RICHARD'S GALLERY OF PHOTOGRAPHS

2010-01-30T10:35:00.000-08:00

The brightest moon of the year 2010. Known as a "Wolf Moon" because native Americans claimed that the wolfs would always howl when the moon came up, it is so bright because it is a full moon during the the time when the moon is closest to the earth in its orbit. (Taken with a Canon 40D, Canon 100-400mm @ 900mm equivelant.)

Arches National Park

2009-09-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

This iconic view of Delicate Arch in Arches National Park is seen on many Utah license plates. It is located at the end of a one and one-half mile trail that includes soft, fine sand and sandstone "slick rocks" which are as large as a football field. It rises 500 feet along the way and takes about 45 minutes to complete. The hike is quite demanding, especially in hot weather (which is most of the time!). However, there were a substantial number of groups going up which included small children as young as four or five years old. I even saw one guy carrying an infant in a back-pack, and one couple who each had a toddler on their back.

Immediately behind the arch is a several hundred foot drop, but none the less, people scrambled all over around the base of the arch.

How Little We Humans Are

2009-09-09T12:58:00.001-07:00

After posting the photo of Delicate Arch earlier, I realized that it was impossible to judge the size of the formation as it was shown. If you have never seen it you could have imagined that it was, for example, six feet tall. Here is shown how massive the formation is by the inclusion of some "tourists". (Isn't it always those other people who are tourists?)

The Trail to Delicate Arch

2009-09-09T12:58:00.000-07:00

This is part of the trail to Delicate Arch and depicts some of the huge sandstone "slickrock" that you cross along the way.

If you enlarge the image by clicking on it you may be able to see the parking lot and trail head in the background. The hike was strenuous, and I would think twice before doing it again, but I might if it were earlier in the morning when it was very cool.

2009-09-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

This photo shows one of the nicer and easier portions of the trail to Delicate Arch. It is only gently inclined and is a smooth, hard surface. The red color of the sandstone is natural and and has not been emphasized.

2009-09-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

Another, less famous, arch located near to it's more spectacular sibling, Delicate Arch.

2009-09-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

There are so many photogenic scenes in Arches NP that you can't begin to see or capture them all. Suffice it to say that there has been a lot of film burned up over the years trying to do just that. This location has been used to film so many western films that it would be hard to name them all, and photos from here have graced the covers of a lot of photo magazines and calendars. I look forward to returning again soon.

Utah Color Country

2009-09-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

My wife and I went to Moab, Utah, over Labor Day weekend with my step daughter and her husband and kids. I have wanted to see Arches National Park for a long time, and I did and it was stunning, but this photo was taken from Dead Horse Point located within a State Park of the same name (No kidding!). This scene is part of the Colorado River Basin located just 30 miles outside Moab, Utah.

2009-09-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

I look like I'm ten feet tall here, but it's just because I'm standing by a bunch of little people (including my wife) These are my step daughter Jaime's children (left to right) Nick, Brooklynne and Brigham.

This viewpoint is accessible only via a rustic trail composed of fine sand, sandstone rocks and brush. We biked in, which was quite challenging, and is a story in itself!

The background looks like it's fake, but I guarantee you that it isn't. The drop-off into the canyon, located just eight or so feet in back of us, will literally take your breath away if you get too close to the edge. Brookie, as she is affectionately called, is one of those kids who knows no fear. In fact, you might say she is wreckless! She scared us so many times by trying to get closer to the edge of the canyon that we ended up making her hold onto one of our hands until we left.

The Tourists

2009-09-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

This picture (expertly photographed by yours truly!) shows our group that went to Moab. From left to right, Nick, my wife Paulette, Brooklynne, Ben Griffiths (with Brigham on his shoulder) and my step daughter Jaime. It seems awkward for me to call her my step daughter because she was only eight years old when her mother and I were married. Ben is a dentist and his practice is in Mapleton, Utah.

Little Brigham is a joy for me. He calls me "Gumpah" and next to his mom and dad, I am number one! He picks up the phone at home, hands it to his mother and says, "Gumpah", then breaks out laughing when I begin to talk to him!

White daisy with critter

2009-06-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

A quick shot of a beautiful white daisy. When I downloaded it to my computer I could see that it was playing host to a tiny critter.

The Little Critter

2009-06-22T15:24:00.000-07:00

Many times I am startled to find tiny insects present in my photos that I had not seen with my naked eye. Considering that the entire daisy in this photo is about the size of a silver dollar it is amazing to me that something this small is a living creature.

