News from Timm Chapman

Oftentimes the quest to get the perfect photograph is fraught with challenges along the way. No matter how carefully one prepares and plans, there can be details you miss or things you never would have expected that happen and derail your plan. This particular quest, to photograph the original Star Wars film sets in Tunisia, had it all!

The main goal was to travel to the remote western part of the country to photograph the original set piece, the Lars Homestead, built in 1976 for the original Star Wars movie, A New Hope. What transpired was a string of unexpected challenges that began as soon as I landed in the capital of Tunis.

Through the events that unfolded, my patience would be tested over and over, but ended with a photograph that I hadn't planned for, but truly love and a restored faith in humanity that further underscores what I've learned from decades of travel all over the globe: great people come in all colours and all faiths.

Click the photo to watch what transpired...

Fifty years ago, filming began on what would become the greatest movie franchise in history: Star Wars. No one knew at the time that filmmaking would be changed forever. The first camera began recording in the remote, desolate area of Chott el Djerid of Tunisia, which would be transformed into the arid desert planet of Tatooine.

Luke Skywalker would emerge from an igloo shaped, sand covered structure on a lonely wind blown plain. This was his childhood home: the Lars Homestead; a moisture farm. That modest mound, built specifically for the movie, has managed to survive 5 decades in the harsh desertscape; however it is slowly succumbing to the ravaging of time.

Last month, I flew to Tunisia and made my way out to this humble but iconic place so that I could photograph it before it was lost forever. I would also travel to other locatons used in the filming from not only the original Star Wars production, but also to the ancient Berber architecture use

d for the Slave Quarters in Episode One: The Phantom Menace. n addition, I also captured the set remains of the spaceport of Mos Espa, all in an effort to transport the viewer into the future, or at least perhaps, into another Galaxy...far, far away.

I invite you to explore my Star Wars collection... in a Gallery, not so far away...

Long a mystery to the Western World, Saudi Arabia used to only grant access to foreigners who were sponsored. In recent years however, that has all changed.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to the World and is ready to reveal its culture and landscape. I first learned of this when I toured the World Expo in Dubai a few years ago, and it quickly jumped up my list of places to explore. I finally did just that in February when I travelled to Tabuk, my base for exploring the northwest part of the country; noted for its incredible rock formations in the desert, along with golden dunes of sand.

In many ways, it reminded me of the American Southwest; most notably Sedona Arizona, Goblin Valley Utah, and Death Valley California. I welcome you to explore this new gallery

My most popular gallery remains the striking images from my trip to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. I have many collectors of this series of compelling photographs and I am happy to announce the addition of 5 new pieces to the Gallery. I invite you to explore these incredible statement pieces, certain to invite conversation.

In November I set off for the island of Cuba, a place I had been called to for well over a decade, but never made the journey. I had heard that it was a land of vibrant culture and endless smiles, not to mention a lovely climate, tasty rum and the highly coveted Cohiba. I'm not a street photographer, nor a 'people' photographer, so it never climbed high on my list, but after the urging of another close friend, I finally made the journey.

I arrived in Havana, and the apartment I was staying was 12 floors up, high above most of the city below. Looking out the window, the city's architecture was crumbling. At a quick glance, the city looked abandoned...holes in roofs, peeling paint, rock faces etched deep with cracks, broken glass, plywood windows, a patchwork of mortar that once held bricks in place... yet the city was not abandoned at all...it was alive with music, voices, the sputtering of old vehicles, recorded messages offering bread for sale... Havana's population of 2 million called these tired, dilapidated structures home.

The effects of the embargo are deeply felt here, and tourism post COVID is still markedly down from Canada and European nations. The people struggle on a daily basis without this injection of foreign money, yet through it all, they still have a smile for those they meet. Cuba is a place everyone should visit; it is a place where one can learn priorities, realize just how lucky they are and appreciate everything they are fortunate to have in their life.

The Cuban people are to be admired for their resiliance and for their inate ability to make the most of what little they have. In my journey, I tried to capture the colours and textures of life there. The portfolio is online now;  I hope you will take the visual journey with me  

Just returned from my third trip to Greenland - and this adventure was epic!  I spent 7 full days kayaking amongst the majestic icebergs of Disko Bay. If you have been following me for a while, you may remember that my last trip I kayaked there for the first time in the Kangia Icefjord, and had a pod of Humpback Whales swim directly under me. It was one of the most amazing experiences I ever had, that I just had to relive it. 

This time out however, I went with my kayaking buddy who would brave the icy waters with me and also act as my model. The icebergs that are calved into the Bay come from the Jakobshavn glacier, the most productive glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, shedding over 30 billion tonnes of ice each year. These bergs can be the size of city blocks and tower hundreds of feet above sea level. A 'model' is essential for my photographs to translate just how big these jaw dropping massifs are.

