed at different times revealing the newer green bark below. As the bark ages and sheds it turns purple, orange and maroon creating a rainbow of colors.


Overlooking Kalalau Valley

The Kalalau Valley is one of the most beautiful spots on earth, in my opinion. On this particular morning I watched the fog roll over the lush green valley below, it's no wonder they call Kauai the Garden Isle. On the horizon you can see the ocean in the clearing mist. Not far from here is one of the rainiest places on Earth, Mount Waialeale.

Hot Air Balloon Adventure

2011-11-23T07:52:00.000-08:00

West Temple From Above

A photo my brother Steve took of us taking off

Steiger, The Balloon Captain

It's not every day you get to go up in a hot air balloon, even less likely over one of the most rugged beautiful landscapes in the world. Recently I was fortunate to experience such an adventure with one of the most adventurous balloon pilots out there, Steiger. It was a surreal journey floating over the landscape I've been studying from the ground for the past 10 years, always trying to show it in a new and unique perspective so naturally I was drawn to the idea of seeing Zion from above. The two journeys I did were just outside the park taking off at the mouth of the canyon and landing one time up on Gooseberry Mesa and the next in Colorado City. Check out Steiger's website for more information regarding going up on a hot air balloon.

End of Year Sale

2011-11-23T07:48:00.000-08:00

From now until the End of the Year I will be doing free shipping within the 48 states on anything over $100! This includes orders online or at the gallery. Also, if you are in Springdale Thanksgiving Week I have a variety of pictures on sale as I make room for some of my newer photographs on the wall. See you around! - David

Rafting through the Grand Canyon

2011-09-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

The hot sun glared in my face as I turned to look back from the front of the small raft. There were three of us on the raft and we were all focused on the tumultuous river in front of us, scanning for the tell tale signs of the upcoming rapid, Lava Falls Rapid. Our guide was straining with the oars, trying to head us over to the left bank of the river, but our raft wouldn’t budge. We all seemed to realize at the same moment that we were too late in turning and our future was no longer in our hands.

Lava Falls Rapid is the most dangerous rapid to maneuver through the Grand Canyon, particularly a section called the Lava Ledge Hole. Few are able to go through the Lava Ledge Hole and live to tell about it. Of course, as chance would have it, I was in the raft that would hit the Ledge Hole dead center. With barely a moment to take a quick breath we were tossed to our fate like rag dolls in a washing machine. The churning water chewed us alive as we were repeatedly dunked in the water, only to be completely sucked under and shot out further down river. It was humbling, to say the least. Obviously, I survived. I was told when I was pulled out of the river I was gray. I only remember thinking, "I’m alive", and then I thought about all my camera equipment. Gratefully, my cameras were on a different raft and made it through untouched.

Rafting 279 miles on a river is an experience of a lifetime. Chores are second nature, the absence of the digital world not as glaring, and your life becomes in tune with the pulse of the river and the landscape. Mornings consist of a quick stretch of the legs on a hike, maybe a few shots of the sunrise and breakfast. Packing up is organized and efficient. Then, there is the river, all day, everyday. A few dips in the slower moving sections, and focused scanning on quicker rapid days. But, throughout it all there is the never ending conversations. You leave knowing not only yourself better, but everyone else in the group. The end of the day on the river begins with the placement of the groover, the portable toilet. I am quite proud to be awarded the most scenic toilet spot on the whole trip. Dinner was a variety of gourmet dishes. Don’t tell my wife, but I think I ate better on the river than at home. Though, near the end, the food became a soupy mess in the coolers.

Day to day life was pleasantly rhythmic, but knowing at one time John Muir, Thomas Moran, and numerous other adventurers once roamed the Grand Canyon was truly exciting. I happened upon an old campsite littered with cowboy junk that once belonged to the famous river scout, William Bass. Bass was known for guiding Muir and Moran throughout the Grand Canyon. I saw the ancient ruins of the Anasazi on the cliffs above and the amazing death defying heights where they lived. I loved looking at the many colorful layers of the sandstone and feeling as if I was rafting through time.

