It’s become almost a given that I’ll be starting a new year off with a trip to Japan, and 2025 was no different. Beyond the photography, the setting and culture are perpetually welcoming and the experience we have here has always been welcoming and and accommodating.
Of course, the photography is why we are here! Over the years I’ve photographed in Hokkaido and the surrounding areas a plethora of times. The challenge then becomes finding new unique ways to capture the snow macaques, cranes, and other wildlife.
In this instance, I tried to capture my familiar primate friends when they were engaged with one and other in interesting spontaneous interactions, unique familial routines, or navigating a less-traveled path in the areas surrounding the hot springs they bathe in.
If I can come away with even a few fresh takes while introducing new photographers to these areas, I’m a happy man. Check out all of my upcoming tours and start making your own life-long memories!
Among the many topics I cover in my Pathways to Creativity web series, one that I’ve been most passionate about in recent years is the idea of discovering the abstract images in places that otherwise might go unnoticed. These images may not get the ‘likes’ on a travel blog or Instagram account that the the typical vistas might, yet they are infinitely more valuable in training your eye to recognize when the elements of design are coming together to create something metaphoric and unique. They also make interesting conversation pieces when taken entirely out of the context from which they were captured.
At the end of April I’ll be leading a workshop on the Olympic peninsula in the Lake Quinault area with the primary focus of finding Abstract inspirations in nature. If you’ve already signed up or are thinking about signing up for that trip, check out the free full Pathways episode on embracing the abstract and you’ll be ahead of the game when we get out into the field!
One of the final trips for my upcoming book on international spirituality and religion Acts of Faith was to India to photograph this year’s massively attended Kumbh Mela. This year’s Kumbh was a massive festival, with an estimated 650 million people visiting Prayagraj. The Kumbh coincides with the revolution of the planet Jupiter, and certain conjunctions between the planet, our moon and the sun. A ritual dip in the Ganges river marks the individual’s culmination of the festival.
While in India, we also visited Bandhavgarh National Park to capture the diverse wildlife. Tigers, Gaur (large bovines), langurs, numerous birds and more were on display – enjoy the photos!
I have one last upcoming trip on the calendar to shoot for Acts of Faith, and there are two spots left to join me as I travel to Bhutan to photograph the various festivals here. This trip kicks off in just a few weeks, so if you’d like to go on an adventure with me to a country that values “Gross National Happiness” over economic boons there is no time like the present!
Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom nestled between China and India, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The country was unified in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan Buddhist lama who established Bhutan’s unique identity and governance. In 1907, the country transitioned into a hereditary monarchy under King Ugyen Wangchuck. Bhutan’s government evolved further in 2008 when it adopted a democratic constitutional monarchy, ensuring that the king serves as both a unifying figure and a guardian of Bhutanese culture.
Despite modernization, the Bhutanese people continue to embrace their traditions, fostering a strong sense of national unity. It’s this enduring culture and spirituality that we will aim to capture on this epic photo journey!
Buddhism is at the heart of Bhutanese life, influencing daily routines for all of its citizens. The dominant Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism shapes Bhutan’s national philosophy, emphasizing compassion, mindfulness, and harmony with nature. The government famously prioritizes Gross National Happiness (GNH) over economic growth, promoting well-being, cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and good governance.
Bhutanese people uphold values such as respect for all living beings, communal harmony, and spiritual practice. Monasteries, prayer flags, and chortens (stupas) are visible throughout the country, reflecting a deeply spiritual way of life. Annual religious festivals, or Tshechus, bring communities together in celebration, featuring sacred mask dances, prayers, and rituals that reinforce Bhutan’s rich spiritual heritage. From previous experience, it’s a lot to take in – which is more than you could ask for as a photographer.
From said photographic perspective, Bhutan offers breathtaking landscapes and stunning architecture that capture the essence of this mystical kingdom. Towering snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, and winding rivers provide a dramatic natural backdrop. Fortress-monasteries with intricate woodwork and whitewashed walls dot the landscape, offering a blend of history and spirituality. This combination of natural grandeur and cultural unity provide the perfect backdrop for photographing the various festivals and celebrations on our journey here.
