It has been raining on and off all day, and will continue all week. Or year round for that matter. We find ourselves constantly camping in these conditions, and I’m slowly learning why. When water particles add up between camera and subject, the light diffuses into something soft and delicate. This is a contrast to the landscapes and people with whom I connect. The fog sits heavily, muting the colors into black, white, and greens like a watercolor painting from my grandparents’ house. These dreary, isolated elements of the Pacific Northwest are where I draw inspiration for my work.

Behind the scenes of our Exploring The Cold Coast Story, up on National Geographic Adventure.

Here is a photo taken by National Geographic photographer Victor Englebert. I bought Vic's Leica M2 the other day, and he wrote me back saying "Thank you, Alex. Good luck with it." Wahooo I say! This photo is from his book "Wind, Sand & Silence: Travels With Africa's Last Nomads" Shot over 26 years and over 5 different visits, he spent his time with the Tuareg, Bororo, Danakil, and Turkana peoples. This book was recommended by Time magazine in the 1992 Christmas issue. Jesus!

I bought a Leica the other day! This M2 was built in 1958 and used on 9 National Geographic, and several Life and Time Magazine assignments by photojournalist Victor Englebert. His niche was documenting and learning from indigenous people. Wow... sold.

A slow burn still blisters.

California officials trying to keep up with the constant state of drought that has put the entire state at risk alongside the entire west side of the USA. California is in its third drought, yet it still consumes the most amount of water in the West do to its intricate water systems. Great article out in the October food issue of National Geographicthat tackles this threat.