A Monochrome Start to 2026

Monochrome Pikes Peak Region

It wasn't something that I intended, or set out to do, but it seems that monochrome photography might be a recurring theme in 2026. A renewed interest in black and white film can be partially attributed to a road trip to Denver, with an inevitable stop at Englewood Camera to look at the used gear. On that trip I discovered an FD 100-300mm manual focus lens at a price impossible to ignore. That particular lens just happens to emply a 58mm filter size, the exact size of my set of monochrome filters.

December Newsletter

Young Black Bear

The plan was to write a monthly newsletter, and I think I actually did get a couple written before the whole plan was derailed by events. Somehow through all the trauma, I managed to keep shooting, but recently noticed that none of those images had been uploaded to my fine art website, or to my stock agencies. No newsletters had been written and I had actually put little thought into my photography since the trees began changing colors in the high country in September. But now the skies have cleared over my life and it's time to get back to work!

Explore Act Signed into Law

Grizzly Bear and Cubs

Finally after years of uncertainty and consternation, the Explore Act was signed into law this week. The Act is a wide ranging set of new laws which will provide for the construction of new campgrounds, shooting ranges, trails and much more. Most important to me and many photographers and videographers, is the inclusion of the Film Act within the text of the bill. The Act eliminates the requirement for for purchasing an expensive permit to film in national parks and forests with the intent to make a profit, even though you might not have known at the time that you were shooting for profit. This of course affected basically all Youtubers, who have had to live in fear of huge fines for their activities, which were legal at the time they created the film. with onerous application requirements and an uncertain outcome