Living in the Pacific Northwest all my life has afforded me the opportunity to grow up in and amongst nature, from climbing in the Cascades, to family outings, being out in nature was where I felt at peace and place.

In my teens I began climbing some of the prominent Cascade Mountains, a very deepened presence developed when one morning, I found myself at the 10,000ft level of Mt. Hood, with the sun coming up, casting a huge silhouette of the mountain on top of the reddened valley fog below. Galen Rowell defined “subject” best when he said, “ A long saturation of awareness is required.” It has been moments such as these, when mother nature has just blown me away, that has given me an understanding of his words and subject.

I am grateful to many masters in the industry for their skill and knowledge. Two of these world class photographers have had a direct impact on me, who inspired, guided, And encouraged, Galen Rowell, and Gary Crabbe, as Gary puts it, “Let your eyes seek the perfect light, and let your heart find the subject.” These words typically are in mind as I am headed out to be in place and peace, where more often than not, a moment will always find me, to humble me before the combination of magic light and soulful presence, Gary thank you, and Galen...You are missed!