Published and News

McLaughlin Ridge - Alberni Valley News

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Here's a cover photo of mine in the Alberni Valley News, highlighting recent logging by Island Timberlands on McLaughlin Ridge; an old-growth forest of high ecological value near Port Alberni. Click here to read the article. The area was originally intended for protection by the provincial government as an Ungulate Winter Range (UWR) and Wildlife Habitat Area (WHA), until the province’s plans changed when it removed the lands from Tree Farm Licence 44. The removal of the lands in 2004 included the stipulation from the BC government that a follow-up agreement be developed between the company and the government to ensure the protection of McLaughlin Ridge and other intended UWR’s and WHA’s - however, both parties failed to pursue the agreement, and the lands are now being logged.  A conservation solution for these lands is needed before it's too late.

See more of my photos of logging on McLaughlin Ridge from that trip here: http://on.fb.me/1qeaXhn

Times Colonist Cover Photo - Avatar Grove Protected!

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What an exciting time! I'm thrilled and relieved to be able to celebrate that just last week the Avatar Grove was officially protected from logging! Above is the iconic photo of "Canada's Gnarliest Tree" on the cover of last Friday's Times Colonist. It's been incredible seeing how things evolved so quickly from when myself and a friend first stumbled upon the grove for the first time just over 2 years ago as an unknown place to it becoming the hottest old-growth campaign of the decade! Great to be able to walk through the giant redcedars and Douglas-firs now knowing that they will most likely be there when we return. Victory!

"Seeing the Forest for the Trees" - Photo Exhibit 2011

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My joint photo exhibit Seeing the Forest for the Trees has just come to a close after two great weeks on display at Dales Gallery in Victoria's Chinatown. The show, featuring forest themed images from myself and local photographer Don Denton, saw hundreds of people come through and was even featured on Shaw TV's "The Daily".  This was my first full gallery showing and I'm stoked to do it again! Below are some shots from the exhibit and the opening night launch. Thanks to everyone who came by to take a look and to those who purchased prints! Full proceeds from my images are going to the Ancient Forest Alliance.

Thank you to Alison at Dales Gallery for hosting the show!

A big thanks also goes to Toby Trembath from Newport Reality for sponsoring the costs of the large canvas prints and to Terry from ArtBox for doing the actual printing.

Opening night reception - what an awesome evening!

The opening night also featured the launch of the new Ancient Brown Ale - a beer custom made for the Ancient Forest Alliance after winning the Phillips 2011 "Benefit Brew" contest!

Don Denton's photographs on display. Click here to see his blog post on the exhibit!

My image of  "Canada's Gnarliest Tree" in the Avatar Grove.

WestShore Magazine Cover - Fall/Winter 2011

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The 2011 Fall/Winter edition of WestShore Magazine was just released this week. I was fortunate enough to shoot the cover photo for the feature story on the Goldstream River's salmon run, the fish hatchery volunteers, and the environmental effects of the recent fuel spill. It was an interesting challenge setting up to shoot in the river - especially with a fisheye lens like the second angle below which wasn't used in the end. Grab a copy if you live out this way and take a read through!

Holy Wood

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An awesome book just arrived in my mailbox titled Holy Wood. The book, published in Germany, focuses on the relationship between forests and people and is filled with incredible paintings, sculptures, photos, and words about trees. I was excited to see one of my clearcut shots made the centerfold spread. With the amount on time spent online these days there's nothing like holding a well made book in your hand that's rich in thought and creativity. Looking forward to flipping the pages.