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Updates from Death Valley and Oregon! ποΈ π
Published 6 months agoΒ β’Β 5 min read
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Hello Reader,
Greetings from the desert! David and I are enjoying the warmth of the Mojave, where we recently concluded our Death ValleyIntimate Landscapes workshop. It was a wonderful experience as participants immersed themselves in the art of seeing and capturing the smaller details and stories within the landscape.
We took a well-earned break for Thanksgiving, celebrating the holiday with friends in the desert. We also took time to hike, photograph, and relax.
We're eagerly preparing for our upcoming Black and White in Death Valley workshop next week. Death Valley's dramatic landscapes, with their striking contrasts and textures, are a perfect classroom for this workshop, and we can't wait to dive into the experience and share it with our students!
As 2024 draws to a close, it's a perfect moment to pause, reflect, and express heartfelt gratitude. We are deeply thankful for the incredible privilege of teaching and photographing while traveling, a dream made possible through your unwavering support and encouragement. Your kindness and trust have fueled this journey, and we are endlessly appreciative.
This year has been full of meaningful connections, meeting new friends, sharing transformative experiences, and cherishing the company of new and familiar faces. Your belief in us as guides, teachers, and companions on your creative paths means the world, and it inspires us to continue nurturing this vibrant community.
As we look ahead to 2025, we're excited to meet those we haven't yet had the pleasure of crossing paths with and to reunite with those who've become like family. May the year ahead bring you joy, inspiration, and countless moments of beauty. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey, we couldn't do this without you!
Warmly, David Kingham and Jennifer Renwick
β¬οΈ More exciting updates and photos below! β¬οΈ
Jennifer's 365 ebook Coming Soon!
Get ready for a year of inspiration! Jennifer is launching Captured Moments, a free ebook series showcasing her daily photographs and reflections from 2022. Starting January 1st, 2025, subscribers will receive a monthly PDF packed with images and essays.
Be among the first to sign up for this immersive journey through Jennifer's creative process. Twelve months of free inspiration, delivered right to your inbox!
Click the button below to subscribe before the official announcement later this year.
I (David) have just released a new portfolio of 100 images from our last winter in Death Valley. This was an incredible year that we will never forget, from the surreal salt formations around Lake Manly, to incredibly stormy moody days, fresh mud, wildflowers, and exploring a plethora of canyons. I hope you enjoy.
Exciting news from our talented friend, Michael Bollino! He's just released a stunning, free ebook showcasing his latest images from Iceland. Titled 'A Return to Iceland,' this collection features Michael's signature style and truly unique perspectives that have reignited my passion for this otherworldly landscape. If you're looking for fresh inspiration or contemplating your next photographic adventure, this ebook is a must-see. Michael's work never fails to push creative boundaries, and this collection is no exception. It's got me itching to pack my gear and head back to Iceland's dramatic shores!
Donβt miss out on these incredible opportunities to enhance your photography skills in stunning locations. Act fast β remaining spots are are almost gone!
π We're always on the lookout for inspiring, informative, and innovative content in the world of photography. Here's what caught our eye this month:
Michael shares his experiences photographing the Oregon Coast, highlighting how interesting weather enhances landscape photography. He embraces challenges like rain and cold, believing they enrich his connection to nature and the authenticity of his images. The trip featured beautiful light and moments, despite the storms and discomfort, resulting in a rewarding photographic experience.
Jack shares the story behind his image "Raining Gold," taken during a solo backpacking trip in Colorado's aspen forest. To capture the falling leaves, he creatively tossed leaves in the air and then combined multiple photos in Photoshop to achieve the final effect. Jack believes this process authentically represents the beauty of autumn leaves fluttering down, despite the techniques used.
Bruce shares how certain landscapes have greatly influenced his growth as a photographer. He believes that returning to landscapes that inspire you can lead to personal development and new creative possibilities. His experiences in places like Bolivia, Hokkaido, and Iceland helped him refine his skills and vision over time.
The Gear Closet
Shimoda Action X Series Camera Bag
Let's face it: the quest for the perfect camera bag often leads to a closet full of disappointments. I'll admit, I avoided Shimoda for years, thinking they wouldn't be comfortable. Boy, was I wrong!
The Shimoda Action X Series, particularly the X30, has ended our search. Here's why we love it:
Unmatched comfort for long hikes
Versatile: collapses for light trips, expands for gear-heavy adventures
Roll-top design for extra storage (hello, bulky coats!)
Low profile, perfect for mirrorless setups
Various sizes available (we swear by the X30 for all-around use)
Jennifer and I both use the Action X30, and it's greatly improved our experience hiking with camera gear.
Great news: Shimoda is currently offering a 20% off sale. Trust me, this is one bag that won't end up in your gear closet of doom!
Note: The link above is an affiliate link. While this helps support our endeavors, we only recommend products we personally use and believe in. We're not sponsored by Shimoda, but we wholeheartedly endorse their products based on our experience.
Workshop Highlights
In October, we held an exhilarating workshop on the Oregon coast with an incredible group of like-minded photographers. Our participants embraced the challenge of pushing their creative boundaries, resulting in some stunning imagery.
We encountered a mix of incredible and sometimes challenging conditions, which encouraged everyone to think differently about their creative choices. Our clients rose to the occasion, taking full advantage of every opportunity to capture the coast's beauty.
Below are a few of the remarkable images produced during this inspiring week.
Image by Mary O'Neill
Image by Jay Cowen
Image by Mark Rindflesh
My first trip with David was in August 2014. My most recent trip with David and, now, Jennifer, was last month, October 2024. In between, I took 6 other trips to places including Death Valley, Anza Boreggo, Yellowstone and Coyote Buttes. I continue to travel with them because, first, and most important, they have scouted the areas and know where to go to find really good photographic opportunities. Their taste is impeccable. They get you where you want to be.
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Almost equally important is that both of them are just good people. They are easy to relate to and fun to be around. They are patient and helpful, always concerned with the group and not their own work. And, speaking of their work, if you look at what theyβve done over the past few years, you will see how highly regarded their work is. β
I have no doubt that Iβll be traveling again with them. βMark
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Image by Marti McGlynn
Image by Vivian Sullenberger
Image by Karl Zuzarte
Image by Jay Cowen
Image by Mary O'Neill
Images by Mark Rindflesh
Image by Karl Zuzarte
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