Grand Canyon National Park | Unnamed South Rim point at sunset

While shooting at the Grand Canyon National Park last month, I stopped and shot from dozens of viewpoints. This spot was after the sun set from an unnamed spot along East Rim Drive. This spot was right off the road and the trees caught my eye. Set the camera on a tripod and did some long exposures to get some light into the canyon and on the trees.

Grand Canyon National Park | Desert View Sunrise

At the end of May, I traveled to the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona. This was my first time to the park and all I have to say is, "Wow!" Had great weather, good light and a fairly small amount of visitors surrounding me while at the park. Every angle you view the canyon provides a different perspective. It was great to get up early and stay out late to capture the changing light in the canyon.

The first morning that I shot was at Desert View. This lookout point is one of the furthest east points in the national park and is highlighted by a lookout tower — which was constructed in the 1920s.

Enjoy!

Charles Parrish | Dexter, MO Barber

For the April edition of Rural Missouri magazine, I did a story about a long-time barber in Dexter — Charles Parrish. For more than four decades he has been a constant in the small, Bootheel town. He has even had the same chair.

Over the years he has cut just about everyone in town's hair. "From millionaires to people on welfare," adds Charles. "Everyone needs a haircut."

His tiny barber shop is like stepping back in time. There are no flat screen TVs on the wall or the latest pop music blasting through speakers. Just a simple man that loves to fish and hunt, a chair and plenty of stories to tell.

Read more about Charles in the April issue online at:

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ruralmissouri/201304/#/48

The Falls on the North Fork of the White River | Dora, MO

I had the good fortune to stay at the River of Life Farm, outside of Dora, Missouri, the other week. The place is incredible and truly one of the most peaceful places I have stayed at. Nestled in a valley of the North Fork of the White River, Myron McKee has led the building of several treetop cabins scattered around his property. Each cabin is tastefully decorated and provides a unique view of the river and tree canopies. The hospitality is unmatched and the staff provide a great atmosphere for an overnight's stay or float on the river.

I was lucky enough to catch one wild rainbow trout — my first in Missouri. The North Fork of the White River is one of the best trout rivers in the country thanks to its wild population of rainbow and brown trout. A must stop for fisherman for sure!

While down there I met a film crew working on a piece about fishing on the North Fork. Their project looks like it's going to be pretty special to watch. It's called Chasing Waters. Check em out on Facebook.

On the last morning I stayed there I shot at sunrise at the infamous Falls. The Falls is a popular spot along the river and is within a short walk from the cabins at River of Life Farm.

If you are ever in southern Missouri, stop by and take the time to meet Myron and enjoy a night at one of his cabins. It will truly be an experience you will never forget.

A couple of these shots I got using a technique called HDR, where I combined a couple of images
using Photomatix software.

Enjoy!