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To say that these past few months or even this entire year have been a blur would be a monumental understatement. It is difficult to believe just how much has happened, how one decision has changed our entire lives. Yet here we are and after 13 years of vacationing here, of feeling at home here of feeling at peace, at rest, we are faced with an inescapable truth....this is now home. Our hearts as a family and as individuals are full and overflowing, not so much with giddy excitement but with unparalleled gratefulness. While the tasks are never ending, the daily grind is as real here as it was in California and the challenges present and the ones coming are many we are thankful. Thankful for this place, for dreams that have lived in our hearts for so long to now fulfilled, for God’s grace and wisdom to us, for nature it’s beauty in its subtleties and thunderous displays, for our kids who are living in awe and wonder everyday here....the list is as endless as our gratitude and bewilderment at the fact that we are actually here. One day I will write out our journey to share, for now I am still processing all of it and am just in awe of everything around me. Today after months of no shooting because other things took priority I ventured out with camera in hand. While the rain was constant and the light flat I knew that something would materialize. So while I waited I photographed enormous mountains of water,breathed in the salty air and enjoyed the falling rain. While the sun never broke through the sky did glow, an ethereal light falling upon a normally peaceful Hanalei bay now thunderous and menacing. The air hazy and atmospheric conveying a mood of beauty and power. I gladly waited for this moment, mountains upon mountains with a golden glow crowning the scene. What layered beauty both simple in composition but complex in its mechanics. I look forward to being reminded everyday just how blessed I am in all aspects of my life, I am glad to be away from the noise and being surrounded by so much beauty. Happy thanksgiving to all :) #hawaii #hawaiilife #kauai #hanaleibay #nature #waves #sunset #thankful #grateful #thegoodlife #luckywelivehawaii #fluxphoto #nikon

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At number 7 is this photo of Hedionda Lagoon in Carlsbad. I shot this in August of 2015 and it was at the height of a heated debate that involved a developer who wanted to build an outdoor mall where the strawberry fields currently are. I would say that in the last decade I began to appreciate more and more our beautiful natural areas and in the last 4 years with the birth of my daughter and son sought out ways to get involved in the protection of these threatened places. I fell squarely on the side of the community that was opposed to building yet another mall in Carlsbad and I would do it again, for that I am not in the least bit ashamed. I fully understand the purpose of progress in moving is forward to the future but all to often we buy into the myth that more stuff will make us happy, that more building means prosperity and that more money coming in makes us richer. The great irony is that we buy more stuff to hide the pain of things like loneliness or use it as a bandaid to fight things like depression. Yet many of the reasons why we feel alone, depressed, empty or lost is that we have easily and willingly traded the outdoors for binge watching, sacrificed our homes natural beauty for yet more buildings to give us access to sales of stuff we dont even need. I’m not against progress but definitely feel that it should be tempered and the costs should be weighed. The price paid for progress is often to great and the negative impact on our environment is an impact on our own lives. If anything we should fight to preserve these places for the selfish reason of being able to maintain our own health and sanity. I went out in search of a photo that captured the great beauty of this playground that gives us the ability to experience wildlife in its natural element, to paddle board, to take boats out and play, to do yoga to hike, to swim or just to stand back and admire this amazing sight and take a deep breath to cleanse the mind and the spirit. Is that not worth protecting? Or at the very least take a step back and weigh the cost of our actions and ask the question of wether more money is worth giving up what is essentially our birthright. #nature #california

