Though many of my upcoming U.S. workshops are sold out, there are still spaces available on plenty of other fantastic photography retreats and workshops to join me on! Kicking off in August, I’ll be hosting a Creative Sessions workshop in the Seattle area that starts with an evening of wine, bites and a presentation at my home in West Seattle and ends with an informative critique covering the subjects from our lectures and field sessions. Jump on that one now and save a bit, as it’s on sale through Memorial Day Weekend!
After that, only one space remains for our annual adventure to Katmai, Alaska to photograph bears, and two spots remain for our California Coast retreat where we will capture the landscape at large as well as abstracts and the wildlife that inhabits the sea shore.
When autumn rolls around and the leaves begin to change, It’s a fantastic time to photograph on the West Coast. Workshops in Colorado, the Olympic Peninsula, and Sedona round out what should be an incredible year. Finally, if you’re already looking for something in 2026 I’ll be returning to Astoria to teach and capture abstract images in the oldest U.S. city on the pacific coast.
I hope to see you in one or multiple workshops this year and next!
This year I was honored to be awarded The Mountaineers Adventure with Purpose award. The Mountaineers is a long-standing organization who’s purpose is to connect people to the natural world as well as to one and other, and to enjoy nature while also striving to protect it.
On April 26th, I was presented with the award at The Mountaineers annual gala, and epic evening of friends, food, and an incredible fundraising auction. More than $585,000 was raised for initiatives across branches and activities, including nonprofit publishing, adult programming, youth outreach, scholarships, volunteer leadership development, conservation advocacy, and more.
I was also pleased to meet fellow VIP guest Sasha DiGiulian. Sasha is a United Nations Mountain Partnerships Ambassador, prolific climber and powerful advocate for defending our natural world.
It was a fantastic evening at Fremont Studios here in Seattle. Their technology made for an incredible presentation, and the Mountaineers organizers did an amazing job providing such a unique and enchanting evening for everyone involved. I met several fans and was happy to share an evening with them and sign books. It was revitalizing after a busy 2025 travel schedule.
You can view a video of the Gala here. For more information about The Mountaineers, the Gala, and more photos from the evening, click the links below!
Bhutan was likely the final chance for me to photograph for my upcoming book on international spirituality and religion, Acts of Faith. I photographed the Tshechu Buddhist Festival and the Dance of the Black Hats many years ago, and it was incredible to go back there with the latest technology and my widest of wide angle lenses to ensure I could capture the colorful dancers front and center while also getting down low to capture the ancient architecture of the Rinpung Dzong monastery.
The Dance of the Black Hats is one of many dances that take place during this annual festival. In many cases, dancers wear terrifying masks to ward off evil spirits. The people here are incredibly friendly, as they are part of a national culture that embraces mindfulness and harmony within their community.
Enjoy the photos – and join me on my next adventure. There are still a couple spaces left to join us in Vietnam at the end of May!
Greenland has been in the news lately, but we will leave current events there and instead look back at this gorgeous territory of Denmark from previous trips here. Offering some of the most dramatic and untouched natural beauty on Earth, the scenery is both wild and serene. The soft, diffused light of the Arctic sun casts a magical glow over the landscape. Those in the ‘flat earth’ camp might be discouraged to hear that there are weeks when the sun never sets!
Wildlife in Greenland is equally captivating, with an array of species adapted to its Arctic environment. The icy waters are home to whales, seals, and walruses, while the skies are often dotted with migratory birds like puffins, guillemots, and arctic terns. Capturing these creatures in their natural habitat can be both challenging and rewarding. Using a long lens and maintaining a respectful distance is key to getting those perfect wildlife shots while preserving the integrity of the creatures’ natural environment.
Although I’m primarily known for wildlife, the culture of the places we visit are just as important and the two are intrinsically linked. Greenland is a blend of indigenous Inuit heritage and Danish influences. The Inuit have lived in Greenland for thousands of years, and their traditions, language, and craftsmanship continue to play an essential role in the country’s identity. Visitors can explore colorful villages, where the vibrant homes contrast beautifully against the snowy surroundings, and witness the art of traditional kayak building.
Leave a comment below if Greenland is on your bucket list – perhaps we will plan a tour!
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.
We are on the verge of several workshops taking place on or around the West Coast! If you haven’t been shooting much over the winter this is the perfect opportunity to get out your gear and join me for a relaxing and productive opportunity.
Along with the gorgeous landscapes that the Pacific Coast has to offer from Washington down to California, we will also spend time finding unique abstract photographs. Aimed at expanding your visual vocabulary, such shots will also push your personal portfolio in a one-of-a-kind artistic direction.
When fall arrives and the leaves begin to turn to warm autumnal hues and temperatures are mild, the west coast becomes a beautiful tapestry of colors. The trees that do turn compliment the evergreens that do not, greatly increasing the number of interesting natural compositions.
I look forward to the fantastic company, sharing meals together, and exploring the west coast on a workshop with you!
OREGON COAST
Small-group Photography Retreat
March 15 – 18
Two new opportunities are available now with early bird pricing to join me in Oregon in March!
First up is the perennial favorite Abstract Astoria. As the oldest city on the west coast, Astoria is a venerable Scandinavian-inspired burg with an abundance of character and old-school charm. Culinary delights are around every corner, and on those corners you’re bound to find museums, breweries, and even old forts— abandoned, but ripe with photographic opportunity. Not only are the traditional river vistas great opportunities for your standard fare travel photos, but the aging concrete bunkers and rusted logging equipment make for an amazing trifecta of creativity, photography, and hospitality.
The second retreat moves west to Cannon Beach, with its thundering surf and famous sea stacks. Beautiful waterfalls and oceanscapes await your artistic eye, as well as opportunities for unique and intimate landscapes and abstracts. Art will challenge you to explore the nature of creativity and discover ways to bring its power to your images.
Both photo retreats are open to all experience levels and limited to just 6 participants.