We also explored the Western coastline north to tiny island of Qeqertaq where we camped and fished, catching fresh cod from the sea using only a jig.

The whales also appeared once again, giving us an incredible show, up close and personal

I invite you to explore my new images from Greenland

It's great to have friends.... especially when they show you secret places they've found... such was the case when I recently visited them and we went hiking in a forest nearby their home. The forest was lush; a vibrant green bursting with oxygen and teemed with wildlife... and caves. Many of the caves were quite large and coupled with the amazing trees on their doorstep, provided some beautifully photogenic scenes. The area was rather remote, and far off the beaten path, so visitors are few, which is both unfortunate, since the beauty really should be shared; however it was also a very welcome respite; free of instagram influencers and selfie sticks.

This was a place to escape the noise & stresses of daily life... a place to commune with nature and get back to basics. Flourescent lamps replaced by glistening leaves... the din of traffic replaced by the merry chirping of birds. It was a place to merely 'be'...

I invite you to explore my New Images gallery to see some imagery from this glorious place... and also be sure to ctop by and see my extensive portfolio of 'Caves' from around the world.

Six Flags New Orleans was a theme park located in East New Orleans. It first opened as 'Jazzland' in 2000, however the venture proved unprofitable and the owner filed for bankruptcy in 2002. Six Flags purchased the park and invested $20 million in upgrades, before reopening in 2003. Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina with its flooding and 175 mph winds would wind up devestating the park in 2005 and forced the Operator to declare the property a total loss.

The Park would lay abandoned for almost 20 years before demolition finally began in late 2024.

For years, I had tried to access this park to photograph its slow decay and the reclamation of nature, however I could never make it happen. When the property was finally sold by the city to a new developer, demolition began and I feared my opportunity would to shoot there was lost forever. However the stars aligned, and I was finally granted access to the property. 

The photographs in my latest gallery capture the last days of the doomed property before it was wiped from history.. I invite you in to explore with me, long after the thrill has gone.

I lived at the base of Superstition Mountain for 18 years. Living on the edge of the Superstition Wilderness we encountered many wildfires over the years. The Superstition Wildfire of August 2020 was one of the scariest; burning for over 2 weeks and consuming almost 10000 acres. It was the only time I saw fire raging on the very top of the Mountain; a mere two miles from my back door.

'Heaven & Hell' was a photograph I captured during the night when we considered evacuation. It was taken at 2 AM with the Elvis Chapel in the foreground; the cross alit as if to do battle against the forces of evil.

The brave team at the Superstition Fire and Medical District have worked tirelessly to protect our wilderness and our communty from these and other threats and I wanted to express my gratitude to them for their selfless efforts. On December 18th, I presented Chief John Whitney and the Governing Board of Directors for the SFMD with a 40x60 dye-infused RAW aluminum print of 'Heaven & Hell'

Thanks so much to my print partner, Artisan HD who co-sponsored the effort with the production of this striking piece

Pictured from L to R: Myself, Director Jeff Cross, Board Chair Kathleen Chamberlain, Board Clerk Connie VanDriel, Jason Moeller and Fire Chief John Whitney

Stairways take us places. Whether up or down, the choice is ours the direction we wish to follow. They are practical, essential, and in the right hands of a brilliant architect, they become masterpieces of design. In my latest gallery, entitled 'Staircase Infinities', I present some of these incredible works from across the globe.

If you are a fan of abstracts like I am, this collection is a visual delight. Bold Colours to grab your attention and then each is filled with visual geometry to pull your eye in and around the composition.  Ideal solutions for a contemporary space!

Come explore this gallery by clicking HERE

I visited Switzerland for the first time in August. The main purpose was to visit my friends who had moved there 7 years prior, however being outdoors folks, it didn't take much arm twisting to get my friend to take me out to the countryside so I could make some photographs. 

Switzerland is truly a pristine place. Every landscape seems to be tended; manicured for your viewing pleasure. The pride the Swiss have in their land is evident in everything they do. Trash is virtually non existent, and no matter how impossibly steep the land appears, they have a method to trim the grasses that grow upon it. Plant baskets abound, beneath almost every window, religously watched to ensure a weed or dead bloom doesn't sully the grouping.

I managed to cover a lot of ground in the short time I was there, but it was merely a nibble of all the visual glory this country has to offer. I will most definitely return to discover more.

In the interim, I invite you to explore my gallery of Switzerland. I hope it inspires you; perhaps to welcome a piece of art from there into your life, and/or to encourage you to visit this beautiful land yourself.

In May of 2024 I made the long journey to Indonesia; a nation consisting of over 17000 islands in the South Pacific. I post regular live updates on my Facebook page when I am on a photo excursion, and many of you followed along on what was a very tangled web of logistics. 

