There’s a quiet magic in the moments before dawn, when the world is still, the air crisp, and the sky undecided. It’s my favorite time to step outside, even when I don’t know where I’m headed. Some mornings I chase light. Others, I let it find me. Either way, it's a gentle reminder that not every photo needs a plan, and not every morning needs a masterpiece. Sometimes, the experience is the reward.

Tucked within the rugged beauty of Arizona’s Superstition Mountains lies a hidden gem known as the Wave Cave, a natural rock formation that frames sweeping desert vistas through a sandstone wave. In this blog, I take you along on a sunrise hike into the backcountry, navigating the steep, rocky trail before first light, chasing the subtle hues of dawn. With camera in hand and no clear expectation, I found magic in the moment, an interplay of light, texture, and solitude that defines much of my work. Join me on this journey to discover not just a location, but an experience where nature, timing, and perspective all align.

Today was all about birds, especially owls! I spent the morning photographing a Great Horned Owl family in Scottsdale, Arizona. By evening, I was two hours away at Saguaro National Park near Tucson, photographing an Elf Owl. What a memorable day!

I’ve long wanted to photograph the Big Crane Petroglyph, a historic site that fascinated me. On a cold night, I made it a priority and hiked aimlessly the next morning. Just as I was about to give up, I looked up—and there it was!

Traveling from Colorado’s snowy peaks to Utah’s sunlit deserts reveals a striking contrast: crisp mountain air to warm desert breezes, vibrant red rocks, and ancient cliffs, showcasing nature’s powerful transformation.

Back in 2021, I went on a road trip from Colorado to Canada. Somehow, I took images that I’d forgotten about. Strange, I know. Images from Lake Louise were seemingly lost in the shuffle.

Sunrise moves quick. If you are shooting more than one composition, be prepared to be busy!

A New Day | Morning Time Well Spent

Supermoon rise out on the plains of Colorado. | Image from Full Moonrise Workshop | Jason Fazio Photography

Pikes Peak’s Warm Glow

I debated whether or not I was going to go out with the camera to photograph the sunset, but was there really ever a debate?

CO to CA, Day 6 of 6

Valley Of Fire State Park, NV

CO to CA, Day 5 of 6

A Glass Sunrise to a Pier 39 Sunset

CO to CA, Day 4 of 6

Walking On Glass & Purple Sea Creatures

CO to CA, Day 3 of 6

Highlights: Salt Point State Park and Ocean Wildlife

CO to CA, Day 2 of 6

Highlights: Yosemite at Sunrise and sunset along the coast!

CO to CA, Day 1 of 6
Highlights: Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) at Sunrise and a dinner date

CO to CA, Day 0 of 6
Highlights: Lots of miles and a strange land's sunset.

Come along as I travel from Colorado to California and back on a +3,000-mile road trip while photographing the landscapes along the way.

This morning’s plan didn’t survive first contact with the moon.

Ride along as I leave Colorado and head into Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and back to Colorado.