Back of the Bow

Oxbow Bend in the Grand Teton National Park is one of those places that has been photographed time and again. Tour companies schedule delivery of hobbyist photographers each morning before sunrise to take the quintessential of all landscape shots. Those often photoed iconic shots are beautiful, that's why there is such a rush every morning. But getting those shots to be original is a daunting task. Once in a while it might just pay off to look around to what else might be worthy of a photograph. You might be able to get an original photo if you just turn around. The featured photograph today was one of those shots. While the hoards of photographers were snapping away at the bend, I saw some beautiful light just behind me. I did get some beautiful shots of Oxbow Bend. Don't get me wrong, I have no issue with having them in my portfolio. But being a little less myopic can sometimes produce equal rewards.

Spring has Sprung

The delicate leaves fresh and green. The buds on the trees. The happy chirping of birds engaged in mating and posturing. Fragrent flower petals bursting in color. Cold crisp mornings, and the fresh smell of the anticipation of summer is in the air. Somehow after even the mildest of winters the spring leaves look a little greener, the water a little clearer. Early enclaves of green fight to regain its hold amid the sea of brown and lifelessness. Spring has sprung.

Spring Snow in Sedona

"We haven't had this kind of snow in at least 7 years!" remarked a local Sedonaite during a conversation on the suprise snow storm on March 17th. Indeed. It was a bit of a surprise to me too. Kristi and I took the last couple of days of her spring break to explore a bit of unknown areas in and around Sedona, Arizona. We spent the first two days lingering around Oak Creek, and Sycamore Creek working our tans and throwing our dogs into large pools of water. Now we were deep into a wild moist spring storm. I had advance knowledge that we were expecting a storm, but according to NOAA's web site, we were only supposed to get 4 inches- in Flagstaff. Sedona rarely gets snow, so when it started raining late Saturday night I was hardly concerned. We could see the storm blowing in, but we had chosen a nice campsite 9 miles out on Forest Road 525, in a wind shadow of sorts. A huge fire, liquid libation, and dinner mixed with a day of hiking the ruins around Loy Canyon brought heavy sedation to the both of us. So when I awoke around midnight and heard some rain on the roof of the van we knew the storm was upon us. Sleep once again arrested my consciousness. I woke again early the next morning to extreme silence. Warm and cozy in our sleeping bags we were stirred by the dogs anxiously shaking, announcing their full bladders. Sliding the van door opened we began to fully grasp the gravity of the storm. There was 5 inches of snow on the ground, and after stepping out, two inches of mud below that. About 75 feet off the forest service road in an established campsite, we scratched our heads and wondered if we would ever get the van out, and whether or not we had cell phone coverage. Snow was still coming down, blizzard style. With out our habitual morning coffee or breakfast, we decided to leave- if we could. The van started with little issue, and I pulled forward to get a running start and promptly slid into a large bush. Now the wheels were spinning. Kristi started to stress, fearing the worst - A six mile hike to the highway in a snowstorm and a hefty towing bill. I got our spade out and cleared an area of snow around the van, then threw some rocks in with the mud. Rocking back & forth I freed the van, and trying to avoid a large pile of rocks promptly slid into another bush. We decided to spend some more time clearing the remaining 50 feet of snow off the ground all the way to the roadway. I instructed Kristi that she would need to push, since she was not willing to drive backward. I told her I would be pulling forward, then quickly backward to gain enough momentum to drive over the hole I had created with the spinning wheels.
She would need to push once I started backward. It worked, once I was free I gently feathered the accelerator then gunned it once I got momentum. I bumped over the ditch and slammed on the brake as soon as I hit the road. Since the road was on an incline, the rain water shed off, and all I had to deal with was 5 inches of snow. We slipped and slid through wet mud puddles and snow until we hit pavement on Boynton Canyon road. I began to breathe easier now that the threat of sliding into a ditch was less likely. After getting a bit of gas, we made our way to the freeway only to find that the Highway Patrol had closed it. They were making travelers exit, and blocking the entrance to prevent anyone from entering. Even though the van had no heat, we thought we would use the time to play tourist in the snow of Sedona. We drove around to the various sites, capturing the rarity. Getting cold, hungry and jonesing for some coffee, we decided to hang out at a local coffee shop until they opened the freeway. NOAA said the storm was to last until the next day, dumping even more snow in the meantime. We had our laptop, so we started looking at the internet and some prices of a room. Rooms in Sedona are ridiculous, maybe we'll just drive to Cottonwood, we thought. At about 11:30 we checked the Flagstaff paper online- the freeway was open. We took off, and immediately it began to snow even harder. Peering through small gaps between snow on the windshield we crept up the freeway to find a couple of tractor trailers parked side by side, and traffic behind them. Great, no heat and stuck on the freeway behind two trucks sliding backwards on a hill. Impatiently, one car was able to edge along side of them, then another and another. If I had any traction, I was going. We got around the trucks and slowly drove 25mph for the 45 miles home. White knuckles all the way.Believe it or not a 76 VW bus is great in the snow. It not only has high ground clearance, the engine is at the rear over the drive wheels. Backing up through mud and snow is a kin to a front wheeled drive car doing the same forward. Go VW! We got home to 18" of snow and another 8 fell over night.