History was wonderful to see firsthand and there is so much I want learn of how the Colorado River effected the history of the American West. But, the landscapes of the Grand Canyon are what really occupied my mind throughout my adventure. The ever changing color of the river, the brilliant blue sky, and the sheer redrock cliffs kept me engaged in my surroundings. Sunrises and sunsets were beautiful, I was spellbound watching the redrock come alive as the sun illuminated the cliffs in the morning. I loved watching the clear water thunder out of the springs. I was entranced. Although I don't know when I will raft the Colorado River again, I look forward to my next trip through the Grand Canyon.

Family Life

2011-09-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

In the field: Bryce Canyon National Park

2011-08-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

David has been busy the last couple months taking pictures in the Grand Canyon National Park, Wasatch Mountains, Grand Teton National Park, and most recently in Bryce Canyon National Park. This picture is a view from David's camera taken today that he just emailed over!

On the River

2011-07-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

A quick peek of David on the river in the Grand Canyon. Just wanted to update that he made it out alive and he has lots of pictures to share.

Happy Fathers Day

2011-06-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers out there in the world.

I am so thankful that my daughter has an amazing father to help guide her through life.

I love watching the interaction of father and daughter and the special bond they

are developing together. David is still rafting down the Grand Canyon and so

is missing Fathers Day today, but I know he is thinking of his daughter today.

Happy Fathers Day, David, we love you!

Rafting the Grand Canyon

2011-06-10T15:57:00.000-07:00

The fun part of being a Landscape Photographer is getting out and taking pictures. David is currently rafting down the Grand Canyon snapping away at the unbelievable landscape on his 21 day journey. He just sent me this picture as he was loading his numerous photography bags onto his raft. Can't wait to see what he comes out with, and to share with all of you his new photographs!

Grand Canyon... note this was taken with an Android phone.

Gallery Party May 21st!

2011-05-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

Gallery Party

Saturday, May 21st

6-9pm

801 Zion Park Blvd

Springdale, UT 84767

We will be having two of our favorite musicians

performing at the party, Dave Tate and Victoria Lagerstrom!

Click here to visit their website.

We hope to see you there!

Elite Immortal

2011-05-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has visited the gallery recently will have noticed the Clik Elite photography bags that we showcase in our gallery. David personally uses the Pro Elite Photography bag as his primary photo backpack.

We just received a shipment of the 2011 line, and they are awesome! Each of the bags are well thought out with quality material and great organizational potential. They are sure to please the most discerning photographers.

Something fun is David was chosen to be part of the "Elite Immortal" http://www.clikelite.com/immortals/ group of photographers featured in the 2011 catalog and on their website. Stop by the gallery to check out the latest bags and pick up the 2011 Click Elite catalog.

Photo by Jim Speth

Adopt a bighorn.

2011-04-08T21:33:00.000-07:00

Bighorn 1

Bighorn 2

Bighorn 3

I have decided to donate 100% of the profits from the first sale of each of these new Bighorn images to the Adopt a Bighorn program which is designed to protect Zions Desert Bighorn Sheep. Adopt A Bighorn

Zion is still open

2011-04-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

Zion is still open. As of 8:00pm MST 4/8/11.

Vehicles are still allowed in Zion National Park.

Road Closed signs... are these for closing the park?

Looking back and Giving back

2011-01-28T13:25:00.000-08:00

Rage

My travels awhile back to the Middle Eastern countries were mostly peaceful, until I stayed in Northern Israel and suddenly the border with Lebanon became a war zone. The above photograph is one I took while in Northern Israel, the men were burning tires to protest Israel's ongoing war with Hezzbollah. Staying in a bomb shelter for a few days was an experience I don't want to repeat, yet many people have to live with this on and off their whole life. I'm not about to take sides or try to explain the conflict, to be honest wars in the Middle East confuse me. All I know is that many innocent people suffer, people that want nothing to do with war at all.

Burning tires blocking traffic

As a professional landscape photographer I feel I'm only suppose to show beautiful scenes of Mother Nature, yet as I look back through my old slide film from trips I've taken over the years I see I was also inspired by people along the way. There was even a time I daydreamed about being a photojournalist traveling the world covering stories, like war and innocent people dying, and the front lines of disease and poverty. I guess you can say I wanted to save the world through my photography, or at least make it a better place by exposing the world's most pressing humanitarian needs.
Yet, in a way I do help make the world a better place by creating art through which people feel uplifted and by teaching others how to do the same. As an artist and also a citizen of the world I feel it is important to know what is going on in the world around me. I feel grateful that my life with Landscape Photography as well as with my family and friends is peaceful. When I look back at my past slides I am reminded of how I got to where I am today, and where I want to be tomorrow. I look forward to new travels and sharing images from past journeys.

