HDR

One of my favorite places in Raleigh, Lake Johnson. This picture was taken from the top of the dam at the eastern end of the lake. I often walk my dog Lila there, but yesterday I took my camera along in order to capture the sunset. Using the High Dynamic Range (HDR) option in Photoshop I was able to overlay several exposures to capture light that would otherwise be impossible to see. You would never guess you were in the second largest city in NC from this picture, but you are. That is one of the things that makes Raleigh so special, it is a giant park with a city in it!

Lake Johnson, Raleigh, NC

A post of FIRSTS!

Happy new year 11 days late! I am starting off this FIRST post of 2012 with another FIRST for my blog....the FIRST picture with people in them. Thus far I have exclusively showcased the natural world, but I think that a little humanity could not hurt. After all People are part of the created world, and a part that is unarguably God made. A part that is created to be God honoring.

Not long ago, my wife Hannah and I visited some friends out of town. We shared some awesome food, a great football game and got a chance to hang out with their adorable daughter Ellison. Ellison stole the show, but that is alright. That is what babies typically do right? Wouldn't it be great if we men could get away with pooping our pants, napping for like 5 hours a day and still get all the female attention in the room?

Kona, HI

Last summer the family took a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. The vegetation definitely did not disappoint. This photo was taken on our last day on the island. I just felt it was worth sharing. The uniqueness of the small things like flowers almost seems at odds with the vastness and ruggedness of creation.

East Glacier Rockies

East Glacier National Park, MT

The Portion of Glacier National Park east of the western continental divide is incredible. My mind is drawn to the vastness and beauty of creation. Both grand and wild beyond comprehension,this scene reveals just an inkling of these characteristics which God is fully.

Falls on Cedar Rock Creek, Brevard, NC

Falls on Cedar Rock Creek, Brevard. NC

About a year ago my wife and I took a camping trip to the western  part of North Carolina just south of Asheville to the small town of Brevard. Ever since our wedding, Hannah and I have been on a mission to see all of the falls in the state (keeping in mind that there between 1,000 and 1,500 waterfalls in NC) this is a tall order, and most likely one that we will not be able to be compete. With that in mind, it is important to remember that this mission like many in life is more about the journey and those you journey with. This trip was no exception. This location was perfect for a fall getaway to the land of waterfalls. No matter how many falls we see or how many trips we make, views like those at the Falls on Cedar Rock Creek always refresh and amaze us. They remind us of the joys of the beauty of creation and the love of the creator.

West Glacier/Lake McDonald Tributary

Lake McDonald tributary, West Glacier, MT

On a trip last year to Glacier National Park, I took this picture of a snow pack fed tributary of Lake McDonald in West Glacier. Water is simply amazing. Of all the metaphors used by Jesus, water may be one of the most prominent. Jesus commonly uses water to represent life or the giving of life. As it is necessary for all things in order to live, this is easy to understand. I loved how this particular spot showed movement so indicative of all life and it made me think of the promises Jesus gives us that he will satisfy, that to know him is to have "living water", a well that will never run dry. In the summer months this roaring river may slow or even dry up completely, but the living water that Jesus supplies never will.

Big Island and Oahu Sunsets

Recently I was afforded the opportunity to take a trip to the Big Island and Oahu in Hawaii. What an amazing place with incredibly diverse landscapes and climates which provide breathtaking sights and experiences. I had the chance to capture two very different sunsets from the Kona coast on the Big Island and from Waikiki beach in Honolulu on Oahu.

Sunset over the Pacific, Kona, HI

The colors of the Kona sunset (above) are extremely vivid and rich in contrast to the dark palms in the foreground. This contrast will take your breath away every time. Conversely the spectrum of color witnessed from the white sands of Waikiki fading from intense yellows and oranges, to deep reds and fading into the blue sky are amazing in their own way. How can two sunsets from such similar locations be so vastly different and special in their own ways?

Waikiki Beach sunset, Honolulu, HI