I cannot say enough about networking these days. Over fifty percent of my business currently comes from referring clients. With the popularity of sites such as Linked-In, Twitter and Facebook, reaching a broader audience with minimal cost to the supplier has never been easier.

Last month, the publisher of Eagle Magazine, Tia Markland-Crabtree contacted me through a previous client requesting a studio shoot for their Nov/Dec issue. It was a gratifying feeling to know that my previous client was content and trusting enough to the extent of referring me to Eagle Magazine.

Tia came to the studio with a strong idea of the direction that she wanted to pursue. Models were fittingly chosen, props were brought and the over all layout was thoroughly thought through. It was a quick focused shoot that I was extremely appreciative to have been a part of. The best part of it all was when Tia informed me that this was to be the cover shot for their latest edition. Thanks Tia for bringing me on board for this!

Check out the latest issue on newstands throughout Eagle or browse the online version here.

Photography began as a hobby for me, channeling it solely as a story telling tool for my various travels and adventures. I wanted to share what I had seen with friends and family and began with a webshots account some five years ago. That slowly transformed to Myspace,  Facebook and Flickr. As I began to shoot subjects out of my personal life, new found methods of exposure have begun to develop.  I was fortunate enough to have my first internet publication with ESPN.com Winter Gear Guide back in September and the ball has continued to roll in my favor. Friend and photographic art director, Bodie Lee, recently informed me that a shot from our Helmut Newton 80’s Inspired shoot has been chosen for the cover of his newest EP, “Disco Chic Lightning”. It’s truly an honor to be associated with this thrilling release.

Check out the tracks here!

http://www.junodownload.com/artists/Bodie+Lee/releases/

As the days grow shorten and the suns sets a little lower on the horizon I’ve found the twilight hours to be especially dramatic. I’ve attempted to take advantage of the great light with the help of some friends that are killing it on the bikes! Big high fives to Art Widmar and Dustin Richcreek.

Here’s the groms killing it!

Dustin lookin tough.

Art gettin nasty.

I’m hoping the next installment involves some snow. Stay tuned for the next batch.

Over the last few weeks I’ve been itching to re-connect with the special side of photography that I often put to the wayside. Time and time again I find myself focusing my photography solely on a job oriented task while often putting the recreational hobbyist perspective to the wayside. Now that my year has begun to slow I’ve decided to do something about that. Of course, there’s always the dilemma of narrowing down what subject matter to shoot, the look, the feel, everything involved with the final product. My comfort zone typically reverts me to shooting things that I know, skiing, biking, fly fishing, basically nearly anything involved with the Idaho outdoors. Well this most recent project was no different. Having spent ample amount of time on my bike lately and recently being motivated by a friends photographic portfolio I decided that this sport was to be my subject manner of choice. I called up a good buddy of mine on a Tuesday and by Wednesday we were heading out to the Eagle Velo Park with three riders and a vague idea of what sort of look I wanted to convey. I’ve posted a few of my favorite shots below. It’s more or less a starting point to what I think could be some great photos. I can’t thank the riders, Dustin Richcreek, Dustin Howell and Art Widmar for stepping it up for the camera. I wouldn’t have any shots without you guys!

Dustin Howell – Tweak It, Tweak It

Dustin Howell – No Hands Dance

Art Widmar – Turnin Three Hundred and Sixty Degrees

Art – Layin it Out There

Dustin Richcreek – Chea Boy

Art Widmar – Steppin Up to the Big Jumps

Art Widmar

Art Widmar

Zee Setup

Dustin Howell – Surveying the Take-Off

Art Widmar – Touchin Sky

As October’s transformation has led the leaves to transform from cooling greens to vibrant reds and oranges my photographic assignments have followed their own transformation. Weddings are fewer and far between, 4th quarter budgets are tight and the snow is still teasing us with it’s inevitable return. All of these circumstances have opened up the free time in my life. I’ve been putting ample mileage on the bikes, catching up with friends and even began reading again. I was given “The Wild Girl” by Jim Fergus last Christmas by my boss and finally have had a chance to enjoy it. Last night I came across a rather telling quote that I wanted to share. Take however you will. Just thought someone might enjoy it.

“A man’s memory is the faulties of instuments, vulnerable to retrospection and revisionism, altered by age and distance, skewed by heartbreak, disappointement and vainity, tainted always by the inconsolable hope that the past was somehow different than we really know it to be. This is why memoirs are always, by definition, false. But a photograph never lies. “

Get out there and shoot those memories. It’s a beautiful time of year, oozing with photographic opportunities.