November 18, 2011: Bosque del Apache, New Mexico

Located in west central New Mexico, approximately 85 miles south of Albuquerque, along the Rio Grande, Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge is the winter home to thousands of ducks, geese and sandhill cranes.  I first learned about Bosque from my uncle, Scoot Oliver, who worked here growing the crops that feed the birds when they migrate south.

Sandhill Cranes in Flight.

 Aggressive Posture

  Mallards in the field viewed from the Coyote Deck.

                                                                

  Snow Geese

 White Pelicans

November 10, 2011: Red Rock Crossing

Fall is just starting to show at Red Rock Crossing but the majority of the trees are still green.  The water of Oak Creek was running high and fast due to recent snowfall in the high country.  This is the most photographed area in Arizona for good reason!

October 22, 2011: Horton Creek

Fall colors have arrived at Horton Creek!

October 15, 2011: Locket Meadow

The fall colors in Lockett Meadow and the Inner Basin of the San Francisco Peaks comes on fast and doesn't last long as the nighttime freezing temperatures quickly cause the aspen leaves to fall.

September 23, 2011: Night Skies

Just west of Flagstaff, Garland Prairie in the Coconino National Forest offers wide open skies free from city lights for amazing star photography.

September 7-9, 2011: Photoshop World, Las Vegas

This is the third year I've attended Photoshop World in Las Vegas.  After three days of classes in photography, Photoshop how-to's, live models, lighting techniques, website/ business development and tips from top photographers all over the country, I am energized and excited to get out there and shoot!

These photos were taken from the Conference Center at Mandalay Bay following an inspiring lecture by Jay Maisel of New York:

Westcott provided live models and lighting in the Expo for their annual contest:

August 27, 2011: Lockett Meadow and the Inner Basin

August 20, 2011: Woody Mountain

 

Every summer, the summit of Woody Mountain is home to millions of ladybugs!  Also known as Convergent Ladybug Beetles, they feed on aphids and other soft bugs, as well as some vegetation.  Today, only a few groups were found among the oak leaves and on a little fir tree. 

August 12, 2011: Horton Creek

Horton Spring bursts from the mountainside just below the Mogollon Rim, rushing 3 miles downhill where it disappears into the bedrock.  This rare riparian area is a photographer's dream.