An aerial study of back country haven Desolation Wilderness

In the Spring of 2015 I set out to document the effects of severe drought in the Lake Tahoe region. During this effort I captured aerial photographs of California's Desolation Wilderness from a doors-off helicopter providing a new and exhilarating perspective of this rugged and breathtaking landscape. Situated southwest of the Tahoe Basin, Desolation Wilderness is one of the most popular wilderness areas in the country. From above, a sea of glacially carved granite, alpine forests, and pristine peaks took on an exquisite, painterly feel. Bright, colorful pools of aquamarine hued water corralled by pine speckled fields of stone created a natural canvas of abstract art. The interplay of light and shadow, the intricate patterns of the terrain, and the grandeur of the natural features are all accentuated in this immersive aerial photography collection.