The Lost Files

United States Landscapes

This collection almost doesn't exist.

Over the years, I lost nearly my entire photographic archive from 2008 to 2020 to failed and stolen hard drives. Tens of thousands of images vanished, leaving behind only a handful of photographs that had been uploaded to an old website years earlier.

These landscape photographs were made between 2015 and 2018 while driving across the United States, relocating between philanthropic internships. Every move became an excuse to take the long way. I spent countless mornings chasing sunrise, slept in my car and or a tent, and wandered through deserts, mountains, forests, and coastlines with my camera always within reach.

At the time, I thought I was simply documenting places. Looking back, I realize I was documenting freedom, the years when I learned that home could exist wherever I parked, and that curiosity was enough of a reason to keep driving.

These photographs are all that's left of that chapter.

.5 Millennium

The enchanting Angel Oak Tree shades an area of 17,000 square feet and is between 300 - 400 years old. Being in the presence of a living thing that has seen so much history is an indescribable feeling. It didn't feel ominous or positive... it felt heavy.

January 7, 2016

Camas

A dewy premature Camas Flower, endemic to the Big Hole Valley in Wisdom, Montana - contributed significantly to traditional Nez Perce culture. Plant foods provided over half of the dietary calories, with winter survival depending largely on dried roots and camas bulbs. Techniques for preparing and storing winter foods enabled survival through colder winters with little or no fresh foods. Not to be confused with white Camas - also known as Death Camas which is very poisonous.

June 2015

Acidic Paint Brush

Thermophiles are organisms that thrive on extreme heat and create all the beautifully colorful springs in Yellowstone National Park. They were also some of the first microorganisms on earth, some of which flourish with no oxygen at all. These organisms could offer us extraterrestrial answers regarding life on other planets. But please don't touch/swim in them as you will most likely be dissolved.

June 1, 2015

Canyon of Time

Something magical happens every time the sun sinks into the canyon. The south rim is usually very crowded with tourists, especially at sunset. At first, it made me feel like I wouldn't be able to enjoy the view with the sound of a theme park behind me or constantly ducking the 360 swings of selfie sticks. Just as I began to grow frustrated, the sun finally dipped below the rim, and everyone went silent. No one could ignore the natural beauty and rich history in front of them. Taken on my first day at the Grand Canyon.

June 12, 2016

Crabs in a Bucket

Fish Market at the Wharf in Washington, DC

- Following some viral photos of packed crowds during COVID-19, the Municipal fish market has been shut down and is no longer a staple of the Wharf. The Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf was the oldest continuously-operating open-air fish market in the United States, dating back to 1805.

March 30, 2012

Desolate Balance

Thermophiles are organisms that thrive on extreme heat and create all the beautifully colorful springs in Yellowstone National Park. They were also some of the first microorganisms on earth, some of which flourish with no oxygen at all. These organisms could offer us extraterrestrial answers regarding life on other planets. But don't touch/swim in them as you will most likely be dissolved.

June 1, 2015

Dandi

My beloved macro lens (RIP) on a dandelion somewhere in North Carolina.

June 10th, 2014

Dried Peppers

It was suggested to me by an archeologist to visit Taos, New Mexico during one of my road trips. Driving 16 hours out of my way, I decided to visit. The drive itself winded me up, down, and around mountains and isolated, breathtaking alpine towns. All of which looked like they'd been built centuries ago apart from the snowmobiles they use to get around now more so than horses. This photo was taken to the immediate left of the 200-year-old, San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church. Local community volunteers were re-mudding the Adobe-style church at the time - as they do each spring.

June 2, 2016

Finally Fading

After living in Reno for about a year, the 45-minute drive to Lake Tahoe had become my most meditative routine. Deciding to drive up on particularly cold or rainy days to avoid crowds. Walking around the lake, I'd search for the perfect view and sometimes wait hours for the right lighting to expose itself. This one was worth the wait.

June 12, 2017

Fire Season

Taken mid-day somewhere between Wisdom and Darby MT in the thick of fire season. That sunset-like glow is from the wildfire smoke rolling ruthlessly through the valleys. It was so thick you'd start coughing just from stepping outside. The air was filled with the smell of burning pine, juniper, fur, and cedar trees. Forest Service teams were actively trying to contain the wildfires in this area at this time.

August 21, 2015

Distant

Driving through the Badlands in South Dakota, I stopped to explore a few areas and came along a few big horn sheep that didn't seem to mind my presence at all. I kept my distance and waited for this sheep to walk through my frame.

June 10, 2015

Mermaid Cove

Another breathtaking moment at Lake Tahoe. These giant boulders shield this little cove from harsh Sunlight. This pocket of the lake felt very tranquil and still - like right after a summer rainstorm at sunset. This is where the mermaids comb their hair and discuss lovers’ quarrels.

May 29, 2017

Loner

Driving through the Badlands in South Dakota, I stopped to explore a few areas and came along a few big horn sheep that didn't seem to mind my presence at all. I kept my distance and waited for this sheep to walk through my frame.

June 10, 2015

Sculpted

After living in Reno for about a year, the 45-minute drive to Lake Tahoe had become my most meditative routine. Deciding to drive up on particularly cold or rainy days to avoid crowds. Walking around the lake, I'd search for the perfect view and sometimes wait hours for the right lighting to expose itself. Long exposures are always a very peaceful/rewarding process.

May 29, 2017

Nature's Geometry

Flawless, pollen-dusted water droplets. Gently cradled in a seemingly gravity-defying leaf, spotted in my backyard one spring morning. In moments like this, the divine is unavoidable. Absorb and regenerate the light and love around you.

April 14, 2014

Sea Foam

For a few summers throughout my high-school years, my family would take a short vacation in Emerald Isle - part of North Carolina's Crystal Coast.

Auguest 21, 2013

Sunrise at Zion

After camping for free on public lands just outside of the park (completely alone with the most breathtaking 360 views of red rock), I woke up at 5:00 am to get an early start and beat the crowds. The Narrows is one of the most popular (crowded) hikes in the country - which isn't ideal for landscape photography. I ended up having to wait because apparently, you can't just go to the Narrows without taking the first shuttle which wasn't until 8:00 AM. Luckily the shuttle wasn't super crowded so as soon as it touched down I started moving my ass to get ahead and capture the canyon in complete solitude. Once I was able to relax and take in the experience, I felt privileged to be experiencing the Narrows in this way just a mile or so in. There were tiny glistening streams of water running down the canyon walls - underneath were varying colors of vibrant algae. Life was bursting through every inch of the rock. The water was ice cold but crystal clear. I could see every smooth rock and perfectly rounded pebble in detail. An incredibly grounding and humbling experience. The Narrows in Zion National Park, Utah.

July 6, 2016 (My 22nd Birthday)

Solo

Driving through the Badlands in South Dakota, I stopped to explore a few areas and came along a few big horn sheep that didn't seem to mind my presence at all. I kept my distance and waited for this sheep to walk through my frame.

June 10, 2015

Stary Night

My first time ever going camping with a few co-workers from REI. We went to Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia. My first attempt at astrophotography.

January 24, 2015

Twin Lakes

17 miles down a very long and debatably drivable dirt road outside Wisdom, Montana, is Twin Lakes. On the week of my 21st birthday, I took my one day off from three jobs to celebrate with a solo picnic and skinny dip session on one of the very few warm days in Montana.

July, 2015

Tidy

Taken behind a villa somewhere near Town Center in Taos, New Mexico.

June 5, 2016