Yellowstone for Waterfalls

Yellowstone National Park is known for many things, probably most notible, the abundance of wildlife. While there is much opportunity to capture bison, moose, eagles and bears there is a limit to how far from the car you can travel. Especially if you have dogs waiting in the drivers seat for you to come back. Since we were travelling with our dogs, and in a National Park, we could only dayhike, or hike with our dogs on the paved surfaces, according to park policy. As much as I like shooting wildlife, I seem to lack the luck of getting that wild pack of wolves chasing an elk calf, or that bear foraging safely close enough and not interested in me. That's okay with me. Allthough not known for sweeping mountain vistas reflecting off still waters, Yellowstone will not dissapoint a landscape photographer. Our foray into Yellowstone started with pulling into a beautiful little campground right on the Snake River. Snowcapped hills and rushing water flowed just feet from the campsite. So did the mosquitoes. We watched the other campers running from thier vehicles to the bathroom waving thier arms and hands as if to confuse the bugs off thier trail. We spent the afternoon with a map of the park trying how best to see the sights, without backtracking. The weather report called for rain for the next couple of days. Perfect! What am I crazy? No, but overcast skies and rain are perfect conditions for shooting waterfalls. We tracked out a sort of basic outline to hop from falls to falls, and ultimately exiting the park from the north, or Mammouth Hot Springs. Our first stop was my favorite, Moose falls. It was located just inside the park entrance from the Teton side.

If you weren't careful you could easily drive right past it. It indeed was raining, but somehow the light was just right to really bring out the greens in the mosses. With overcast skies, you can leave the shutter open longer, and thus smooth the water out to make a nice silky waterfall picture. The next stop was Lewis Lake. There was a small falls just nearby, but you have to park and crawl below the bridge for a decent view. It was raining really hard at that time, and the composition was a bit flat so we moved on.

Our next stop was out toward the east end of the park. There was not much to see at that end, except a big lake. Which would have been nice, though wet. Instead, we opted for a quick side hike to a natural bridge. I was surprised another little waterfall was flowing just below it. We exchanged greetings with a family of yellow bellied marmots, and returned to the van to our patiently waiting pups. Next stop: the venerable Upper & Lower Yellowstone Falls. It was raining, still.

I blew out the Upper Yellowstone falls, because I couldn't set my tripod up with all the hoards of people. I did have fairly good luck at the Lower falls, as well as Inspiration Point.

Unfortunately, a bear had just attacked a hiker just a few miles away from the area and all the hiking trails were closed, forcing us to move on. Next up was Gibbon Falls. The rain began to let up by this point, which meant that the light would be brighter, and leaving the shutter open would likely blow out the highlights. To solve this I installed a polarizing filter and a netutral density filter. They kind of work like dark sunglasses. I could then leave the shutter open longer, giving the water that silky look.

Alright. You can't not see It. It is really spectacular. Water shooting out of the ground. And on schedule. You can't get that lucky even in bed. The rest of the day we saw the usual boiling cauldrons and exited out the west gate in search of what else; free camping. Somehow we found our selves on a bluff looking down at the border of the park and a large creek surrounded by wild flowers. Not a bad place to chill, kick back some beer and slumber.

Our first stop for the day was gas, ice, beer and groceries. The next stop was a shower. Worth the two bucks, by the way. We did some back-tracking to get to Tower Falls, but oh well. It's only gas, and the destruction of the planet. Tower falls was one of my favorites, and we tried to hike to the base. The trail ended up being closed due to a number of trees that had fallen and made the trail impassable.

Undine Falls was next on the menu, and also very pretty. It was best seen from the road side pull off and a great place to eat lunch.

We got to Mammoth Hot Springs, but it was getting late. If we were to find a free camp spot we would have to leave the park and have time to search out a site. So I took a couple of pics and we cruised down river and out of the park. We found an interesting site over looking a river and an old quarry of sorts. We did return to Mammoth, but that story will have to wait.

