I started photographing water almost by accident. In 2016, during a backpacking trip along the Rogue River in southern Oregon, I stopped at a bend where the current slowed to near-stillness. The reflection of the surrounding Douglas firs on the water's surface was so perfect it looked like a painting. I spent three hours there, shooting frame after frame as the light shifted.
That afternoon redirected my photography entirely. Before then, I had been shooting everything: portraits, events, street photography. After the Rogue River, all I wanted to photograph was water and the landscapes it moves through.
Today, Creek Reflections represents eight years of focused work documenting the creeks, streams, rivers, and still pools of the Pacific Northwest, with occasional trips to the Appalachians, Rockies, and Great Smoky Mountains.
The principles that guide how I work in the field and what ends up in the gallery.
The best shots rarely come from the first frame. I often wait one to two hours at a single location for light, wind, and water conditions to align. Most of my time in the field is spent watching, not shooting.
Every image in the gallery represents a single exposure at a single moment. I adjust exposure, contrast, and colour temperature in post-processing, but never add, remove, or combine elements from different frames.
I follow strict leave-no-trace principles. No moving rocks or branches for composition. No trampling vegetation for a better angle. The landscape comes first; the photograph comes second.
I handle every aspect of the printing process personally. Each file is individually prepared for the chosen print medium, with adjustments for paper white point, ink density, and viewing distance.
Giclée prints are produced on Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308gsm, a 100% cotton paper that provides deep blacks and subtle highlight detail. Metal prints use the ChromaLuxe dye-sublimation process for durability and colour vibrancy.
Every print ships flat in rigid packaging with a certificate of authenticity. I inspect each print before shipping and will reprint at no cost if anything falls below my quality standard.
People ask about gear frequently, so here is the short version. I shoot primarily with a Sony a7R V for its resolution and dynamic range, paired with the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM and 70-200mm f/2.8 GM lenses. A Gitzo Systematic tripod and Arca-Swiss ballhead provide the stability needed for long exposures.
Filters play a significant role in my work. A circular polariser removes surface glare from water, revealing depth and colour beneath. Graduated neutral density filters balance bright skies with shadowed foregrounds. I rarely use full ND filters for very long exposures, preferring the natural motion blur of a 1/4 to 1 second shutter speed.
That said, gear is the least interesting part of photography. A clear vision and willingness to wake up before dawn will produce better results than any equipment upgrade.
