One of the most asked questions I get from my workshop students is “How can I take more compelling photographs?” While many might expect some magical formula that would help them take their images to the next level, the reality is that it is a mixture of various undefinable things. Passion, Creativity, Perseverance, Vision and more times then not…..going that extra mile.

With the digital age of photography fully upon us, there are more people with quality cameras now then ever before. These means that more and more individuals have the ability to capture life on this planet. In order to help separate yourself from the fold, sometimes you have to be willing to do more then the next guy. Some of my best images have been taken in the off season, with crappy weather and in an environment that most would cringe at. This past year I found myself in the middle of sand storms, working in IDP refugee camps, high in the Himalayas in Winter, surrounded by snow, sleeping in my car and up to my chest in 40 degree F water….all while carrying around 30 to 40lbs of camera gear.

Having said that, you do NOT have travel the world to take these kind of images. Instead you have to find your own boundaries and learn to push them. I promise that you will find that not only will your photography improve, but that you will learn alot about yourself in the process.

In album Behind the Lens (53 photos)

I havent seen +Scott Jarvie surface back at the car yet…but I am pretty sure he is still alive

Soon we head to the Virgin River to scout locations as well as secure our permits to head to the subway tomorrow morning.

In album Behind the Lens (52 photos)

Temple of the Virgin – Zion NP

Later tonight +Scott Jarvie & +Jim Davis join the party, followed by +Casey McCallister tomorrow morning. Needless to say it should be an entertaining week of shooting to say the least.

In album Behind the Lens (51 photos)

The Watchman at Sunset

To help celebrate American Independence Day, I choose this photo of Delicate Arch from Arches National Park in Utah for the FREE July 2010 Desktop Wallpaper.

For Macs: After choosing the correct size below, right click with your mouse (or ctrl + mouse click) on the image and select “Use Image as Desktop Picture”

For PC’s: After choosing the correct size below, use the mouse to right click on the image and select “Set as Background”

Available Sizes:

Wide: 1920 x 1080 or 1680 x 1050 or 1400 x 900

Standard: 1600 x 1200 or 1024 x 768