Trees & Forest
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Immersion - Northern California Coast, Hwy 101 - USA
Somewhere along highway 101 on the Northern California coast, near the Redwoods National Park. The scenery is so blissfully beautiful along this stretch of highway, as you're surrounded by towering redwoods for quite a while. The dancing and shifting of sunlight shining through these beauties is quite magical and memorable. I was content just to drive through and admire the beauty along the way, deciding to pass on stopping at the National Park, and save it for another time. However, I couldn't NOT stop at some point, and immerse myself in this forested wonderland. So I chose a random pull off and trail head to get a more intimate look at their majesty. I hiked for only about a half of an hour, and it sure didn't take long, or much effort to be overcome with excitement and joy from this immersion. Sometimes it takes only a moment to slow down, be present and allow for immersion in the beauty that surrounds.
Mystical Experience - Oregon Coast - USA
The coastal mist, which was invisible to the eye, allowed for these fascinating sun rays. I pulled off the road simply to stop and bask in an ocean view, atop the cliffs on the Oregon Coast. When I looked over and up, I was struck with awe and excitement from this unexpected, gloriously mystical scene. We've all heard the phrase that it's not about the destination, it's about the journey. Something I truly connect with and try to live by, fully experiencing the ever present Now. Had I been solely focused on the destination, which was the view of the ocean from the cliff tops, and not taken a few moments to experience my surroundings, I would have missed out entirely on this magnificent, mistical experience.
Winter Whimsy - Dayton, Ohio - USA
On a typical Winter morning, feeling a bit mundane from the weather, I looked outside the front window, and became filled with wonder and excitement from these rain drops dangling on the ends of the bare winter branches. Each branch contained a drop of water, providing a fascinating scene of glistening sunlight and reflections. With this whimsical mood change I grabbed the camera, and immersed myself for quite a while in a world of simple, subtle beauty, hoping to capture and convey the feeling of wonder it provided to me. The reflection of the bare tree seen in the singular focal point of the drop. As with most of my work, this piece was created with a basic kit lens.
Pavement Profundity - Dayton, Ohio - USA
It's been said, and has also been my experience, that the world around you is a reflection of what's inside of you. See beauty, love, and goodness inside of you, and you will see it in the world around you. It also goes the other way. As you open to see and experience more beauty outside of yourself, in the world, you'll more easily find it inside. It's all connected, and all a reflection. Here is a beautiful reflection found in the pavement, on a wet Winter day, walking along in an apartment complex. I imagine many would not see beauty in this scene, and perhaps wouldn't even be looking for beauty on a day such as this. For me, being present, in the moment, and knowing that there is beauty to be found everywhere, it was rather easy to see it reflecting back to me from the gravel ground of this parking lot.
Fall Fascination - Glen, New Hampshire - USA
Much of my work comes from stopping the car when passing a scene that fascinates me, often standing on a thin shoulder of road, with cars buzzing by, probably thinking I'm crazy! This is one of those times, and one of the more memorable of them. A beautiful roadside scene in a tiny NH town, on the edge of the White Mountains. I especially love creating art from these spontaneous, inspired moments of awe and fascination with every day scenes that are available to all of us, and are so often overlooked.
Rush - Smokey Mountains National Park, Tennessee - USA
This powerfully cascading river in the Smokey Mountains National Park gave me quite a rush. A rush of excitement, of energy, and connectedness to Mother Nature. Found on a random trail off the side of the road, I was in my own private Heaven in this spot. Wanting to capture the essence of the excitement and the rush this scene provided me, I turned the camera to provide this perspective, with the cascading water as the focal point.
Invitation - Smokey Mountains Nat'l Park, Tennessee - USA
A full spectrum of forest green found on the Laurel Falls trail in the Smokey Mountains National Park. Walking back from the falls, this scene captured my attention and awe, on an otherwise ordinary forest trail. Looking up, as I often do, I observed the afternoon sun illuminating the forest, providing this lovely palette of greens. I also noticed, as the crowd rushed by, people were either occupied in conversation, or fixated on their destination, and I seemed to be the only one in the moment, taking note of this magnificent and subtle beauty, provided to us all by mother nature, inviting us to take a moment, slow down, and admire it.
