This was my first time bringing the 80-400mm telephoto lens up to the White Mountains and it was a joy to use. I was able to pick out faraway scenes to emphasize the scale and barrenness of the landscape. Last Light in the Shadow of Campito Mountain, White Mountains

Remains of an Old Bristlecone Pine in Afternoon Light, White Mountains Mamiya RB67 with 50mm lens and 812 warming filter; Kodak Ektachrome 100 Alpine Plateau in Late Afternoon Light, White Mountains Mamiya RB67 with 50mm lens and 812 warming filter; Kodak Ektachrome 100 #photography #nature #film

Minaret Summit Wildflowers at Sunrise, Eastern Sierra Nikon N80 with 16-35mm lens, 3-stop graduated ND filter, and Nikon SB-28 flash; Fujifilm Velvia 50 #landscape #photography #california #sierranevada #mammoth

(1/5) My backpacking trip into the Ansel Adams wilderness last summer was a memorable one. It was the only backpacking trip I’ve done where I had cell service at my campsite, and four bars’ worth at that! But most memorably, to reach this lake, I struggled up a very steep talus slope with a full

(1/4) This shot is one of my favorites from a backpacking trip I did last summer in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. This small patch of Sierra primrose seemed to grow right out of a cluster of boulders not too far from my campsite. I found them late in the afternoon already illuminated by some fine

(1/5) I'll always remember this composition as the one that cost me a camera body. This comes from the spring of last year. I found this scene in the foothills of Mount Diablo and hiked up a steep hill to photograph it. I finally figured out the right spot for my tripod on top of some boulders and

(1/4) I haven't posted here in a while but I have been busy photographing since the start of the new year. I'm still working on finishing up some of those photos and putting together a blog to show you all. In the meantime I'd like to share some photos from last year that I haven't yet posted here.

(1/2) Ripples of the Merced River in Spring, Yosemite Valley Nikon Z7 with 80-400mm lens I snapped this photo late in the afternoon as I was walking along the Merced River in Yosemite. Direct sunlight on the water had faded so I wasn’t sure whether I could get good light.

(1/2) The final installment of my blog series is now available on my website (link below). "Artistic Dilemmas in Yosemite Valley" dives into my thought process as I wrestle with how to create meaningful work in one of the most recognizable places in the world.

Egret Taking off from a Lagoon, Marin County Nikon F100 with 80-400mm lens and 812 warming filter; Kodak Ektachrome 100 #wildlifephotography #marincounty #california #filmphotography

Lupines After Afternoon Showers, Tilden Regional Park Nikon F100 with 16-35mm lens and 2-stop graduated ND filter; Kodak Ektachrome 100 #landscapephotography #bayarea #wildflowers

No churning clouds, no furious winds, no dramatic light breaking through, just the sun's first rays dancing across one of our planet's most spectacular & imposing massifs. Torres del Paine, Patagonia. #photography #travel #bluesky #nature #landscape #naturephotography #landscapephotography #scape

Rolling Hills After a Clearing Storm, Mount Tamalpais State Park Nikon F100 with 24-70mm lens and 812 warming filter; Kodak Ektachrome 100 #bayarea #landscapephotography #filmphotography

Wheeler Ridge and the Owens Valley at Dawn, Eastern Sierra Nikon F100 with 80-400mm lens and 2-stop graduated ND filter; Fujifilm Velvia 50 #sierranevada #landscapephotography #filmphotography #california

Lenticular Clouds over Long Valley, Eastern Sierra Nikon F100 with 55mm lens and 2-stop graduated ND filter; Fujifilm Provia 100F #landscapephotography #sierranevada #filmphotography #california

Mobius Arch on a Winter’s Morning, Eastern Sierra Nikon F100 with 16-35mm lens; Fujifilm Velvia 50 #landscapephotography #filmphotography #sierranevada

I felt extremely fortunate to glimpse these incredible birds up close. Several ospreys circled around the lakeshore, landing on a tufa overlooking Mono Lake. My blurb about this photo is too long to fit here but you can read more about it here: www.calvinchiuphotography.com/blog/back-to...

I saw these clouds blowing over the slopes of Mount Morgan and spent at least half an hour and a good chunk of a roll of film trying to capture the right wisp of clouds. Windswept Clouds over Mount Morgan, Long Valley Nikon F100 with 80-400mm lens and circular polarizer; Fujifilm Velvia 50

(1/2) I noticed these shadows on Lone Pine Peak just after sunrise and loved how they emphasized the deep grooves in the mountains. A circular polarizer cut down on the scattered light and made the effect even more noticeable.

I've wanted to photograph wildflowers in the Owens Valley for years now. When I went this spring l heard that the dry winter probably wouldn't result in many flowers. Much to my surprise, I found these lupine along a creek in full bloom.

I have another blog post up, titled "Back to the Mountains" (www.calvinchiuphotography.com/blog/back-to...). Just when I thought I was out, the Sierra pulled me back in! As I talked about in my last article, l photographed to my heart's content in the Bay Area for much of the first half of 2025.

