Here are some behind-the-scene photos of me taken around the country by my brother during our recent cross-country road trip to the west coast. There are many other points of interests that are mentioned in my journal entry: [link]

FROM THE TOP:

1. Public Photo Exhibition</i>
Began exhibiting my photographs with a series of monthly 28"x20" (71x51cm) prints in my home state of Ohio. This took place from May through December of 2006 in two cities. Each month I featured about a dozen of my personal favorite photos grouped according to subjects/themes (landscapes, flora, fauna, pets, conceptual, etc.) Some of the prints were sold between US $85.00 to $350.00 each to local businesses and private buyers with three prints shipped off to Brazil. A few were donated to non-profit organizations and some were given as gifts to friends after my exhibits.

It's time for new material, so I decided to go on a cross-country trip in search of new places and interesting subjects to photograph...

2. Interstate Highway 40</i>
Earlier this spring my younger brother and I embarked on a cross-country trip in my Infiniti G35 Coupe. We packed light as there wasn't much room in the trunk, but managed to fit in all our camera and hiking equipment. I-40 basically connected us to the wild wild west.

3. White Sands National Monument</i>
Our very first hike in the state of New Mexico began before sunrise and ended after sunset around large white sand dunes. We had our sunglasses but forgot the sunblock--it turned out to be a rather painfully fun experience.

4. Gila Cliff Dwellings</i>
Such a fun drive through the tall pine forest and winding mountain roads. Took us a while to get here, but it was well worth it.

5. Petrified Forest National Park</i>
Windy! It was like hiking thought a giant sand blasting machine with lots of tiny debris covering our lens filters. Beautiful pertrified woods and amazing landscape.

6. Painted Desert</i>
Curious about that sign that reads "Area Beyond Sign Closed - DO NOT ENTER"? Aren't those trails down there? What happens in Arizona, stays in Arizona!

7. The Grand Canyon</i>
The Grandview Trail was a fun hike. Snow and ice from the trailhead to about a mile down, then it gets warmer and warmer with lots of wildlife and beautiful trees and plants.

8. Hole-in-the-Wall</i>
This is a place within the Mojave National Preserve with unique geologic formation. There's a series of holes carved throughout the mount forming small arches and caves.

9. Mojave National Preserve</i>
Beautiful desert with plenty of blooming cacti, lizards and birds. Some of the roads are not maintained or paved so I don't recommend anyone driving a low-prifile sports car to this place. Also, fill up your fuel tank before approching this area or you may have to pay over $5.50/gallon at the nearest gas station named "Oasis".

10. Joshua Tree National Park</i>
Such an intersting park with unique rock formation such as the Skull Rock and Giant Rocks. The joshua trees bloom around the end of March and first weeks of April so we were treated to some delightful colors as well.

11. Point Loma</i>
Point Loma is within Cabrillo in San Diego. The cityscape and naval base can be viewed from the eastern part of the Point Loma Lighthouse. On the other side, we had the chance to walk around the beach and photgraph little sea creatures and various brown pelicans in cool flight formation.

12. San Diego Zoo</i>
3,000 miles later we finally arrived at the zoo and the chance to check out those chubby giant pandas! Next to me in the photo is our friend Paulette whom provided us with free tickets and a tour around the zoo.
Check out her beautiful gallery here --->

13. San Diego Wild Animal Park</i>
Once again, thanks to Paulette for taking us to this gorgeous animal park where one may easily believe that they are actually somewhere in Africa with well-designed and natural looking habitats.

14. La Jolla</i>
Nice city and even nicer shore line... a great window to the grand Pacific Ocean. Definitely a small place with a great view!

15. Time for a haircut</i>
Went from this to a "Mr. Clean" look in just a few minutes. Now I'm ready for summer time!

16. Fisherman's Wharf</i>
Cool little spot to visit, shop, taste fresh seafood, and photograph the city and bay area.

17. Photo Session with Bill Dan</i>
Had a rare opportunity to interview and photograph Bill Dan, a rock balancing artist from San Francisco Bay area, as he performed some amazing balancing acts using random rocks found on the shoreline. I'll be exhibiting some photos of his work shortly. Check out this [link] to read more about Bill Dan's bio.

18. San Francisco Bay</i>
What else can I say? Beautiful weather for seagulls, boaters and surfers. Also an ideal place to view and photograph the Golden Gate Bridge, check out unique architecture designs, or chill with friends and family on the beaches.

19. Yosemite National Park</i>
Still found some snow on the ground. Cool but not cold. The giant redwoods are simply amazing!


20. Bridalveil Fall</i>
Getting a closer look at one of the most popular spots inside Yosemite National Park.


21. Evening Wildlife Photography</i>
Would these wild deers allow someone to get this close to them if he was holding a rifle instead of a camera? I was amazed how calm they were as I walked in slowly and followed the herd after they ran/jumped away from other people behind us.


22. Kolob Canyons</i>
We hiked fourteen-mile (22 km) rountrip for a glimpse of Kolob Arch and some minor waterfalls nearby. This is a neat place with lots of streams and unique rock formation. Sometimes you just have to find those angles that work better for a particular shot.


23. Zion National Park</i>
Lots of spots to hike and rock climb. Good public transportation system within the park. Go early or stay late to avoid the crowd.

24. Bryce Canyon National Park</i>
Someone mentioned that there's precipitation in this beautiful place about 200 days each day. Fortunately that was one of the other 165 days. Very unique rock formation and coloration. Interesting trails with great views with each turn.

25. Arches National Park</i>
Very impressive natural giant arches. Definitely a popular tourist attraction in Utah. Once again, go early for sunrise or stay late for sunset.

26. Cleveland Botanical Garden</i>
Back to Ohio just in time for the annual butterfly show at the botanical garden. That would be me with a butterfly on my finger and my cousin Ben in the background.
Check out his beautiful gallery here --->

Thanks for your visit,
Anthony