The Air Force "Thunderbirds" air demonstration team

2009-06-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

I am fortunate to live close to Hill AFB which hosts an air show every year. Every four or five years we are privileged to have the Air Force Thunderbirds attend and demonstrate their amazing skill with the F16. We had about 200,000 people show up this year for the event. (The crowd is always larger when the Thunderbirds are performing.) These are a few of the photos I took.

You can imagine...200,000 people = 50,000 cars. We had to park about two miles from the show, and after it was over it took us two hours to get off the base!

2009-06-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

Is there anything more beautiful than this?

Tradition

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From the top: P-51 Mustang, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-4 Phantom.

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Flying formation at 400 miles an hour is hard enough, but upside down?

UTAH SPRING FLOWERS

2009-04-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

A typical April event in Utah. A flower garden full of flowers, buried under two inches of snow!

Rejoice, rejoice! Spring has brought the flowers!

2009-03-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

Some of my most favorite flowers are those that come just after the snow has melted. Tulips, daffodils, pansies, crocuses etc. Maybe I like them so much because they signal the end of winter, with its cold weather and drab colorless scenery. My spirit is lifted up as I see the beginning of new life and the start of another fresh year!

2009-03-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

2009-03-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

So this morning my beautiful flowers all lie under a blanket of snow and ice! The temperature for the next two nights are forecast to drop into the mid 20's. Mother Nature, please don't kill my flowers!

The Second Sign that Spring has Sprung

2009-03-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

Everyone should know by now that honey bees are almost an endangered species and that their dwindling numbers are a mystery, but their demise would be a castastrophe for farmers who depend on them to pollenize their crops, and therefore, by extension, for anyone who likes to eat. This little guy is out early and maybe this is an indication that things may be on the upswing.

Spring Has Been Put On Hold

2009-03-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago my flower bed was beginning to come to life, with crocuses blooming and tulips and daffodils about 4 inches high. Today they all lie under a blanket of snow. Will this Winter never go away?

Spring has Sprung

2009-03-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

When we went to bed last night our little flower bed was drab and bare except for a few sad looking pansies that had survived under the snow. The sun came out today and south winds raised our temperatures to the low sixties. I went outside my front door, and, much to my surprise, a dozen or so little crocus' had poked their blossoms out and unfolded them to take in the warmth. My attitude has just improved immensely!!

Bug and Rodent Killer

2009-02-21T17:15:00.000-08:00

This is a Swainson's Hawk which thrives on large insects (grasshoppers, dragon flies, etc.) and, during breeding season, small animals, including mice, rats, bats and other such creatures. They are very fast and graceful in flight and will sometimes hunt in pairs. As you can see from this photograph, they are well camouflaged and can be hard to see if you don't see them land.

THE MOST REGAL OF ALL BIRDS

2009-02-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

The Utah Waterfowl Management Area on Farmington Bay is the temporary residence of constantly changing variety of birds. As an landscape and wildlife photographer it offers me countless opportunities to see these beautiful birds up close and in a natural state. I am fortunate, also, that it is only a 10 minute drive from my home! In the last several weeks there have been a plethora of pelicans and bald eagles. One bird that is usually present, but absent so far this year, is the Giant Blue Heron. Maybe they will stop by. I'll be watching!

Stare Down..A Seagull With A Death Wish!

2009-02-20T10:04:00.000-08:00

Whenever Bald Eagles are feeding, you will find a swarm of California Seagulls present to enjoy the leftovers (California Seagulls the Utah state bird? Yes!). Strangely, contrary to the implication of this post's title, they interact peacefully. Though I frequently see the eagles get into territorial fights, the seagulls hover in close proximity with narry a ruffled feather.

Team Work

2009-02-20T09:49:00.000-08:00

Pelicans are so interesting. They "fish" as a team, swimming back and forth in the open water in the Farmington Bay like a highly discipined group of soldiers in formation, dipping their heads underwater periodically, most often in unison, and then, when a fish is caught, raising their bills in in the air to swallow their prey.

Two Bald Eagles, One Hapless Fish

2009-02-12T21:31:00.000-08:00

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2009-02-12T21:26:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen a cat play with a mouse it's caught? Well, I guess eagles do that too! While taking photos as the Farmington Bay Water Fowl Managment area I observed an eagle catch a fish from the open water you see in the background. It then walked a few feet toward me and laid it on the ice and then walked a short distance away from the fish. It was almost as if it was daring anyone (or anything) to take the fish. Sure enough, another eagle was up to the challenge. As you can see, there ensued quite a squabble. The eagle that caught the fish won! After the the aspiring "thief" flew away, the defender again walked away from the fish. I never did see him eat it.

