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Shooting this series of the Fighter Pilots was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had on a shoot. Not only the sheer thrill of flying in an F-16, but getting to know the citizen-airmen and their families was incredibly enriching. To then be awarded 1st place in the International Photography Awards is just an amazing honor.

Special thanks and congratulations to my 1st assistant Draper White, imaging specialist Armando Martinez, and the fighter pilots of the 120th Fighter Squadron — especially my pilot, Captain TenEyck LaTourrette.

To see more F-16 Footage, watch Fighting Falcons.

Often I’m asked where I draw inspiration from. Really there are many things but one favorite photographer I am consistently drawn back to time and again is the Icelandic photographer Ragnar Axelsson. Having been to Iceland 4 times, I have become enchanted with the rugged landscape and the equally rugged people. Axelsson has a perspective on his country that is especially inspiring.

As an adventure and heavy-industry photographer in western Colorado, I frequently shoot with miners, ranchers, wildfire fighters and the like. And before many of my shoots, I turn through the pages of Axelsson’s book “Faces of the North” for inspiration on shooting workmen in unique, gritty ways. I could explain more, but when you see his images you’ll understand …

For those of you who don’t know his work, this trailer for his upcoming documentary, ‘Last Days of the Arctic,’ showcases not only his beautiful photography in Iceland and Greenland, but also his interaction with the people and landscape he loves. Take a look. Get inspired.

I was honored to be a part of an hour-long TWiT.tv interview with Catherine Hall and Leo Laporte. I had a great time discussing portraits for Wide Horizons, what it was like to film in an F-16, and all of the projects we’ve worked so hard on. I also got to present some unique photo tips, such as: shoot into the sun, take your flash off the camera, and other advice that may surprise you (like using Pam cooking spray on location!). Special thanks to Catherine Hall, Leo Laporte and everyone who tuned into listen and ask questions.
If you missed it you can check out the episode online or download the podcast.

Good news! There’s still space to join me at the Canon Live Learning Workshop in Aspen Sept. 24th- 25th. This is a great opportunity to learn portrait and landscape shooting in one of the country’s most scenic locations, which I am lucky enough to call home.  We are going to be doing field shoots at an Aspen ranch using authentic cowboys as subjects as well as a landscape session at the famous Maroon Bells alpine lake. Canon provides a huge range of the latest demo camera equipment, and I’ll also be teaching Lightroom processing tutorials, etc.

If you are interested please register here.
Hope to see you there!