OK, I have to admit that I’m still not totally comfortable with referring to myself in any way, shape or form as an artist....my personal perspective is that of a business geek who just awkwardly dabbles in the creative dimensions.

Perhaps that is the lot of all of those who choose to pursue (or not), the siren’s call of that inner voice who wants to be be and say something more than the simply mundane - haltingly, embarrassingly, and crudely at first.....not totally dissimilar to those first awkward and terrifying attempts at intimacy with another person, but in this case, my personal muse of creative artistry...

A personal watershed was reached for me about a year ago, when I set out on a photographic field trip to Death Valley run by Don Gale. I was redeeming a gift certificate from my ex, and this trip was an opportunity to become a bit more focused (and educated) on the art & craft of photography under the tutelage of a professional.

My first inkling that this would be a unique experience was on the long drive out to Death Valley, where the last 50 or so miles was devoid of passing any man-made structure or vehicle....now this truly, was the desert (as compared to the familiar drive from Orange County to Las Vegas)

Early the following morning, our group set out early to be in place at “The Dunes” for dawn, and although we numbered about a dozen, our physical separation in the vast expanse of the low desert provided for a feeling of isolation and focus that both thrilled and terrified me.....for those few hours I was “in the moment” - alone with myself and my thoughts, fears and aspirations....taking in my surroundings, and exploring how I could best capture the experience.

It was at this point where I realized this was more than a mere experience, it was the beginning of a calling....

Took the Nikon D300 out for the first time Saturday morning to get the hang of the new camera body. Quite a challenge trying to fiddle with all the controls when your fingers are totally numb! (Note to self: Buy a good pair of photo gloves ASAP!)

Didn't get many shots that warrant mentioning, but I am intrigued over the possibilities of doing some post-production work on the above shot.

Just added a calendar for events relating to QSGI: field trips, classes, etc. The calendar is located here.

Just back from a mind-blowing trip to Death Valley! My first such trip, and the last outing with my old CoolPix camera. Taught me a lot re technique - particularly exposure...learnings which I'll put to good use with the new Nikon D300 when it arrives (hopefully) this week.

Take a look at the pictures from this trip here in the studio as I work on them....