I’ve been fascinated by Joshua Trees ever since I first saw them earlier this year on my way from Vegas to LA. My friend Kyle from grad school picked me up in Vegas to attend a conference in LA. It’s part of the reason I wanted to return: just so I could make that drive through the desert and take photos.

It was cold, so Stacy waited in the car. I couldn’t stop thinking about this classic Robert Frank image from The Americans.

I met Jeff while taking photos of the valley from the Griffith Observatory. We struck up a conversation and I asked him if he would be willing to take a photo—admittedly something I wish I would do more often—and he obliged.

During our four hour visit to LA.

A few weeks ago, we were in Las Vegas because Stacy was running a half-marathon. We tired of Vegas rather quickly and decided to make the four hour drive through the desert to Los Angeles for a few hours. We then turned back around and returned to Vegas for one last night.

It was totally worth it. This is just after the storm clouds cleared.

Austin, TX, 2009

When I attended Joe K’s funeral a few months ago, we went through a few of his things that were still at the Photography Office at the Capitol. Someone pulled out the box of the paper scraps he used to write on, cut out, tape together and photocopy. There were a number of photos inside as well.

DCI Competition, Dallas, TX

I almost can’t remember what summer felt like, now that it’s finally starting to cool off. This time last year, we were already freezing on a daily basis, but Chicago is like a distant memory at this point. We’re loving being back, and the teaching gig has been fantastic.