Weathered Oak Tree on a Hillside, Mount Diablo State Park Nikon F100 with 80-400mm lens and 812 warming filter; Kodak Ektachrome 100 #landscapephotography #filmphotography #bayarea

Afternoon Storm Light from Hurricane Point, Big Sur Nikon F100 with 16-35mm lens; Fujifilm Provia 100F Another photo that's available on my website! You can also read more about the story behind this shot on my blog (link here: www.calvinchiuphotography.com/blog/no-plac...) #landscapephotography

Wave Crashing Onto a Boulder, Rodeo Beach Nikon F100 with 80-400mm lens with 812 warming filter; Kodak Ektachrome 100 #landscapephotography #filmphotography #bayarea

(1/3) Here's another photo from new blog, "No Place Like Home" (link below). On this morning, I photographed sunrise on Mount Tamalpais and then drove down into the mountain's watershed, intent on hiking the Cataract Falls Trail.

(1/2) I sat on a small bluff slightly elevated above the rest of the plateau and waited as the elk roamed around. I saw the bull herding the pack closer and closer to the water, conveniently in front of my lens. The cotton candy skies provided just the right amount of color for the scene.

I'm back again with eight months' worth of photos and a new blog, "No Place Like Home" (link on my profile). This is the first of a three part series. You can sign up for updates through the email list on my website. www.calvinchiuphotography.com/blog/no-plac...

(1/5) This picture shows an example of what may be up on the auction block if the United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources passes its proposal to put up 3 million acres (a combined area three times the size of Rhode Island) of federal land across eleven states for sale.

Though I have tried my best to refrain from political discussions in my photographic work, recent events have forced me to set that rule aside. In February, the Trump Administration fired 1,000 National Park Service employees and at least 2,000 others from the Forest Service.

Cascades beneath Picture Peak, Sabrina Basin, Inyo National Forest Nikon FM10 with 20mm lens and combination of 3-stop and 2-stop graduated ND filters; Fujifilm Velvia 50 #landscapephotography #filmphotography #sierranevada #california

Lakeshore Wildflowers, Little Lakes Valley Nikon F100 with 18-35mm lens, 2-stop graduated ND filter, and Nikon SB-28 flash; Fujifilm Velvia 50 #filmphotography #sierranevada

In Peru, I saw alpenglow so vivid and vibrant that it looked fake. The contrast of orange light on these jagged peaks imposed against a dark sky created this fascinating scene. A shining beacon against the fading light 🕯️ #Peru #mountains #landscape #waterfall #waterfallwednesday #nature

Mount Humphreys and Basin Mountain above the Owens Valley at Sunrise Nikon F4 with 80-200mm lens and 2-stop graduated ND filter; Fujifilm Velvia 50

In case you missed it, my book “Coming Home” now has a second edition hardcover and e-book available. You can find a link to that here: www.calvinchiuphotography.com/prints Early Evening Thunderstorm in the Owens Valley Nikon F100 with 80-200mm lens; Fujifilm Velvia 50

My book “Coming Home: A Photographer’s Journey through the Sierra Nevada” is now in stock again on my website in hardcover and as an ebook. You can find a link to both on my profile. Grazing Horses on Owens Valley Ranch Land, Eastern Sierra Nikon F4 with 80-200mm lens; Fujifilm Provia 100F

Milky Way above Moonlight Falls, Inyo National Forest Sony A7Ill with 18mm lens; single 20-second exposure #sierranevada #astrophotography #landscapephotography

A throwback to October when the the temperatures and leaf color in the Sierra were warmer. Fall Sunrise at Dunderberg Meadow, Eastern Sierra Nikon F100 with 55mm lens and 2-stop graduated ND filter #filmphotography #sierranevada #california

This was one of the best and most exhilarating days I have spent in Death Valley National Park. It is the only time I have seen so much sand swirling around Tucki Mountain and it created a fresh composition option after photographing here so many times. #blackandwhite #naturephotography

Giant Sequoia after a Winter Storm, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California Nikon Z7 with 24-70mm lens #california #sierranevada

Soca Valley, Slovenia Intrepid 4x5, Fuji Provia #socavalley #slovenia #triglavnationalpark #slovenija #bovec #filmphotography #largeformat #largeformatphotography #analogphotography #largeformatcamera #fujifilm #intrepidcamera #4x5 #triglavskinarodnipark #sočavalley #soča #provia #4x5film

Wheeler Peak on a Fall Afternoon (I) Nikon F100 with 80-200mm lens and 2-stop graduated ND filter; Fujifilm Velvia 50 #velvia50 #sierranevada #filmphotography

Really lovely photography and engaging science journalism from SF-based photographer Calvin Chiu on the ancient bristlecone pines www.calvinchiuphotography.com/blog/living-...

Autumn Sunrise over the Middle Fork of Bishop Creek Canyon, Inyo National Forest Nikon F100 with 16-35mm lens and 3-stop graduated ND filter; Fujifilm Velvia 50

Clearing Clouds over the Sierra Front Range at Sunrise, Owens Valley Nikon FM2 with 55mm lens; Fujifilm Velvia 50

Fall Storm Light on Mono Lake Tufas Nikon F100 with 16-35mm lens with 2-stop graduated ND filter #filmphotography #sierranevada #velvia50

Donohue Peak, Mount Andrea Lawrence, and Blacktop Peak at Sunset, Ansel Adams Wilderness Nikon F100 with 80-200mm lens and 2-stop graduated ND filter; Fujifilm Velvia 50 #photography #velvia50

First post here, so I guess it’s time to rebuild my portfolio. Winter Sunrise on Mount Tamalpais Nikon FM2 with 105mm lens; Fujifilm Velvia 50