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I love it when God gives us fleeting moments of captivating light when we’re not expecting it or ready for it. In photography, just as in life, these brief interludes teach us to be grateful and also to use the tools at hand. Moses, when he felt inadequate for the job, protested that he didn’t have the right tools to approach Pharaoh. God’s replied, “what’s that in your hand?” “A staff” he replied. Then God instructed him to use it to accomplish what seemed impossible.

On this day I sat at my kitchen window having coffee. I had already checked the eastern sky to see if there were enough breaks in the clouds to allow light to illuminate the mountains to the west. It didn’t look promising so I didn’t set up a tripod for sunrise. Then, without warning this scene unfolded before me. Sprinting to grab my camera it had a telephoto lens on it from the night before. In my mind I’m protesting that it’s going to be too long and too hard to hand hold to do the scen...

Dave embarked on his photographic journey during his junior high years in Menlo Park, CA, where he first explored the world of photography in a home darkroom. His fascination with rock climbing blossomed during high school, particularly against the iconic backdrops of Yosemite. After graduating, he joined Yosemite's search and rescue team, seamlessly intertwining his passions for climbing and photography. His photographic talents quickly gained recognition, making him a sought-after contributor for renowned publications such as Outside, Rock & Ice, Climbing, Mountain, and Men's Journal. Corporations like R.E.I., W.L. Gore, Sierra Designs, The North Face, Lowe Alpine Systems, and 3M also enlisted his expertise for their promotional...