January 2012

I have just returned from a wonderful adventure in Costa Rica. Beautiful deserted beaches, lush rain forests, stunning waterfalls and of course the amazing wildlife. But as distracting as all this was it did not stop me from exploring the diverse architecture this historic, tropical country has to offer.

The Beacon Escazu, a modern boutique hotel just outside of San Jose, was our first stop. Pictured here is their elegant fusion restaurant The Muse who's unique design offered an "aire libre" experience even in the pouring rain.

Casa Frangipani, a breathtaking vacation villa perched in the hill tops above the beach town of Montezuma was our next stop. I can't say enough about this magical place and the breathtaking views overlooking the forest and ocean surf. The owners have effortlessly combined modern and traditional building methods along with wonderful landscaping to capture the true essence of Costa Rican living. This villa confirmed my theory that when properly designed and executed air-conditioning is not a necessity.

I wanted to mention two other outstanding architectural locations that couldn't be more diverse. The Gaia Hotel is a modern, ecco friendly hotel perfectly located in the hills overlooking the Manual Antonio National Park. If your ever in the area a visit to the La Luna rooftop lounge will be sure to spark the debate as to which is more spectacular; the view, the tapas or the architecture. Finally is the Mansion del Parque Boivar a charming boutique hotel in the heart of San Jose. This historic mansion has been lovingly and delicately restored by a young Italian couple retaining all of its original charm.

July 2011

I wanted to give a shout out to Kananaskis Emergency Services and more specifically the Fire Department. With their help and cooperation we incorporated routine ladder truck training into a successful photo shoot for the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis. Getting us 65' up over the trees positioned the surrounding Rocky Mountains into perfect perspective neatly framing the Delta Lodge and allowing us a unique view that a ground level or even a helicopter couldn't provide.

We then moved our efforts across the way and up the road to the old heliport. With this elevated location it only took a 30' lift to expose the magnificent vista of the Kananaskis Valley and show how the lodge fits into this spectacular and rugged environment.

Thanks again to all the crew. It was a fun, successful photo shoot that we couldn't have done with out you.

April 2011

It's not very often I get to combine two let alone four clients on one project so I was delighted when "A Natural Attraction" appeared in a recent issue of Alberta Home Magazine.

Originally photographed for Kim Lund of Silver Bow WoodCraft to showcase all the incredible mill work throughout this wonderful home located on the outskirts of Calgary. About the same time Cam Kraych, President of Rocky Point Homes who built the home asked me to photograph it for their portfolio. I was pleasantly surprised when I later discovered that Jackson Baker McCormick Design was the architect on the project.

When these three groups put their creative heads together on one project the results had to be fabulous. When I pitched the home to Susan Minton Green over at Canada Wide Media she agreed and immediately choose one of our photographs for the cover.

May 2010

I hope to be spending a lot more time shooting in the Southern B.C. Interior since my wife, Gjoa and I have purchased a small vineyard on the Naramata Bench just outside of Penticton. As you may already know the Okanagan Valley is booming as hotels, resorts, golf courses, condos and estate homes are being developed at a record pace. We are located on the quiet eastern shore of Lake Okanagan within the Agriculture Land Reserve (ALR) surrounded by peaceful orchards, vineyards and wineries insulated from all the action yet I am only a short drive north to Kelowna or south to Osoyoos. It is the best of both worlds.

Please take a moment to visit www.gjoasvineyard.com and have a look at our little piece of heaven and our vacation rental property.