Wheel of Life & Death in Yellowstone

The wheel of life and death is close to the surface this time of year in Yellowstone. And not just because most winter visitors tend to be retirees well into their social security years. All the animals are in survival mode, expending as little energy as possible to make it through until spring.

On my first morning in Yellowstone last week I encountered three coyotes working over the remains of an elk that wolves or weather had killed the day before. The formation of the ravens waiting for their piece of the kill created a kind of wheel of life mandala. By the time I left 4 days later, there was not enough left to interest the ravens.

Escalante

Handmade: Artisans of the Old & New West

For the past few weeks I've been photographing Western artisans -- individuals who are making functional things by hand with a very high level of artistry. It's that balance of form and function, I think, that makes their work so compelling. One commonality I've found amongst all the artisans I've worked with is that their work is a natural extension of their lives.

No, I don't do weddings but...

When your friends renew their vows with an Elvis impersonator officiating you have to make an exception.

Symphonic Collaboration

Once again I am honored to be working with composer Jim Cockey on a multi-media project to accompany his latest symphonic work, "The Gift of the Elk-a Suite for Native American Flute and Orchestra." The performances are April 10 and 11 at Hyannis, Cape Cod, with Jung-ho Pak conducting the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra. Joseph FireCrow, from the Northern Cheyenne tribe, will be the featured flute player. My images will be projected behind the orchestra during the performance. This is my second collaboration with Jim, the first being "Symphony #3 -- An Idaho Symphony."

Florida Frozen Orange Sunshine

Amelia Island, Florida--

The important thing is that it look warm, even if it is 29 degrees. Working with Jim Cox on Florida's northern-most barrier island for a resort shoot during the coldest cold snap in a turtle's memory. Our models slid down the iced boardwalk to stroll along the beach in short-sleeves.

Lambing Season

In the heart of winter, between Craters of the Moon and the Pioneer Mountains in south-central Idaho, it is lambing season at Lava Lake Ranch. It is a 24/7 operation that lasts for weeks as some 700 ewes give birth. The ranch is a leading organic sheep producer and a national leader in grazing management and landscape-scale conservation.