Toyota LC Launch

Big Sky, Montana, is one of the most beautiful places I have been. Located in the NW corner of Yellowstone National Park, it's packed with endless rivers & streams, valleys, mountains, lush rolling hills, a ton of incredible wildlife and forests as far as the eye can see. I was in town on a business trip with Toyota for the launch of their new Landcruiser. Toyota rented part of the ski slopes and converted them into an off-road course for us Editors. It was a blast rolling around steep ski lines in a truck! I have to admit, there were a handful of scary drop-offs that had a few of us doubting the capability of the Landcruiser. The truck did great and the views didn't disappoint. Enjoy some casual point and shoot snaps.

Thankful

The sun breaks the horizon. Last sip of coffee is down. Shoes are tied. Cap cannot be found. Fill the bottle to the very top. Camera at the ready. Morning breeze strikes a chill. Three zips, two snaps. Down layered warmth. Hiking stick in firm grasp. Found my cap. Dirt crunching under my feet. Climb. Quicken the pace. Crack. Both hands free. Keep going. Blueberry breakfast. Goal in sight. Push. Floor covered white. Just one more. Sip sip. A neighbor far below. Big pine surrounded. Miles of smiles. Breathe. Peak creeps closer. Powder falling down. Shutter click. Holding memories. Relax. Thankful.

Easter Jeep Safari

Thousands of Jeep's are about to descend upon Moab, Utah this week. It's Easter Jeep Safari time. If 4x4 fun is what you're after, this is the place to be. Every time I get near Moab, I realize how much love I have for this desert oasis. One of my favorite places on earth. If wheeling isn't your thing, take a drive through Canyonlands to Grand View Point. Pull up a chair and soak in the beauty. It's easy to get lost in thought here. More to come...

Spoiled With Updates

Fujifilm just dropped a boat load of new firmware updates for the X-T1, X-E2 and the list goes on. Since the launch of the X100 and X-Pro1, they've been listening to their customers and providing something NO OTHER camera maker has ever done. Sure, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Leica and others provide updates, but not like Fujifilm updates. We're talking completely new autofocus settings, speed, menu controls and more. Most merely provide bug fixes.

I, for one, think this is a great thing. Since my first X-T1, new updates have increased the speed of the camera, it's autofocus capabilities and cleaned up a few bugs along the way. Unfortunately, it seems that there are as many people out there bitching and moaning post updates because they didn't get exactly what they wanted. I picture these people as whiny brats holding their breath while stopping their feet. Yup.

Fujifilm camera owners have become spoiled with updates. They not only want their cameras to be "something new" every season, they now expect it. I realize that this post may not win me over a ton of new fans and followers, but so be it. If nobody else is going to be brave enough to say it, I will.

Unless Fujifilm is fixing bugs, please stop expecting things for free. Yes, free. You don't think updates cost anything? Stop being ridiculous. Who do you think is pouring over codes to help resolve the bugs and write new firmware updates to provide you with a new shooting experience, Santa's Elves? Believe it or not, Fujifilm employs actual human beings to work on those magical picture making machines we all love so much. I know, crazy right?

X100T owners are at the top of the Fujifilm head chopping block today. They are hungry for updates to their precious cameras. Hey, I have no problem with people wanting updates and bug fixes, just stop complaining about it already. Remember when the new camera launched and you visited your local camera shop all excited to pick it up? Remember when you snapped your first image and a smile rushed across your face? Remember over the past year all the wonderful images your current camera has created for your website and portfolio? It's still that camera regardless of a new update.

But, alas, you want more. Okay, I get it. Think about this. Would you rather go back to shooting DSLR being hopeful to ever receive even a bug update once a year? Only getting new core capabilities by purchasing a new $3000 camera body? The only lens updates you'll ever see come in a new box that just made your credit card sad? I thought not.

So, do I want more? Certainly. I'd love to see more features dropped into my X-T1. I'd love to see the new ACROS film simulation added that is coming in the X-Pro2. I'd love to see the AF get even faster. But, I am perfectly happy with the camera as it sits in my bag today. The currently configuration isn't stopping me from creating images that make me happy. Now get out there and create something and remember, the biggest limitation in your photography is you, not your gear. Cheers.

Bump In The Night

Four miles into the dirt, I had enough for the night. My back was sore from driving and the temps were dropping rapidly. I opted to leave the tent packed and crash inside the car. The wind was howling and if outside, I knew I'd be up all night cursing the cold, breathing in sand. Not tonight.

I typically sleep well in the back. I've rigged up blackout curtains and pack enough blankets to keep me warm. On this night, it wasn't the cold that kept me awake. Howling came in all directions. A foreigner had entered their territory and to them, that also meant enemy.

2:34am. I suddenly felt surrounded. The howling turned to barking. Were they talking about me? Letting the others know I was there? The chorus grew closer. Investigating my presence. A pack of coyotes can be vicious if they're hungry enough, but I wasn't too concerned surrounded by mostly metal.

