the photographic journey of doug dinkle

It’s always fun to hang with Ed and Kelly Heaton making images for hours and hours !!!  The plan was to be in DC when the Cherry Blossoms were at their peak.  Well, they peaked a week or so ago, but we certainly made the best of it.  Our evening at the Washington Monument and the WW II Monument was a blast.  We even got to see Marine One (the President’s helicopter) on it’s training runs.  The following morning was chilly but we covered a lot of ground at the memorials of Jefferson, FDR (the waterfalls) and the Vietnam Wall.  Liberal or Conservative, this is an awesome place to visit.  My feet are killing me but it was worth it !!  CLICK HERE or on the image to the left to view the slideshow.

Having lived in Arizona for a few years, in the early 2000′s, I have traveled many times to the Grand Canyon.  It is always, for me, like seeing it for the first time.  Often times, the light is different and can make each trip unique in it’s own way.  Last year, I decided to take on the canyon from a different perspective; from the air.  The helicopter ride into the canyon gives you an entirely different feel for the place and though fairly expensive was worth every penny.  Annette and I had front row seats for almost an hour as we traversed a large section of the canyon for an experience I won’t soon forget.  Please enjoy the slideshow of some images from the trip by CLICKING HERE or on the image to the left.

In my humble opinion, the spectacular scenery in Sedona, Arizona rivals the Grand Canyon.  Yes, the Canyon is awesome, but for a combination of vast scenery and beautiful landscapes, Sedona is every bit it’s equal.  Though me and my friend Annette only had 24 hours there, on the way to the Canyon, we made the best of it and hopefully I was able capture a few good images of this impressive area.  To view the slideshow please CLICK HERE or on the image to the left.

When your work takes you to different parts of the country it’s nice to be able to travel with people you actually enjoy spending time with.  Going to locations like San Diego and Southern California only adds to the enjoyment.  Here’s a few images from views of the Pacific to the cool critters at the world famous San Diego Wild Animal Park.  Either CLICK HERE or on the image to the left to access the slideshow.

Though there is plenty to see and do in the timeless cities of Italy, the Tuscan hill towns are without a doubt the reason to return to this country numerous times.  The wine, food and atmosphere of this area compares to nothing I’ve ever experienced.  The people are friendly and each town has it’s unique appeal.  We stayed in a 17th century farmhouse that was our base for our first 6 days in Italy.  We explored many of the surrounding hill towns and ventured to fields of poppies and hidden monasteries.  If I knew I had six months to live, this is the place I would want to spend it.  A remarkable portion of a beautiful country.  CLICK HERE or on the image to the left to view a slideshow of some of the image captured during this part of the trip.

When I procrastinate I don’t mess around.   Back in May of 2011, I had the good fortune to spend two weeks in Italy with friends (photographers) and family.  It’s taken me the better part of ten month to review and process my hundreds of images from the trip. Though we spent a good portion of the time in the Tuscan hillside, we were able to venture into the timeless cities of Sienna, Rome and Florence.  Florence was impressive with its art and culture, as was Sienna, but my favorite was Rome.  Though many people say it’s similar to other large cities, noisy, crowded and occasionally dangerous, I found it captivating.  Vatican City, the Coliseum, The Forum and many other locations beg to be visited more than once.  And as good as the food was in all of Italy, I found Roman cuisine to surpass all others.  Can’t wait to return, someday.  CLICK HERE or on the image to the left to access a slideshow of this part of the trip. To see more images from the trip check out my post from the Tuscan Hill Towns.

With my current job taking me to the San Francisco Bay area a few times a year, I can’t resist taking along my camera and shooting this awesome area, when time allows.  I usually shoot with my Sony NEX-5, since it takes up much less room in a carry-on. Here’s a few images from my recent trips in 2011, with the intent of added new places during my 2012 visits.  To view a brief slideshow, please CLICK HERE or on the image to the left.

Since I was a youngster, the spectacle and uniqueness of Yellowstone has always drawn me.  However, it was not until now that I was able to have all the pieces in place to make this special trip.  Though I was able to cover the majority of the parks almost 3,500 square miles in the three days I was there, I’m certain there were many things I missed. I saw coyote, fox and elk but like many visitors I was not granted the pleasure of viewing the ever solitary black or grizzly bears.  I did come across many small and large herds of wild buffalo and in one case was given a gift I may never forget.  As I watched an average-sized group of about 25 bison, I was stunned to see, in the late morning sun, two usually elusive wolves, circling the herd.  Though they were a significant distance away and my telephoto lens was not quite strong enough to take a perfectly focused image, I was able to capture the moment anyways, regardless of it’s imperfection.  To see this image and a few of my other favorites from my visit please CLICK HERE.

When you are standing in a field at 6:00 AM in 25 degree temperatures with a dozen friends and another two dozen photographers from around the world, you realize you’re either all completely crazy or in a very special place. I believe the latter to be true. The Grand Tetons can only be experienced up close and personal. Photos, no matter how good, do not convey the beauty or the impressive size on these mountains. Spending five days in this valley with photographers Ed and Kelly Heaton was a experience I will always savor and remember. For a gallery of my favorite images from the trip, please CLICK HERE.

The White Mountains have long been a destination for visitors seeking adventure and inspiration, legendary hospitality and a stark beauty. When fall comes to the White Mountains, it is an annual heart-stopping show of rich hues of red, gold and orange across the hillsides, that draws people from around the world to truly see what is a glory of nature. With the guidance of professional photographers Tony Sweet and Susan Milestone, we explored many overlooks and gorges, traversed the Kancamagus Hwy., shot reflections in the Swift River and even visited the historic Mt Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods. For a small gallery of images from this workshop please CLICK HERE.