Zambian Grocery Store

My time spent in Zambia and Mozambique was amazing. Although I've seen the worst of what poverty and disease can do, I've also witnessed true happiness in people being content with nothing but food, water, shelter and each other.

Zambian family

Here's a link to an organization we have supported- www.humana.org This company does humanitarian work all over the world with an emphasis on development and education.

Snow Dreams

Here are a couple other organizations we like to support.
http://www.zionpark.org/foundation.php
http://www.nationalparks.org/
These two organizations help protect the landscapes I've come to love.

Bad Weather = Good Pictures, Sometimes.

2011-01-20T22:14:00.000-08:00


Dusting of Snow

A light dusting of snow coats the foreground while low clouds linger below the rim of the canyon.

Bad weather, or what some refer to as bad weather is actually good weather for landscape photographers seeking to stand out from the crowd. Good landscape images can also be made without a cloud in the sky, but clouds and moisture help add drama and a distinct mood. Although every storm I venture out into may not result in an image, at least I get some exercise and fresh air. Many times I find myself soaking wet from head to toe, or shivering cold waiting for an image in my minds eye that never materializes. It's OK though, that just means I get to return to the same beautiful spot and try again when the next storm rolls in. Both of these images are taken with my H4D.

Flooded Trail

Taken along the East Rim Trail during the recent torrential Rain storm, this image shows the trail covered by flood water. To get here during the storm was an adventure. I had to cross a narrow space where the water ran deep, it felt like I would be washed away into the canyon with one wrong move. When I came to the deep section I debated on turning around and calling it a day on this trail, but my curiosity got the best of me and I decided to wade through it. I wanted to see what was further up the canyon. When I reached the top of the east rim it was covered in a dense fog and the image I imagined was nowhere to be found, so I came back to this location and composed the image you see here. I've hiked this trail many times and never have I seen it flood like this.

January 2011 Newsletter

2011-01-18T09:05:00.000-08:00

Click Here January 2011 Newsletter to view our recent newsletter!

Film or Digital?

2011-01-16T15:53:00.000-08:00

Snow Covered Court of the Patriarchs

Camera- Hasselblad H4D40, Lens- HCD 35-90mm Lens @ 35. Exposure- 1/30 sec @f-27- ISO 100. It consists of 5 images, each a 40 megapixel image taken with the same exposure merged together in Photo Shop, making it a 200 megapixel image.

I'm often asked whether I shoot digital or film, the answer is both. Lately, I've been shooting with my newest camera, a Hasselblad H4D40. It has a 40-mega pixel medium format sensor that produces unbeatable image quality. Yet, I also cant seem to pull myself away from film, even though there is no doubt digital technology is stunning. As a professional, I feel Its important to know where photography came from and to where its going. There is nothing to compare with a perfectly exposed piece of transparency film and the way it seems to jump out off the light box. The image below was taken with my Linhof 6x17 film camera, which produces a piece of film about 2x7 inches. The film is then professionally scanned. An Imacon or Tango Drum scanner creates a ultra high resolution digital image from the original transparency. Is film or digital better than the other? It depends on whom you ask. You can come to my gallery and see they are both capable of producing large high quality photographs with exquisite detail, especially when higher end lenses and cameras are used.

Wall Street

For this classic location in the Narrows of Zion, I wanted to expose it in a unique way I've never seen before and show off the steep- canyon walls and the Virgin River below so I chose my Linhof Technorama 617. The lens used was a 72mm Schneider Super Angulon XLS. Exposure was 14 seconds at f-32 on Fuji Velvia ISO100 Film.

Serendipity

Camera- Linhof Technorama 617, Lens- 72mm Schneider Super Angulon XLS. Exposure not recorded. Film- Fuji Velvia 100. Photographs like this never cease to amaze me when I see a landscape so beautiful it's able to draw my eye away from such an epic sky.