So complicated in fact, that there were no less than 12 flights, one ferry, one sailing ship, one motorcycle, a number of vans, cars and even a vintage Land Cruiser; all employed to get me where I needed to be.... well that and of course a good number of miles hiking with my ridiculously overpacked camera bag.

Of course, I would barely scrape the surface of all

that indonesia has to offer, but I tried my best to capture a good sampling of what makes this country great.

My trip stated in Bali, an island unique to Indonesia; steeped in Hinduism and a touch of Buddhism. Culture abounds here amongst rolling rice fields, coffee plantations, lush gardens and beautiful waterfalls

I would take a ferry over to the island of Java to hike up and into the active heart of the Ijen volcano, where sulphur belches continuously next to a beautiful turquoise lake inside the crater.

Next I flew to Labuan Bajo, where I would board a traditional Indonesian Pinsi; a two masted sailing vessel, which would be my home and transport, whilst I sailed the Flores sea to the fabled island of Komodo; in search of the giant Dragons that call it home. I had heard stories that few visitors see the elusive creatures, however luck was on my side and I was able to get close and personal with a fellow as he strolled along the beach.

I was able to snorkel and see the pristine reefs and sea life of the Flores Sea, and walk along the shore of one of the world's few pink sand beaches. I would also take advantage to climb to the top of a few islands to get panoramic views of this rarely visited part of the world. 

Upon returning to Labuan bajo, I boarded a plane to fly next to the island of Sumba, home to the most magical of mangrove trees. On a remote shoreline stands a few of these wondrous natural sculptures, their bases swallowed by the high tide of the sea. These solitary trees have an unusual lifelike form that you could swear will come to life as soon as visitors have left for the day. I spent numerous sunrise and sunset sessions with them, trying to find the right composition and light worthy of their majesty.

Sadly, word about these marvels has spread, and the area has seen a significant increase in visitation. This increase often includes some who are ignorant or just disrespectful to the fragility of these specimens. Over the past year, I noticed (at least) two of the trees had been killed; broken by careless ones that ironically came to see their beauty, and destroyed them in the process. Sadly, one that was lost was the largest and most spectacular, that someone just 'had' to climb.  I fear that the future does not look promising for those who remain...

A return trip to Java was in order to witness Indonesia's most famous sight: The gathering of the volcanoes in the Tengger Crater

It is at this location where 4 volcanic cones have emerged from inside the ancient crater. Two of the vents are regularly smoking away, including Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru. I joined a long line of vintage Land Cruisers making the climb up the mountain to witness the sun rise and clouds fill the crater below.

My final stop on the journey was to visit the busy capital of Jakarta and some of its nearly 11 million population. Over a few days I did a walkabout in several areas, including the busy fishing port and market, as well as a few of the repressed area neighbourhoods. I was met time and time again with a hearty 'Hello Mister!' accompanied by a warm smile and a friendly wave. Occasionally I was passed a soccer ball or requested to take their photograph, or for them to have a selfie with me.

The people of Indonesia is what really made this trip a delight for me. They are so welcomng and friendly. A smile to them is always met with a smile back. Many don't have much, but they are rich with warmth and joy.

I have created a gallery of photos from my trip to Indonesia, which I invite you to explore. I will be adding more images as time passes, so be sure to check back regularly.

In early October I put my folding kayak into service yet again... this time to explore the bayou of East Texas. I had shot in the swampland of Louisiana a few years back and was mesmerized by the mighty Bald Cypress Trees that stand knee high in water that teems with life. 

On this journey, I would paddle through sloughs that were alive with activity... micro frogs hopping from lily pad to lily pad, Herons and Egrets poised on the shoreline or perched high up on a branch, bass breaking the water surface in search of a fresh breath... The aquatic plant life abounds with hyacinths, lotus flowers and even the beautiful, but invasive and problematic giant salvinia.

It was fun to explore and capture a few new images along the way.

Way back in 2012, I was all set to journey through Grand Canyon on a raft for a ten day trip to photograph the Canyon from the water level. Two days before the journey was to start, I was hospitalized with pneumonia. I lost that opportunity to go and with it, the entire cost for that very expensive trip. That unfinished business left a bad taste in my mouth for a decade. That would change in September of 2023, when I once again would pack my gear, but finally return to Lee's Ferry, the start of a 215 mile, 18 day rafting adventure through one of the true Wonders on this planet.

Over two and a half weeks, I would snake down through colourful Marble Canyon until reaching the confluence of the Little Colorado, marking the start of Grand Canyon. From there I would continue to cut deep into the Earth, with the walls of the canyon rising all around me. 1.8 billion years of rock would eventually emerge in Granite Gorge, a thought that is simply unimaginable. Each layer of rock, as it emerged from water level was a different colour... a different texture... hardened by millennia of pressure. 

