Southeast Asia!

Thailand and Laos - Oct 3-16, 08

In a remote village one afternoon, a woman with one sandal captured my full attention.

Paul doing some HD Videography in a Lahu village.

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." ~ Jesus of Nazareth

Kickin' it in Thailand!

... many images and stories to come.

Colorado Excursion!

July 8-13 was filled with hiking, rafting, photography, and priceless friendships.

David Zampini and I summit Pike's Peak (elev 14,110ft) less than 24 hours after arriving in Colorado. We are feeling the altitude.

The last morning we watch the sunrise from a hill overlooking the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. That's Pike's Peak on the horizon.

Happy Independence Day!

Knoxville's iconic sunsphere is illuminated by the 4th of July firework display.

Air Show - LAFB!

Sunday in Newport News, VA

I know that guy!

He's my brother.

"Rev" pulls onto the base in his Jeep Wrangler for a day at the office, and his first airshow.

Cousin John tries on the USAF's state-of-the-art, $100,000, gold-lined, HUD helmet.

Rev buzzes the British Royal Air Force.

As he flashes before the grandstand the Hassell men leap to their feet.  We scream in unison, "That's my brother!"  "That's my cousin!"  "That's my nephew!"  "That's my son!"

In a four-ship formation, they buzz beneath a skydiver toting a massive American flag.  Whew!  I'm one proud brother.  If you want your daily dose of abundant life, see his blog.

Kayaking Waterfalls!

Paul launches over Bald River Falls.

Amazing photo series shot by Phil Savage.  Check his website.

I'd whitewater kayaked the Smoky Mountain streams each season for 11 years, but for some wild reason I had never launched off a waterfall until Bald River Falls on saturday June 7, 2008. It won't be the last. What a rush! 

That's Chase Nobles giving me the paddle high-five after I emerged from beneath the falls. 

Moonlight Hike - Myrtle Point!

Stunning sunrise atop Mt. Leconte - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

6:30a.m. on 4 June 2008 from Myrtle Point

It was a beautiful morning. Hunter Bannister and I hit the trail at 3a.m and hiked the five miles up Alum Cave Bluffs Trail by flashlight on a starry moonless night. When we reached the spectacular Sand Mrytle-covered rock outcropping, some threatening storm clouds began to rush in upon us.

The high winds and slow shutter speed made for foreground foliage full of energy and motion. For just enough time to look up in amazement, the storm clouds opened, and the sun sent a rich red glow over the mountain and its Sand Myrtle in full blloom. The moment passed, but it will be remembered here by you and me forever.

Hunter, it was great to hike with you. Whenever you catch up on sleep, let me know, and we'll do it again.

Huff Family Tradition!

15-16 May 2008

I was amazingly honored to hike up Mt LeConte and stay at the lodge with the entire Huff family and friends. This was the first time I have ever stayed at the lodge. We hiked up Alum Cave Bluffs trail Thursday, and I came down Rainbow Falls trail on Friday. The climate was wet, streams and waterfalls were full, and the spring greens were just popping with vibrance. As a photographer, I was loving it!

Smoky Mountain spring forest along Rainbow Falls trail.

Rainbow Falls shrouded in fog.

Rounding the bend of Alum Cave Bluffs trail along the ridge to Mt LeConte.

-------------------------------

The lodge was founded by Jack and Pauline Huff in the 1920's.

Jack's daugher, Cookie, opens the door to the dining room as young Huff brothers Braden, Hunter, and Cade ring the bell. 

Guys, "You're the coolest!"

(The lodge operator takes the group picture looking up the steps from the dining area.)

Now that's a fun group!

A huge thanks to Lori Huff, Aunt Cookie, and Glenn Metts for inviting me to hear your stories, see the deep history you have on this mountain, and most of all to see the way you love one another. ~ Paul

Spring in the Smokies!

Spring 2008 has been a beautiful one in the Great Smoky Mountains.

It was a great surprise to be photographing these wildflowers and dogwood blossoms when this butterfly blew onto the scene and perched upon a trillium for the night. Dogwoods can be seen in the background.

Winter in the Smokies!

There was not a great deal of snow this winter, but there were many beautiful frosts.

On a cold January morning in Cades Cove, the frosted grasses sparkled as the rising sun lit the ice crystal formations.

Colombia - HD Video Project!

From 18-27 Jan 2008, I documented the intimate life stories of the Colombian people in HD video. Much more about this project, the vision, and its release will be coming in 2009.

"Your eye is a lamp for your body. A pure eye lets sunshine into your soul." ~ Jesus of Nazareth... Luke 11: 34 (NLT)

Sipping my favorite "café con leche" while filming a friend in his Bogotá home.

With my beautiful brothers and sisters (Leydi, Bellanira, Betty, and Jahiran) who dedicate their lives to serving the indigenous people of Colombia.

Bosque Pictures!

About 80 miles south of Albuquerque, New Mexico is a little-known wildlife refuge called Bosque del Apache. Each winter, a medley of bird species migrate south to the Bosque. Beautiful snow geese, sandhill cranes, ducks, and hawks fill the refuge.

The stimulus is overwhelming. As a breathtaking sunrise reaches its climactic burst of color, the snow geese take to the sky. In an instant, I am surrounded on all sides by 30,000 snow geese all honking in a deafening chorus. It's the Serengeti of the western hemisphere. Stunning!

Bosque del Apache, NM!

There's nothing like witnessing the thunder of 30,000 snow geese taking to pastel skies each dawn & dusk.

What a fantastic first trip to Bosque del Apache NWR in New Mexico. Many thanks to my friend John West not only for making this trip possible but also for being a great guide while we were on the refuge.

Thanks John!