Star Struck - Heceta Beach, Oregon

Clinging to the rocks patiently waiting for the tide to come in, this little starfish is just one of the many wonderful creatures to discover in the tidal zone of the Pacific Coast.

Jewel of the Rockies - Banff national Park, Alberta

While not my usual stomping grounds when it comes to landscape photography, I couldn’t resist photographing Moraine Lake in Banff with a blanket fresh snow. There is only a short window each year to capture this before the road is closed for winter and the lake freezes over. With how beautiful this place is, I can completely understand why busloads of tourists flock here and why this is the most photographed location in Canada.

Proxy Falls - McKenzie Pass, Oregon

It's incredible to think that the location of this scene is less than an hour and a half drive from the dry high desert. At only a mile or so long, the hike traverses and old lava flow before descending down to the waterfall. Photographing this place was surprisingly harder than I expected. With the thick foggy canopy blocking out most of the sunlight, I had to run long shutter speeds to get a proper exposure, and with the constant blasts of mist, it made it next to impossible to get a clean shot in. I quickly learned the mist came in waves, so eventually I was able to time it right and get a few good shots in.

Locals Only - Kananskis, Alberta

In regards to tourism in Alberta, Banff, and Jasper National Parks take the cake and for good reason. There are countless pristine lakes and glacier covered mountains, with guided tours and all of the comforts one could ever imagine. With all of the hustle and bustle in the national parks, it is surprising that Kananskis, which borders Banff, sees only a fraction of the traffic of the National Parks, most of which are locals. Kananaskis shares many of the traits of the big parks. Tucked out of the way, this waterfall is only a short hike from the road. Gems like this are what make Kananaskis my favourite park to visit in Alberta.

The Keeper's Cape - Newport, Oregon

Built in 1872, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse is Oregon's tallest lighthouse with the tower at 93 feet with the light fueled by whale oil. For the keeper, it was a full time job keeping the wick burning. The lighthouse has since been converted to a 1000-watt globe, removing the need of a permanent keeper. The lighthouse has now been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Heceta Beach - Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon

Only accessible at low tide, this small cave is one of many at Heceta Beach on the Oregon Coast. I found it interesting how the waves during high tide would force the smaller stones to collect in the bowl shaped rock.

Redemption - Kananaskis, Alberta

I have lost count how many times I have tried to photograph this location. For nearly two years luck was never on my side. Each time I set aside some time to stop here the clouds would completely cover Mount Kidd in the background. I don’t know why, but without fail if I drove ten minutes down the road it would be sunny and clear every time. I knew this photo would never be my best work, but for me there was something satisfying about finally capturing the photo I wanted with the added benefit of some smoke in the air from wild fires across B.C. to diffuse the direct sunlight.

Winter Pine - Banff National Park, Alberta

As a lover of heat it’s rare for me to say I miss winter. As I edited this image however, I immediately had a fond memory of this particular morning spending time with my little girl who was so excited to go out on an adventure with her daddy. As always, she was eager to wake up at the crack of dawn, drive for an hour and a half in pitch black and stand out in the freezing cold with me to take this picture. When we were done shooting we both ran into the truck and cuddled in the back seat of my truck under a blanket to warm up and we watched every little girl’s favourite movie, Frozen on her little Ipad. We ended up both falling asleep and woke up just as the movie ended. I remember the look on her face as we both started to realize we dozed off. The groggy smile on her face was filled with joy as if it was the best day her life while her arms clenched me tighter in a big hug. It’s a memory I will always cherish.

Frosted Tips - Kananaskis, Alberta - 2020

I just love the landscape during the transitional seasons when the snow and frost hasn’t quite taken hold yet but the reality of winter is just around the corner. There’s something I find very beautiful about the look of the first snow in the mountains. Perhaps it’s because I know I can still find reprieve from the cold crisp air and just drive to a lower altitude and still enjoy the beautiful fall colours while basking in the warm sun. Either way, I just love this time of year.

Evening Gold - Kofa, Arizona

The rugged and painful beauty of Arizona is truly unrivaled. If you have never been, you owe it to yourself to witness a sunset in this state.

Tidal Zone

Every year my daughter and I go on a road trip together. This year, we spent several days exploring the Oregon Coast. Looking back on the trip, one of my fondest memories I had with her was exploring the rocky outcrops along the beaches during low tide. We spent several hours each day running from the waves, and flipping rocks looking for crabs and starfish together. Seeing that glow on her face every time we found a sea critter has burned into my memory forever. It is amazing to see the excitement in a child when they discover something new.

