I had the amazing honor to photograph another photographers family just recently, and we had a blast! Tawnya Hood of Beauty Of Life Photography and her wonderful family came to the Eastern Sierra from Mesa, AZ and we had a wonderful shoot on the shores of Mono Lake and in Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite’s high country. Tawnya and I met online through a wonderful resource and place to connect for photographers, OSP. She asked some time earlier this year about the possibility of coming up and having me photograph her family, and I’m so glad we got to make it happen. Tawnya, Chad, Kalei, Brighton, and Reese, I had so much fun hanging out with you all. I’m so glad we got to meet and spend the afternoon together. I wish you all much love and I hope you enjoy your pictures!

I had an incredible shoot a few weeks ago with my dear friend Kelley at Tenaya Lake in Yosemite’s high country, Tuolumne Meadows. We met early for first light and it was absolutely stunning. Kelley and I have shot yoga lots through the years, but hadn’t shot together in a while since my business got so busy when I incorporated weddings into the mix that I haven’t been shooting as much outdoor lifestyle. Well this shoot really opened my eyes to the fact that I really need to get back to my roots. I LOVE shooting the outdoor lifestyle and LIVING the outdoor lifestyle, and admittedly I haven’t been out nearly as much as I would like in the last few years as I’ve focused so hard on growing my business. But the tides have turned and as business keeps getting better, my life is making its way back to me. I couldn’t be more excited to share these images of a dear friend embodying the beauty of Yosemite and being outside, and for helping be a catalyst in the ongoing journey of me finding my way back to myself through compassion and understanding of others, and remembering the importance of choosing Love over fear.

Mono Lake is one of the most beautiful places anywhere, and there’s nothing like watching the sun rise over its glistening waters. Looking down on the suns first rays illuminating the colorful reflections in the water is like being on top of the world. My friend Ryan and I had a super fun day from sunrise to sunset exploring and checking out the gorgeous fall color. I love this time of year. The air is fresh and the light is gorgeous.

I had one of the most special shoots I’ve ever had when Ashlee, Kevin, and I got some photos for their engagement in Yosemite’s beautiful high country, Tuolumne Meadows. Many of you will recognize Kevin, as I’ve been sharing photos of our adventures and art for years now. Kevin’s actually my longest standing friend who I still spend a lot of time with. We’ve been friends for 15 years, and I love him very much. He is a brilliant artist and his work can be seen here.

I couldn’t be more excited for such a dear friend to have met and connected with someone as amazing and lovely as Ashlee. She has a warm radiance and love about her that is completely infectious. Kevin is a lucky man!

Ashlee and Kevin met in Tuolumne 6 years ago when we all were working there for the summer, so it was so special for us to capture images of their love in our beloved Tuolumne.  Yosemite is one of the most magical places on the planet, and Tuolumne is the most sacred and special to us.

Kevin and Ashlee, I love you both so very much and wish you a lifetime of joy, happiness, and growing together.  I’m so excited for all the wonderful times we have and will share together, and am blessed to have you as such dear friends.

You can check out the slideshow by pressing play or clicking here to see it on its own page.

Claudia and Bill had an absolutely stunning wedding at the Ahwahnee hotel in Yosemite this past weekend. They had friends and family in from around the country to join them, and the day couldn’t have been more perfect.

We met before the ceremony and were able to get some stellar shots of the both of them together and Claudia alone. The ceremony was in a beautiful spot down by the river, and the evening reception was bathed in golden light before we headed in for a fantastic dinner prepared by the Ahwahnee’s excellent staff. The evening finished with some fun music live music with lots of dancing and mingling.

Claudia and Bill, thank you so much for having me to capture moments and memories on your special day. I had a blast and wish you both many years of love, joy, and happiness.

To check out the slideshow press play or you can see it in its own window here.

A few weeks ago my dear friend Ryan and I had an insane adventure on a peak in the southern Sierras named “Nameless Pyramid”.  It’s a total pyramid of impeccable granite towering over Onion Valley, and is a playground for a climber who likes to roam unencumbered over perfect stone.

Ryan and I headed straight for the main buttress hoping we’d find a perfect path to allow us passage.  There’s a really steep wall that drops abruptly on the southeast face, and we were hoping we’d be able to climb a lower angle ridge just to the right of it.  We didn’t bring any ropes, although we did have rock shoes, so we really wanted it to not be too hard, but interesting enough for an adventure and some excitement.

Nameless Pyramid delivered with immaculate climbing up to a narrow fin of a summit.  I had been here once before several years ago with another friend, but neither of us attempted the very sharp, steep, dramatic, summit knife blade pyramid.  We didn’t have rock shoes with us and had come up an easier ridge from Kearsarge Pass.  I had always dreamed of returning and giving a go at the summit pillar, but when I returned, even with rock shoes, I couldn’t summon the courage to try as a fall would mean certain death and I haven’t been climbing as much lately to have my flow on stone.

I climbed up part way to a small ledge from where I watched Ryan with no hesitation go straight for the summit.  With grace and elegance he danced his way to the top and reveled in the summit glory that no words can describe.  There’s nothing like sitting on top of a mountain.  Its a magical experience that transcends everyday consciousness, and gives a glimpse of the interconnectedness of all creation.

Ryan enjoyed it and eventually came back down and I asked him, “so would you do that again?”  Probably not he said laughing.  “Scary” he said, “once is probably enough”.  It made me feel a little bit better for not joining him on top, as I stood 20 feet below perched on that small ledge.

We made our way down another ridge that had so much fun granite that we kept stopping every 5 minutes to boulder and play and enjoy the last rays of the setting sun.  We made it down off the mountain just as it got dark and practiced out jedi skills for the hour and a half walk out in the dark without using our headlamps.  Nothing like a day in the mountains to feel alive.

You can watch the slideshow below by pressing play or you can click here to see it in its own window.  Enjoy!