Getting back to Kathmandu, we had a day before our scheduled flights to Lukla – one of the craziest airports in the world. The weather gods had other plans in mind, so after camping out at the departures lounge for 12 hours, we hopped on a helicopter and made it the landing site with conditions that made getting on the ground tricky to say the least.

Waking up the next morning we started the EBC just outside Lukla, and were met with incredible scenes at every turn. We often saw these carved prayer stones along the trail, as well as massive carved boulders. Looking up I noticed a building cut right into the side of a sheer cliff that reminded me of some of the Anisazi ruins in the Grand Canyon of Arizona. 

During the day we criss crossed a swollen glacial river, often sharing the bridges with long trains of pack animals (donkeys down low, yaks up higher). The one rule we were reminded of was to stay on the high side of the trail since the animals would often try to ‘nudge’ you off the trail. On one of the days a yak broke loose from it’s heavy load and sent the group of scattering as it raced up the trail. 

Arriving into Namche Bazaar we instantly fell in love with the place. Maybe it was the natural amphitheatre setting, the hard slug of a hill you have to do to get to it, or the fact it was the first place where you could get a real coffee! We stayed two nights here to acclimatize, and explore the surrounding area. 

That night, looking out the window of the tea house, I noticed how many more stars you could see in dark sky – absolutely amazing.

Leaving Namche, we had a beautiful day to get to our next stop Tyangboche, one of my highlights. 

That night, with the stars again out in force and even less light pollution I headed out with our new friend Claude to do some astro photography. What a treat – hiking in the dark to look back at Tyangboche under a blanket of stars. 

The following morning we awoke to a blanket of fresh snow covering everything around us, including the impressive Ama Dablam 22,349′ next to Tyangboche. The skies were clear and blue and it felt like perfect spring day. 

About halfway along our hike that day we came upon some traditional structures out in the high plains. I was really inspired by the natural stone construction perched in between the massive peaks in all directions. 

After a night in Labuche, we trekked on to Gorak Shep followed by an afternoon hike to our ultimate destination, Everest Base Camp. Quite often we would hike along the glacier, which looked a lot more like a landslide, until you caught glimpses of the ice sheet all the stones were sitting on. It was a huge reward to finally see the little yellow tents come into vision at the far end of the glacier and thinking about the people using that area to stage their ascents of the highest peak in the world. It was also the first day that we got a better look at Everest itself – towering above us as a dark triangle of layered rock in behind Nuptse. 

It’s hard to explain what it feels like to be hiking at this altitude, and really made me wonder what it would be like to go that much higher like the people summiting that same day. We were tired, but it was unlike anything I’d ever felt. That being said, we still had enough left in the tank to celebrate getting to EBC! 

A couple days after leaving Gorak Shep, we were on our way to the highest point of our trek, the Cho-La pass (17,782′). The weather wasn’t playing nice, so we ascended a rockfall that soon became a scramble on wet snow-covered boulders. It was tricky, but manageable, although there wasn’t much in the way of a view from the top – even seeing the person hiking 25 feet in front of you was hit or miss. We crossed a small snow covered col, and made our way down a steep descent to Thagnag. 

The following day we awoke to beautiful blue skies which made the hike to Gokyo that much more enjoyable. We were in high spirits knowing that the most difficult ascents were behind us. Arriving in Gokyo we were greeted by some stunning turquoise lakes. Awakening the next morning, the lakes were perfect mirror images of the towering peaks behind. I had to sneak out a bit early to catch some first light, but it was well worth it. 

Leaving Gokyo, we passed by some more beautiful lakes and started our long day of trekking back to Namche. The hills were covered in trails going every which way, thanks to the grazing yaks. We passed by numerous porters on their way up to Gokyo, carrying loads of plywood, and one guy we saw had 90kg’s of rice on his back. You really become much more aware of what you’re consuming and how it has to get there when you see guys like this, often as young as 14-15. 

On our second to last day we caught a glimpse of two different types of wildlife – the mountain goat, almost too-perfectly posed, and then a little later we came across a pair of musk deer – with some serious “I mean business” front teeth!

Descending further into the valley, things had greened up considerably in the two weeks since we last passed through . The most common crops we saw were potato, millet, and wheat. Again, as we got lower in the valley, we saw more and more prayer carvings – this example was one of the few that were quite colourful.  

Jumping forward a few days, after departing Nepal, we landed in Tokyo. I was happy to have my heavy pack stored in the hotel, and only took my big camera out on one of the days. It is an incredible city, polar opposite in many ways to Kathmandu.  And then it was over – 5 weeks on the road, the trains, the planes, the elephants, and the boats. Now Jasmin and I will have to plan our next adventure…

One of my favourite RCR events to shoot every year is the Slope Soaker. Picture a steep slope, a small jump followed by a drop and then an icy 60′ + bath of meltwater to cross. Nobody made it all the way this year – probably because they extended the icy soup by a good 20′ this go round. It was hilarious watching the costumes and attempts to cross the water – most ending the way  you see below! Congrats to the competitors for even taking on the challenge.

A couple years ago I got to shoot an incredible wedding in Mexico for Lindsey & Aaron, and while there got to hang out with both of their great families. Lindsey’s sister Megan got engaged to Brent, and the next thing you know I get a message from there looking for a photographer – gotta love how things come full circle like that! I met up with Megs and Brent just the other day and got to spend some time getting to know them, watch how much fun they have with each other, how playful they are, and get a feel for what happens when I bring the camera into the mix. We had a lot of fun, and were treated to a spring snow – one of the special requests Megan had for the shoot. I’d like to claim some responsibility for that, but the credit goes to mother nature. Thank you, by the way! Here are a few sneaks from the shoot – and a precursor for what awaits at their wedding in the Okanagan next summer!

I met up with Courtney and Owen on a foggy spring day not long ago at an airport hanger where they work. I guess having a private jet at your disposal for a shoot is one of the perks of working for a company with these things just hanging about. It was a lot of fun to set up a few portraits inside, with Owen sporting the classic captain attire, and Courtney rocking the glamour look. I could’ve spent all day shooting them in and around the planes, but wanted to hit up a location downtown that I’ve had my eye on for some while. Their awesome dog joined us for the second half of the shoot, and it was great to have him along. I’ve known this couple for a number of years, so it was extra special to be asked to shoot their wedding later this year out on Vancouver Island. I know it’s going to be an amazing day and a road trip I’m excited to do!

Off to shoot this amazing couple in Vancouver this weekend, so I thought I’d drop these sneaks into the blog. I had a wonderful time getting to know them and run around some favourite spots in the core. I can’t wait to see them tie the knot!! 

The other week I got an email from this amazing couple, and after a few back we met up for a quick engagement session in Calgary. They brought their energetic dog Sage, and a ton of personality. I loved working with them and the time we spent together flew by. I can’t wait for their wedding this fall – I know it’s going to be nothing short of spectacular!!

A few samples from a recent shoot out in the foothills of the rocky mountains. It was a gorgeous day to be outside, even if it was technically the winter. Crystal & Preston were up for anything and were a lot of fun to have on the other side of the lens!