The Journey

Marin has always felt like a place where the veil between worlds is thinner — especially in the fog, under moonlight, in those quiet hours most people sleep through. 'Natural Mystics' is my attempt to share what I've seen in those moments. The exhibition runs September 21st through November 12th at The Sausalito Bay Model, featuring large-scale landscape prints. All works are for sale and will stay on display through the show's close.

This exhibition represents a culmination of years spent exploring Marin County's mystical landscapes during those rare moments when nature reveals its most ethereal qualities. The fog, moonlight, and quiet hours create a sense of otherworldliness that I've been privileged to witness and document.

The Sausalito Bay Model provides the perfect setting for this collection, with its connection to the water and natural environment that mirrors the landscapes captured in these photographs. Each large-scale print invites viewers to step into these mystical moments and experience the same sense of wonder and connection to the natural world.

Some nights you're just in the right place. I was out shooting in San Francisco's low fog when the TransAmerica Pyramid suddenly illuminated — something that only happens 2-3 nights a year, always without warning. The timing felt like a gift. This photograph became my first publication with National Geographic, appearing in the opening pages of their Traveler's Guide to San Francisco — a milestone I'll never forget. Large prints available through the contact page.

This moment represents the serendipitous nature of photography, where preparation meets opportunity in the most unexpected ways. The TransAmerica Pyramid's rare illumination against the San Francisco fog created a scene that few photographers have had the chance to capture, making this image particularly special.

Being featured in National Geographic's Traveler's Guide to San Francisco marked a significant milestone in my career, placing my work alongside some of the world's most respected travel photography. The opening pages placement was an honor that validated years of dedication to capturing the unique character of San Francisco's urban landscape.

At 3 a.m., the Golden Gate Bridge exists in a world few people see. I photographed it during those quiet hours when the fog and light create something almost otherworldly. San Francisco State University acquired this image for permanent display on their campus. Limited edition prints are available in sizes up to 60 inches.

This photograph represents the bridge in its most peaceful state, when the city sleeps and the fog rolls in from the Pacific. The early morning hours offer a unique perspective on this iconic structure, transforming it from a bustling thoroughfare into a serene monument to engineering and beauty.

The acquisition by San Francisco State University is particularly meaningful, as it places this image in an educational setting where it can inspire students and visitors for generations to come. The limited edition prints allow collectors to bring this moment of tranquility into their own spaces.

I was photographing this deer when I heard movement in the bushes behind me. I turned to find a large coyote just feet away — I'd unknowingly positioned myself between predator and prey. The coyote slowly walked away, glancing back at us repeatedly. Once it was far enough in the distance, I turned back around and captured this black and white portrait of the deer, still focused and alert. The image was published in The Point Reyes Light alongside an article about my local photography work, and was later recognized online as one of the top 100 animal photographs of all time.

This photograph represents one of those rare moments in wildlife photography where you become part of the natural drama unfolding around you. The tension between predator and prey, the deer's alert awareness, and the unexpected presence of the coyote created a complex scene that I was fortunate to witness and document.

The recognition as one of the top 100 animal photographs of all time is particularly meaningful because it captures not just the beauty of the deer, but the intensity of that moment of connection between photographer and subject. The deer's focused gaze speaks to the heightened awareness that comes from being in the presence of both opportunity and danger.

"Silver Shores at Moonlight" was originally selected to be printed in a National Geographic story, but the timeline didn't align with their publication schedule. Instead, the editors invited me to discuss the image in an online interview, where I shared my passion for night photography and working with moonlight. This photograph was captured over Stinson Beach during a full moon — one of those rare nights when the light transforms the familiar into something otherworldly. Read the full interview on NationalGeographic.com.

This experience highlights the collaborative nature of photography journalism, where sometimes the story behind the image becomes as important as the image itself. The National Geographic editors recognized the power of this moonlit scene and wanted to share not just the photograph, but the process and passion that went into creating it.

Night photography presents unique challenges and rewards, requiring patience, technical skill, and an understanding of how moonlight can transform a landscape. This image of Stinson Beach under the full moon captures that magical moment when the familiar becomes extraordinary, when silver light creates an entirely new world from the one we see by day.

At 4am at Mono Lake, it was 18 degrees and I was standing on ice. I could hear a Great Horned Owl calling somewhere in the black, but I couldn't see it. The full moon hid behind clouds, giving me just enough diffused light for a 100-second exposure. I kept shooting, numb and hopeful. When I reviewed the images later, only one frame captured the owl — perfectly sharp, as if rewarding the wait. This image was recently selected as an Editor's Favorite at NationalGeographic.com. Large-scale prints available by request.

This photograph represents the essence of wildlife photography: patience, perseverance, and a willingness to endure extreme conditions for that one perfect moment. Standing on ice at 4am in 18-degree weather, guided only by the sound of an unseen owl and the faint light of a cloud-covered moon, I captured something that could never be planned or staged.

The recognition from National Geographic as an Editor's Favorite validates not just the technical achievement of the 100-second exposure, but the emotional and physical commitment required to create such an image. It's a reminder that sometimes the most rewarding photographs come from the most challenging circumstances.

I photographed these Monterey Cypress Trees in Northern California before they underwent extensive trimming. The image was featured on the cover of Hearsay News, timing that coincided perfectly with my annual exhibition at West Marin Gallery. Looking back, I'm grateful to have documented these trees in their fuller, natural state.

This photograph represents more than just a beautiful landscape—it's a historical document of these iconic trees before their transformation. The timing of the Hearsay News cover feature during my gallery exhibition created a perfect synergy, bringing attention to both my work and the natural beauty of Northern California's coastline.

These Monterey Cypress Trees have long been a symbol of the rugged California coast, and capturing them in their natural, untrimmed state preserves a moment in time that can never be recreated.

I'm honored to have my image "The Golden Coast" featured on the home page of MarinMagazine.com.

This recognition represents another milestone in my photography journey, showcasing how my work continues to resonate with audiences and publications that appreciate fine art nature photography. The Golden Coast image captures the essence of California's stunning coastline, and I'm thrilled that Marin Magazine chose to highlight it on their homepage.

This feature demonstrates the ongoing relationship between my photography and Marin Magazine, building on the success of our previous collaboration in their 75th anniversary issue.

Three of my photographs were featured in Marin Magazine's 75th anniversary issue celebrating the Golden Gate Bridge — including one I captured on my very first day with a digital camera. After years of shooting film and saving to make the transition to digital, that first day back behind the lens resulted in an image I never expected would be published. It remains one of my most meaningful photographs.

The journey from film to digital was a significant milestone in my photography career. That first digital capture of the Golden Gate Bridge represents not just a technical transition, but a moment of pure creative expression when everything aligned perfectly — the light, the composition, and the emotion of the scene.

Prints from this collection are available for those who want to bring a piece of this iconic moment into their own spaces.