The Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is one of the largest and most esteemed international photography competitions in the world. This year was the biggest on record with over 32,000 entries from 78 different countries. While not a category winner, I’m am very proud that my photograph “Future Forest” was a finalist in the competition. The winners of this competion represent the best outdoor photographers in the world. Past winners include well know photographers such as Frans Lanting, Doug Allen and Karl Ammann. Considering the quantity and quality of entries and the rigorous three month judging process, I am honored that one of my images made it to the final round.

You can check out past year’s winners at the competition website HERE. This year’s winners will be posted to the site in late October in conjunction with publishing the winning photos in the November issue of BBC Wildlife Magazine and the openning of the exhibition at the Natural History Museum of England.

Ashland Artisan Gallery had an amazing Grand Opening during the Ashland First Friday Artwalk on February 2. Scores of people came to celebrate the official openning of Ashland’s newest and most exciting gallery.

If you are interested in aquiring one of my fine art photography prints but would like to see some of my work in person or consult with me before placing an order I would be glad to meet with you at the gallery. I am available at Ashland Artisan Gallery every Monday afternoon from 2 PM to 6 PM and you can also arrange to meet with me at the gallery by appointment (click the “Contact” link at the top of the page).

Ashland Artisan Gallery is located at 163 E Main Street in Ashland, Oregon across the street from the Varsity Theater and one block from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The gallery features fine photography, paintings, woodwork, metal work, pottery, jewlery and leaded glass by a distinguished group of southern Oregon artists. The gallery specializes in custom commissions and installations.

On July 1^st, 2005 team Cheese Wizardry, comprised of climbing partner Brock Rowley and myself, stood on the highest point in North America for a second time in a decade.  Why would anyone go back to a mountain they had already climbed, especially one with nasty storms, severe cold, tent swallowing crevasses, soul crushing backpacks and a distinct lack of local porters?  Brock said he wanted a relaxing vacation from his work as a school administrator and I felt I could use the exercise.  Additionally, the ability to eat large quantities of cheese in various forms and not gain weight is a mighty big draw.

The climb went amazingly well as far as this sort of thing is concerned.  We had decent weather (just 2 to 6 inches of snow per day) and relatively mild temperatures (-10 F for a low and 90+ F in the tent for a high).  We reduced our loads from 160 pounds each in 1998 to 125 pounds each.  This enabled us to move from camp to camp in single pushes without needing to double carry.  Without any weather delays we reached the summit in 12 days and were back at base camp in 14, eight days fewer than last time.  While our trip was generally smooth, although somewhat smelly, we did bring back some great mountain stories and captivating photos.  To view some of the select images from the expedition, visit www.OutdoorExposurePhoto.com.  If you are a Southern Oregon local and would like to see a multimedia presentation of the entire expedition, watch for news of show times and locations coming in the next several months.