Africa: Focusing beyond the landscape

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.

Winter Whirlpool

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

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

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

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

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!