Below you'll find a list of all posts from October, 2013
Wonder Lake, Denali National Park, Alaska.
It has been a busy few months and I have a number of photos from this past Summer’s travels to Denali, Lake Clark, the Grand Canyon and Zion that I haven’t had a chance to share. I’m just going through those trips now – so I thought I would share of few over the next few weeks while I buckle down on a bunch of office work! 🙂
This is Denali reflecting in Wonder Lake this past August on a beautiful evening.
A sow nursing two cubs, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.
Here is another one from August. Experiencing this behavior up close never gets old! This was actually on the grounds of the lodge I use for my Alaska Bear Photo Tours! We had returned to our cabins for a quick break when she showed up and began nursing! One of my guests (who will remained unnamed) was actually just getting out of the shower when he heard the familiar “purring” sounds the cubs make while nursing, and instantly knew what he was missing. It was some sight seeing him coming out of his cabin with camera gear in hand – wearing just his underwear! Witnessing this event was well worth the teasing from the group. 🙂
I like how sows will often use their forward legs to make somewhat of a cradle to help contain her cubs – just like you see here.
It might seem strange to hear how she actually came into the lodge’s yard to nurse. You see, the sows and their cubs are vulnerable to the larger male bears while nursing. The males are not nearly as comfortable around people, or the lodge facilities, and often will keep their distance – except during the mating season. The sows have picked up on this and use it to their advantage. It isn’t uncommon for them to move closer to people when they are vulnerable like they are when nursing or sleeping. It makes for a wonderful treat for photography! Well, except when they are sleeping – they tend to sleep longer and harder when we are nearby since they feel safer.
If you are interested, we only have a couple spots left for next years bear tours.
Aurora Borealis over the Seward Boat Harbor last Wednesday.
Here is another one from last northern light show in Seward last Tuesday night, Wednesday morning. Hard to follow the last image which received a wonderful response especially on Facebook – thanks for all the kind emails, comments and likes!
A lot of people have been asking. This was captured with a Canon 5D Mark III and a 24mm f/1.4 lens used wide open at f/1.4, iso 3200 and half a second exposure.
Colorado River near Page, Arizona.
The Colorado River last week near Page, Arizona.
Funny, between a backpacking trip to the river in the Grand Canyon, and two separate trips to the Page area – I have photographed the Colorado River a lot this year. It didn’t start out as part of a plan at the beginning of the year, just sorta worked out that way.
Desert sunflowers near Page, Arizona.
I usually don’t post on the weekends, nor do I post snap shots captured mid day, but I thought it was worth doing a quick post to get the word out on how great the wildflowers are in Northern Arizona right now.
Heavy rain in August has lead to what most people are telling me is an unprecedented Autumn wildflower bloom. I do know this, the wildflowers were way better then they were this past May – better then I have seen in the desert for a number of Springs. And there were fields with a variety a species including common spring flowers like verbena and primrose. In some areas, the desert sunflowers were just thick. In the wash where Antelope Canyon crosses under the highway is by far the best field of Sacred Datura I have ever seen! And as local were pointing out – the wildflowers that normally get cooked by rising spring temperatures are continuing to look great thanks to the cooling fall temps – I thought they were getting better as the week went on. So if you are in the area, check it out!
Upper Antelope Slot Canyon and night, Page, Arizona.
I have visited the Page Arizona area many times over the years, but until May, had never ventured into the Upper Antelope Slot Canyon. The stories of the crowds of people kept me away. On my May visit, I figured if I was going to be offering a photo tour in the area, I should at least visit the areas most popular attraction. I must admit, the canyon itself was stunning. But, the huge crowds and chaos ruined the experience for me. At times guides were yelling at guests to stay out of the view – it was crazy, and not the kind of environment in which I like to spend my time.
After that experience, I really didn’t think it would work to bring a group to such a crazy canyon. But, while in the canyon I got talking to a couple of the Navajo guides and learned that another Navajo was doing an occasional night tour into the canyon with very small groups. This sounded like the perfect solution, and after a bit of leg work, was able to make the arrangements.
I must say, this was a far better experience! Looking up at the stars through those beautiful red rock walls was magical, and hearing one of our Navajo guides quietly chanting to himself added more to the experience! Definitely one of the many highlights of this trip!
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