Sandstone Falls

Camera- Hasselblad H4D40, Lens- HCD 35-90mm @35, Exposure- 32 seconds @ f-27 ISO 100
In this image I wanted to make you feel as though you can touch the sandstone wall and here the water rushing by. To achieve this, I composed the image close to the canyon wall and set my aperture to allow for a sharp foreground and background. The small aperture opening also enabled me to create a longer exposure making the water appear silky. The dynamic composition of water and stone help pull you into the image.

2010- Not your average year in Zion.

2010-12-24T08:07:00.000-08:00

A waterfall shot from today as the sun began to break and clouds lifted up. A ranger told me today this is the most water he has seen in Zion since 15 years working here!

So far out of the four years I've called Zion Canyon my home, this is the most leaves I've seen left on these trees with this much snow.

This shot, taken in November shows cottonwoods peaking along the Virgin River with freshly fallen snow. Not a common scene here in the canyon.

Water and Light

2010-12-16T15:26:00.000-08:00

This was a challenging shot to take. It was composed beneath my umbrella crouched down low in a sandstone cave while water was splattering all over from above. I fired off a few shots while wiping the water off the front of my lens between each shot. I used an ISO of 400 to shorten the shutter speed so water spots would be less likely to ruin the image. Exposure- 11 seconds at f27- Taken with my Hasselblad H4D and 35-90mm HCD lens.

David J. West Winter Gallery Party

2010-12-09T11:45:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the late reminder... but we are having a gallery party this Sunday December 12 at 4 to 8 pm!
Our address is 801 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767. We are also excited because we will be
having live music from 6-7pm by Victoria Lagerstrom and Dave Tate.
Their website is http://www.thehousesofhealing.net.

We look forward to seeing you there!

We will be releasing two new photographs...

Home Away From Home

Wasatch Mountains, Utah

Mystery Waterfall

Zion National Park, Utah

4 day workshops planned

2010-12-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

I am excited about the upcoming 4 day workshops I have planned for the
Spring and Autumn in Zion National Park.

Spring May 10-13, 2011 $925

Autumn Nov 3-6, 2011 $925

Tentative Itinerary:
Day 1 Meet and Greet, go out for sunset photoshoot.
Day 2 Sunrise photoshoot, afternoon classroom instruction and critique, evening photoshoot.
Day 3 Sunrise photoshoot, afternoon classroom instruction and critique, evening photoshoot.
Day 4 Sunrise photoshoot.

To sign up click here or go to my website www.davidjwest.com and go to my workshops.

Goodbye Mom

2010-11-23T18:47:00.000-08:00

Autumn has left and winter has arrived here in Zion Canyon. This past month has been a hectic one for my family and I, being that my mother passed away on November 13th. I recently returned from New Jersey after mourning her loss with my family and friends. MJ, Arielle, and I spent half of November with my mom during some of her last days. She was 61, nothing puts life back into perspective like funerals and the loss of a loved one. My mom was a simple and strong woman, her life was all about her 5 children and 3 grandchildren and taking care of my Father who has been paralyzed for the past seven years. Lately, I've been seeing her smile at me through the freshly fallen snow and color in the morning and evening skies.

Sunday, December 12 we will be having a Gallery Party between the hours of 4-8pm. Please join us for good company and beautiful art. I will be releasing 2 new images. As winter settles in we would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Holiday Season.

Kindest regards from Zion Canyon, David, MJ, Arielle, and of course Charlie Brown.

Highly Honored Natures Best Photography Magazine

2010-11-23T17:26:00.000-08:00

From over 20000 images entered, "Morning Has Broken" was chosen to be one of only several highly honored images in the Landscape category and will be published in the latest edition of Nature's Best Photography Magazine.

Mt. Timpanogos wilderness area located in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, is one of my favorite places to photograph wildflowers. This particular morning while camping with MJ and Charlie we awoke to what I thought was going to be a boring sky. Thankfully I was wrong, and surprised when the clouds began to glow with color.

Home Away from Home

2010-10-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

I must admit, I love calling the red rocks of Zion Canyon my home year round, but also feel at home wandering through the mountains in forests full of aspens, pine, and maple trees. I recently visited Northern Utah's Wasatch Mountains and found some beautiful scenes unfolding before my eyes. One of my favorites from the trip is this shot of Maple Mountain with its peaks lit up at sunrise. I captured it with my Hasselblad H4D and HCD35-90mm lens. I also used a Lee .9 soft graduated neutral density filter to hold back the highlights from blowing out in the sky.