I would photograph these walls, as well as many side canyons and of course, the mighty Colorado itself, all while riding a rollercoaster of rapids like the explorers of old. I would see much wildlife that call this remote area home, as well as visit ruins, pictographs and petroglyphs left by the Ancient ones.

Its impossible not to feel changed by an experience like this; a wonder kept pristine under careful management of the National Park Service and by all who respectfully pass through. I invite you to explore my 'Grand Canyon' gallery and experience this amazing place. 

If you've followed my work for a while, you will know that I have a great love for trees. After my show in San Mateo County, I made a diversion on the way home, so that I could visit California's Sequoia National Park; home to the largest trees (by volume) on the planet. The Giant Forest here is home to five of the 10 largest trees on earth. The trees are stately, dwarfing the pine, fir and cedars that also call the area home. However, together, the forest is in perfect harmony and a visual feast for the eyes and the soul.

I hiked many many miles of trails through the Park, capturing images of the forest along the way. I invite you to explore the Gallery

Labour Day weekend usually finds me in San Mateo County in Northern California, but this year I left a few days early to explore and photograph some caves along the Pacific Coast.

I have always had a fascination with caves, and I have shot them all over the world. Sea Caves add an extra visual interest; especially when active waters sculpt them right before your eyes.

After wrapping up my Spring/Summer shows in State College, I took my trusty portable Oru Kayak north to explore the shoreline of Lake Superior along Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This area is known as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Pictured Rocks derives its name from the 13 miles (24 km) of colorful sandstone cliffs northeast of Munising. The cliffs reach up to 200 feet (60 m) above lake level. They have been naturally sculptured into a variety of shallow caves, arches and formations. 

I spent a few days here kayaking along the colourful coastline and made some photos along the way. 

I have been to Chile a number of times over the years; the first being way back in 1999 when I made my way to the most remote inhabited place on the planet: Easter Island; located just a short 2500 miles west of Santiago de Chile. I would visit the tiny island again in 2010, but I would also visit the Chilean mainland on that same trip; trekking through the jagged peaks of Patagonia. This past February and March found me once again in Chile, but this time in the far north, for a short visit to the Atacama Desert.

Chile is a land of contrasts - ancient mysteries, dry deserts, rugged coastline and towering mountainscapes. I invite you to visit the new gallery by clicking HERE 

Freshly posted is a new gallery dedicated to Bolivia, a place where I traveled to in February of this year. This was my second time to visit this country; the first was visiting the Amazon Basin to photograph wildlife way back in 1999. On this latest trip, instead of going to sea level, I decided to travel high up to the Altiplano; reaching 15500 feet in altitude at the highest point. I would first visit the agricultural heart of Bolivia, Cochabamba. It was there that I visited the city and nearby ancient townships. I also hiked to the foot of the largest statue of Christ in the world, Cristo de la Concordia.

The main destination on this adventure however, was to photograph the incredible Salar de Uyuni; the world's largest salt flat. The Flat is the legacy of a prehistoric lake that went dry, leaving behind an impossibly flat nearly 11,000-sq.-km. landscape of bright-white salt. 

I went during the rainy season, hoping for a light pooling of water to collect on the surface, which would transform the landscape into a gigantic mirror. As is always the challenge in my line of work, Mother Nature had to cooperate to provide just enough rain to barely cover the surface as too much rain would easily be disturbed by air currents and erase the mirror reflection. She also needed to provide some drama in the sky so that the surface wasn't reflecting a big empty ball of blue sky. Good thing I alloted 5 days in the area to find those pools and wait for some skies; it proved very challenging!  

Fortunately, if there were no clouds in the sky, at least night photography would be an option, and I took advantage of the incredibly dense canopy of stars visible in this remote area.

I invite you to explore my latest gallery - you can find it HERE

Due to special requests I have put together a few collections from my portfolio that focus on two new areas: Petroliana and Amusement Parks.

The Petroliana Gallery contains imagery of vintage, and well patinaed subjects that are related to the automobile and the oil and gas industry. These images are ideal for a themed space such as a garage, or man cave.

The second gallery is devoted to the amusement park. I always looked forward to the Midway coming to town once a year during the Calgary Stampede. I would spend hours on the rides; with a special love for bumper cars & the Zipper. This collection of images harkens back to those days with a grouping of active parks as well as those long abandoned.

I invite you to spend a little time revisiting your youth through this collection.

I wrote about my adventure in visiting the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean: Socotra, and the story has appeared in the Vancouver Sun. Sister papers across the country will likely pick up the article ove the coming weeks. If you're interested in reading the story, CLICK HERE for the full article...

The year isn't over quite yet, but my road shows are all complete for the season. I just finished returning from Houston where I had my most successful Texas show ever, capping a stellar year of folks welcoming my work into their homes. I really can't thank all of you enough for supporting my quest to capture our fragile earth in photographs.