Ageless - Charleston, SC - USA
The Angel Oak Tree in Charleston, SC is as majestic, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable as they come. As such, it's quite crowded with people, and has been photographed who knows how many thousands, or millions of times. Knowing this, my goal was to admire, appreciate, and photograph it from as many angles as possible, and convey it's beauty in a way that was distinct from the thousands of others. I spent no less than an hour enjoying this marvel of nature, capturing from each spot that spoke to me. It's stats are staggering. It stands 66.5 ft (20 m) tall, measures 28 ft (8.5 m) in circumference, and produces shade that covers 17,200 square feet (1,600 m2). From tip to tip Its longest branch distance is 187 ft. It's often stated to be around 400-500 years old, but there is considerable debate about the age. Some contend that it is 1,500 years old. I've seen the greatest Oak in the West, in my old hometown of Temecula, CA - which is said to be 1,000-2,000 years old, and I personally find it hard to believe Angel Oak is younger than 1,000. Regardless of this debate, the wisdom & magnificence it exudes, the reverence it commands, is ageless.
Driftwood Delight - Lover's Key, FL
I was particularly excited to visit Lover's Key Beach. Among the other highlights it offers, this was my first opportunity to witness, and photograph the phenomena of driftwood on the beach. This beauty, with it's distinct contour, lines and wood pecked holes, did not disappoint, and filled me with delight!
Picture Perfect - Cherohola Skyway, North Carolina - USA
A perfectly picturesque dusting of snow along the Cherohala Skyway, winding across, and along the Tennesee-North Carolina border in the Smokey Mountains. Decided to explore this national scenic byway on a December day. The threat of snow was minimal, so I was a bit surprised, and even a bit anxious when it began to fall at the higher elevations. Thankfully, it stopped, and the anxiety turned to pure excitement, as it turned out to be just enough to provide this fantastic, lovely scenery along the drive, including this picture perfect vista.
Reverent Reflection - Dayton, Ohio - USA
"It all begins with "reverence for life".. the revealing of the mysteries, the occurrences of magic.. when we learn to appreciate the simple magnificence of life, the extraordinary appears more often.. Mere reverence, wonder, and awe for our experience expands the mind, and connects us to a universal source.. What we label this reverence is of no importance.. call it Jesus, call it source, call it divinity, doesn't matter.. I use many phrases, but tend to settle on "intelligence" - something beyond our limited scope that puts it all together & holds it in place. Matter of fact it's the labeling and attaching to ideas of what it is that closes the mind & puts us in divisive & defensive modes.. stops us from experiencing true wonder.. Thankfully we're provided opportunities moment to moment to practice being in awe.. the beauty & diversity of our planet.. the diversity & beauty of the strangers we meet.. so much beauty to observe.. so many reminders, so many reflections" ~ BBB Tree and bushes reflection in a downtown, city park, man made pond in Dayton, Ohio
Winter Silence - Dayton, Ohio - USA
Even in the dead of Winter, there is beauty to be found all around, as long as we are in the moment and available to perceive it. This scene was found at the Englewood Metro Park in Dayton, Ohio. A small, temporary pond had formed from the overflow of the lake. I spotted it from a distance, and walked to the edge, silently observing the beauty revealed and reflected back to me. I decided on some creativity in the edit, turning it into a silhouetted scene with a sepia/bronze filter.
InfiniTree - Idyllwild, California - USA
"In simplicity, there is truth, and there is beauty. In simplicity, we find wisdom. In silence, we find wisdom. In experience, we find wisdom. In nature, we find wisdom. Timeless, and infinite." This is a top down view of a tree stump. It looks as though you can see infinity within this single stump. I was fascinated by the detail and contrasts, the story it tells of this tree's wisdom, and the simple, yet complex beauty of mother nature it reflects to us. This photo is barely altered, simply added a bit of intensity to the colors, highlighting the variance.
Through The Pines - Idyllwild, CA
I was camping at about a mile high elevation near Idyllwild, CA in the San Jacinto Mountains. Having scoped this spot out earlier in the day, I anxiously returned to soak in & capture the sunset. Idyllwild is a magical place, surrounded by towering pine trees. The sunsets are sublime, looking westward over 100 miles towards the California coast. I had captured 5 or 6 "art worthy" shots from this sunset, and this one produced the most memorable feeling. In the moment, an idea sparked. Find a spot where I can frame the sun inside of the pines. So I ran around with camera in hand, becoming filled with happiness & excitement when I found my spot, knowing it would convey the majesty of this sublime setting & sunset.