The Passing Storm

2008-11-11T16:49:00.000-08:00

For a few hours today the storm that we had been experiencing passed to the east over the Uintah Mountain and the sun came out. I decided to drive over to Farmington Bay to the Wild Bird Reserve to see what was happening. Except for some really muddy roads, not much was going on..I saw only two types of birds: A few ever-present seagulls, and ducks, and ducks, and ducks. (more on that later.) I thought the sun breaking though the clouds as the storm passed over Farmington was quite pretty, and the sun was shining where I was, on the west side of the Bay.

2008-11-11T16:48:00.000-08:00

Now, about the absence of birds except for the seagulls and ducks, and ducks and ducks. One photo can't begin to depict the number of ducks that are presently "camped out" on this portion of the Wild Bird Reserve, but this will give you an idea. Apparently the duck season is open now, because there were a dozen or so people launching air boats onto the Bay down on the south end, and I could hear an occasional shotgun going off when I was there. (Sorry Amy, some people shoot ducks!) You have to click on the photo to get the full effect.

2008-11-11T16:47:00.000-08:00

The Wild Bird Reserve is only a few miles west of Farmington and it is not visted much by the general public. Good for me...I hate crowds!

What a November!!

2008-11-11T16:09:00.000-08:00

Taken on Veterans' Day, November 11, 2008.

2008-11-11T16:05:00.000-08:00

A colorful oak brush filters the light from the early morning sun, a scene not to be seen again for another twelve months.

2008-11-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

The last couple of days have been kind of gloomy and cold. I think I must take after my mother in at least one respect, and that is that my mood is very much influenced by the weather. I recall many times, on cold, wintery, overcast days, hearing my mother say that she was feeling "blue". (Since my favorite color is blue, and clear skies are blue, I think it would be more appropriate to say you are feeling "gray"!) In any case, I have been trying to hold on to Autumn by taking photos of bright and cheery scenes. A week ago this tree was resplendent in it's Autumn colors. It will soon be bare.

2008-10-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

As I have gotten older I have begun to dislike both the intense heat of summer and the bone chilling cold of Winter. Though my favorite season is late Spring, with its new, fresh grass, leaves and flowers, I have begun to become really fond of fall, especially "indian summer", as it is called. I love the vibrant colors of the changing trees and late summer flowers. These photos are my attempt to capture the feeling of this special time of year. (Click on the photo for a closer view!)

2008-10-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

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Some roses seem too thrive in the cooler Autumn weather.

2008-10-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

A neighbor's kitty sits in the window and basks in the indian summer sun.

2008-10-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

My grand children, Nick, Brigham and Brooke Griffiths, on an October evening are anticipating Halloween! Though it's not apparent, they are standing in a pumpkin patch.

2008-10-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

A "Harvest Moon" rises over the hills east of Centerville dusted with the seasons first snow.

2008-10-28T14:04:00.000-07:00

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Taken at Sundance Resort in the Uinta Mountains

2008-08-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

I was browsing through my photos and came upon this one of my six-year-old step-granddaughter, Brookelynn Griffiths, feeding her little brother, Brigham. (The picture is several months old, as Brigham now has four teeth and crawls!) There has never been any resentment from either Brooke or her older brother, Nicholas, towards this new addition to the family. On the contrary, they adore him and show great love for him. In fact, Mom and Dad have to watch very carefully, because Brooke tries to pick the baby up and carry him around with her, something her parents have tried to discourage for fear she will drop him. If every child in the world was loved and cared for like this little guy the world would be a different place.

Jackson Hole...God's Country

2008-07-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

I never cease to be awed by the raw beauty of the area around Jackson Hole, especially the Tetons. These photos were taken during a brief stop-over enroute to Cowley, Wyoming for the Pioneer Day celebration on July 26, 2008. Our route to Cowley via Jackson was through Idaho Falls, Idaho, East and up over the mountains, dropping into Jackson from the West. This is beautiful drive this time of year, though one must use care crossing the mountains because the road is very steep and winding and it is easy to over-heat your brakes coming down (we did..kind of scary!).

2008-07-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

This is the iconic photograph of the Snake River, with the Tetons in the background, made famous by legendary photographer Ansel Adams. This was taken from the Snake River overlook. Since Ansel is now dead, it is impossible to say for certain that this was the exact location from which he took his photo, but most experts agree that it was, at least, very near to this location. The trees in the foreground have grown so much that they now obscure part of the Snake River that was visible in the Ansel Adams photo, which was done in black and white.

2008-07-29T21:34:00.000-07:00

The Tetons from the Snake River overlook near the northern edge of Teton National Park.

2008-07-29T21:32:00.000-07:00

Indian Paintbrush, the Wyoming State flower was blooming in abundance, even in the barrow pits along the roads.

