photography Archives - Loree Johnson Photography

Finding My Way Home – Starting Out

by Loree | Jul 22, 2021 | Finding my Way Home

Mount Shasta is framed by trees as the sunset casts a glow on the peak's snow. This area has been home to me for nearly twenty years. — ***“Days End”***

September 18, 2014. That was the day I began an entirely new life. Four years earlier, I hatched a plan to become a nomad photographer. Some parts of the plan had fallen into place exactly as expected. Others, not so much. Nonetheless, here I was, behind the wheel of my newly remodeled 1995 Itasca Sundancer, towing my little car behind, and ready to explore the world! (Or at least the western part of the United States.) One of the elements of my plan was this blog. I would write all about my adventures in real time, taking you, the reader, along on my travels. That was one of the things that didn’t come together exactly as expected. As it turned out, I was too busy living it to write about it. As a result, my blog hasn’t seen much activity in the past few years. I’ve tried to revive it a bit, if only from an aesthetic standpoint. Now, it is time to tell my story. The past seven years have been filled with rich experiences and special people I could never have imagined on that day in September 2014. I hope you will come along with me now, as I tell the tales of my seven year journey as a full-time RV’er. Although I didn’t know it at the time, I was beginning a long journey of finding my way home. As a courtesy, I may use fictitious names for people who don’t want to be specifically identified.

The bottom of Mossbrae Falls where it meets the Sacramento River. Tendrils of water stream over moss covered stone. — ***“Mossbrae Falls at the Bottom”***

I pull out of Yreka, California in the late afternoon with my two-year-old Labrador, Luna, and everything I’ve decided I will need for full time living in a twenty-nine foot class C motor home. At this point, I’ve given up on the so-called American Dream. I did everything I was supposed to do. I tried for years to stay in an intolerable marriage. When it finally ended, I moved and bought a house close to where I worked and where my kids went to school. I bought less house than I qualified for, made a large down payment, and took out a conventional thirty-year mortgage. I didn’t get sucked into adjustable rates or second mortgages. I put money away for retirement out of every paycheck. It was all supposed to result in a secure life when I got older. Then came the crash of 2008. My house is now worth less than a third of what I paid for it and less than half of what I owe on it. My retirement savings is half of what it was a year earlier. The bank refuses to negotiate on the mortgage other than offering me a longer loan, meaning I will owe even more for even longer. My career is under threat of budget cuts and early retirement incentives are offered in an effort to avoid layoffs. My position is seen as expendable and easy to outsource. I dread going to work every day and dream of spending my time as a nature photographer. I take the golden handshake. This is my dream now. I will do what I long to do instead of what society thinks I should. I had planned to sell the house and use the proceeds to finance my travel. That is not to be, but my obsession with photography is beginning to pay off. I am experiencing some success selling prints of my photographs online. Between that and my small pension, I’ve crafted a rough budget. I figure if I live frugally and move slowly, taking advantage of weekly and monthly rates at RV parks, I can survive.

Sunrise illuminates Mount Shasta and Trout Lake near Yreka, California. — ***“Morning Magic”***

All my debt is paid off except for the mortgage. After consulting with two different real estate agents, it becomes clear that I can not sell the house for even what I owe on it. I research short sales versus foreclosure and determine that a short sale is a huge hassle, just as bad on my credit score, with the added inconvenience of also having to show the house. As much as it goes against my sense of responsibility, I decide it is best to let the bank foreclose. I offer my possessions to my children, if they want any. They want almost none. My son is starting his first year of college and living in a dorm. My daughter is experiencing her own sojourn in the Bay Area. Neither of them want or need more stuff. I place ads on Facebook and Craigslist to sell furniture, antiques, and other valuables. They go for a fraction of what they are worth. I hold two yard sales and haggle with people over two-dollar items. If you ever decide to get rid of your stuff, I can assure you, nobody wants it. Finally, I’m done with all of it and it feels like a huge relief to have everything I own with me inside an eight foot by twenty-nine foot space. It’s an odd juxtaposition–my small world inside the motorhome vs. the seemingly infinite road ahead. It is at once heartbreaking and invigorating. I’m doing what I want and going where I want, even if I don’t yet know exactly what or where that is.

