Reflections on 2024 and Exciting Plans for 2025

As we approach the end of 2024, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey this year has been, both personally and professionally. It’s been a year filled with exploration, creativity, and growth—a year where the natural world and my artistic vision aligned in ways I hadn’t imagined. Let me share some highlights and reflections from this past year, along with what I’m excited about for the year ahead.

Reflections on 2024

The Joy of Winter Landscapes

This year started with unforgettable moments in Yosemite during the heart of winter. I’ll never forget the serene beauty of the Merced River surrounded by snow-covered rocks, frost-laden trees, and towering granite peaks. Each detail, from the crisp air biting at my face to the almost otherworldly quiet, made me feel completely immersed in the scene. Capturing the calm and isolation of winter, especially in snowstorms, brought me a renewed sense of joy and inspiration. It’s moments like these that remind me why I return to iconic locations like Yosemite time and time again. There is always a new perspective, a fresh layer of snow, or a fleeting moment of light waiting to be discovered.

A Journey to Hokkaido

Finally making it to Hokkaido, Japan, was a dream realized. The beauty of the pristine snow-covered landscapes, the warmth and hospitality of the people, and the incredible food made this journey unforgettable. From the first steps I took into Hokkaido’s powdery snowfields to the quiet moments spent photographing solitary trees against blank white skies, every moment felt like stepping into a storybook. The landscapes were breathtaking, but what truly stayed with me were the small, intimate moments: the delicious food and the friendly people who made me feel so welcome, and the peaceful silence that seemed to envelop everything. Spending time photographing trees in untouched snow resonated deeply with me. Each image felt like a meditation on simplicity and elegance. I left with a strong desire to return and explore even more of this stunning region—both with my camera and as a traveler eager to soak it all in.

Utah Adventures

This year’s motorcycle trip to Utah was chaotic but rewarding. The desert, with its dramatic cliffs and winding roads, is always a place of inspiration for me. Camping and chasing fall colors with friends brought its own kind of magic, even under the blazing 100-degree sun. I remember riding through endless stretches of open road, feeling the rush of hot air and the sense of freedom that came with every mile. The rugged landscapes and vibrant autumn hues offered a wonderful contrast to the quiet monochrome world I usually focus on. Utah reminded me of the beauty in shared adventures—in sitting around a campfire under a sky full of stars, in the laughter of friends, and in the challenges that come with chasing the perfect light.

Expanding Horizons

Launching my YouTube channel was a leap outside my comfort zone, but it has been incredibly rewarding. At first, the idea of talking to a camera felt daunting, but as I shared stories behind my images and my love for exploration, I found a deeper connection with an audience eager to see the world through my lens. It’s been humbling to hear from viewers who felt inspired to seek their own adventures or who saw the beauty in places they might never have thought to visit. This new medium has challenged me to think about my work in fresh ways, and I’m excited to see where it will take me next.

Looking Forward to 2025

Kyrgyzstan Workshop

Next year, I’ll be leading a photography workshop in Kyrgyzstan, a country that captured my heart with its vast landscapes and rich culture. From the sweeping valleys to the towering peaks, every corner of Kyrgyzstan feels like it’s pulled from a fairytale. I’m particularly excited to share experiences with participants like meeting nomadic families, watching an eagle hunter and his bird in action, and crossing rivers in rugged Soviet-era trucks. This workshop will be about more than photography—it will be about immersing ourselves in the rhythm of a place where the past and present coexist so beautifully. I still have a few spaces available for this adventure, visit here for more information and to sign up.

Death Valley Adventures

In 2025, I’ll also be hosting a workshop in Death Valley, a place that feels like a second home. Death Valley’s extremes have always drawn me in—its scorching heat, its vast emptiness, and its towering dunes. This workshop will push participants to truly immerse themselves in the desert’s beauty—no shooting from parking lots here. From the iconic dunes to the lesser-known remote spots, I’m eager to share the desert’s allure with others. We’ll hike through the soft sands of remote dunes, searching for compositions that tell the story of this vast and hauntingly beautiful place. It’s hard work, but it’s always worth it.

Continuing the Journey

While workshops and travel are a big focus, I’m also committed to refining my craft and pushing my creative boundaries. This year, I’m excited to continue sharing my work through my fine art at even more art shows and expanding its availability by offering more streamlined shipping options through my website. I want to delve deeper into storytelling, not just through my images but in how I share them, whether that’s on my website, social media, or YouTube. Every image I create holds a story, and I want to do more to bring those stories to life for my audience.

A Heartfelt Thanks

None of this would be possible without the support of those who follow my work. Whether you’ve collected a print, attended a workshop, or simply enjoyed my images online, thank you for being part of this journey. Your support fuels my passion and drives me to keep exploring, creating, and sharing.

Until next time, keep seeking the extraordinary in the world around you. Here’s to a year of inspiration and discovery in 2025!