Photography
- Alaska, Chicago, Hawaii, Kyoto,
- Lake Havasu - Powell - Tahoe,
- Los Angeles, Monument Valley, New York,
- Paris, Pinnacles, San Fransisco,
- Tokyo, Yellowstone, Yosemite.
Shoot.
Hey there! Feel free to check out some of my favorite shots from the United States and Japan below, or hop over to my 500px profile for more work.
U.S. landscapes
During several road trips throughout the United States, the sheer quantity of breathtaking sights became evidentFrom the unmatched diversity and grandeur of Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks to the dense concentration of natural wonders along the Arizona-Utah border, a single photo simply can't capture it all.
Monument Valley, Arizona.
This was one of the first of many trips with Roberto. Visiting Monument Valley was one of his dreams, so we embarked on a 1,000-mile weekend journey from the Bay Area. We camped nearby and woke up before sunrise to witness one of the most breathtaking sights ever. The car in the photo gives a sense of the scale of the formations. Taken May 2015, w/ Nikon D600 + Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, 24mm, f/18, 1/200, ISO 1000.
Death Valley National Park, California.
The one thing that the pandemic didn't impede was camping trips with your housemates. A good team set out to drive to Death Valley National Park, and one of the memorable stops was at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Taken November 2020, w/ Fujifilm X-T4 + Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8, 27mm, f/8.0, 1/100, ISO 160.
Reflection Canyon, Utah.
During one of many visits to Lake Powell (kudos to Arthur for his excellent planning), we camped near the canyon entry with our boats. At the only accessible point to start the hike, anchoring the boat was impossible, adding to the challenge. To catch the sunrise, we set out in total darkness (thanks Arno for opting to stay with the boat!). Taken May 2017, w/ Nikon D600 + Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, 24mm, f/8, 1/60, ISO 500.
Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii.
During our visit to Maui, Elisa and I got up at 2AM to start the nearly 10,000 ft. climb up to the Haleakalā (the house of the sun) volcano. We watched an unfortgettable sunrise near the Haleakalā Visitor Center, fully above the cloud cover. Taken August 2024, w/ Fujifilm X-T4 + Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8, 27mm, f/4.5, 1/60, ISO 2500.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah.
On one of many adventures with Arthur we passed through Canyonlands National Park and spent time during the sunrise at the Mesa arch. Taken May 2018, w/ Nikon D600 + Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, 26mm, f/8, 1/250, ISO 400.
Yosemite National Park, California.
The Aeromechanics Dream Team™ set out to Yosemite National Park. On our way to the infamous Nevada-Vernal falls trail, the cloudy skies made for an impressive facade of the valley face near the Yosemite Falls. Taken April 2018, w/ Nikon D600 + Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, 36mm, f/8, 1/320, ISO 200.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.
Driving towards Lamar Canyon in Yellowstone National Park we spotted some curious deer overlooking Mount Everts. Taken July 2023, w/ Fujifilm X-T4 + Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 R, 35mm, f/8.0, 1/350, ISO 160.
Everglades National Park, Florida.
After a rocky start to our Florida adventure (Fire - Conch - Manatee), Roberto and I set out to explore Everglades National Park. On our way to Flamingo, we encountered this daunting view near Christian Point that may or may not have been worth the wet feet. Huge thanks to Ethan for letting me borrow his gear! Taken February 2024, w/ Fujifilm X-T10 + Fujinon XF 10-24mm f/4.0 R OIS, 10mm, f/10.0, 1/420, ISO 400.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska.
Heading out from Seward, Elisa and I took a 2-hour boatride to the Aialik Glacier. The last part of the journey we kayaked towards the glacier while trying to not disturb the local seal community, taken aback by a complete inability to comprehend the scale of the glacier (picture taken about half a mile from the glacier). Taken August 2024, w/ Fujifilm X-T4 + Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 R, 35mm, f/8.0, 1/2400, ISO 800.
Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.
Heading out from Homer, Elisa and I ventured towards Lake Clark National park to observe bears in a virtually untouched paradise. Taken September 2024, w/ Fujifilm X-T10 + Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 R, 35mm, f/8.0, 1/3000, ISO 800.
Japan
Few places are as rewarding (and contrasting) as JapanIn the bustling cities, the celebration of subcultures is vibrant, while the modesty of rural life offers a peaceful contrast. Japan presents a different 'moral code' compared to what is typically experienced elsewhere. Although a proper reflection warrants more than this paragraph, I'll be surprised to find anyone not intrigued by the Japanese culture.
Fushimi-Inari, 伏見稲荷大社, Kyoto.
During our trip to Japan, Alex convinced me to get up (really) early to visit the Fushimi-Inari shrine in Kyoto. The (really) early morning allows you to take the place in, virtually without any people, and — if you're lucky — catch a glimpse of a priest. Taken April 2014, w/ Nikon D600 + Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, 70mm, f/2.8, 1/60s, ISO 2000.
Tsukiji Fish Market, 築地市場, Tokyo.
Unaware that the (inner) market would move and be off-limits to wandering visitors today, Alex and I strolled through the famous Tsukiji fish market on an early morning. Taken April 2014, w/ Nikon D600 + Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, 38mm, f/2.8, 1/200, ISO 1250.
Kaiyukan, 海遊館, Osaka.
My first visit to Japan took us through Osaka and the incredible Kaiyukan aquarium. As much as I like to pretend I took this freediving in the ocean, the shot was safely taken behind a glass pane. Taken March 2011, w/ Sony Alpha a350 + Sony Alpha DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6, 18mm, f/3.5, 1/40, ISO 1600.
Inari Station, 稲荷駅, Kyoto.
Traveling through Kyoto, Alex and I were adjusting from the bustling vibes of Tokyo to the quieter spots around Kyoto. Taken April 2014, w/ Nikon D600 + Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED, 35mm, f/14, 1/15, ISO 200.
Black & White
Some subjects are better suited to monochrome.Occasionally, the absence of color removes distractions that aren't necessary. While these photos may not reach the level of Elliott Erwitt's work, the striking geometric patterns still stand out.
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku, 東急プラザ, Tokyo.
I had already taken the same shot twice, only to lose or corrupt the files both times. Third time's the charm, I suppose. Taken May 2023, w/ Fujifilm X-T4 + Fujinon XF 14mm f/1.4 R, 14mm, f/8.0, 1/90, ISO 160.
Apartments facing City Garden Park, 城市花園公園, Hong Kong.
In 2011, we organized a Study Tour to Hong Kong, China, and South Korea to visit various aerospace-related companies. The hotel in Hong Kong overlooked a housing complex with a striking, somewhat dystopian pattern. Taken September 2011, w/ Sony Alpha a350 + Sony Alpha DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6, 18mm, f/3.5, 1/60, ISO 1600.
Tokyo International Forum, 東京国際フォーラム, Tokyo.
Taken directly from one of the internal bridges in the complex, this shot captures men walking precisely along the floor pattern. Taken April 2014, w/ Nikon D600 + Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F/2.8G ED VR II, 200mm, f/5, 1/320, ISO 1600.
More to come
I've organized some highlights here, but there are additional photos available on 500px if you're interested.Feel free to leave comments or tips!