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Here is #8 sunrise at the Terramar Cliffs in Carlsbad. Anyone who knows me or has had the misfortune of being around me for an extended period of time knows the I am NOT a morning person. That’s why the bulk of my portfolio consist of sunsets or night time photos. Yet the few times I have ventured out for sunrise it’s been immensely rewarding. The cliffs are by far my favorite area along the coast and in Carlsbad in general. I fell in love with this place long ago when I first started shooting. I’ve always loved the beautifully textured faces of the cliffs, the deep channels cut into the soil by water and wind, the reddish hue of the soil which is an amazing contrast against a deep blue sky and looks almost ablaze in golden light. Yet that’s just what you immediately see, this place is a treasure trove of wonderful details from the moss that drips water under the cliffs to the tide pools that form just north of here or the many levels of rock and different colored soil that form a pattern of sediment on the cliffs. I have come back here again and again for times of contemplation and for inspiration. Whenever I found myself in a creative rut I would come here and push myself to see an old and familiar place in a new light. It would never disappoint and it’s gifts were always gladly and gratefully accepted. This was shot December of 2013, I can still remember the crisp morning air, the salt air on my face , waves coming in and an infinite sea stretching into a golden horizon. I looked upon this scene with tired eyes but as the light became more golden a chill traveled trough my body, I knew I was looking at something special where color and texture and patterns all just seemed to work. It’s the moments I live for. #carlsbad #california #cbad #cbadmag #terramar #socal #sunrise #waves #nature #explore #natgeoyourshot #fluxphoto #fluxphotography #goldenlight #clouds #nikonusa #ocean

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Coming in at #9 is this image of a lunar eclipse we had back in 2014. The weather looking like it wasn’t going to cooperate that night I opted to stay inland, about a mile from my house is lake calavera which part of it is own by the city of Carlsbad. This area is one of my favorite places in Carlsbad as it goes through some beautiful transformations, especially in the spring. Stellar events like eclipses are a challenge to photograph, there are vast ranges from dark to light and you either capture the moon by itself or you shoot landscape. The problem is that if only the moon then shot is boring, if you shoot a landscape the moon is so tiny and often overexposed that it loses impact. So I opted to do an in camera double exposure, since I’m a landscape shooter I shot the landscape first and with a telephoto lens shot the moon into the previously exposed landscape shot. I didn’t just want landscape and moon though, having anticipated that this would be my course of action before I even left the house I brought some flashlights with me. That blue streak of light going to through the photo is me running around for 20 minutes while I exposed the landscape shot. Just something to make the shot stand out, give it a little pop of color and add to the already mysterious nature of this amazing event. It remains a favorite of mine just because it was one of those instances where I really had to step back and think through all my options and pre-visualize before shooting. Strangely this is also one of those photos that doesn’t seem to have any middle ground with people, they either love it or hate it. #california #carlsbad #lakecalavera #moon #nightshots #longexposure #lunareclipse #natgeoyourshot #nature #nikonusa #doubleexposure #socal #cbadmag #explore #fluxphoto #fluxphotography

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My days in California are quickly drawing to a close and it is truly bittersweet. While I am beyond excited for new adventures on Kauai I can’t help but look at the past 20yrs and be reminded of how incredible our time here has been. From now until I leave I’ll be posting my top 10 favorites from Carlsbad, encinitas and oceanside. I apologize in advance for all the postings. #10 shot back in 2013 in Carlsbad, this was the year that we had unbelievable water clarity in Socals waters. I, like so many millions fell into the whole shorebreak photo crowd after Clark Little came onto the scene. While there are many photos I am proud of this one is one of my favorites. Given the unusual water clarity for socal but more so because I managed to shoot this split view showing what is happening both above and below the surface as the wave crashes. There was such peacefulness and turbulence all in the same shot. It really drove home to me how little we see from our land based perspective and how complex nature’s scenes can be. There is always so much more to see and those unseen moments are what I have always strived to capture. Knowledge is not only power but a greater appreciation of just how blessed we are. #california #carlsbad #cbadmag #nature #ocean #shorebreak #waves #swell #overunder #fluxphotography #fluxphoto #nikonusa #nikond300 #2013 #clarity #socal

