When you show your best work to an enthusiastic room full of photographers, its exciting to say the least. To have the show in the entertainment capitol of the world… well, that’s even better! On Friday, Sept. 14th, I was lucky enough to be the guest speaker at the Nevada Camera Club in Las Vegas.

Allan Duff, NCC Programs Coordinator, was our generous and gracious host. Allan Duff, Deyanira Flores (NCC Community Liason), my wife Wendy, and I shared Asian dishes at PF Changs, then headed over to the large auditorium, just a few blocks right off the strip, where they meet twice a month.

After an introduction I began my “Secret Sedona and the Ancient Southwest” slide presentation. The images flowed one into the next on the club’s brand new, state-of-the-art projector and sound system.

I shared vivid images of the secret and sacred places of Sedona, the grandeur of Grand Canyon, the quirkiness of Route 66, and the stoic ruins of the American Southwest.

As the slides filled the screen, music moved the progression of images with subtle, but emotional presence. The curious and attentive group showed appreciation after each segment.

The show began with the song “East Meets West” by Burning Sky for the “Grand Canyon” segment. On the “Sedona” section it was the beautiful song “Where Rivers Meet” by the William Eaton Ensemble.

At the midpoint of the overall program I shared page spreads across the large screen of several of my magazine photo assignments. Each published article had stories about the “making of” the idea, the experience, and final images.

Then, Miles Davis gave my “Route 66” slide show just the right texture with “Doxy.” For the final piece, Robert Tree Cody chanted and played haunting Native American flute on “Zuni Dawn” for the “Ancient Southwest” slide show. His music felt like it came from deep in an echoing canyon which floated through the photos of Indian ruins and rock art.

After the slide show ended, the room of photographers asked questions about my equipment, methods, and how I created certain images. I also enjoyed sharing my story of becoming a full-time landscape and travel photographer.

Thanks to everyone who bought copies of my books, “Secret Sedona” and “Arizona Kicks on Route 66.” I hope it is a resonating souvenir of the wonderful evening!

P.S. If it wasn’t for Karen Galloway, a photographer who lives in Las Vegas, none of this would have happened. I met Karen through my Creative Photography class at Enchantment Resort. And she’s returning to the resort for a third time this Thanksgiving. Thanks Karen for connecting all the right pieces.