Mystery Canyon in Zion

2010-09-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

Mystery Canyon in Zion

A couple weeks ago I was fortunate to go with some friends and canyoneer through Mystery Canyon. Canyoneering involves technical climbing, rope work, swimming, and/or maneuvering through deep narrow canyons. Zion is spectacular from the road, but being able to see the slot canyons up close was breathtaking. Below are a few images from the experience.

Here we are throwing the rope in preparation of descending into the unknown of Mystery Canyon

Here is an image from above the Narrows in Zion Canyon. I love the view of the tall canyon walls.

Autumn/Winter Photography Workshops

2010-09-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

Autumn/Winter Photography Workshops
will be the following dates:
September 18, October 23, November 13, and December 11.

Workshops are 3 hours for $165.00. David will take you out into Zion National Park and go over the essentials in taking a great landscape photograph.

Click here to purchase workshop. Note the different dates when paying. Or, if you like you may also email or call the gallery to sign up for workshops.

Photographs on Tile

2010-08-31T15:53:00.000-07:00

We now have a wider selection of photographs on tile. These are available as either a 8x12 or 6x8 ceramic tile. These photo tiles look great on an easel or hung up on the wall. Go to our website to view more tiles. Click Here.

Gallery Party

2010-08-31T15:50:00.000-07:00

David J. West Gallery

New Release Party

Saturday September 18th, at 5-9pm

David J. West Gallery
801 Zion Park Blvd
Springdale, Utah 84767
435-772-3510

info@davidjwest.com

www.davidjwest.com

Please join us for an unveiling of David's
newest photographs. Refreshments will be served.

Over the Rainbow

2010-08-31T11:08:00.001-07:00

The monsoon season is amazing in Zion Canyon. The storms bring lots of drama to the already beautiful landscape creating some stunning photographic opportunities.
My newest image below, "Over the Rainbow", is the result of numerous visits to this location. I was lucky enough to catch the most spectacular rainbow I have ever seen in Zion.
This particular photograph was taken with my newest camera a Hasselblad H4D40. I look forward to pushing my creativity even further with this high quality camera. - David

Timeless

2010-08-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

Just released Timeless, Zion National Park, Utah, Limited Edition of 500

This photograph, taken with my Linhof 6x17 panoramic film camera,
makes me feel as if I am stepping back in
time and seeing the unchanging magnificence of Zion Canyon. -David

Portraits

2010-07-23T21:23:00.000-07:00

Photographing people has always intrigued me since growing up around my dad's photography studio in New Jersey. I was helping my dad photograph portraits when I was just learning to walk. He taught me how to use the backdrops, flash umbrellas, and medium format film cameras. He set up his first darkroom in the basement of his girlfriend's home (now his wife and my mom). I could only imagine what it must have been like for him to develop his images for the first time and magically see them appear before his eyes. My favorite part of developing photographs in the darkroom was watching the white paper turn into an image right before your eyes. Thanks to my dad my interest in photography began at an early age, now at 32 I have been a full time professional (landscape photography being my only source of income) for the past 7 years. It is unbelievable how fast time flies when you are doing what you love.

The gallery in Spring

2010-06-23T18:45:00.001-07:00

We were going to post this a couple months ago, but with the baby... somehow we never posted... Spring was gorgeous in Zion we had so much rain that our flowers in front of the gallery were out of control, here is a picture of the gallery in April.

Kaleidoscope

2010-06-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

A new photograph from The Wave, titled Kaleidoscope!

Happy Fathers Day!

2010-06-23T18:23:00.001-07:00

Happy Fathers Day to all the Fathers out there in the world. My husband, David, has already been a great father to our four legged son, Charlie Brown, but this year he became a father to our two legged daughter, Arielle River. I am so grateful for him in our lives. He works so hard in the gallery, on workshops, and out in nature taking pictures. He never sits still, he is always moving, thinking, and doing. I know when Arielle is older she will be looking up to her father as David looks up to his father. We are such a lucky family. Much love from your family: MJ, Arielle, and Charlie Brown.