As the sun sets, trees glow above the Middle Falls of the McCloud River. — ***“Sunset at Middle Falls”***

At one of my yard sales I met a woman who asked why I was selling all my stuff. When I told her I was going on the road to live in my motor home, she nearly broke down in tears. She told me that she and her husband had the same dream but once he finally retired he was too sick to travel. He eventually died of cancer and they never got to travel. Now she felt too old and alone to even try. She told me I should go for it while I still can. Her story reassures me about my choice. Circumstances may have conspired to put me in this position, but things could be much worse. After all, I have a source of income and I own an RV. I am going to make the most of it! I try to turn off all the thoughts about the past racing through my head and focus on the future.

An osprey hauls a fish out of the lake at Greenhorn Park in Yreka, California. — ***“Osprey Catching a Fish”***

Although my friend Chris, who I have been dating for the past seven years is with me, I am driving alone. He is not on board with the full-time traveling lifestyle and has agreed to come along for a while, but not forever. Our relationship survived a misunderstanding where I told him I was going on the road whether he wanted to come or not. He thought it meant I was breaking up with him. We sorted it out and agreed to stay together and see what happens. He will travel with me part of the time and I will travel alone the rest of the time. Because of this arrangement, he is following me in his own vehicle. It’s his escape hatch when traveling gets old. I don’t have an escape hatch. I will just deal with whatever comes my way.

Luna, a yellow lab puppy, will be my companion as I set off on a journey of finding my way home. — ***“All About the Stick”***

Luna is riding in her crate, tucked under the dining table, since she does not like riding in vehicles. So much for the fantasy of traveling the country with my loyal dog riding shotgun. I know what you’re thinking. A full-time traveler whose dog does not like traveling? Yes, that’s me. I tell myself she will get used to it after a while. I tell myself we both will.

Preserving the Joy

by Loree | Dec 9, 2018 | Birds, Gratitude, Lakes, Mountains, National Parks, Photography, Waterfalls, Wildlife

Lately, I’ve been asking myself why. There are so many things in this world that need to be done, why is it that I chose nature photography. What is the reason this obsession cannot be denied? After much reflection and introspection, this is what came to me–preserving the joy. There is an inherent joy in nature that is difficult to describe in words. I feel it whenever I am out in a natural setting just being a part of the natural world and noticing the other parts. Whether it’s the wind in the leaves, the birdsong, the water flowing in a river, the clouds moving and changing shape, or the smell of pine, there is always something to notice. The sights, sounds and smells of nature bring me joy. By photographing the things that invoke that joy, I can preserve it. In this article, I will share some of the images that bring me joy. I hope they will bring you some, too.

Burrowing owl fledgling (Athene cunicularia) celebrating its newly discovered ability to fly. Photographed near Burns, Oregon. — ***“Burrowing Owl Joy”***

Burrowing owls may not even realize how much fun they are to watch. I refer to them as the clowns of the owl world because every time I have seen them, they seem to be laughing and joking, playing around and generally having a good time.

An unusually calm morning at Lake Siskiyou provides the perfect mirror for a swirling, dancing lenticular cloud beside majestic Mount Shasta. — ***“Cloud Dance”***

Clouds, especially unusual ones, also bring me joy. When there is a reflection of clouds, then it is double the joy!

Just minutes before the sun rises over the horizon, the sky explodes with color, while the incredible sandstone buttes of Monument Valley remain in the dark. This is the classic view of Monument Valley, including the West Mitten, East Mitten, and Merrill Butte. — ***“Monumental Sunrise”***

Sunrise, or more specifically, the last few minutes before the sun rises above the horizon, is an especially joyful time of day. Sunrise is hopeful and invigorating, no matter where I happen to be. It is all the more so if I happen to be in a sacred and inspiring place.

Male rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) hovering around the lilac bush at Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge. — ***“Rufous Cutie”***

Hummingbirds. What else can I say? Hummingbirds make me happy.

