Behind the Lens: Lake Powell in Layers
Lake Powell has always made me pause, in the best kind of way. From above, it’s easy to focus on the scale—the winding canyons, the vast shoreline, the contrast between deep water and red stone. But the longer I’ve spent flying and photographing this landscape, the more I’ve realized the most interesting parts aren’t always the obvious ones.
This installment of Behind the Lens is about shape, texture, and the quiet details hidden inside a landscape of immense scale. Sometimes the scene doesn’t need to display an entire canyon or shoreline—a single formation, a pattern, or an unexpected intersection of land and water can be just as impactful and beautiful.
Dry Pot
The desert has a way of creating its own abstract art effortlessly. What initially drew me to this was the simplicity of it. The textures surrounding Dry Pot almost feel hand-drawn and meticulously positioned—the subtle transitions, layered surfaces, and small textural details become more interesting the longer you spend with them.
Light changes by the minute, and shadows can either highlight the structure of the land or flatten it completely. This image worked because all forces of nature aligned to reveal the natural patterns already there. Timing is everything; and when it’s not quite right, there’s always tomorrow.
Stack Rock
Perspective can completely reshape our understanding and appreciation of scale.
From the ground, rock formations like this can feel massive and imposing. What I enjoy most about this photograph is the isolation of this particular formation. There’s a sense of quiet around it. The surrounding terrain becomes secondary, allowing the eye to settle on the shape and the contrast of the rock itself. It feels almost sculptural—as if it were intentionally constructed within the landscape rather than formed over thousands or millions of years.
Beach Cross
Some photographs happen because you’re searching. Others happen as divine reminders of this beautiful life. While this image may look staged, I photographed it exactly as I found it on the beach. Some scenes require no adjustments and no further description.
This is just that.
Lake Powell Pano
This landscape felt too impressive for a single frame. Lake Powell often feels that way to me. The challenge with a wider scene isn’t simply fitting everything into the frame—it’s preserving the feeling it evokes.
Standing in front of this panorama, I want the viewer to take in the simple calmness, the smoothness of the water, the impressive formations. Being in the presence of this landscape at Lake Powell feels good to my soul, and I hope this image enlivens that feeling.
The details inside the landscape
This collection of Lake Powell prints reminds me that landscapes exist at every scale, and beauty is truly everywhere.
The grand views are of course impressive: the sweeping canyons, the dramatic overlooks, the perfect calmness of the water. There are moments and vistas that stop you immediately. But equally important are the details hidden inside them: the textures, the shapes, and the patterns you might miss if you move too quickly.
Behind the Lens continues to highlight not just the images themselves, but the process of seeing. Really taking it all in and finding beauty in the unexpected. Beauty has a way of hiding in plain sight.
More to come.
Collecting Photogravure Fine Art Prints
For collectors, photogravure prints represent one of the most refined forms of collectible photography prints. Each print is individually hand-pulled using the intaglio printmaking tradition, creating a unique piece of history with every reveal. Photogravure prints are highly desirable for collectors seeking museum-quality artwork that also captures the spirit of the slow art movement.
Collectors value photogravure for its exceptional tonal depth in black and white photography, a classic style for collectors. The handcrafted photography prints use archival materials designed to last for generations, resulting in limited edition, signed photography prints rather than mass-produced prints.
If you are interested in owning one, please explore available pieces in my online photogravure print collection or schedule an in-person visit to my downtown Denver gallery.
Featured Photogravure Print
Photogravure 15”x20”
from $1500
Exactly as I found it. I love His little reminders.