Two Passions

Freelance work has been at a bit of a lull lately, but my New Years resolution is to start taking more assignments again. I am also looking to re-discover what exactly it is I want to be shooting. I should be able to start the year off with a few weddings and various athletic events. Along with that, I should be getting more climbing in - another one of my passions. I also have a trip to Yosemite planned as well, so I hope to come back with some beautiful pictures on a classic technical climbing route up Half Dome.

Here are a few images from a recent bouldering trip to my secret stash here in North Texas. It's a beautiful area located along the Brazos River. The day started off with howling winds, rain and ominous clouds, but we still went and before we arrived the clouds had parted and it ended up being a beautiful day.

Night Light

One of the first things that drew me to photography was incredible night photography shots. I have always wanted to get a photo of the historic Courthouse in downtown Denton with the moon glowing in the background. This past Friday evening was the brightest, fullest moon in 15 years so I finally jumped at the opportunity to get the photograph. Overall I am pleased with what I came away with.





Another photo I have always wanted to create is a shot of the Dallas skyline. This past Saturday night provided just such an opportunity. The annual Texas Mountaineers Christmas party is held at one of our members house near downtown. So atop of his three story condo I was able to create this beautiful image. I am bummed that reunion tower does not appear in the shot though. The iconic building is now blocked by another building from this particular angle. But again, I am pleased with the results. (click on the image for a larger version of the images)

North Texas Gems

It's rare you find real rock in North Texas. Climbing gyms abound, but quality rock is extremely hard to find. This past weekend my friend Zack and I found two different stashes. Bellow are some bouldering pictures of Zack along the Nolan River. During our exploration we found the infamous Chisholm Wall (a.k.a. The Burn) where the first 5.13d in Texas was established. We also saw lots of other cliff lines with some potential. If we get the motivation we may end up looking into establishing some true climbing here in North Texas.

Tolkien would be proud

This past weekend I finally made the journey out to Monster Rock near Austin Texas for a day of marvelous climbing. Here Neil Higa, Austin Local climbs Torture-iffic (5.11c/d), a long 16 clip traverse across the hardest face at Monster Rock.


Neil reacts to getting his finger snapped by the second quick draw on the route.


Tushar Agarwal climbs Crawling Chaos (5.10a) on the Tolkien Wall.


Tushar Agarwal climbs Crawling Chaos (5.10a) on the Tolkien Wall.

This climbing destination is a gym in the Texas Hill Country. The owner is currently working on buttering up his neighbors who also have cliff lines, into opening up their property for climbing as well. It would be cool to see more climbing open up around here. Hoping my dream of moving here will come true soon as well (but I would settle for Colorado or the North West as well).

Football is back

After a long hiatus of a photo-less photo blog I bring you photos! I was called last week to photograph the Dallas Cowboys vs. Houston Texans preseason game at Texas Stadium in Irving, TX. Here are a few of my favorites.


Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber (24) scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Texas Stadium in Irving, TX. Caleb Simpson-US PRESSWIRE


Aug 21, 2008; Irving,TX , USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber (24) stiff arms Houston Texans corner back Fred Bennett (32) during the 1st quarter against the Houston Texans at Texas Stadium in Irving, TX. Caleb Simpson-US PRESSWIRE



Aug 21, 2008; Irving,TX , USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (12) during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Texas Stadium in Irving, TX. Caleb Simpson-US PRESSWIRE

This weekend I will be climbing in Arkansas again this weekend. Hopefully I come back with some beautiful images. Hoping the rain holds out and the temperatures stay down.