First, I've added a new image to the galleries! It's titled Smoke Over Kings Canyon. This image was made over the summer during an impromptu trip to Kings Canyon. I was unaware of it when I arrived, but there had been a wildfire burning in the southern cliffs above the Cedar Grove area. The "Sheep Fire" was sparked by lightning in mid-July and burned 9,020 acres until it was fully contained in late October. These fires are vital to the ecosystem and in fact aid the Giant Sequoia in the area. Fire opens the cones which release tiny seeds into the nutrient rich ash and mineral soil below. I spent only a few days camping in Cedar Grove. As you can imagine the smoke made for wonderful sunsets and sunrises. This image, taken early in the morning from one of the overlooks heading into Cedar Grove, captures the Canyon in a way I was not expecting. Appearing like rolling fog, the smoke weaves it's way through the mountains, conjuring feelings for which I was not prepared. The look of calm, misty ancient mountains betrays the true nature of the moment. Destructive and yet vital, the cleansing fire denudes the forest of the old and the dead, making way for a new generation.
Second, I have chosen 21 photographs for a special Holiday Sale! Click here to enter the 2010 Holiday Sale Gallery. Images in this gallery now have a new option, specially made for the holiday season: a print on 8.5x11 with title and logo but without matting or framing. At just $49 these are an amazing value and make wonderful gifts. Sized to be handheld, they offer a more intimate viewing experience. The elements on the page, however, have been arranged to allow for later matting or framing should you decide to do so.
Finally, within a day or so I will have a new Facebook page set up and I will post the link here. Now you'll be able to receive updates on what I'm up to there as well.