Hello Tetons, Good-bye Gramps

It has been about thirty years since my Grandfather took me to the Grand Tetons, but it left a lasting impression. I'm sure many people have similar recollections about the first time they visited the park, but that expereience actually changed me and my appreciation for nature. We traveled and camped in his trailer and went to ranger talks by the campfire. He took me canoeing on the Snake river and flyfishing with a friend of his. We hiked my first five mile hike and rode the tram to the top of the Tetons. I can still taste the powdered milk he used to love and put over the breakfast bran (yuk!). I was ten years old. Our family got a chance to see him just before Thanksgiving for his 100th birthday. It was hard seeing him in such a weakened state, and more frustrating for him to be that way. He was always so verile, skiing and golfing well into his 90s. He fell while skiing and broke his collar bone at 93. That was when the doctor told him he had to stop. Slowly time chipped away at him. He finally succumbed to pneumonia January 26th , while watching the GOP debates with his best friend (that would have killed me too). Little did I know that the connection between my Grandfather and the Tetons would come full circle later. My Girlfriend, Kristi, is a teacher and was itching to take a whole summer long vacation/adventure. A few years ago we spent a couple of months restoring her 76 VW camper van. Confident with the old van, she packed up the dogs and left for points north. The plan was, she would take three weeks to explore the area between Flagstaff and Jackson Hole. After that time I would fly in to Jackson and she would pick me up, then we'd take the next two weeks to travel, hike and photograph all the way to Banff, Alberta.

I would then fly out of Calgary back to Flagstaff. Then she would take the remainder of the summer to make her way back in the van. The first leg of the trip went witout a hitch. Once I flew into Jackson I called her on her cell phone, and was picked up shortly afterword. She had been in Jackson for a couple of days, and had the opportunity to ask around about free camping close by. Traveling expense can add up quickly once you factor in fuel, so free camping is a must. Besides with the van, all you need is a lonely dirt road and a place to pull off. My first stop was the brewery, downtown. We discussed the last few weeks apart, and the latest bear attacks (Yellowstone and Alaska were plagued that summer). She was advised of a great camping spot just outside the park on a hill overlooking Teton Village and the mountain range. We pulled in and set up camp a little early, and did some playing around on our bicycles then made dinner. As we were cleaning up, and sipping some beers we were treated to a pretty spectacular sunset. The camera came out, and pretty much never saw the inside of the bag since. I probably had a little too much beer, but serendipity being what it is, I had to get up that night. As soon as I emerged from the cozy van my eyes popped at the night sky.

 I could easily see the Milky Way and the Big Dipper just over the Teton Range and Teton Village. I was eager to use the high ISO capablilities of my new Pentax K5. Unfortunately it would be the last time the camera saw the night sky for the trip (see upcoming post on Glacier NP). The next day was already plotted with the obvious landmarks of Mormon Row. Getting up early after a night of liquid libation may be the bane of a landscape photographer. But looking back, there wasn't too much regret, as I am happy with some of the pics I did get. We were treated to a large heard of Bison while there and easily spent a few hours snapping every comp I could think of. It got a little creepy.

 Though we stayed on the dirt road infront of the cabins, the bison herd was moving closer, in and around the structures. They approached me with thier calves rather closely. I could see in thier eyes little concern with my presence. Neither was afraid, but were fully aware of each other, eyes locked until the possibility of a threat was diminished. This time of year (early July) is in the monsoon cycle characteristic of the west. Early mornings were dry and cloudless, and as the day wears on moisture begins and the clouds accumulate, resulting in all too typical downpour by mid-afternoon. Hiking can almost be timed to perfection, and if done right you can be back to the van eating lunch around two or three, just in time to watch the rain drops pelt unprepared hikers and bicyclists. After lunch we did a little Jenny Lake hike, then headed out toward Oxbow bend. We heard of a camping spot just outside the park down an unassuming dirt road. On the way we stopped at the 'bend' to get a feel for the possible comps. I was my intent to return for sunrise the next day. It's quite obvious where the typical photographer is to stand for the 'shot.'