I have my annual Outlet show coming up in Tempe, Arizona, the first weekend in December, where I will sell off a bunch of my 'floor models' from the road plus some from my storage archive. Great deals will be had for those who can attend this local show. 

I am also working on a secret show planned for mid January - details to come...

A long time in the making, I am proud to debut my newest collection: "Watercolours"

This assemblage of imagery is a bold, new portfolio for me. The photographs were captured over a series of flights in a quest to record the spectacular beauty of nature’s natural brush strokes painting the Icelandic riverways.

Iceland’s circulatory system is clearly visible from above. Glacial melt and snowpack combine with Arctic rains to breathe life and blood flow into the country’s many surface arteries. Along their journey to the sea, the water mixes with glacial silt, volcanic ash, sand, mud and minerals to produce a palette of colour as it washes over the landscape.

The resulting photographs look more like abstract painting, yet are very real – and studying each piece closer reveals signs of life, and a reminder of how unbelievably beautiful our fragile Earth is.

Since the imagery is aerial, the photographs can be hung in any orientation (tall or wide). I invite you to explore this latest, and very very unique gallery

I just returned back from another planet...well that's what it felt like when I was there... I traveled over 9000 miles to the tiny island of Socotra, nestled at the gateway of the Arabian Sea. Socotra is part of war torn Yemen, however lays 350km from the ravaged mainland. It is home to some of the most unusual scenery and plant life on the planet, including the world's only forest of Dragon's Blood Trees. After a complicated logistical intinerary and one missed flight, I spent a week on the island and another 10 days in the United Arab Emirates visiting futuristic Dubai and the cultural centre of the Emirates, Abu Dhabi. I came away with an interesting selection of photographs and experiences that will last a lifetime.

Images are just starting to be added to the new Socotra Gallery, so be sure to check it out!

The Pittsburgh Photography Club, aka The Photographic Section of the Academy of Science and Arts, one of the longest running Photo clubs in the USA, has invited me to speak about my experience shooting the Eruption in Geldingadalir. If you are a member, or would like to become one, the presentation 'Nature's Fireworks' will take place February 15th at 7:30 PM Eastern time.

If you're over in Europe keep an eye out for the new issue of Terra magazine. It features a number of my photographs of Iceland's eruption taken in the Geldingadalir valley; the highlight of which was grabbing the marquee spot: the front cover. The text for the story is penned by my fellow explorer Malte Clavin.

Terra is the only German-language travel magazine that is entirely dedicated to nature travel.

When some guys reach middle age, they spoil themselves with a rather exorbitant purchase... usually it's a ridiculously overpriced and impractical sports car. For me, it was a ridiculously impractical, but unbelieveably rare vintage lens: A Nikon 1000mm F6.3.  This lens was built in 1964 for the Tokyo Olympics. About 48 lenses were made for the Nikon rangefinder camera, and around 60 made for the iconic Nikon F mount, which all Nikon SLR cameras have used since 1959 to present day.  Most of these lenses were ordered for the military and likely disappeared. Very few have surfaced in the public market, so when I saw one, I grabbed it.

This behemoth of a lens tips the scales at almost 10 kilograms (nearly 22 lbs) and was the fastest commercially available 1000mm lens Nikon has ever built.  I took this enormous piece of glass out for a 'test drive' recently, and captured the event in my latest 'Portraits of the Landscape' video; tune in for 15 minutes of geeking out over glass. Warning, the video has infinitely less sex appeal then a Dodge Hellcat Charger....

If you're a dinosaur like me, you still like to 'reach out and touch someone' over the holidays in a more personal way than an email. A greeting card is the method I have used to reconnect with those that are important to me, and our family has sent cards out for as long as I can remember. I continue the tradition each year, by producing a new card each holiday season with an image of mine taken over the past year. This year's edition is called 'The Welcoming' and was taken in beautiful British Columbia. A beautiful natural combination of deep blue and warm gold.

You can get a set or two for yourself by clicking HERE. You can also see the rest of my cards on offer in my SHOP

The holiday season will soon be upon us. It's been a crazy year as we slowly transition out of the pandemic and now we are encountering the challenges of a reduced work force, supply chain issues and shipping delays, all of which are affecting our turnaround times.  That being said, my production labs are advising that the best chance to get delivery of new orders in time for Christmas is for me to have my orders in by November 14th. Please keep that in mind if you are planning to order a gift for someone special this year...

Keep in mind also that we have Gift Certificates available as well - Click HERE to get yours!

Just back from 9 days in Iceland; my 8th trip to the Nordic island. One would think that surely I would have seen all that the tiny northern island had to offer, but that's simply not the case. I went there specifically for two projects, the first being to photograph the eruption at Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes peninsula and the second for a 'secret' set of exclusive images that will be announced at a later date.

