08/15/2025
Hope you’re enjoying a wonderful summer! I wanted to share a series of photos that all share one thing in common: each was born from the unexpected — moments that appeared out of nowhere, and I was there to witness and capture them.
The first was an unbelievable hailstorm that hit close to home. I had to frantically wedge my 4Runner under a gas station canopy to escape the onslaught of one-inch hail. Minutes later, I watched the same violent storm hammer the 11,000-foot peaks, capturing the menacing hail shaft that had just swept through the valley below.
The second was a quiet spring morning hike with my Labs. They were happily splashing in the lake when the temperature suddenly plummeted. A dark, soaking storm rolled in, swallowing the landscape in a cold, dank fog, and drenching us in seconds.
The third was a rare alpine encounter — nearly 60 mountain goats of all ages, grazing on the first green shoots after a harsh winter. From my 4Runner, with my telephoto ready, I watched the playful kids and dignified elders for more than an hour.
The fourth is a sobering reminder of summer in the West: wildfire season. This one, sparked by lightning, was quickly contained by brave firefighters before it could cause serious destruction.
The fifth came from White Pocket, where a sudden storm transformed the sky into a swirling canvas of light and shadow.
And the sixth… well, that was a once-in-a-million gift. A small family of bighorn sheep scaled a red rock cliff, then paused as if posing just for me. I grabbed my 400mm, fired off a few bursts, and held my breath. One perfect frame came out razor-sharp — sharp enough to count each eyelash.
The takeaway? Always adventure. Always explore. Always be ready to capture the unexpected.
Know your camera. Master the settings for extreme light or unpredictable wildlife. Because the moment you least expect it… might just be the moment you’ll want to keep forever.
