Southern California Wildfires

Just got back last night from shooting more content for Caterpillar and CORE with the clean-up from the devastating fires in the SOCAL area!  It’s incredibly surreal to see all the destruction that has occurred from these fires. There’s a lot of great work being done to get the clean-up going, and then the rebuilding can get started, but it’s going to be years!

Another year in the books!

It’s the start of year 35 as a self-employed still photographer and videographer. Can you believe it? Time flies! I started this journey back in April 1990 when I decided to share my passion for photography and help others with their needs.

Over the past 35 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with so many amazing clients. I’m incredibly grateful for their trust and support. I could have retired financially nine years ago, but my passion for photography keeps me going. I have so many great people to work with, and I don’t want to stop now!

Here’s one of the first photos I took back in April 1990. It was a story about equipment security for Caterpillar and it’s still as relevant today as it was 35 years ago!

I want to thank all those who have worked with me over the past 35 years. I have the same passion and desire to keep creating and sharing my work as long as it brings joy and helps others. Thanks again, and I can’t wait to continue this incredible journey!

ORCHID FEVER at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona!

To celebrate the opening of The RAF Exhibit Gallery, the Garden presents its first-ever orchid exhibit, Orchid Fever presented by Barton Faber and Elizabeth Byrnes. The exhibit showcases colorful blooms, delightful scents and wild textures that engage all the senses. Stroll through the gallery to explore rare and elegant plants artfully paired with cactus and succulents in a bold display completely unique to the Sonoran Desert.

Be enthralled by striking swathes of orchids in brilliant pinks, oranges, yellows and purples set in a lush desert oasis. Visitors of all ages will learn about Arizona’s endangered and rare orchids and the efforts Garden researchers are taking to preserve them. This lush collection is sure to leave visitors inspired and renewed.

California Fire Clean-up

Over the past few days, I have been documenting the ongoing cleanup and recovery efforts following the devastating Los Angeles fires that occurred two months ago. While television coverage can provide a glimpse into the extent of the damage, witnessing the devastation firsthand underscores the immense scale of the challenge.

Fortunately, organizations such as Caterpillar, Quinn Company and CORE have deployed their expertise and equipment to assist in the cleanup process and facilitate the commencement of rebuilding efforts. While the task at hand is substantial and will require sustained effort, I am confident that progress is being made in the right direction for the affected communities of Southern California.

Equine Voices “Arizona Gives Day” April 1st 2025

2025 Arizona Gives Day is April 1st and you can help great non-profits like Equine Voices at

https://www.azgives.org/organization/Equine-Voices-Rescue-And-Sanctuary

Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to rescue equines from neglect, abuse, abandonment and slaughter. Additionally, we rehabilitate, adopt and/or provide a safe and loving sanctuary to those equines who need a forever home. Through education, we empower individuals to learn about Premarin and horse slaughter.

https://equinevoices.org

Three Desperate Men

“Three Desperate Men” is a creative project brought to life by Diane Marr, a member of the GVR Photography Club. Diane conceived the idea, wrote the screenplay, and presented it to the Multimedia Special Interest Group. Many members eagerly joined the project, not only as participants but also as actors. After several rehearsals, the team scouted and secured a location in Tucson, Arizona, at Harker’s Western Museum and Movie Set. In a single day, they filmed the movie at Harker’s and immediately began editing the video. Through countless hours of hard work, the GVR Multimedia SIG team has created this remarkable video.

Santa Cruz River Clean Up 2025

Join the hundreds of volunteers who participated in the 2025 clean-up of the Santa Cruz River in Tumacacori, Arizona. It was truly remarkable to witness the immense effort and dedication that went into this event. The amount of trash and tires removed that day was simply incredible!

Santa Cruz County Shining Az organized this event with the noble mission of making our world and our area a much better place to live. For more information, visit their website: https://www.sccshiningaz.com

Thanks for a great 2024!

Wow, what a year I had in 2024! When I moved to Arizona from Peoria, Illinois 5 1/2 years ago, I figured that I’d be easing into retirement and that would be the end of my working for clients. Not the case at all and I think it was one of my busiest years ever in my 34 years of self-employment! I put 37,000 miles on the rental cars for all these road trips and I’m sure the rental car company loves me for that!

The best part about all of this is that I’m working because I love what I do and all the great people that I work with and not because I have to work to support myself! That’s a great feeling indeed!

2025 is already here and the phone is ringing for shoots and I’m as excited as a kid on Christmas morning and I can’t wait to get started!

Let’s all have a great 2025!!!! 🙂