Smith Rock OR... well almost

So I get a travel update/phone call in the same weekend, "So are you comin' out or what?" I'm drawn to Portland's Cascade weather barrier for Smith Rock like a kid in a candy store, cliche. I met some amazing, crazy-cool people! About 15 folks who just got off the river and all of us rolled out, deep into the forest for a very awesome campfire!

Smith had blue-bird skies, stellar friction, legendary climbing and I got a busted kneecap. I tried to stick the crux on Cling and came within millimeters of sending it. Hella-good whipper, my buddy caught it and my knee took the hit. That ended that day. But at least I gave it a go!

The camping was perfect in a simplistic way.

Climbing

Here is a sampling of my shots from my journeys around the U.S. There are so many people who I owe thanks to for making these pictures possible. To name a few key players: All those you see below, the editors and publishers of Rock and Ice including guest photographers/instructors at their photo clinic, friends for memorable trips and memories, family for supporting me. And last but certainly not least, Nikon. I know... shameless plug but it is true! For more check out: http://www.vertical-living.blogspot.com/ Ed returning to clarity after a highball onsight Red Rocks, NV. Kenny cranking the thin arete of Tiger Style in Gunks, NY. Joe warming up on the DC Memorial Boulder at Summersville Lake, WV. Lauren Lee making it look easy during Finals in SLC '08. Dave Graham crimpin' and pimpin' his way up another incredible Mill Creek classic, UT. Unkown climber sorting out beta of the women's finals route SLC '08. Tommy Caldwell stretching out over Mill Creek, UT. Katie Brown clipping her way up the striking stripes of Mill Creek, UT. CJ in full body mode on a classic Squamish, BC arete. Lisa Rands throwin' big during the qualifying round of the O.R. Show in SLC '08. Beth Rodden planning her attack of a thin 5.11 above Mill Creek, UT. An unknown climber mm away from glory on Tiger Style Gunks, NY.

Desert

For my birthday, I took a trip to Moab to see some great people and took a day-trip through Indian Creek. As I was promised, I stood in awe for what seemed like hours before leaving the parking lot. I hustled my way up scree slopes to see what lay around the next corner. Miles of beautiful, rich red sandstone walls reaching up to bluebird skies. Perfection in the form of 100ft+ splitter cracks and enormous towers. Afternoon thunderheads added excellent contrast to the Creek creating surreal climbing and photo conditions.

Architecture

Pictured here is a start to my work with

the subject of architecture. I spent a day

in Seattle after my first 14'er. Mt Rainier was

a rewarding experience because of the people that

invited me and the nature of their fundraiser.

www.3summitsfornepal.blogspot.com

A great cause for those in Nepal who need an

education and everyday assistance. My friend

Jwalant who was born and raised in Nepal started

the fundraiser. Please visit their website to

find out how you can help his efforts. Thanks.

Black and White

An update to my collection of Black and Whites are these first two listed below. Other samples are still to come. They're making their way over to the digital world from film, slowly but surely.

Weddings

These images are from friends weddings who

were kind enough to let me capture moments of their

happiest day. The greatest moments of the day, along with

two people in love taking their vows, are the unexpected candids.

I focus on a journalistic approach to photographing weddings.

During recent years I have taken an interest in them

because I can explore new styles, capture the most

pure moments and spark a story from a single frame. Enjoy.