Yosemite Valley Magic

Rick and I spent the night at the Lodge, and when we headed out the next morning, we were greeted by a fairly heavy snowfall. Usually, I wouldn't photograph when it's snowing hard, but this old tree in the Valley looked worth the risk. In retrospect, I actually like the texture the falling snow created in the image. I don't do very many B&W photos, but this was the perfect subject to bring out the mood of the moment.

Ripples in Time

Beautiful sand dunes are one of the most interesting parts of Death Valley NP. Early morning light spills across the ripples resulting from last night's winds that erases footprints and creates a new look with every dawn.

Ripples in Time

The light doesn't last long as the sun rises, ever so quickly, and takes away the shadows that makes the desert dunes look magical.

Ripples in Time

Time is much too short, and there's never the feeling that we saw everything we hoped for on any given morning.

Time is short for these viewsand there's never the feeling that we saw everything we searched for on any given morning.

I'm always amazed to see what the rising sun will provide.

It's very easy to become transfixed with the scene in front of you and miss the opportunity to snap the shutter. Fortunately, there's coffee!

San Antonio, Texas Missions

Mission Espada is a really great subject for photos. It is still used today for services and provides solace for all who visit within its historic walls.

San Antonio, Texas Missions

The best time, for me, here at Mission Espada is sunset. The bell towers catch the light beautifully in the last throws of the day.

If these Doors Could Talk

Way back in 2011 we were camping at South Llano State Park, Texas, and after exploring different parts of the park, we stumbled upon this old barn. What neat architecture and grain in the old wood. At some point in time this was part of someone's dream for the future. Can't help but wonder what stories are here to be told.

Cinnabar Casualties

This is a popular shot taken at the Terlingua Cemetary. The next image is the same spot done in Sepia Tone. This image was processed in HDR Effects, a new offering for HDRI photography, and subsequently finished in CS5 and Lightroom 4.

Same image as the last, but done in sepia tone.

Mission San Jose, San Antonio, Texas. This Mission was built circa 1736, and these original walls have stood the test of time and the elements as countless lives were lived and passed eternal in the service of God. One can only imagine the hardships of living in these small rooms built along the fortress walls surrounding the Mission compound. I found myself complaining about the hot Texas afternoon as I photographed and tried to imagine what the early settlers must have endured with no means to cool their quarters in the summer, and only a small fireplace to provide heat in the winter. If you are ever in San Antonio, this Mission is one of many, but not the one to miss if history has a special meaning for you.
(Three image HDRI taken in bright mid-day sun. Processed in Photomatix and converted to B&W in Lightroom 3.)

The ceiling that once covered this hallway is long since gone, the light from above now creates interesting shadows at certain times of the day.

The hallway from a different angle, and in fact every angle here is interesting!

Shadows and Shapes of the Alabama Hills, California

I have a color rendition of this photo that I feel is very dramatic, but this B&W version is one of my favorite photos of all the photos I've ever taken.