Some sick photos from a sick photographer.

sick

adj. sick-er, sick-est

     1.  In poor health.

               He was sick all day with the flu.

     2.  Mentally unstable, disturbed.

     3.  In bad taste.

               That's a sick joke.

     4.  Having an urge to vomit.

     5.  (slang)  Very good, excellent, awesome.

               This photograph is sick!

Happy New Year from the Caribbean!

I sure as hell hope that 2013 goes a lot better for me than 2012 is ending. I've recently come down with Dengue Fever, a mosquito-borne illness that's sort of like the flu on steroids.  I'm not a doctor, but my personal opinion of this tropical malady is this:  IT SUCKS ASS. On top of the physical symptoms, the psychological horror of being cooped up while it's beautiful outside is a veritable hell.  Ugh.

Venting aside, I do actually have some new photographic sweetness to demonstrate. Last month, I entered the prestigious Ocean Views Photo Contest. It's an annual contest focusing on all things ocean related, from wildlife, to weather, to recreation. I entered almost 50 images, many of which you've seen here before. There were, however, some images from the Caribbean I entered that have never seen the "light of day" here, so I thought I'd share them with you. None of them have titles, but I wrote a small description below each.

That does it for this entry and for 2012 as a whole.  As always, thanks for your continued readership.  Wish me luck in the contest.  And Happy New Year!

Bachelor party hijinks.

The sun rises in the wee hours of an all-night beach party.

A man floats lazily in a rain shower.

One of many boats in the annual Christmas Boat Parade.

People relax on a yacht at Buck Island National Monument.

Mother Nature Always Bats Last

Like death and taxes, one thing you can always count on is that both the canyon country of Utah and the mountain country of Colorado will always show you a damn good time.  

We had some extra adventure thrown in this go-around, courtesy of Mother Nature.  A rare and powerful thunderstorm pummeled Canyonlands National Park on our third day, complete with tarp-tearing winds, drenching downpours and hail aplenty.  Ironically, the storm day ended up being the favorite day of the trip for most of our nine-man expedition, myself included.  The weather brought with it stunning clouds and good light.

On our very last day, we got one last smack by the weather gods, as the road out of the canyon was completely washed away and unpassable for cars.  All the bikers went on ahead, but for myself and the other truck driver (we had two SAG vehicles to carry the group's gear), it meant turning around and retracing 100+ tough, 4X4 miles back to where we had entered the park days earlier.  It was a grim prospect, because we didn't have enough fuel and the daylight was at a premium.  No way did we want to be stuck on the treacherous canyon roads after dark.  We only had about six hours of light left, and the ranger at the roadblock said it'd take at least seven hours to drive out.

I drove it in four and a half.

Yep, the desire not to be stranded in the wilderness alone was, shall we say, a powerful motivator.  I put the pedal to the metal, bought gas along the way from another camp, and was back in Moab with time to spare.  I met with the rest of the group and we all went out for a fun Saturday night on the town.  The other driver?  He didn't have my... enthusiasm, and ended up stranded in the wilderness for one more night before finally returning to civilization the next day.

I'm still not completely sure if he wasn't the smartest one of us all.

Canyon Gloaming

(Click HERE for larger version.)

High Adventure

(Click HERE for larger version.)

 The Way

(Click HERE for larger version.)

Canyon Canvas

(Click HERE for larger version.)

Stormy Desert

(Click HERE for larger version.)

 Harmonious

(Click HERE for larger version.)

Lobster

(Click HERE for larger version.)

Time to get leid.

They say everyone deserves a second chance.  I think that's a bunch of crap.  I say everyone deserves a fourth chance... at least that's what I keep telling myself lately. How else can I explain my good fortune at landing a fourth trip to Hawaii?

That's right:  this winter, after a five-year hiatus, I'll be packing up my lenses and returning to the Big Island of Hawaii.  Like before, I'll be exploring every corner of this magnificent island in search of beautiful images.  Only this time, I will have an additional role to play.

I'm proud to announce that, after a lengthy application process, I have been selected to be the Artist-In-Residence for the month of February at the renowned Kalani Oceanside Retreat on Hawaii.

Kalani is like nothing I've ever heard of before.  It's a combination retreat/sanctuary/wellness-center located in the remote Puna region of Hawaii. Situated on a lush, 100+ acre plot, Kalani is a place for people to come and unwind, recharge, connect with nature and leave the hectic pace of the modern world behind.

But, Kalani is much more than just a retreat.  It's a non-profit, thriving eco-village that practices sustainable agriculture and places great importance on concepts of family and community.  You can stay there as a paying guest, or you can volunteer there for months at a time, joining over 100 others in helping out with the many different things needed to make Kalani run smoothly.

Or, if you're lucky like me, you can be the monthly Artist-In-Residence (AIR).  As AIR, my primary job is to use my photographic skills to make a beneficial contribution to the Kalani community.  As such, I have been charged with creating works of art for use both on Kalani's website and throughout the property.  I will also be teaching photography classes both in the field and in the classroom.

