My Thoughts, Ramblings and Ideas

I hesitate to call this section of my website a Blog, I feel that implies a purpose and a sense of direction. Really I find this section of my site as a space for the random thoughts and ideas that pop into my head and also a way to put more words with my images. We’ll call it a journal if you will, a place for me to put more words to my images and also to take my viewers along with me on my various journeys through this beautiful world.

Hokkaido: A Tale of Light and Snow
Andrew Hertel Andrew Hertel

Hokkaido: A Tale of Light and Snow

A single day in Hokkaido's snowy countryside gave me everything I dream of as a photographer—pristine snow, dramatic skies, and fleeting encounters with wildlife. This 14-image series, Hokkaido: A Tale of Light and Snow, is a visual journey through rolling farmland, minimalist trees, and the unforgettable beauty of Japan in winter.

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Chasing Fall Colors—A Photographer’s Journey Through Utah’s Backcountry
Andrew Hertel Andrew Hertel

Chasing Fall Colors—A Photographer’s Journey Through Utah’s Backcountry

Join me on my annual moto-camping adventure through Southern Utah, where fall colors take center stage. While black and white photography is my usual approach, this trip challenges me to embrace the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the season. Along the way, I navigate rocky trails, endure scorching heat, and experience the beauty of the changing landscape—on two wheels, with nothing but a tent and my camera. This blog captures the highs and lows of the journey, blending stories, photos, and video into one unforgettable adventure.

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Winter’s Quiet at Valley View
Fine Art Andrew Hertel Fine Art Andrew Hertel

Winter’s Quiet at Valley View

I caught Yosemite in a rare multi-day storm, transforming Valley View into a winter wonderland. Fresh snow draped the rocks and trees, with El Capitan rising majestically in the background. The stillness of the morning, broken only by the Merced River, was a reminder of why I return to these iconic places. Nature’s quiet moments are where I find my inspiration.

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Cracked Earth and Stone
Andrew Hertel Andrew Hertel

Cracked Earth and Stone

In the vastness of Death Valley, it's the small, quiet details that capture my attention. On one of my annual motorcycle trips, I found myself lost in a two-square-foot patch of cracked mud and a solitary rock, a reminder that beauty often lies in the unnoticed corners of the world.

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