Needless to say, the volcano eruption did not disappoint!  Quite frankly, it was the most spectacular thing I have ever witnessed and I have seen a lot of amazing things in my travels. It was the first eruption on the peninsula in about 800 years, and it was an effusive eruption, meaning that it is primarily lava, as opposed to ash.  Conditions cooperated to allow for a few aerial shoots as well as numerous different perspectives from the ground. I sought out to capture the topography and the character of the volcano and learned that it was a challenging subject to record. In the end I am overjoyed with the results of the work and I hope you are as moved by them as I was.

You can find a dedicated gallery for the Volcanoes by clicking HERE 

You would think that after 7 trips to Iceland, that I would have gotten the northern Viking island nation out of my system, well I thought so too, however that all changed when I heard the I'sland was active again ; with churning and bubbling lava as Mother Nature begins to sculpt new earth.

The newly burbling volcano, Fagradalsfjall, began erupting on the Reykjanes peninsula in mid March and is currently building up a cone whilst belching fountains of lava high into the sky. My timing wasn't great with Iceland's last eruption, so I am fast tracking a return visit after having been fully vaccinated - be sure to follow me on Facebook as I will be making regular posts whilst I'm on site...a helicopter might be involved...  

I returned to my childhood home of Alberta in late December through January for a shoot I had long thought of...a solo jouney to capture the solace, bite and simple geometry of the Canadian Prairie in Winter. 

The Prairie often takes second seat to the majesty of the Canadian Rockies. I have been guilty of that gravitational pull of the mountains that I missed out on the spectacular simple beauty of the flat lands. It's great expanse is clearly emphasized by the massive skies above. A patchwork of fields occasionally appointed with bling, in the form of a storage silo, or perhaps the prairie skyscraper: a grain elevator. 

Life is hard on the farmlands that feed the world, yet from a cursory glance, the geometry of the landscape is simple. Clean. Uncluttered. One can take a deep, cool breath of air and taste it's freshness. Cold where walking on the snow produces a deafening crunch and the water that lingers in the corners of your eyes crystallizes instantly as you step outside.

I am in the process of scanning and editing the images I'll be including in my portfolio, however I encourage you to visit the new gallery and see what I have posted thus far. 

Recently I was looking for some imagery of New York in my film archives for a customer and in my search I came across some photographs I had taken back in the late 1990s when I used to make frequent trips on business.

One particular trip I spent the weekend in Manhattan capturing some unique perspectives of some of its icons; namely the Empire State building and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Back then, I usually stayed at the Marriott World Trade Center, so looking back at these images on my light box put a lump in my throat.

I wanted to share them with you, so I scanned the film and added them to my Architecture gallery. Most were captured in classic B&W, but I do have a few in glorious colour. The classic presentation, coupled with a contemporary abstract perspective will fit in nicely in most any decor!

With the breadth of my portfolio it can be hard to make a decision on which piece of art to choose, especially when getting a gift of artwork for someone else. In times like this a gift certificate is the ideal cloice. A gift certificate is always the right size and colour and the gesture will always be appreciated by the recipient.

Gift certificates are now available online in my Web Store in a variety of different denominations!  Each certificate has no expiry date & is delivered electronically with it's own unique code which is applied by the recipient at checkout when they are ready to redeem it. The certificate can be applied to any work on the website, except for calendars, and is also valid for custom work for sizes not on the website. The certificate can only be used one time up to the full value stated. Gift certificates are not redeemable for cash and cannot be returned for a cash refund.

Get yours today by clicking HERE

The second weekend in September I was to have set up in St Louis, Missouri for my first ever showing at the prestigious Saint Louis Art Fair. This highly competitive fine art show is a true showpiece for the artworld in North America. COVID has cancelled the live event this year and they will be going virtual instead. As part of the preparation for the event they cobbled together an interview/promo video of me as part of their 'Meet the Artist' series. You can see the short video HERE and learn a little bit more about me...

This year I have 4 different calendars available for you to welcome in 2021, and seriously, that year can't get here soon enough!  

First up, I have the 2021 installment of Chernobyl: inside the Exclusion Zone, where I feature another dozen fresh images from this compelling abandoned area. Next, I have another calendar featuring fresh images from Greenland, the Arctic jewel. Given how ridiculously hot it has been in Arizona this summer, the photos included are sure to cool you off.

Brand new themes for this year include 'Superstition'; a calendar dedicated to Arizona's iconic Superstition Mountain, with images of the rocky sentinel like you've never seen before. Finally, a 12 month calendar dedicated to the incredibly photogenic Lofoten archipelago in Norway; another jaw dropping treasure above the Arctic circle.

Swing by my Store to secure yours today!

Who would have guessed what 2020 had in store for us this year? 

I had a great shooting trip all lined up in a secret far away destination in May, and the country closed it's border. Other countries started falling suit, even my homeland of Canada, so my travel bug has been quashed.