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The fleeting nature of life and time are a harsh reality that is being brutally brought to light right now. From monster hurricanes to raging fires our planet seems to be going crazy....or fighting back. The busy nature of our lives makes us say things "ill do that later" "it's not like it's going anywhere" while in many instances these statements hold a degree of truth the bitter reality is that catastrophic change happens in the blink of an eye. Then you realize that those things you've been putting off experiencing for tomorrow has been put off for years and then it's gone. Oregon is ablaze right now, a needless tragedy brought forth by teenagers doing stupid things because of their indifference towards what they could destroy. Now all of a sudden beautiful sights treasured by so many are either gone or forever changed. I shot this just a few short weeks before the fires and can still feel the coolness of the water on my skin, hear the roar in my ears and the gladness of my heart to just be there....and now it could look much different. I mourn the loss of such treasures because it was needless and we all lose when such natural beauty is destroyed. Please don't put off experiencing life until tomorrow because today won't come again. Respect nature and each other's opinions, if you disagree with things like climate change or humanities role in the destruction of our environment that's ok but be respectful. Our children grow up indifferent and closed minded because we as parents can be indifferent and closed minded and disrespectful towards those with differing points of view. It is our responsibility to care for our world and teach our children respect. Kids started this fire but adults share the blame as well for if we can't bring ourselves to care then the next generation is hopelessly doomed to continue the cycle. #nature #oregon #horsetailfalls #pnw #columbiarivergorge #beauty #waterfall #natgeoyourshot #roadtrip #prayfororegon #fluxphotography #fluxphoto #nikonusa #gorgewildfires

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My last day of exploration in Hood River I was treated to this unbelievable view. Atop a high peak that allowed me to see the massiveness of this gorgeous landscape. Dagger like clouds streaking across the sky, the sun setting behind the mountains it's fiery glow lighting the horizon and saturating the clouds in color, the Columbia river winding its way down this beautiful valley and an seemingly endless sea of trees stretching as far as the eye can see. Experiencing such heart stopping sights are what make the job so worthwhile to me, the experience of getting there stumbling down steep trails and climbing back up trying to get to your spot before the light fades. The pain, the tiredness, the realization that you're way to out of shape, being covered in sweat and dirt. Crawling around narrow rock formations as the wind is gusting and praying that you don't die while you take your shot.....all these things are poured into an image. Because photography isn't about just taking the photo, it's about the journey to get there and earning the right to take the photo in the first place. #oregon #hoodriver #sunset #goldenhour #nature #pnw #columbiarivergorge #nature #explore #hiking #travel #roadtrip #nikonusa #natgeoyourshot #fluxphoto #fluxphotography #clouds

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The absolutely stunning view from behind upper horsetail falls, also known as ponytail falls. Here the many forces of nature are on display right before our eyes. You see it's ability to create and to erode and transform the landscape. Old lava flows shaped much of the formations here and buried softer layers of rock and soil. Over time the amazing and transformative power of water in its liquid state and its solid form (ice) all worked in tandem to carve out a cavern of sorts and that is where the trail traverses now. It takes you right behind this beautiful cascade. Trees cover much of the view of the valley below but it is no less stunning. Within the cavern there is much to see, moss that grows on the rocks, water dripping from the ceiling forming perfect orbs of water and beautiful textures and formations on the rock ceiling itself. To sit here for any length of time, listening to the waters endless song, watching the water flow into the pool and away as it continues its journey down and looking up at the many trees swaying back and forth in the wind....it is time well spent. The immense energy and life force that permeates this place is almost tangible. Truly an amazing place to visit and study. #oregon #horsetailfalls #ponytailfalls #upperhorsetailfalls #nature #waterfall #hiking #explore #nikon #nikonusa #d5 #natgeoyourshot #roadtrip #natgeo #hoodriver #forest

