Portfolio

Smooth Sunset

This image is from Flamingo Beach, Guanacaste Costa Rica. When I captured this scene the colors in the sky were not intense, so I decided to shoot focused on the "smooth mood" of the flowing water and the blue tones of the ocean. The log as a foreground element was the main reason why I decided to compose the scene from that location, down low and close. Notice the fine details of the sand, the rich texture of the log and the soft transition from the sand to the water. The final result is a soothing and tranquil seascape.

Cloud Forest Glow

It was raining on and off during the afternoon of this incredible sunset at the Costa Rica Cloud Forest. Since the weather was changing so much, I was keeping an eye on the sunset because usually "bad" weather can transform into amazing pictures. Sure enough, the rain stopped and I couldn't believe what I saw from my cabin, it looked like the mountains were on fire. I ran to a viewpoint where I was able to witness this amazing sunset. The rain in the distance was reflecting the orange warm light from the sun, creating this wonderful glow that lasted less than three minutes. A big part of Nature Photography is being at the right place at the right time.

Light and Darkness

Sunrise from Vermilion Lakes in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. It was a cold, snowy, winter morning with a sky full of clouds before sunrise. However, the sky cleared up letting the sun shine through the left side of the composition. On the right, dark clouds were moving fast towards Mount Rundle covering it in a dramatic way. I decided to name this image "Light and Darkness" because of the great contrast. The movement of the clouds creates a dynamic scene and the lake a perfect mirror of this wonderful moment.

Lake Agnes in Fall

Lake Agnes is a great place to photograph during fall. For this composition I wanted to have a clean foreground with reflections on the water. The golden larches on either side of the image form leading lines to the center of the scene, which are accentuated with the mirror reflections on the water. This creates an almost perfect geometric view that is drastically contrasted with Devil's Thumb peaks, rising dramatically from the lake's shore on the background. Lake Agnes is located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. The trail starts from the shore of the famous Lake Louise.

Lake McArthur Autumn

Lake McArthur is located in Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada. This is one of the many fascinating lakes around Lake O'Hara. Its strong and deep blue color is amazing. The landscape makes you feel like you are in paradise; surrounded by mountains, trees, wildflowers and marmots!

Castle on Fire

The magnificent Castle Mountain is located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. This image was taken next to the Bow River at sunset, the temperature was -15C. For this composition I wanted to maximize the reflections on the water transforming the flow of the river into a smooth mirror.

Aurora - Ghost Lake

The Aurora Borealis captured at Ghost Lake, near Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The camera captured in a nice way green, yellow, magenta, purple and red colors. I really like this composition with foreground elements inlcuding rocks and a log. The lake was still frozen and has a nice smooth green cast from the Aurora. The trees on the left balance the composition of this image. The Northern Lights are a wonderful nature event.

Bow Valley Aurora

Aurora Borealis from Bow Valley in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada. This image was taken during the maximum intensity of the aurora. For the first time I was able to capture some purple. It was very exciting! The composition for this scene is simple and focuses on the sky. The trees, clouds and mountains in the background add interest without competing with the Northern Lights.

Red-eyed Tree Frog

This amazing frog is commonly known as "Red-eyed Tree Frog" or "Rana Calzonuda" in Spanish. Its scientific name is Agalychnis Callidryas. It has big red eyes, an intense green body with blue and yellow stripes, orange feet and a white belly. Males measure around 6cm while females are bigger, growing up to 7.5cm. Its different colors make this frog one of the most photographed frogs in the world. Its camouflage is excellent by shrinking into a small form, hiding its eyes and colors with its legs and body, becoming part of any green leaf. Usually they don't move a lot, making them a great subject to photograph. For this composition I wanted to emphasize the big red eye. This image was taken in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica.

Red Drop

I took this image at Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The ladybug was walking and feeding all over the plant, I decided to get down low and close with my camera mounted on a tripod using a macro lens. The red color of the ladybug makes a nice contrast with the purple of the flowers. The shallow depth of field blurred the grass in the background becoming a nice green canvas, enhancing the flowers and the ladybug in the foreground. I took as many shots as possible and the artistic look and composition of this image made it my favorite.

