September 10, 1988. It’s a special day for me personally. A day of days that set up the rest of the days. At least so far!

Those that know me best including some that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with on our workshops over the years know my story. Photography came rather late in life for me. In the 80’s I returned to college to learn the art of photography. We’ll in truth I wanted to be a national park ranger and when confronted with an alternate choice I simply stated that I wanted to learn to take better pictures.

Suddenly I found myself in the art department and wanted out at the same speed. I didn’t think I belonged! In the years that followed I found that two things drove me to continue. First and foremost was the fact that unlike most people I met there that were first attracted to the technical aspects of photography and then found something to photograph, I was always inspired by what I wanted to photograph, that being our National Parks. I just needed to learn how. What keep me in the art department was the creative spirit of everyone there no matter what the reason. I entered thinking that photography was magic and in the years that followed I proved it!

What made this possible? On this day 27 years ago I stopped drinking! Consuming alcoholic beverages was something that I had done, and done well and often. It started just after high school and had become a lifestyle for over 20 years. A way of life that I slowly realized was destructive and even more important to me, was keeping me far from doing anything constructive.

In the years since I’ve celebrated this day in some of my favorite places.  In many of those years with the wonderful groups of people that have made up our workshops. In p,laces such as Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. From our Fall Sierra workshops to Canyonlands and Glacier National Parks, it’s been special every time. In 3 different years with 3 different groups in the various Yosemite high camps we’ve celebrated with cake and a candle. Once it even was delivered on a ridge top as we shot sunset together!

The last 27 years have been a gift and has allowed me the privilege to know and work with all of you. Your support over the years overwhelms me.

The image above was made a couple of weeks ago around the Vogelsang high sierra camp. The freedom of flight seems to carry a mystical sense of flowing waters at the top of the world. A gift all by itself!

Canon 5DsR. 24-70 f/2.8 MKll Singh-Ray ColorCombo. Singh-Ray 4ss ND Grad.