Outtake from my recent BUST Magazine Cover Shoot with Margo Price | Dec 2023

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Summer Time

On the steep, steep side of Ben Lomond | Scotland | April 2023 This was one of the first especially intimidating munros I saw while walking north into the Scottish Highlands. Unfortunately, our route would not have us climb this fabled mountain. This view however, amazed me nonetheless. Upon nearing the base where the mountain paths lay, I observed two very much windswept hillwalkers shuffle down the trail. “Did you climb Lomond today?” I asked. “Oh yes”, they reply in a Scottish accent. “Incredibly windy up there. I felt like I was going to be blown off the hill at any moment!” Scottish Hillwalking aint for babies. While I had a monumental ascent up the north face of Ben Nevis, Scotland left me wanting more. Another trip, perhaps. I’ll be doing a print and post card sale soon, y’all! What images should I add back to my shop? Everything will be printed in advance this time, so if you have any suggestions as to what should go to print, add a comment!

I’ve had a gut feeling for a few years now to walk it with a camera. What that walk will be like has yet to be written. That’s part of the reason I’m doing it. There’s underlying mystery that I don’t fully appreciate just yet. Creatively, and especially physically, I know this will challenge and humble me on a level I’ve probably never known. After making this decision a few months back, I struggled with the intense emotions - sadness for leaving Alec and the cats, crippling fear of failure or going broke, missing out on photoshoots and “being forgotten” and so on. I know however that on my death bed, there’s nothing regrettable here; and if I don’t try, I will forever regret that I gave up before I started. It’s alright to be intimidated by an idea - what’s important is that you chase that wild goose before it’s out of reach. If you’ve ever wanted to work with me, NOW IS THE TIME. I’m closing off bookings Feb 5th 2024, and won’t be booking again until late Sept 2024. I’ll also be doing a flash print sale in Jan/Feb to help make extra funds prior to the journey. More on that later. Life is short, be true to yourself - AT Class of 2024 baby! 

I grew up walking in the woods on pine needle laden game trails and atv routes, and over palmetto lined marshes. When in my 20’s I got into recreating on public lands, I reconnected to my roots in some fundemental ways, I suppose. It came naturally. The more miles I walked, the more I helplessly saw the planet for what it was, what it is, and what it could be again. Public lands are precious. Private lands are too. My love affair with the natural world has radically shaped and changed the way I move through our anthropogenic one, from the way I care for my domestic pets in order to protect wildlife, to carrying a trash bag so that I can pick up trash on trails, roadsides, etc. To driving slower, to donating to local wildlife programs in my state. Recreating on public lands reminds me how much we have to gain by reconnecting with our planet, and how much we have to lose when we behave in ways that cause damage. Gaia is a great teacher, and worth all effort to protect from human greed and ego. It’s impossible to live a life on this earth entirely flawless, and without leaving a carbon footprint. But those little things we do, and those attitudes we hold daily, can have significant effects on the world around us. We are connected to the planet and all wild beings even still. Next week I’ll be finally sharing some work I shot on a 50 mile solo trek out west. Thanks to Hyperlite Mountain gear’s camera pod, I was able to tote my Fuji TX1 safely and comfortably on my adventure. Stay tuned!