2008-07-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

Small wild flowers were in bloom everwhere, even in the driest places.

2008-07-29T21:28:00.000-07:00

Looking Northwest from the east side of Jenny Lake. A trail leads down some 20 or 30 feet to the waters edge. A young girl made her way to the tree overhanging the water and gives a sense of scale to the lake.

2008-07-29T21:25:00.000-07:00

No matter where you are in Jackson Hole the Tetons dominate the scenery. This is heading south along the Jenny Lake road between Yellowstone National Park and Jackson .

2008-07-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

Rustic mountain brook. This was probably ice just a few hours ago on one of the mountains nearby.

2008-07-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

This is where Shon and I would live if we could afford it! This old log cabin can be seen in context in the photograph just below this one.

2008-07-29T17:07:00.000-07:00

NO LONGER NEEDED

2008-07-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

Next door to several subdivisions of large and expensive homes sits this empty field and a large abandoned barn which is sucumbing to age and neglect. I'm sure the owner of both the barn and the property have lost interest in farming and are just waiting for the right offer from an enterprising subdivider. Then it's off to Southern Utah, Arizona or California where the winters are milder and the living is good! I guess you can't stand in the way of progress (?), but I hate to see all the farms and orchards getting paved over.

2008-07-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

As my son and I passed through Idaho on the way to Yellowstone Park, we discovered that the wild flowers in the area of the old Mac's Inn were at their zenith. There were, in many locations, hundreds of acres of wild daisies blooming, among which were an occasional yellow of blue flower. Unfortunately, the mosquitos were as thick as the flowers!

Most Park visitors end up at Artists Point for a view of the upper Yellowstone Falls, but too few, I think, observe the delicate colors of the canyon itself which are just across and to the north of the observation area.

2008-06-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

Everyone has a different view, I suppose, of what symbolizes the greatness of America. To some it would be the skyline of New York City, while to others it might be the Golden Gate Bridge, or the rolling fields of corn of the midwest. To me, nothing is as iconic of the vastness, beauty and richness of our country as Yellowstone National Park, a section of our country that is unique in all the world for it's raw, unspoiled spectacular scenery, geysers and wild life. No greater complement could be paid to this place than that by a couple of visiting Austrians who were overheard by me to say, "This has got to be the most beautiful place on earth.", and that is no small complement from folks who also enjoy an abunance of natural beauty in their own country.

I never tire of going to Yellowstone, it is different in every season, and from year to year. This year (late June), I spent five days there with my son, Ron, who came all the way from Germany to accompany me on what may well be my one last trip into the backwoods of the Park.

There was still a lot of snow in the high country, but it was so green! There was a large variety of wild life to be seen, too. Buffalo, black bear, prong horn, coyote, marmot, elk, Grizzley (with cub!) and bald eagle, just to name a few. The only dissapointment was that our favorite fishing lake was still too wet around its parameter for us to access it. But it was a nice six mile round-trip hike! I hope you enjoy the photos.

I like the contrast here of the rain falling out of the dark cloud and the sunlit background reflected on the Yellowstone River.
Buffalo are about as common as dirt in Yellowstone Park, but they never fail to gather a crowd of people (mostly from back east). Never the less, the image of them says, "This is the West!".
It was lush and green in the valleys, and the animals all looked well fed after a strenous, cold and snowy winter. The higher elevations still had considerable snow, however. Very picturesque!

2008-06-30T22:33:00.000-07:00

2008-05-31T21:23:00.000-07:00

I went to the Hill AFB air museum a couple of days ago. I was happy to see they have a well preserved North American T-39 there. This was the last aircraft that I flew before I retired. Pretty, don't you think?

2008-05-31T21:14:00.000-07:00

The law firm at which my wife works has offices which overlook temple square. I was able to get this shot of a view most people never see. This is actually a composite of three different photos. If you look closely you can see several people standing on the temple grounds and on the far end of the Church Plaza pool on the right hand side of the picture are a bride and groom. (Taken with a Canon SD1100 point and shoot I happened to have in my pocket.)

Flowers on Temple Square

2008-05-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

If you're feeling a little down, get out of the house and take a trip to Temple Square. Although there is a lot of construction going on, both on the grounds and around the immediate area, the flowers are resplendant! Go in the morning, around 10:00 a.m. when the light from the east is filtering through the trees and flowers! If your spirit is not lifted, you're dead! (click on photo for a full sized version)

A Broader View

2008-05-15T11:29:00.001-07:00

This is just a small corner of the grounds that are lavishly covered with Spring flowers of every kind.

