For my destination I wanted to choose something close to home that would display a great ambiance for a the perfect example of an Autumn backdrop, something we don't see very often in Los Angeles - and of course I was looking for a great excuse to escape the city and get back to nature. So, I chose Colorado.
I remember years ago when I first made my march to Los Angeles in the hot months of August via cross-country in my Ford Explorer sans AC (yes, bumper to bumper traffic in 112 degree weather was quite the adventure back then) I remember being so inspired by the state of Colorado driving down the I-70. There were so many mountains and nature and the air was so crisp - It seemed to be the perfect destination for exactly what I wanted to capture.
For two months, I researched, planned, mapped and stocked up on necessary hiking and camera equipment items. I was ready. I didn't want to be overly ready, for I believe Photography is an art form and I am an artist and I find the best shots are the ones that arise organically. My plan: Denver to Royal Gorge to Garden of the Gods to Grand Junction to Aspen to Idaho Springs back to Denver. It was only a four day trip, I had to fill it up without being confined to being stuck in a car driving the whole time - which was still a lot of driving and I have a butt-rash to prove it. I kept my intentions open, which is my normal process when It comes to creating. I didn't want to be judgemental in my choices, for the events that were to occur were no longer in my hands, I was in the wild now and it was important that whatever I was to walk away with was going to be what mother nature has chosen to give me.
This trip was a extremely humbling and inspiring. Having slept 3 days out in the wild without a shower or good meal, I realized the valuable sacrifices I was going to have to make in my career to push my way to the top. My time was limited to day shooting only and hopping from location to location at the perfect time of day to get the best shots. It's a crazy realization, but when you are in the city and the sun goes down there is still so much to do, but when you are in the wild and the sun goes down it's mother nature turning out the lights. For the first time in awhile I was going to bed in the freezing wilderness at 8pm and waking up hours before dawn. For me, being someone that likes to be in control, it was a very submissive training exorcise. If you know me, then something you really don't know about me is that I actually a very introverted person that is just really good at being extroverted. Being introverted used to be something I was embarrassed about as a child....I mean what kid growing-up wants to be the outsider? So I became a social person and in the meantime I sacrificed bits of my creativity. Now that I am older, I take full advantage of the times when I am alone, because they are the most highly creative moments for me. So, being alone for 4 days was a highly active playground for all my ideas, thoughts and ambitions.
For now, It's to the editing table. My goal is to get as much work submitted to competitions as well as to travel and stock imaging websites and my first gallery show by the beginning of next year. Looking forward to sharing my work you guys!
