Spirit of the San Juan River Portfolio

Playing second fiddle to the Grand Canyon, the San Juan River and San Juan Canyon are just as beautiful and impressive.  The San Juan River is not as rough as the white water of the Colorado, but it does have its moments where the heartbeat quickens and the roar of the waves crashing around you can send shivers up your spine.  What I recall from the visual beauty of the canyon is the special light that occurs when the canyon walls reflect direct sunlight into the shadows on the opposite canyon wall; creating a reddish-orange glowing canyon wall soaring a thousand feet overhead that warms the soul. 

The San Juan River is also home to some of the world's finest archeological sites.  The rock art and dwellings of ancient civilizations are abundant and easily reached with short to moderate hikes from the river.  Our river company, Wild River Expeditions, provides river guides who are experts in both the geology and archeology of the region.  Their teachings gave the trips more impact and meaning and aided in developing my photographic approach to the area.   

This portfolio will be building over the next few months as images are optimized for print and presentation.  The work is the best from my two trips down the river in October of 2005 and May of 2006.  The trips were part of Alain and Natalie Briot workshops.  I encourage you to revisit this webpage frequently to view new additions to the portfolio and to get a sense of the beauty of the San Juan River and Canyon.