This magical, colorful sunrise was taken at Lake Riverside Estates in Aguanga, CA from the driveway of my residence. Elevation approximately 4k feet. I was provided unforgettable sunrises at this location on a daily basis, as the sun would come up over the East mountains, providing these gorgeous colors,reflected beautifully by the lake. What a magical way to start the day.
Transported - Umpqua National Forest, Oregon - USA
Stepping into this forest felt like being transported to another land. A land of fantasy and fairy tales. The vividness of this green moss is surreal, and other worldly. It was quite a thrilling experience to stand near this chasm of thundering water, surrounded by the lush green, and beautifully carved canyon. I stood on the edge of the rock, leaning over as much as I could, and shot by hand to capture and convey the feeling of excitement experienced here. This is Brice Creek Falls in the Umpqua National Forest, in the cascades of Central Oregon, not far from Eugene. Umpqua is said to be translated to "thundering waters", as well as "satisfying". I think either of those translations are appropriate for this magical scene!
Mossy Maze - Elkhorn Valley, Oregon - USA
Having been to just about every corner of our great country, I can say that there is nothing quite like the vibrant, magical aliveness of the Mossy pacific nw forests. This scene, found in the Elkhorn Valley Nat'l Recreation area, appears much like a maze to me, that I'm eager and happy to get lost in! I've seen plenty of mossy trees in Oregon, but this scene really stood out, calling me to spend some time with it, creating a piece of abstract art.
A stunning array of Fall colors provided by these fallen leaves in Yellow Springs, OH. We were on a camping outing, and trying to stay dry. While not too thrilled about being rained on while camping, the freshly fallen rain rewarded me with some extra luster in this capture.
I was camping in one of Oregon's lush National Forests during the Fall. While I expected to see some colorful leaves, I surely didn't expect to the entire Autumn color spectrum at once! On the same tree! On the same branch! This was such a delightful find. I was determined to capture it in a compelling way, and convey the wonderful feeling it provided to me. I used one hand to move the branch, so that the colors could be isolated against the blue sky back drop, and the other hand to make the capture.
Kwanzan Zen #1 - Salem, Oregon - USA
The Kwanzan Cherry Tree. So far in my life, easily the most magnificent and impressive creation I've witnessed sprouting from a tree branch. First experienced in 2017, my first Spring in Oregon. A discovery that provided an ecstatic feeling of wonder, and reverence for God/Nature's creativity. I could hardly believe that something so beautiful grew from a tree, appearing as if giant pink carnations or roses hung from it. And thankfully, their brilliance can be found all over the Salem, Oregon area where I've resided, and eagerly anticipated their arrival each year! On this day, I was in a state of pure zen, with no other care in the world, besides my mission of admiring and capturing this beauty. Only a simple stroll around the block was required, where I encountered three of them, and lost track of time and surroundings. The wind was gusting, adding a challenge to the mission, and an opportunity to practice the zen art of allowing. This, along with my usual handheld captures resulted in a tad bit of motion blur with this piece.
Kwanzan Zen #4 - Salem, Oregon - USA
The Kwanzan Cherry Tree. So far in my life, easily the most magnificent and impressive creation I've witnessed sprouting from a tree branch. First experienced in 2017, my first Spring in Oregon. A discovery that provided an ecstatic feeling of wonder, and reverence for God/Nature's creativity. I could hardly believe that something so beautiful grew from a tree, appearing as if giant pink carnations or roses hung from it. And thankfully, their brilliance can be found all over the Salem, Oregon area where I've resided, and eagerly anticipated their arrival each year! On this day, I was in a state of pure zen, with no other care in the world, besides my mission of admiring and capturing this beauty. Only a simple stroll around the block was required, where I encountered three of them, and lost track of time and surroundings. The wind was gusting, adding a challenge to the mission, and an opportunity to practice the zen art of allowing. This piece is focused on the tall, long, extended branches of the tree, with the capture intended to be a panoramic piece. The branches actually extend upward, and I turned the camera to create this. I was delighted to also catch a small bit of newly blossoming buds in the corner.