It might be only about six weeks since my last newsletter, yet there are several updates to share with all of you. Even before those updates, there have already been a couple of eventful trips this year.

In January, I headed to Cuba for a non-photo-focused journey that still allowed for some photography, and since my last newsletter, I have put together a small collection of photos and a blog post about the trip. It was certainly different than my usual work (which I talked about more in the post), yet I really enjoyed the experience and learning more about the country.

Last month was a trip to Death Valley with my friend Michael Bollino. My only concern going into the trip was how I would sleep in a tent with my boxing injury from Cuba. Turned out that wasn't my biggest concern. The very short version is our rental car died on us with a series of challenges after that. Fortunately, our friends staying in the area softened the blow. Thanks to them, the final two days of our trip went better than it could have. Life happens, and adventures come in all flavors, often when we don't expect.

Other updates in this newsletter include:

• Sacred Lands print collection to raise funds for impacted NPS employees
• Forest presentation for the Nature Photography Class series Sense of Place
• Death Valley workshop available for signup, plus future workshop feedback

Above Photo: Rocks with interesting patterns, shapes, colors, and textures can be found in Death Valley. Moving slowly with eyes curious for the details around us is how formations like this are discovered. My telephoto became a pseudo macro lens for this rock wall scene, which was only inches long.

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Desert Visions Death Valley Workshop - Feb 6 to 10, 2026

Immerse yourself in the vast, untamed beauty of the desert in Death Valley National Park with me and Michael Bollino. From sweeping dunes to rugged mountain backdrops, the park provides an endless array of captivating views, textures, and geology. Whether you’re drawn to grand views, abstract details, small scenes, or simply the interplay of light on the land, this workshop will provide you with that opportunity to experience the essence of the desert.

Combined, we have been to the park over ten times and are eager to share what we know as we drive and walk around, exploring photographic opportunities. Along with multiple presentation-related sessions to share and learn.

More Info and Signup

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Sacred Lands Print Fundraiser

It was unfortunate to see the sudden staffing cuts for positions that support our public lands, including our US National Parks. I have partnered with nine of my peers to raise funds for those impacted by the changes. We are offering a box set of ten 8”x12” prints, one from each of us, with the goal of 100% of the proceeds going to directly support NPS employees affected by these cuts, many of whom have lost both their jobs and housing with no notice or time to prepare. Because of the time sensitivity associated with this project, the box set will only be available for purchase through March 23, 2025.

While this situation does have recent hopeful developments, nothing is certain as we monitor for further updates. Regardless of what ultimately happens with the impacted employees, we are engaged with trusted organizations where the funds will go towards our public lands/parks and the people who keep them accessible and functioning.

Many memorable experiences in my life, not to mention photos in my portfolio, would not have been possible without our national parks and those working to support and maintain them. Thanks for taking the time to read this and for your support should you choose to purchase the Sacred Lands print collection.

Purchase Print Collection

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Virtual Forest Photography Presentation - April 1, 2025

I am part of the April speaker series Sense of Place, hosted by Nature Photography Classes. A great photography educational platform started by Nic Stover with live and on-demand learning opportunities. I will be giving my talk, Finding Success with Forest Photography, on Tuesday, April 1 (for real, no joke). It will include updates since I last publicly presented it a couple of years back. Beyond mine, there are talks from Matt Payne, Wayne Suggs, and Francesco Gola. You are sure to learn a thing or two from these informative sessions.

Signup Here

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Havana, Cuba - Journal Post and Gallery

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I could say a lot here, but reading my journal post is probably the best way to hear about the experience. If you prefer to skip the reading and want to go directly to the gallery of photos, I can understand that. Street photography is how I would classify much of what I took during the limited yet fun and engaging opportunities I had.

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Future Workshops

A couple in the very early stages, which would be in 2026 or 2027, include the two below. If you are seriously interested in one or both of them, please respond to this newsletter. It will help me determine if I move forward with either of them. Both trips would include lodging, guiding, transportation, and meals as part of the price.

Alaska Bears - 8 Days in the Katmai and Lake Clark area, mainly photographing the bears but some landscape opportunities as well. It would be August or Sept, working with a photographer peer who currently runs workshops there. Estimated cost between $9k and $10k—group size of 10. Includes local flights as needed.

Cuba - 8 days in Havana and Trinidad (possibly another location as well). It would be January timeframe. Estimated cost between $8k and $9k—group size of 6. See my blog post for general insight, with the caveat that this tour would cater to photography opportunities while still being educated on Cuba's history and culture.

While it takes time, I plan to offer different locations gradually throughout future years. Locally as well as further away. When I hear comments from participants, "Oh, I would love to go to..." I try to take note of it. That feedback does help shape potential future workshops and tours. As always, feel free to provide feedback at any time. If you have any questions about the above opportunities, don't hesitate to reach out.

What else is in store for 2026?

• The Best of the Northwest continues. I will announce the date in early summer when these will go live for signup. It's likely a Sept/Oct timeframe.
• Expect at least one other workshop under the Best of the Rest to be announced this year. I am working through possible locations.

Are there any openings left for 2025?

• The Palouse Hills during harvest season, is the only workshop with openings. Waitlists are always available.

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Books, Videos, and Podcasts

What I am reading, watching, or listening to that I feel others might find of interest.

• ​Poetic Visuals by Nick Becker and Murray Livingston - A new free digital photography magazine. As they put it, "exploring the poetics of photography through the intersection of language and images," and I would agree viewing and reading through it.
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• ​The Last of the Nightingales director Masha Karpoukhina - A must-watch documentary for anyone who loves the sounds of nature. The soundscapes and cinema work are superb. Very eye-opening how we are losing sounds of nature through the five-decade career of soundscape ecologist Bernie Krause.
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• ​Tree Thieves by Lyndsie Bourgon - Engaging and unfortunate real-life tales of tree poaching and illegal lumber sales occurring in our forests, read like true crime stories. These stories mostly take place in the woods of Northern California.
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• ​Common Saints - I first came across them late last year when their new album Cinema 3000 was released. My thoughts... Tame Impala meets Pink Floyd. I really like it.

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