Kathy and I LOVE visiting the High Museum. We try to make it a point to visit every quarter or so. It’s world class with a steady rotation of top exhibits, and this Saturday our good friends John and Michelle enticed us with an impromptu invite.
Enjoy!
Conversations
Focus
Observation
Room with a View
Brett Weston Exhibit
Distraction
Pathways
Passage
Window Shopping
Geometry
Participating – Mo Willems’ “Serious Silly” Exhibit
Courtyard at Norfolk Southern
Right Turn Only
Having been here before, I knew how special it is and how much Kathy would love it. This was her favorite trip venue. The views and hoodoos are endless. This was my first time trekking the Queen’s Garden Trail. While short, it had many amazing views. I wanted to target photos that were different than the traditional compressed focal lengths of canyon layers from Sunrise Point … points of view that are a little more close and intimate, and that illustrate the unlikely ability for vegetation to hang on throughout this brutal canyon. Queens Garden did not disappoint!
We’re at Bryce!
Protecting Thor’s Hammer
Layers Upon Layers
Funnel to the Forest
Weatherman
A Maze
Extinct
THE famous hike in Zion is Angel’s Landing, which traverses switchbacks and very narrow pathways en route to peak overseeing the canyon. It was closed the first couple of days there, so instead, I decided we would hike to Observation Point on day 2 of our trip. Little did I know … this hike is twice as long and twice as hard as Angel’s Landing. As a matter of fact, its peak looks down over Angel’s Landing like a 747 over the Grand Canyon (see last photo below). The Observation Point trail is 4 miles one way around switchbacks and ridges. There are virtually no level trail segments as you ascend 2,000 feet from trailhead to trail end! Oh … and 4 miles back down was no cake walk after the strenuous climb up.
I’m incredibly proud of Kathy. This was a very difficult hike, and she pushed through it like a pro.
Mark and Kathy on Zion’s Observation Point Trail
Zion’s Observation Point Trail
Desert Survivor – Zion’s Observation Point Trail
Oasis – Zion’s Observation Point Trail
Living On The Edge – Zion’s Observation Point Trail
If These Walls Could Talk!
View From The Top – Zion’s Observation Point
After a few postponements and multiple destination considerations, Kathy and I decided to celebrate our 30th anniversary with a trip to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. I love anything to do with a national park and the outdoors, and Kathy has been very intrigued by the western U.S. since her 2014 trip to the Grand Canyon. So a-hiking we will go!
Departure day was a long one: A 4pm flight from Atlanta, a connection in Houston, a very late arrival in Vegas, and an hour and a half drive to Washington, UT. Of course, I had to snap the shutter a few times en route. 🙂
Lone Traveler
Gateway to the West
Passers-By
Day 1 in Utah – We slept in until about 8am, got ourselves organized, then headed for Zion. We decided our first hike would be the Narrow since it was forecasted to be the sunniest and warmest day during our stay. Good call! The weather was perfect, and even though ambient temps were in the mid-80’s, it was quite cool in the canyon shadows of the Narrows. And the rushing water was in the 50’s! This hike requires being in the water at least 75% of the time, anywhere between ankle and thigh deep. We rented insulated socks and canyon shoes … both lifesavers! The hike was so much fun, until Kathy took a little spill. I’m not sure which she was more upset about, dumping her camera or dislocating her finger! We had to turn around before reaching the famed Wall Street, but we got a few pics along the way and were thrilled with the adventure.
Bus to Temple of Sinawava
Hikers – Narrows at Zion National Park
Narrows – Hiker’s Paradise
Kathy Conquers the Virgin River
A River Runs Through It
On a recent walkabout in a nearby garage, I tried my eye at capturing a variety of shadows and architectural lines. I am also continuing to work on a style that has a “realistic” film-like feel in terms of tones and tonal transitions.
Under Cover
Exit
Levels
Sliver of Ligh
Stairwell
Window with a View
One week ago I had the honor of photographing Jackson on his wedding day. His family and ours have a close friendship, having spent many times together at church and with our kids in school over the years. He’s a great “kid” with a solid upbringing and a promising future. Congratulations to Jackson and Megan!
Almost Ready / With Help from Dad
Looking Fresh (in 98F heat)
It was rainy and stormy on 90% of a recent extended weekend trip to southwest coast of Florida, but it didn’t dampen spirits and fun. I had a great time with incredible friends and family – my bud Carl, good friend Brent, brother Larry, and sister-in-law Jude. Carl, Brent and I chased and ran from storms, as well as waded knee deep in the Everglades Big Cypress swamp. In between, Larry and Jude were the perfect hosts, feeding us like kings, giving us a place to lay our heads, and playing chief meteorologists. Thanks guys!
Below are some of my favorites from the visit. I’ve been working on my post processing, trying to produce a more film-like look with natural tonal transitions, producing natural colors, and pulling out more detail where possible. Still working on it, but I hope these do the scenes justice (which the internet never does).
Click each to inflate.
Naples Pier – Serenity Now
Naples Pier – Stormy in B&W
Naples Beach – Groin
Groin Pillars
Fern in Big Cypress
Cypress Knees in Big Cypress
Sea Wall
Project 365 – Day 116
Friday was a huge day! My youngest was proposed to, so we have a wedding in our future! I was away Friday, so I didn’t get to hug her or grab a quick photo. Saturday was a “bust” as well because she had to work into the evening. So FINALLY on Sunday I present to you the ring and the happy couple!
I am so very happy for each of them!
Engagement Ring
Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/55 sec @ f/4.0, ISO3200
Evan and Katie
Fuji X-T1, 56mm f/1.2, 1/125 @ f/2.0, ISO2500
Project 365 – Day 114
On morning two of our retreat, I got up early to shoot the winery at sunrise. There were zero clouds this morning. While not ideal for a dramatic sunrise shoot, I was not completely disappointed since rain has been never-ending as of late. The best light and photographic results came around civil twilight, which is about a half hour before the sun peeks itself over the horizon. Things quickly became too bright and harsh once the sun appeared, but the pre-sunrise sky was beautiful and rich.
Civil Twilight at Chateau Elan
Fuji X-T1, 14mm f/2.8, 1 sec @ f/8.0, ISO200
Project 365 – Day 113
On Thursday my work peers and I began a 3-Day leadership retreat at Chateau Elan, a nice winery and resort within an hour of home. The resort is quaint and quiet, and this is the second time I’ve visited for an overnight stay. The atrium is wonderfully lit during the day when the sun is shining through the open roof. However, it is equally impressive yet looks different at night. Architectural lighting is well done, with an inviting feeling. Most of the private rooms have a large window or two, allowing for a flood of nice sunlight to bathe the interior.
Chateau Elan Atrium
Fuji X-T1, 14mm f/2.8, 1/25 sec @ f/3.2, ISO3200
Chateau Elan – Warm Welcome
Fuji X-T1, 14mm f/2.8, 1/125 sec @ f/5.6, ISO2500
Project 365 – Day 112
Car Wash
Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/125 sec @ f/5.6, ISO1250
Project 365 – Day 111
Afternoon
Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/150 sec @ f/8.0, ISO800