 But keeping in line with the attitude around the blogosphere, setting your tripod in the same holes as hundreds of photographers before you does not an artistic photo make. Words have been thrown around like 'cliche' and 'trophy' shots lamenting the multitude of similar photographs of icons saturating the internet. Well, I'm not here to tell you that my photography is elevated over others (that's for you to decide)or that I'm not out to get my share of trophies (which I am). What I can say is that 'cliche' shot where the other photographers are standing was not in line with my feeling of the view. The comp seen from the parking lot had more reflection on the bend, but the left bank had some trees that I felt interruped the view of the range. I chose a spot that evening that gave a bit of foreground, a bit of reflection and a more complete view of the mountian range, with out losing the 'bend.' With a couple of test shots in the bag, we took off down the dirt road and set up in a nice treed patch with a fire ring, and a bunch of firewood already around it. It was still quite warm that afternoon, but the mosquitos were bad, so we lit a fire just for the smoke. We began partaking our liquid libation a little early in anticipation of getting up early to get to Oxbow for the good light. I probably woke up a bit too late, or mis-judged the length of the travel time the next morning but when I arrived there was a boat load of tripods sitting in the aforementioned tripod holes next to thier photography tour bus. Looking a little late to the party I strolled up, plopped my tripod down where I scoped the night before and fired off a couple of shots. Satisified, I began to browse around for more comps when a fellow photog approached me lamenting that the light was not that great, was better earlier, and he was going to pack it in. I remarked that the sun hadn't even made it's way on to the mountain range and shrugged. It seemed to me there is more light in the world than just the pre-sunrise alpenglow.

I kept shooting and settled on a spot down by the river's edge where I captured the golden light on the peaks, along with a smooth reflection in the still river. Once the sun began washing out the shadows, we retreated to the van for breakfast and lingered until the last of all photographers had gone. We spent the remainder of the day hiking around the various lakes and up to Inspiration Point.

After lunch and the scheduled cloudburst we headed up to Signal Mountain for the veiws there. Three days probably wasn't enough time to spend in Grand Teton National Park, but we had more on our plate to experience. I did grab some 'trophy' shots, so can't complain. My early experiences with my Gramps were in the back of my mind, and I couldn't wait to see him to explain the profound effect he had on me as a child. I did get the chance at his birthday to thank him and give him some of the shots you see here on the blog. It took him some time to fully understand that I had taken the photos, he even asked me twice. I assured him they don't sell 8x10 postcards and that they were bonafide Wade Thorson originals. For what that's worth. Gramps is gone now, but those memories and the quiet reflection together just days before his death will remain for my life time. Good bye Gramps, and thank you.

Agassiz Imaging at First Friday

I am proud to announce that Vora Financial asked me to return for First Friday Artwalk, Feb 3rd and my work will be displayed at thier office gallery through the end of March.
I've had my work displayed at Vora Financial last year, with what I consider great success. I probably sold about a half dozen prints a month in the time I was there. I will be showing all new work from the past year, during which time I have grown both creatively and artistically. I've been trying to take my printing, mounting and framing to the next level in more interesting and professional ways..
Special thanks to Dharmesh, Marti, and Jessica! If you are in the area, or anywhere close and enjoy the Flagstaff's First Friday Art Walk party atmosphere stop by Vora Financial at 14 E. Birch Ave, Downtown Flagstaff next to Compass Bank. The art walk goes from 5:30 to 9:00 pm.

Francis Short Pond & Cabin

Happy New Year, from everybody here at Agassiz Imaging! Flagstaff is known for it's extreme swings in weather. While the rest of the country is having an Indian fall, we here have already had four feet of snow. The ski resort, Snowbowl has been open for a month. Although now we are experiencing some 60 degree days, the resort is bound and determined to stay open. I love the snow and find it peaceful and beautiful. It covers and quiets the land. It slows life down to a natural pace. It allows us to take a deep breath and breathe in nature's stress-free elixir. It opens a whole new possibility of experiencing nature. The myriad of outdoor choices include sledding, snowshoeing, down hill and cross country skiing, skating ...et al. It also allows us to look at our mundane and typical surroundings with a new eye. Francis Short pond is one of those places located deep within city limits, that remind us that to find beauty and nature, one only has to look around the corner. The pond is located adjacent to the old Flagstaff Junior High. A cabin sits close by. It was an outdoor classroom and remains unused, hopefully not a target for vandals. The school was recently closed down due to age, and re-appropriation of students around the Flagstaff area. I just got two lenses for my Pentax a 31mm LTD, and a 15mm wide angle. These photos were taken (respectively) as a sort of test for the lenses and as an exercise in looking at an urban area with a landscape eye.

The photos were taken at different outings, trying to capture some good light, as well as clouds that didn't interfere with the mountain top. It was fortuitous that there was a Blue Heron sitting on the ice. Herons are common around our area, but I can't recollect seeing them in the winter. While shooting the cabin, the moon caught my eye, just as the sun began to hang low in the sky. Photography isn't just the art of taking snapshots. It's the art of capturing of moments in time. It's those moments that we look at nostalgically, and allow to resonate in our mind. Are there any moments that you have captured just outside your back door that resonate with you?