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Oregon....I just can't even deal with you right now! I am smitten! Absolutely smitten, head over heels in love with your landscapes. This was tonight's sunset and it was just unreal, beautiful clouds dominated the skies above the gorge this afternoon and I had a feeling it was going to be good. I was hoping against all odds that the clouds would stick around and sure enough they did. Thanks to a good friend of mine that lives here I shot from a nice high vantage point overlooking the gorge. I just could not believe how unbelievable it was and still cannot get over it. I cannot comprehend how such beauty can just happen and unfold before us but I sure am grateful for it. Despite of all the horrible and irresponsible things that we have done to this world for it to still have such beauty that the heart just skips a beat is truly a miracle. It's been an incredible couple of days here and can't wait to go explore some more :) #oregon #oregonexplored #hoodriver #columbiariver #columbiarivergorge #sunset #nature #goldenhour #clouds #pnw #pacificnorthwest #nikonusa #fluxphotography #fluxphoto #supthemag #explore #travel #roadtrip

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Oregons beauty is simply beyond breathtaking. Gorgeous waterfalls abound here amid towering trees. What is it about cascading water that's is so mesmerizing and soothing? Wether it's a raging stream of water or just a gentle one, watching water fall from places on high is good for the soul. I'm a sucker for them and no matter how much I photograph them I never tire of seeing their power, experiencing their soothing song or witnessing waters ability to carve rock and earth over time. They are a beautiful mystery, what we see is never the entire picture. For there are entire systems of waterfalls along a single stream, hunting for them is a great joy. This is upper horsetail falls, most just stay at the bottom which is indeed beautiful but just a short hike up you get this piece of the grand puzzle that has more rugged character than the lower half. Such a great blessing to be able to search for such beautiful things. #oregon #hoodriver #pnw#pacificnorthwest #nature #waterfall #longexposure #nikonusa #fluxphoto #fluxphotography #forest #natgeoyourshot #natgeo #water #explore #roadtrip #astralfootwear

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I love inclement weather, if there even is such a thing here in Southern California. While we don't get that much bad weather here we do get the occasional storm front that breaks us from our routines and reminds us just how dependent we are on sunshine. Storms bring dark moody textures to a scene, high sculpting winds and a beautiful yet menacing feel to the land. By far my favorite time to shoot though is the break in the storm, when clouds begin to break apart and disperse allowing the sun the punch through. These moment are often incredibly dramatic with clean crisp air after a good rainfall, golden light casting rays of light to fall upon the earth. Places once overrun by people are desolate and abandoned, but there are those few who flock to see this transformation. Often left in awe at the sight of it, with good reason too. Humanity gathers inspiration from moments such as these to lift their spirits, to give them hope or give them courage. It's that reminder that light always breaks through the darkness, that's storms pass and leave us sometimes scarred but transformed through the experience. In turn we become the light that shines through the darkness to inspire those in need. It is amazing how our lives and experiences mimic the inspirational and dramatic patterns of the world around us. #california #carlsbad #cbadmag #sunset #goldenhour #clouds #nature #nikonusa #fluxphotography #fluxphoto #igvision #agameoftones

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Serenity and fury, I am forever enamored with natures displays of its duality. On one hand you have a raging sea, crashing violently unto the shoreline. In the heavens ominous clouds darken the scene as they streak by, pushed by the winds. Beyond them an ocean of starlight, to gaze upon them is to reflect on just how small a creatures we are and yet their very presence invokes a feeling of peace within the human spirit. Often this duality is displayed separately within the same scene, like the raging storm and the quiet and stillness that comes after. Yet Hawaii is one of those unique places where it is often displayed simultaneously like the lava flows on the big island. The birth of new land is an incredible and violent process and yet it is strangely hypnotic and beautiful. Or on Kauai where the sea often rages but there are glimpses of serenity, wether through the waters vibrant color or in this case starlight. On this night I ventured out and found this display, massive waves whose force hitting the shore shook the ground. Getting the timing down on when to fire off my flash to freeze the wave crashing was tedious as I could barely see the waves forming. In the end it was a worthwhile endeavor getting to be out surrounded by such great beauty. #hawaii #kauai #poipu #night #nightphotography #astrophotography #waves #nikonusa #fluxphoto #fluxphotography #hawaiimagazine #igvision #agameoftones #fatalframes #stars #longexposure #d5 #nature #natgeoyourshot