Engadine Blues - Kananaskis, Alberta

Luck seems to have eluded me this year. Leaving my house, the forecast said it was supposed to be only -3 degrees in the Banff area. With the Chinook winds blowing, heading out to the mountains for an early morning sunrise photo shoot seemed like a good idea. As I approached the Spray Valley just outside Canmore I had to constantly keep turning up the heat in my truck as I climbed up the hill to the valley. By the time I got to Mount Egandine Lodge, the temperature was well below -20 degrees and oh boy was it ever cold. after poking my tripod through the waist deep snow to set up for a shot, one of the latches on the lower section of the leg got stuck between some rocks that was under the snow. Nearly frostbitten, after 15 minutes of fiddling around, I finally got it out and thankfully I was able to at least capture this photo before having to run back to my truck to warm up.

Canadian Gold - Bugaboo Provincial Park, British Columbia

As a lover of solitude, Bugaboo Provincial Park is my kind of place. I discovered this remote park a few years back and now I dream of returning year after year. I’m not sure what it is, but there is something so refreshing for me every time I make a trip out here. It’s my happy place I guess.

A Walk in the Woods - Whistler, B.C.

In the temperate rainforests of coastal British Columbia you can be sure to find plenty of scenic trails with well-worn boardwalks traversing the rugged terrain. This particular trail is a long time favourite of mine near the village of Whistler. Each time I visit this location it has become a bit of bitter sweet for me. As I make my way home at the end of my annual coastal road trip, this marks the end of the temperate rainforest and the realization I soon will be leaving my paradise. I have been fortunate to walk away with a variety of photographs I am proud of at least.

Nature's Fireworks - Terrebonne, Oregon

With a thunderstorm fast approaching during my visit to Smith Rock State Park, I scrambled around to capture the constantly changing light before needing to head for cover. As each thunderous crash of lightning progressed to what seemed to feel a little close for comfort, I rushed for shelter back at the truck. As I scrambled my way with an armload of camera gear on one side, and my daughter in the other, I witnessed the sky start to explode with vibrant colours as the setting sun dropped below the clouds in the distance. With only a couple minutes to capture this, I quickly re-composed my shot and frantically snapped away before I had no choice but to get out. Within seconds of loading the in truck, Torrential rain came down, followed by a blast of hail. Either the stars were aligned, or the weather gods liked me that day. Either way, I'll take it.

Wild Weather - Emerald Lake, British Columbia

I will always be fascinated how unpredictable weather can be in the Canadian Rockies. A couple hours earlier, I was hiking no more than an hour drive from this location in nearly two feet of snow in absolute whiteout conditions and this place surprisingly sits at a higher altitude than where I was hiking earlier. The way mountain ranges can affect the weather is truly incredible. Now I wish I spent the day here instead. Flip-flops are way comfier than parkas.

Bluebird

I have to confess, as much as my personality hates touristy areas and crowds, this lake has really started to grow on me. Over the last few years I usually allocate at least one morning out of a weekend adventure during the summer to visit Moraine Lake and the surrounding area. The beauty of this area is so impressive it’s hard to ignore, despite the crowds. The people watching is top notch as well since the demographic visitors are quite juxtaposed compared to the usual trail goers that I have become accustomed to crossing paths with. The “Instagrammer” crowd is one I will truly never understand. When it comes to photographing Moraine Lake, it seems there’s not a single shot that can be made that is unique anymore. The way I see it, is that’s ok. Sometimes the obvious classic shots are the best. If there is one thing that is certain, it’s that it is practically impossible to get a bad photo here.

Changing of the Guard - Kananaskis, Alberta

It’s not too often you can capture a beautiful alpenglow sunrise during the peak of the fall colour, with a full moon setting in a single frame. I suppose this will have to do…

Morning at the Rock - Terrebonne, Oregon

Towering above the high desert plains of Central Oregon, Smith Rock State Park takes a commanding presence over the surrounding terrain. A photograph just can’t justify how epic the cliffs are as the Crooked River snakes its way through the basalt and tuff rock formations.

Beach Vibes - Newport, Oregon

The sound of crashing ocean waves, surrounded by long grass blowing in the warm summer breeze, and endless beaches of silky sand between your toes. I don’t know about you, but that is my definition of paradise. While visiting the Oregon Coast, I discovered it is nearly impossible not to fall in love with everything this State has to offer. From amazing food and people, to endless vistas that will blow your mind, this State has it all.

Alpenglow Kidd - Kananaskis, Alberta

Tasked by a good friend, I have been sent on a mission to capture a great photo of Mount Kidd in Kananaskis for her dining room wall. It's now been a couple of years of efforts and I am still not fully satisfied with my results. For some reason, photographing this mountain has been a tremendous challenge. It’s almost become my nemesis. If there is one thing I have learned in life, challenges are what makes our successes so rewarding, so I'm just going to keep chipping away at this project and eventually I am sure my luck will turn around.