Videos
Read MoreRed Rock Canyon
Offering a pleasant diversion from the Las Vegas’ glitz and glitter, Red Rock Canyon attracts more than one million visitors each year. It’s hard to believe that 195,819 acres of spectacular desert scenery lies just 17 miles west of the strip casinos. These photos try to capture the Canyon’s unique geology during the dry and wet seasons. From June through August daytime temperatures can average over 100 degrees F and humidity stays below 10 %. From November through March the canyon gets most of its annual precipitation of about 4 inches. There’s generally very little snow with the exception of record set in December 2008. And the brief spring comes and goes between April and May. Living close to Red Rock Canyon in Summerlin gives me the opportunity to photograph the area whenever the season, weather or my mood motivates me.
Mnt. Charleston
Just 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas is the highest peak in southern Nevada, Mt. Charleston (elevation: 11,916 feet). In an hour’s drive, residents and visitors can escape the desert heat and enjoy temperatures that average 30 – 40 degrees F cooler than the Las Vegas Strip (elevation: 2,030 feet). I took some of the photos in this video while hiking to the peak by two well-maintained trails -- South Loop Trail and North Loop/Trail Canyon. The average hiker could make the loop in one day, but I took 2 days to enjoy the scenery and take pictures. You will also see photos of Cathedral Rock, Mummy Mountain and Bristle Cone Pines. Trails to these points can be completed in a few hours. Enjoy the video and please leave your comments.
Nelson, NV
In 1775 the Spaniards discovered gold in the area that is now Nelson. A hundred years later deserters from the Civil war became prospectors here and established mines. The mines were active from about 1858 until 1945. Disagreements and frequent killings gave Nelson a sinister reputation; yet the mines produced several million dollars in gold, silver, copper and lead.
Highlander Games
Scottish clansmen from at least four states, Arizona, California, Utah and Nevada, gathered in Las Vegas to celebrate the Highlander Games. The games include strength, bagpipes and dance competitions. The friendly participants eagerly discussed their Scottish heritage and did not mind my photography..
Summerlin Patriotic Parade, July 4, 2015
The community of Summerlin (Las Vegas) Nevada held its 20th Patriotic Parade on July 4, 2015. Despite temperatures well above 100 degrees, over 40,000 residents attended. I apologize for not giving a credit to John Phillip Sousa whose "Star and Stripes Forever" celebrates this day.
Las Vegas Renaissance Festival: October 7-9, 2016
I have photographed four festivalsthis years had fewer attractionsbut the participants were as always friendlycolorful and photogenic. Aside from the photographyI enjoy the diverse people that this event attracts and brings together. For that reasonI chose a 1968 tuneEveryday People by Sly and the Family Stonesto accompany my slide show. The tune was popular shortly after Congress passed the Civil Rights Actand unfortunately the lyrics are still relevant today.
Meet my Friends
Over the past 5 years I have been photographing fewer wildlife, landscapes and buildings and more people. Previously, I did not have the nerve to stick a camera in someone's face and tell them to do something interesting. Now that I am older and less inhibited, I look for interesting people, strike up a conversation and more often than not, they agree to be photographed. Some of my favorite photos of the colorful people I have met follow.
A Time-Lapsed Day at Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas
I have been photographing this time-lapse video for the past year, but shot the last sequence two days ago. Altogether, the video comprises over 1500 still images shot at six locations at different times. A lot of work for a 3 minute video, but it was worth it.
Sweet November
In late October or November I usually spend at least a week photographing the fall colors. This year's (2020) pandemic lockdown and wild fires have kept me at home. To keep my memories alive and instill hope that the colors will return next fall, I made this 3.5 minute slide show of my favorite photos that I shot in November during the past 15 years.