Throughout this article, I would like to look at a couple of examples of black and white photos I’ve taken over this past year and dive deep into if they are “good enough” for social media. Understandable, this is my opinion, these are my images, and social media is only a testing ground for me. For an added layer, I will also toss in other possible uses for the images, like this blog.
Read MorePortfolio Story: Shooting for Gregory Mountain Packs
Gregory Packs and I had been talking for a few months about creating some content together. They were looking for some fun, light-hearted content that matched their campaign, "Make Time". Throughout the months we were chatting, we settled on the location of Lake Tahoe, for its versatility of activities, and the set deliverables of one blog and 8 images.
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Three Tips for Taking Better Silhouette Photographs
Imagine, it's a Friday night and you want to go hang with your buddies for an afternoon surf, but can't get in the water. This doesn't mean you can't have a good time. Heck, you might even be able to have more fun. Well, this is kinda the situation that I was in, but still wanted to hang out, so what did I do? Well, I grabbed my camera and headed to the beach.
Read MoreCreating Content for the Ford Bronco
Quite honestly, I would not have guessed when I made my business official (aka got a business license and started paying taxes under the business name "Dalton Johnson Media") roughly three years ago, that I would be photographing a campaign for @fordbronco or @outwardboundusa anytime soon. Realistically, I just wanted to pay my way by shooting odd jobs here and there to fuel my adventures. I really never had a list of dream clients, nor did I care to reach out to clients. While some of that has changed, my focus remains the same. I am here to live my life in accordance to my own view of success.
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Enjoying the Meaningless
Over the last year, I have focused on climbing more than ever before. Taking trips from Joshua Tree to the Tetons to the Buttermilks to Yosemite. Throughout that time, I have been able to meet tons of people who've showed me what dedication to a craft truly looks like. For the most part, climbing is a selfish pursuit, but a pursuit that is totally meaningless. Quite honestly, nobody cares who gets to the top of a boulder, crack, mountain. Sure, we may highlight the story within a community, but there really isn't much to be said about playing on rocks.
Read MoreFind your Ikigai to make your mission statement
At the chance of sounding like a self-help book, “Are you wandering, feeling a bit lost, and looking for a solution?” Well, I have the cure, just pay me $500… LOL! In reality, I was feeling like the above statement and was truly wandering, without much direction, until I was introduced to the concept of Ikigai. Now, I will be totally honest with you, I am not sure if Ikigai is a way-of-life, a philosophy, a concept, a practical guide to life, etc. Ikigai was introduced to me by a Jesuit Priest as he was reflecting upon his own life. While out at lunch, he shared his perspective and encouraged me to look into it for myself.
Read MoreWhat is Escapism?
Let go, allow yourself to flow and see where your feet, your thoughts, your life can take you. Free yourself of social normalities and let go. Allow yourself the space to think without criticism and fear of judgement. Be alone, be with others, that does is choice. Walk away, turn off your phone, or plug directly into the internet. What matters most is your ability to move beyond marketers grasp and free yourself from the entrapments holding you down, so you can be who you wish to be.
Read MoreHow to overcome the fear of failing as a photographer
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to photograph a project for MiiR. The concepts were a bit broad and sounded a little something like, “we are releasing new colors to our classic bottle and want to showcase them in a lifestyle manner. We like your work and want you to just do what you do.” Now, when I receive assignments with directions that parallel this, I am usually at a loss. The wide open instructions for a photographic assignment often intimidates me for two reasons…
Read MoreDear Baja: A see-you-later letter to my best friend
As tears run down my face and stain this paper I write to you on, I smile knowing you are chasing a deer through bushes, surfing an endless countertop filled with bread, and having your ears pet as you rest your head on lap after lap. A few months have past since I watched you laying on that mat, with an IV, holding your paw as you moved beyond this world. Since then, you have filled my dreams, often we are swimming in the lake or you are pulling me on my skateboard, but all dreams end the same way, your belly to the sky between my legs, your tongue halfway out, and your curls overwhelming my hands as I rub your belly.
Read More8 Must Visit places to create Timelapses in Yosemite valley
Tuolumne Meadows sits at 8,619 feet and is home to the Purple Webber lupin, a rare wildflower for California. This sub-alpine meadow is apart of Yosemite National Park and hosts ample climbing, hiking, and backpacking opportunities. Enjoy this sunset timelapse shot from the meadow.
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