3:03am. Growing tired, I had enough of their cries. One fist on the horn and a flick of my headlights sent them running. The power of my voice overwhelmed their need of curiosity. This may be their ground, but I'm not the type of business they want to mess around with.

7:11am. I woke to an electric blue sky. 28 degrees felt more like -10 when I cracked open the rear hatch. I quickly healed my frozen breath with a warm cup of coffee and a few scoops of oatmeal. Scanning the area, I noticed a small cave in the hill behind me. Large enough for let's say, a coyote family to live in maybe?

Now it all makes sense. Time to hit the road...

Collision

Dark dress with white polka dots, red sash around her waist, matching red heels. Her hair up and to the left with a red rose resting behind the right ear. White gloves outstretched overhead waving a black and white checkered flag. Can you picture her? She's standing between a pair of dueling pistoleros. One red, one blue. Both out for glory. Eyes peeled on the road ahead. Fierce grip on the wheel. She offers each driver a wink as her arms begin to raise. It's almost time. Tension is high. Motors roaring, fans cheering, drivers at the ready. Her hands are up as each driver takes one last look at his competition. Fear is not allowed. They are ready. With a twist of her hips, she drops the flag. Front tires off the ground. Gone in a flash. Everyone standing to join her. Hoots for red, whistles for blue. Elvis on the radio. The race is done. The finish flag is in the air. She removes her sash and waves it in the air. It's time for round two.

Can you picture her?

Bel Air Blues

This 1952 Chevrolet Bel Air is more than just sexy. It is someone's dream. A dream forged to reality through hard work and ingenuity. Those long nights in the garage have paid off. Car shows are what originally lead me down this path behind glass. It has always been about more than just the gorgeous cars though. It's a culture you can't understand until you're in it. Beer and busted knuckles, the smell of burnt rubber, never getting oil out of your jeans, pissing off your neighbors. You have to live it.

Hit a show like the Ventura Nationals next year and be sure to ask the owners about their rides. They're proud of what they built and I promise you'll hear a great story.

NY State of Mind

I'm heading west to spend my final days of 2015 with family for the holidays. Pushing away from the desert, I can't seem to get New York City out of my mind. The hustle, the flavor, the cold, and the madness that is the city that never sleeps. Is it because my destination is the polar opposite? Or is my mind is telling me to push on and head out on yet another trip as soon as possible? I'll choose the latter. Between eating cookies and watching my niece and nephew unwrap Christmas presents with glee, I'll be planning, mapping, taking notes, and preparing for an exciting year to come. I can't wait. From a mind that never sleeps, I'll see you soon NYC, I'll see you soon...

Heaven On Earth

988 miles, 32 gallons of fuel, 14 hours, 32 minutes, 11 seconds, 6 liters of water, 2 oatmeal cookies, 1 apple, 4 tacos, and 3 rest stops. That's what it takes to reach heaven on earth. Heading east, there's a 122 mile section of I-70 that offers no services. No help if you run out of fuel. No help if you get a flat. No help if you have an emergency, and absolutely no cell service. To most, this is terrifying. To me, this is freedom.

It lets me know I'm one step closer to my destination of Moab. A 4x4 mecca, mountain bikers dream, the photographers paradise. This marks my 8th time being surrounded by giant, red clay monoliths and the only arches I ever want to eat under. Unfortunately, two days ago on my way out, my camera bag was stolen from my car. My planned astrophotography outing was derailed. I've made the trek to my favorite place armed with only my phone. If that isn't irony, I don't know what is. I'm trying to see the bright side looking at what surrounds me. Trying. Next stop, who knows.

Cattle Pusher

As smoke began to pour from the rear of his trailer, Jim pulled off to the side of the road. I pulled off as well a few hundred feet ahead of him to offer a hand. Walking back I noticed Jim's gaze, as if giving me the once over to determine my intent. As I approached, I raised my hand with a smile on my face, "Hello there, can I give you a hand?"

I've been on Jim's tail for nearly 3 hours. Passing across the Great Plains just outside Rock Springs, Wyoming. After a few minutes of small talk, I learned that Jim is moving a load of steer across the state to his ranch in South Dakota. This is one of a dozen similar routes he pushes through every month to make ends meet. Delivering cattle across Wyoming, South Dakota, Texas, Nebraska and as he put it, "I'll even go southern yonder into Cole (Colorado) when the money's right with me."

"Most people don't think 'bout where their food comes from. They just go into a joint, grab a steak and don't think about what it took to get it in their face. I'd like to think I do my part to make sure people eat, even though us farmers don't get much respect these days", he said with a reverence in his voice.

Jim and I sat on the side of the road for nearly an hour replacing the brake pads on his trailer while sharing stories. His tools were equally as aged as was his body. Hard winters and long summer days have worn on Jim, like a reliable coat you'd never part with.

With a firm and thankful handshake, I parted ways with Jim. The Cattle Pusher was back on the road, making sure you and I enjoy our next meal. Thank you Jim.