Falls Creek Falls is an awe-inspiring waterfall in the Gifford Pinchot National forest of southern Washington. The water falls more than 300 feet over three tiers. Only the lower two tiers are visible at once, as in this image captured in the autumn rain. — ***“Falls Creek Falls”***

Waterfalls are one of my very favorite things in the world. I’ve shot so many of them it was difficult to chose one to post here. But, this one is very special, not only because it is so breathtaking, but the hike to get there is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable I have experienced. I can almost hear the sound of the rushing water when I gaze at this image.

An abundant resident of the Klamath Basin Wildlife Refuges, the Forster's tern (Sterna forsteri) puts on a show with much hovering, swooping and diving. — ***“Forster’s Tern”***

Have you heard the saying “if you could only bottle this feeling and sell it, you could make a fortune?” Well, it’s not bottled and I’m certainly not making a fortune, but it does feel like I’m preserving the joy in some small way. My wish to all of you for this holiday season and the year ahead is that whether it’s vast or tiny, common or rare, soaring or grounded, majestic or adorable, you have the opportunity to experience the profound joy of nature.

Winter on the North Coast

by Loree | Feb 25, 2018 | Gratitude, Ocean, Photography, Rivers, The Vagabond Lifestyle, Wildlife

The north coast of California is a place of wonder and beauty. Most people know there are redwood forests and breathtaking ocean vistas here. What many might not realize is that Del Norte and Humboldt counties are treasure troves of wildlife viewing. Elk, sea lions, river otters, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and white-tailed kites are but a few of the wildlife species commonly seen here.

Eyes on the Prize

After spending last winter in the desert, this winter I was drawn back to the Pacific coast of northern California. The deserts of New Mexico, Arizona and southern California have their charm, for sure, but the Pacific Northwest calls to me like no other region I’ve visited.

Papa Otter

Although it’s been wet and chilly sometimes, most days there is nowhere I’d rather be. And all the rain has helped me track down the leaks in my RV!

Sea Lion with Catch

According to many of the animals I’ve observed over the last few months, the fishing here is really good! From seals and sea lions catching steelhead to otters catching flounder and shorebirds catching tiny baitfish, the food chain is truly on display.

Heron with Fish

If you travel to the north coast of California to enjoy the beautiful sights, make sure you take time to notice the creatures that make these incredible places their home.

Spiky Elk

As humans, we sometimes get caught up in the beauty and grandeur of a landscape, while forgetting that it’s also a habitat for other living things. And, at other times, we notice nature’s diverse assortment of beings and forget the habitat required to support them. My time in these places has reminded me that we are all connected to each other and the earth.

Mist in the Redwoods

Eagle Flying at You

America’s Public Lands – Bosque del Apache

by Loree | Dec 5, 2016 | Birds, Public Lands, Wildlife

On a chilly morning in early November, I crawl out of bed two hours before sunrise, knowing it will take at least an hour to reach my destination. My objective this morning is Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, a 57,331-acre preserve in south-central New Mexico administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge was established in 1939 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Each year, it’s estimated that between 10,000 and 30,000 migrating sandhill cranes come to the refuge and adjacent areas to feed and spend the winter. Geese and other waterfowl also spend the winter here, thanks to an intricate web of gates and channels which move water from the Rio Grande through fields and floodplains and back to the river, simulating the natural cycle that has been disrupted by decades of development and diversion.

Early Birds

As I exit the freeway and drive the five miles to my first stop, the anticipation starts to build, just as the light is beginning to build on the eastern horizon. The parking area near the pond comes into view and it is filled with vehicles. As I get closer, I can make out dozens of human silhouettes with tripods in front of them. Some have cameras mounted, while others support spotting scopes. Many people have cameras or binoculars on straps around their necks. Then, I see why they are there. Thousands of sandhill cranes are gathered in the shallow water around the edges of the pond. I park on the shoulder of the road, since the parking area is filled to capacity. While most of the people are either silent, or speaking in whispers, the birds are raucous and loud. The unmistakable cackling call that is unique to the species is nearly constant. The sense of wonder and awe is apparent on the faces surrounding me.