In addition, all 18 of the shows I had scheduled for this year have been cancelled. A few of the promoters have tried to reimagine themselves as 'virtual shows' and I have one of those scheduled for mid September when the St. Louis Art Fair goes virtual. The promoters are really putting in extra effort to make this event memorable and unique, so I'm looking forward to it. I was interviewed about my process for capturing images and will post a link to it once it is on the show's site.

In the interim, although our paths won't cross this season on the grounds of an art fair, I am still more than happy to look after your needs for 'art that matters'. Please reach out if you are thinking of new art for your space; whether you need custom sized work, multiple images to suit a theme or locale, or perhaps it is some contemplative, immersive imagery to take you away from reality for a while as it feeds your soul. If you are far beyond looking for just another pretty picture, and seriously want engaging, compelling art, reach out. I'm here for you.

It wasn't all that long ago I was capturing new images and having wonderful new adventures in the hinterland of frosty Siberia. Fast forward a few months and the world has turned upside down.  The Covid-19 virus has set the world adrift in uncertainty as countries struggle to react to the pandemic and find a vaccine. These are truly uncertain seas we all find ourselves in.

One of the many effects of the outbreak is the cancellation of public events as efforts are put forth to stem the spread through social distancing. As a result, art shows that I have had scheduled for this year, have had a cascade of cancellations across the country. As of this writing, I have lost all my shows for the first half of the year. With no end yet in sight, I suspect my July shows will also be at risk of cancellation. Obviously this will have an impact on my ability to bring my work to the masses, but I will weather the storm. wait it out and look forward to seeing you all at a time when sanity returns.

If you see a piece of artwork in my online galleries that resonates with you, I am still open for business and would be happy to prepare one for you and ship it straight to your door. I am offering 15% off all orders when you use the code NOSHOW at checkout in your shopping cart. This offer in good until the end of May. Hopefully by then, the craziness will have left and we can get back to some degree of normality.  Stay well, wash your hands vigorously and often, and do the right things.

Anyone that knows me, knows that I love traveling to other countries. I absolutely love it. I never visit a new country carrying any ‘baggage’ in the form of preconceptions or expectations. If I believed everything I was fed through the media I’d be filled with so much anxiety and ignorance that I’d be scared to leave the house.

On the contrary, the world is a wondrous, magical place filled with unimaginable beauty not only in its landscapes, but in the people and the cultures that exist on this big blue marble of ours. Sure, there are pockets of ‘exceptions’ found in likely all nations to some degree, and that’s usually what is packaged and force fed to us through our media outlets, however when you visit somewhere with an open mind and open heart, experience life amongst the locals, break bread with them, chat with them, observe their daily lives, hear their beliefs, appreciate their passions, opinions, outlooks, differences; you can learn more than you could imagine.

The world is filled with good people from all walks of life. Don’t ever let the media colour your world. Get outside...beyond the borders...and experience it for yourself.

With this philosophy in mind, Russia was one of those places that I absolutely had to travel to. In the Western world, we are told very little about Russia and it's people and of course, it's landscapes. Most of what we know depicts Russia in an unfavourable light in movies and the news. I didn't believe it. I had remembered as a child being told that the worst possible punishment you could receive was to be banished to an outpost in Siberia in the dead of winter. Well, I didn't believe that either. Now it was time to give it the litmus test. I bought my plane tickets and made the 32 hour journey over 3 flights to Irkutsk, Siberia. My goal was to experience the people, the culture, and to photograph the ice on the world's largest (by volume) freshwater lake: Lake Baikal. 

Baikal is nothing short of jaw droppingly massive, plunging a depth of over 1640 metres (over 5000 feet)!! In winter, it freezes over and can produce some of the clearest ice on the planet; Its numerous islands pocked with grottoes that freeze over into spectacular caves of ice. That doesn't sound too bad for being a place to be 'banished to'.

Needless to say, although the weather provided challenging conditions this year with snow covering most of the lake ice, I did manage to capture some spectacular sights of this little known gem. The hospitality that was extended to me by the Russian people was exceptional and the whole trip was a delight. For those of you that follow me on Facebook, I posted regularly throughout my journey to give you some insight into this mysterious place. I invite you to visit my Russia gallery and see for yourself - I will be adding new images to it regularly over the coming weeks. 

My fifth episode in my 'Portraits of the Landscape' series is now live! In this video, you'll travel with me into the remote jungle of Vietnam in search of Hang Sơn Đoòng, the largest cave in the world. It was some of the most technically complex photography I have ever done, but also some of the most rewarding. The cave is like nothing else on the planet!
 
Click on this link and it will take you to the video. It's available in 1080p for those who like to see a high resolution version - if you like what you see, please give me a thumbs up on YouTube, share the link with your friends and Subscribe to my channel so that you'll be notified when I post a new adventure.