Green and Black Poison Dart Frog

The Green and Black Poison Dart Frog is native to Central America and some parts of South America. These tiny frogs can measure around 20mm. Taking this image was a challenge while the little frog kept jumping around. I like the blurred background due to the shallow depth of field used, the deep green of the leaves and the intense turquoise color of the frog which contrasts with its black spots. This image was taken in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica.

Warrior

This bull elk was roaming around its herd when it decided to rest, while still remaining vigilant of the surroundings. The antlers of this warrior were as impressive as the injuries it had around its eyes; probably from previous battles with other bull elk. When a foolish human got too close to one of the cow elks, it made it clear to stay away with its loud call.

Bull Moose

A Bull Moose in Spray Valley Provincial Park, Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada. This moose was feeding together with a cow moose and a young bull moose. After a while this big guy decided to lay down and rest. I took this image with a telephoto lens from the roof of my car by opening the moonroof, allowing me to get an interesting composition.

Innocence

Puerto Adolfo López Mateos is a fabulous site for gray whale watching. It is located in Comondú, Baja California Sur, México. The offshore barrier created by Isla Magdalena makes it a safe place for whales to give birth. Since I knew we had a good chance of getting close to the whales, I wanted to capture their peaceful essence by getting a closeup of an eye. We were fortunate enough to get very close to a mom and a curious baby. This image represents exactly what I envisioned, the innocent look of a baby gray whale emerging from the ocean.

Resplendent Quetzal

I lived in Costa Rica for 32 years of my life and never saw a Quetzal because I never went looking for one. After moving to Canada and starting with photography, I realized how I missed many amazing opportunities and experiences because you take things for granted. This is my first official Resplendent Quetzal image taken in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica. This male was feeding and perching on an "aguacatillo" tree which is a a fruit of the avocado family. Males have four extended uppertail coverts up to 76cm long. In this image its tail was hiding behind some branches so I decided to compose focusing on its amazing red and green feathers that cover its body. Don't take things for granted and go enjoy the things that surround you wherever you live.

Keel-billed Toucan

Keel-billed toucans are one of the most striking birds you can see in Costa Rica. The multicolored bill is so unique that it is easy to understand why many people travel looking for this species. The contrast of green, yellow, orange, blue and red colors on its bill is wonderful. The yellow feathers on its throat and chest have an outer red ring that separates them from the black feathers on the rest of its body. On top of all these, its feet are blue! A magnificent bird that will always be a great subject to photograph. This image was taken in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica.

Eight Ducks

This image of a Common Goldeneye family was taken in Forget Me Not Pond, Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada. The little seven ducklings were swimming with mom, staying away from the people around the pond. Whenever they felt in danger they quickly swam to regroup. I took this image with my telephoto lens, being able to capture all eight of them. I like how two out of the eight are in focus staring towards my position.

Ornate Hawk-Eagle

One of the three Hawk-Eagle species found in Costa Rica. This Ornate Hawk-Eagle was hunting, waiting for a prey to show up and then dove into the forest trying to capture something. I was delighted with this amazing bird for half an hour, it wasn't easy to follow but when it perched looking for a prey I took advantage of the opportunity to capture some great images and video. The intense look on its eyes and the size of the talons are the main things I like from this image. Boca Tapada, Costa Rica.

Green Honeycreeper

Portrait of a Green Honeycreeper. Beautiful bird with turquoise and black colors. An amazing contrast from Mother Nature. Scientific name: Chlorophanes Spiza. Image taken in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica.

Red-headed Barbet

Red-headed Barbets are small birds that measure around 6 inches or 15cm. You can find many nice birds in Costa Rica, making it diffcult to have a favorite one. However this little bird is easily on my top 3 favorite birds. I love that it's small, it looks mad and it is so colorful. The contrast of red, black, white, yellow, orange and greeen on the male make it look unreal. A very cute bird that I'm glad to have in my portfolio. Cinchona, Costa Rica.