Rise and Shine

My heart is pounding with excitement as I grab my camera and find an open spot on the raised bank above the pond. The birds are beginning to fly, in small groups of four, six, eight, yet it’s still too dark for sharp images of birds in flight. Another photographer remarks to me that we need more light. I nod in agreement.

Up With the Sun

Then, the sun begins to break above the partly cloudy horizon, and suddenly flight photos are possible. As the sunrise continues, more and more birds take to the sky. The groups of cranes taking off from the pond are so frequent I hardly know which way to turn. They are flying to my right, my left, behind me, in front of me, in the distance, and just a few feet away. It’s almost dizzying as I try to decide which way to point the camera. I’m feeling good about my decision to leave the tripod in the car, but regret leaving the gloves. I can barely feel my fingers, but don’t want to take the short walk back to the car for fear I will miss the magical dawn light.

Three’s a Crowd

In less than an hour, the spectacle is over and there are only a handful of cranes left at the pond. As I return to the car, still shivering, partly from excitement and partly from cold, I realize the extra memory card I had in my hand before I set out is still on the table of my dinette–55 miles away! A quick pass through the images on my camera, deleting the ones that were too dark and out of focus, frees up some space for a drive around the auto tour route.

Snow Geese in Flight

Daylight has revealed some of the other species who call this place home. Raptors, herons, ducks and geese are awake and going about their lives amidst the ever-present and ubiquitous sandhill cranes. As I fill what’s left of the space on my camera’s memory card and head back to the place I’m calling home at the moment, there is a sense that I have experienced something very special and truly unforgettable.

Fall Heron

Visit the official page of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge for more information.

When everything comes together.

by Loree | Apr 27, 2016 | Art, Gratitude, Photography

Recently, I embarked on a major project to quality control my photographic portfolio. I’m only about halfway through at this point, but something has struck me in the process of looking back on the work I’ve done over the past seven years. There are good days, and then there are phenomenal days. It made me wonder what makes the difference between having just a good day, and having one of those days that exceeds all expectations and results in what I consider to be some of my best work.

As I was leaving this waterfall, I met a local man who told me that only a few weeks earlier, there was little water falling here. Only the large chute on the left was flowing. And then the rains came.

There is usually planning and determination involved, often this means driving many miles to a location, sometimes several times. It can also mean precise mapping of sunrise/sunset or moonrise/moonset in relation to landmarks or subject matter.

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Watching the full moon rise between the spires of Sedona, Arizona’s Cathedral Rock is a truly unforgettable experience.

Also critical is the natural element. Conditions must be just right, whether that means weather, or light, or any of nature’s other unpredictable occurrences.

As the remains of an autumn snowstorm slowly clear, majestic Mount Adams, wearing a fresh blanket of snow, is unveiled by the retreating clouds. The gorgeous, mirror-like reflection in Takhlakh Lake, would seem unreal if not for the mist rising from the far shore.

Sometimes, it means waiting (and waiting and waiting) for just the right moment.

This osprey has just emerged from a successful dive into the lake. Time to take dinner back to the nest.

But even when the planning, the conditions, the moment and the subject are all just right, there’s still something more that’s needed to make it one of those over-the-top shooting days. I was thinking about this for a while, and couldn’t really put my finger on it. Then, in a conversation with my daughter, it came out. Not only do all the external elements have to be there, but there is an internal ingredient as well.

Sunrise over Crater Lake, Oregon. The view from the Watchman Overlook includes an unrivaled perspective of Wizard Island. The normally bluer than blue lake takes on an orange glow as the sun spreads it first rays over the heavens.

When everything comes together, including that all-encompassing, creative juices flowing, incredible inspiration–that’s when the magic happens. I’d like to say that this happens all the time, but that would be a lie. In truth, there have only been a handful of those days in the past six or seven years.

Alpenglow on the peak of Mount Shasta with a storm brewing.

I savor the days when the magic happens. Yet, I know it won’t happen if I’m not out there, constantly honing my skills, working at my craft, exploring the limits of my abilities. When you purchase one of my photographs, you get so much more than just a photo. You get a part of my adventure, a hand crafted bit of my life, a piece of my soul. Thanks for visiting, and here’s to the incredible, rare, phenomenal days when it all comes together.