Field of Dreams

2010-05-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

I'm a dad! On May 15th my wife gave birth to a beautiful little girl, we named her Arielle River West. I look forward to the challenges of being a father and learning from her as much as she learns from me. There is nothing to compare with the feeling of becoming a father for the first time.

Needless to say, spring has been beautiful here in Zion. There has been some marvelous blooms, and the river is still running high with snow-melt. If you get a chance to visit Zion, stop by and see whats new around the gallery.

Upcoming Zion Workshops Dates

2010-05-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post and let everyone know some dates of upcoming photography workshops I have planned in Zion Park.

The dates are May 29th, June 19th, and July 3rd. I only take 5 people out at a time. We meet at the gallery usually 45 minutes before sunrise so we can go over some basics, check photography gear, and then I take you into the park where we get in a great position for sunrise.

Any skill level can participate and any makes and types of cameras. I have some people who have the latest and greatest camera gear, and some who have a point and shoot - both types of photographers can benefit.

This is a 3 hour photography workshop, I charge $162 per person.

Please contact the gallery by email (info@davidjwest.com) or phone (435-772-3510) to reserve a space in one of my workshops.

Kindest, David

Africa: Focusing beyond the landscape

2010-05-04T19:48:00.000-07:00

Over the next couple months I will be posting pictures that are a little different than what you know me for, images of people. I lived in Zambia, Africa for six months as a volunteer, while there I was moved by not only the landscape but also the people.

I volunteered in many different projects while in Africa, but my favorite project was starting a peanut butter business with the youth clubs in Zambia. We were able to finance our business with a micro loan. We then harvested the peanuts, manually pounded with mortar and pestles, and distributed the peanut butter to the nearby towns. We were able to double our investment, payback the loan, and create a successful money making business.

David

David featured in Elan Woman Magazine's Jan-Feb "A Tribute to Men" issue.

2010-01-15T14:09:00.000-08:00

Winter Whirlpool

2010-01-01T09:49:00.000-08:00

The whirlpool in the water is what inspired me to take this image. I returned to this location several times studying the composition and lighting at different times of the day hoping the snow wouldn't melt before I could photograph what I was envisioning. Just after sunset was the best time, it allowed for a long exposure which made the whirlpool more pronounced. The after glow color in the sky reflecting into the pool of snow-melt is the icing on the cake.

Wild Thoughts

2009-12-23T16:31:00.000-08:00

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!

Last Clouds Of The First Winter Storm

2009-12-14T11:36:00.000-08:00

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

Salt Lake Tribune article about David

2009-12-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

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!

First Snowfall in Zion This Winter

2009-12-07T15:44:00.000-08:00

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!

Autumn Color Update

2009-11-13T08:09:00.000-08:00

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.

Autumn Colors

2009-10-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

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.

Hasselblad Masters World Tour 2009

2009-10-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Updated Newspage

2009-09-06T14:40:00.000-07:00

We just updated our newspage... Click here to check it out!

Lightning near Eagle's Crags

2009-09-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

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.

The road less traveled

2009-09-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

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.

Adopt a Bighorn

2009-08-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

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.

Working on the back room

2009-08-25T11:43:00.000-07:00

Charlie Brown, David, and Stephen working hard in the gallery

Charlie Brown on the Cover of the Las Vegas Guide

2009-08-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

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

From the Archives

2009-08-24T09:51:00.001-07:00

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.

Semi-Finalist for 2009 Nature's Best Award!

2009-08-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

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/

Digital Survival Kit

2009-07-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

Nothing like an evening hike with the dog.

Utah Arts Festival

2009-06-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

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!

Utah Arts Festival

2009-06-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

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

Hasselblad Masters TOP TEN FINALIST

2009-05-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

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

Pie

2009-05-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

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

Monday Morning 05/23/09

2009-05-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

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

Twitter

2009-04-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

@WestGallery

Charlie patiently waiting with a feather on his nose

2009-04-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T15:01:00.000-08:00

'Valentine's Day 2009'

It snowed in Zion Park last night.

6th Annual Images of the Southwest Juried Photography Show

2009-01-27T21:42:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-10T20:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the David J. West Blog

2009-01-10T15:26:00.000-08:00

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