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Tulips of many colors

2008-05-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

We are nearing the end of the tulip season. I will miss them...until next Spring!

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SYMBOLS OF SPRING

2008-05-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

After a period of intense (!) self analysis I have come to the conclusion that I get more pleasure out of what I see than most people do. I think I would die if I lost my eyesight.

I am always surprised that so many people are willing to spend a substantial amount of money to explore a new country or some beautiful location but are content to just look and have no interest in capturing it through photography. I think there are people who get their joy primarily from doing, and those who get theirs primarily from seeing. For example, some people, on seeing a beautiful sea shore, want to go surfing...I want to take pictures of it! Now of course most of us are not completely one way or the other, but I think we tip in one direction.

As I get older, I am becoming increasingly intolerant of winter. I am a color person, and winter is black and white. Here are a few photos that symbolize what is so wonderful about Spring.

2008-05-05T23:58:00.000-07:00

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Tulip Lovers

2008-04-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

The owner of the house in the background has a very large lot next to the road and each spring, passers-by are treated to this display of tulips. I can only imagine what the cost of all those tulips bulbs must have been.

Old and New

2008-04-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

Tulips growing wild beside an old abandoned house.

Crab apple blossoms

2008-04-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

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Six red tulips. We've had such a cold, wet spring that it must feel like Holland, because the tulips every where are thriving. The light from the late afternoon sun highlights the beauty of these flowers.

2008-02-24T10:24:00.000-08:00

As the first breath of Spring arrives at the Wasatch Front, the Bald Eagles begin arriving in large numbers at the Wild Bird Management Area on Farmington Bay of the Great Salt Lake. When the ice on the Bay begins to break up, the Eagles begin eating the fish and small animals abundant in that area. They are wary, though, and it's difficult to get close enough for a good photo. This bird was about 150-175 yards away.

On most days, during decent weather, there are usually 15 or 20 cars of people observing this magificient bird, most with cameras with looooong lenses (500-600mm). This shot was taken with Canon 20D, Canon 70-200mm L IS lens with a 1.4 power teleconverter. Equivalent focal length 448mm hand held. If I had used a tripod it would be sharper.

2007-12-10T10:31:00.000-08:00

As I was looking down on Brigham, I was reminded again of the miracle of a child. As I placed my hand against his he instinctively grasped my thumb, and as I gazed in awe at the tiny fingers and miniscule finger nails of his hand, I wondered, how could anyone abuse one of these little ones?

2007-12-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

After recovering from a bad cold, I finally was able to go down to Ben and Jaime's house to see my new little grandchild, Brigham Benjamin Griffiths. (Such a large name for such a small baby!) He is only 5 days old, so he spent most of his time sleeping. I did get to feed him and hold him though. He is a very good little baby, rarely cries, but has his days and nights mixed up, so his mom is very tired!

2007-12-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

The Last Leaf on the tree. This photo symbolizes the feeling that creeps over you from time to time when you get older. The expression is, " I feel like the last leaf on the tree and the wind is blowing".

2007-12-07T09:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas Lights. Our neighbor across from us put up

a small net of lights over a bush. I threw the lights out of

focus and took this shot.

2007-12-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

Pass complete! BYU beat San Diego State Saturday, December 2nd, to end a second undefeated season in conference play and another Mountain West Conference championship. We had season tickets this year.

2007-12-03T11:49:00.000-08:00

This is the next frame of Max Hall's pass in the BYU to Utah game. Hall's receiver is nearly hidden behind Utah #94. (continued!)

2007-12-03T11:45:00.000-08:00

BYU's QB, Max Hall, prepares to throw in the final quarter of the game against the University of Utah. His receiver is not visible in this photo. BYU went on to win, 17 to 10 in the final one and one half minutes on a 4th and 18, 49 yard pass to Austin Collie. Very exciting. (Canon 70-200 F/4 IS with 1.4 converter. I am in the North end zone, the action is a the 50 yard line.)

Autumn Leaves

2007-11-08T15:28:00.000-08:00

Sunlight makes the Autumn leaves appear tranlucent in the morning light.

Delicate Pink Rose

2007-08-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

Taken with Canon 5D & 24-105MM L IS

2007-05-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

There has been a large die-off of honey bees in the last year, and no one can explain why. This is of great concern, not only for those who harvest (and eat) honey, but also for farmers who depend on them to pollenate their various agricultural plants. None-the-less, I caught this little fellow out doing what bees do, and he seems to be looking at me and perhaps thinking, "What are you lookin at?". [Click on my pictures for larger versions.]

2007-05-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

Spring flowers are my assurance that I have survived another winter and that life is good!