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You would think this place couldn't possibly get any more beautiful, but add a passing thunderstorm and it just goes off the charts! #nature #tahoe #laketahoe #keeptahoeblue #natgeoyourshot #agameoftones #igvision #fluxphotography #fluxphoto #gopro #hero5black #fatalframes #travel #roadtrip #california #clouds #storm (at Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina)

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Tahoe barrels, the clarity of this lakes water is unreal. Everything we look at has been beyond beautiful. #california #roadtrip #explore #travel #camping #gopro #hero5black #shorebreak #laketahoe #keeptahoeblue #fatalframes #fluxphoto #fluxphotography #igvision #agameoftones #natgeoyourshot #nature (at Sugar Pine Point State Park)

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Why do I do what I do? Never has it been for riches nor do I pour my time and energy into my work for fame and glory. Odds are that few will ever know my name or my work. Yet the pursuit of the image is an unquenchable fire within me. Yet the question remains.....why? I could list a multitude of reasons from the love of the art to just being out there among nature. To be completely honest though, my biggest reason is to have the unparalleled privilege to inspire someone to go out there. There are very few experiences in this life that come close to knowing that you as a person doing what you love to do have influenced another human being. Pushed them to go further, helped them see the world differently.....what a feeling! Art is a voice that speaks louder than those who speak with hate. Art is love and love will not be conquered. I do this because I love the power and immense responsibility that photography brings. It is an honor and a privilege to be out there and all in the hopes that what I capture and share will push someone to go see it for themselves, to care for this beautiful world. Seeing this letter in the latest issue of @encinitasmag made my life. After 20 years of shooting if this is the only validation I ever get I would count it a life worth living and a career worth pursuing. It's all I have ever wanted...... #california #encinitas #encinitasmag #encinitascoastlife #sanelijoconservancy #sanelijolagoon #nature #wildlife #grateful #worthit #nikonusa #fluxphoto #fluxphotography #socal #conservation

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Raccoon butterfly fish swarm around me while I was snorkeling on the south shore of Kauai. If there are any fish prone to vanity it is the raccoon butterfly fish.....ok not vanity but certainly curiosity. They see their own reflection on my dome port and of course are naturally curious and have to come to investigate. I'm always amazed at the image curiosity that all wildlife has and am dumbfounded by humanities persistence at ignoring this trait or people's insistence at feeding animals to get their attention. In my experience if you enter their domain and wait patiently most wildlife will allow their curiosity to take over and investigate. I always enjoy these little encounters, I get to see an almost human like quality displayed by the wildlife I love to photograph. #hawaii #hawaiinei #kauai #fish #reeffish #racoonbutterflyfish #wildlife #aquatic #underwaterphotography #fluxphoto #fluxphotography #nature #earthdayeveryday #nikonusa #d7200 #aquatech_imagingsolutions #curiosity #hawaiimagazine #fatalframes #ig_vision #artofvisuals #agameoftones #adventures #explore

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Upon the sandy shores of poipu beach the honu come. Sojourner of the seas, navigating the shallows and the deep. Young and old come here, when the last light kisses the sky and the heavens are adorned by ancient jewels they come. Their very presence sparks the imagination, makes us marvel and ponder for they look as though they could be as ancient as the stars themselves. The heart yearns to ask of them questions, of their travels, the things they see. Alas all we can do is ponder and marvel at a scene such as this, and be grateful to be where weary travelers come to rest. Under a sea of stars, sleep sojourner.....sleep. #hawaii #hawaiinei #hawaiimagazine #poipu #kaui #honu #turtle #greenseaturtle #noaa #earthdayeveryday #conservation #stars #nightshots #nightphotography #nikonusa #d5 #natgeo #natgeoyourshot #wildlife #jaw_dropping_shots #fluxphotography #fluxphoto #longexposure #ig_vision #fatalframes #agameoftones #astrophotography #artofvisuals #travel #discoverkauai