In exchange, I will be given room and board in a special VIP section of the compound with free access to healthy, chef-prepared meals and world-class facilities.  There's even a large clothing-optional pool. (You know, in case your swimsuit gets too, um, constricting.)

Of course, the best part will be the community and island itself.  Living and working in one of the most amazing places on Earth meeting friendly folks from all around the world isn't exactly the worst way I could think of to spend my time.

In celebration, I have posted some of my favorite Hawaii images from the past below.  Hawaii has always been very good to me, and I have no doubt that this time that trend will continue.  I can not WAIT to get back out there!

That about does it for this month.  Next time, I will have the images from my recent trip to Utah and Colorado.  Until then, thanks for reading as always.  And Happy Halloween! ^_^

The Watcher

BOO!

With tomorrow being the first day of October and the start of the Halloween season, the time feels right to unveil this spooky, ominous image.  (Be sure to view the large version.)

I shot this from my canoe while paddling the Minnesota River earlier this summer. It's a bald eagle, quietly surveying his domain.  He stayed there motionless for quite awhile, all alone at the top of a tall dead tree.  I got the feeling that nothing escaped his steely gaze.  I wouldn't want to be a mouse or rabbit living around there, that's for damn sure.

That about does it for this month's unusually brief (some would say mercifully so) entry.  Next month, I will have images from my upcoming trip to Colorado and Utah, which is only six days away.

Until then, take care.  And, don't even think about wearing the same costume as last year. ^_^

The Watcher

(Click HERE for large version.)

An Engaging Experience

As promised in last month's photoblog post, here are the images from the photo shoot in the tall grass prairie.  I don't often do this type of work, but, when good friends honor you by asking you to shoot their engagement photos for them, you don't say no.

The prairie, of course, cooperated perfectly and really lent a sense of beauty and atmosphere to the images.  We had a blast the whole time despite the hordes of mosquitoes.  A colorful sunset sealed the deal.

To mix it up, we also did some shooting on the Stone Arch Bridge in downtown Minneapolis.  My friends are city kids, after all.

To Gen and Jake:  thanks for being great subjects and even better friends.  I look forward to shooting your 50th Anniversary photos in 2062.  Until then! ^_^

A butterfly bonanza!

Ever heard that saying "even the sun shines on a dog's ass some days"?  It basically means that everyone gets lucky sometimes.  Well, pass the sunscreen, because lately my butt's been getting severely burned.

Last week, I returned to a beautiful native tall grass prairie near Minneapolis (the very same one where I made this image, this image and this, too) to check on the wildflowers for an upcoming photo shoot.  Every single time I've been there, Lady Luck has been sitting in my lap and I've been blessed with perfect conditions.  This time was no different.

The moment I saw it, I could scarcely contain my smile.  The sky was a vibrant blue with nice, fluffy clouds and the wildflowers were the best I'd ever seen them!  Even though I was only there to scout locations and hadn't planned on shooting, I knew immediately that plans had changed.  It was time to make some art!

I found the composition I wanted, set up my camera, and waited.  The place was swarming with Monarch butterflies and I knew if I was patient enough, I'd eventually get a bunch of them in my composition.

Sure enough, one by one the Monarchs swooped in.  Each time, I snapped a shot. Then, in post production, I blended the shots together to create the image you see below, which I am very happy with.  It really captures the fun, exuberant, summery emotion I felt out there.  Seems like I can do no wrong on the prairie.  (Other places are a different story.)

And that photo shoot?  It happened just a few days ago, and, of course, Mother Nature cooperated beautifully and things went well.  I'll have those images posted soon.  Until then, thanks as always and take care.  And enjoy summer while it lasts! ^_^

(P.S.  There are 12 Monarch butterflies in the image.  Can you find 'em all?)

Monarch Madness
(Click RIGHT HERE for large version.)

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

My next-door neighbor must be on cloud nine.  Wouldn't you be if a pot of gold materialized in your back yard?

A couple weeks ago, at the end of a stormy day, the most magnificent rainbow I've ever seen appeared right over my house in northeast Minneapolis (my house is the second one from the left).  It was a rare sight, indeed.  The fact that you could see the whole thing from end to end -- in the middle of the city -- was almost unheard of.  Combine that with the vivid colors of the setting sun and the result was truly something to behold.  For the short time it lasted, I was hypnotized by its beauty.

As for that pot of gold?  I dunno if that legend is true or not, but I will say that my neighbor has been sporting some new bling lately.  Coincidence? ^_^

Home Sweet Home
(Click RIGHT HERE for large version.)

P.S.  It's official:  Fine Image Photography now has a Facebook page!  Please check it out and "Like" it if you, um, like it. ^_^

P.P.S.  Fine Image Photography now also has a 500px page.  If you have't heard of 500px.com, you should definitely check it out!  It's a very high-quality photography site that is quickly gaining momentum worldwide.  Stop by and "Follow" me there.