I've just released my fourth episode in my 'Portraits of the Landscape' series! In this video, I show you my tips for how to see the Northern lights, where and when to go, ways to improve your luck of spotting them and also technical tidbits on how I photograph them.

Click on this link and it will take you to the video. It's available in 1080p for those who like to see a high resolution version - if you like what you see, please give me a thumbs up on YouTube, share the link with your friends and Subscribe to my channel so that you'll be notified when I post a new adventure.

I've just released my third episode in my 'Portraits of the Landscape' series, and part two of my photographic expedition to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. In this video, I enter the abandoned city of Pripyat, the closest city to Chernobyl's doomed reactor and what was once home to 50000 - now an irradiated wasteland. 

This video takes you behind the scenes with me as I explore this mysterious place...

Click on this link and it will take you to the video. It's available in 1080p for those who like to see a high resolution version - if you like what you see, please give me a thumbs up on YouTube, share the link with your friends and Subscribe to my channel so that you'll be notified when I post a new adventure.

Hot on the heels of the premiere of HBO's new miniseries which chronicles the events at Chernobyl, comes my second episode in my 'Portraits of the Landscape' series: A trip into The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

This video series will give you insight into how I planned for a photo trip there, and then you'll accompany me into the Zone as I seek out to capture captivating images from this sobering area of our history.

Click on this link and it will take you to the video. It's available in 1080p for those who like to see a high resolution version - if you like what you see, please give me a thumbs up on YouTube, share the link with your friends and Subscribe to my channel so that you'll be notified when I post a new adventure.

Those of you that know me, are well aware that I am a still photographer and not a videographer, however that hasn't stopped me from starting my brand new YouTube Channel where I am starting a series I call, 'Portraits of the Landscape'. This video series will give you insight into how I plan for a photo trip, and then travel along with me on that specific tour as I seek out to capture portraits of the landscape in each locale!

The very first episode is up and it concentrates on my last trip: The Gobi Desert of China. Click on the image and it will take you to the video - if you like what you see, please give me a thumbs up on YouTube, share the link with your friends and Subscribe to my channel so that you'll be notified when I post a new adventure. 

I'm planning to release more episodes of China, the Arctic, New England, Vietnam, Cambodia...and so many more...

Remember that all my images from the Gobi, and my recent trip into China, are all 20% off if you order a fine art canvas or dye infused aluminum piece. Be sure to use the code FAREAST20 at checkout! Sale ends at the end of April.

Hi folks!

I spent most of February behind the Great Firewall of China seeking out amazing landscapes in which to photograph and share with you. Although China is the most populous country on the planet, it gets very few visitors from the Western world, especially out in the rural countryside, so I endeavoured to capture some imagery the type you may have never before seen.

I first visited in 2005, however that was to Beijing, the administrative capital of the country. This time I would venture deep into the West, stopping in the frosty wonderland of Zhangjiajie and the mystical mountains in the clouds of Huangshan, then off to the painted mountains of the Danxia landform and finally into the remote Gobi Desert to take intimate portraits of the sensual sand. I am quite proud of the results from the trip and I have been busy working on adding some of these curated images to my NEW IMAGES gallery; eager to hear your feedback.

For those of you that followed along with me on Facebook during the trip, you'll know it was quite the adventure with baggage delays, emergency repairs to my hiking boot and a tooth, plus a tangle of logisitcs, oodles of noodles and a phantasmagoria of fog. The posts are all still accessible on my facebook account, so if you missed any, check in!

If you find anything that speaks to you in my online gallery from my latest China trip, all fine art canvas and dye-infused aluminum orders from the NEW IMAGES gallery are 20% off until the end of April - Simply use the code FAREAST20 at checkout. The sale applies to online orders only!

The New Year is off to a busy start!   

First up, I have added a new category of images entitled 'Concert Photography' which groups a number of concerts I have photographed over the years. Many of these images are from my early days in photography (the mid to late 1980s), and all were shot on 35mm film. You may recognize one or two of the performers there!

Secondly, I was kindly asked by Mountaineering Photographer Matt Payne to sit down for a chat for his highly popular podcast series 'F Stop, Collaborate & Listen'. Matt features prominent landscape photographers from all over the globe for a chat on all things photography - if you haven't listened before, you will find his archive a veritable treasure trove of insight and inspiration. You can find a link to my podcast by clicking HERE

February will find me off to China in pursuit of more spectacular sights to capture with my camera and bring back here to share with all of you... I will be capturing mountains seemingly floating in the clouds as well as undulating sculptural dunes in the midst of winter. Plus - an always adventurous trip into real Chinese cuisine!

Be sure to follow me on Facebook for daily posts (when I am able to break through the Great Firewall of China)

All the best,
Timm