Creativity in photography.

Exploring Augmented Reality and Experiential Design

Researching the beneficial influence of augmented reality (AR) on the human experience, then building and deploying an AR app of my own to serve as a proof of concept.

Photo Contest

Building Brand Awareness through Collaboration

It's tough starting a photography blog. Luckily, I met some incredible people in the early stages, and an idea was hatched—a good old fashioned photo contest, with a twist.

Merch Design

Creativity for a Cause— Fundraising for Victims of Hurricane Irma

Watching hurricanes destroy so much of the Caribbean was gutwrenching. Wanting to help out, I designed some merch and called on my blog followers. Read what we accomplished.

Fundraising for Victims of Hurrican Irma

I have lots of cool photos. Now what?

That was the question I asked myself as I officially approached the 1TB limit on my cloud drive. There had to be something more productive I could be doing with my photographs.

This desire for something more led to the creation of a travel blog, Flip Flops & Palms. My blog has given me the freedom, and a platform on which, to explore creative uses for my work, where my photographs have provided travel inspiration for thousands of individuals, businesses, and tourism professionals. My passion for photography transcends simply capturing beautiful shots, though—it's about connection to a larger community. I've developed a photo contest to encourage others to take their best shot (with $3,000 in prizes from businesses in the BVI), designed teeshirts that raised over $1,000 to help victims of Hurricane Irma rebuild their local school and health clinic, and through connections made while traveling, donated $500 in supplies and toys to victims of Hurricane Irma in St. Thomas.

Flip Flops & Palms Caribbean Travel Blog

Under the stars

Nestled along the shore of the North Sound on Virgin Gorda, in the British Virgin Islands, this venerable resort helped pioneer water sports in the BVI, and today serves as popular sailing and kitesurfing destination. Sharing the dazzling North Sound with neighbors such as Richard Branson (Necker and Moskito Islands) and Larry Page (Eustatia Island), Bitter End attracts intrepid travelers who value solitude and spectacular surroundings, undeterred by the level of effort required to reach it.

This photo was captured just after sunset on a perfect spring evening, two years before Hurricane Irma struck. I stepped away from our friends for a few minutes to wander around the property, and practice some long-exposure shots before our boat arrived to take us back across the sound. I set up my tripod on the main dock, took a few shots, and nearly lost my sh!t when I previewed them. Sometimes spontaneity produces the most memorable images.

Twilight at Bitter End Yacht Club, British Virgin Islands

Golden hour in the altstadt

Lucerne is situated among one of the most stunning natural settings in Europe. Straddeling the banks of the Reuss River, the city enjoys majestic views of the pristine waters of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps. The city posesses a rich history and vibrant culture, and is well known as an architectural treasure trove. Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque influences dominate its colorful alstadt, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We love joining the locals in wandering city streets at sunset, and the streets and bridges of Lucerne were absolutely mezmerizing. Long after the daytrippers left, and al fresco diners began filling up the sidewalk cafes, the city developed a magical feeling, coercing us to slow our pace and marvel in the golden glow cast throughout the city. I don't remember how often we stopped, but I do remember every vista being utterly enchanting.

Sunset on the Reuss River, Lucerne, Switzerland

An icon of the American Southwest

Perhaps the most photographed river bend in the country, the mystique surrounding the Colorado River at Horseshoe Bend is tough to capture in photographs. It must be experienced first hand to truly appreciate its scale and splendor.

We arrived in Page late in the afternoon. My heart sunk as we drove past a neverending line of cars parked on the shoulder of Highway 89. Instagram strikes again, I surmised. Perhaps I'll just take sunrise photos instead. So the next morning, I woke up at 5:00 am and hiked to the rim of the canyon, guided only by the light on my phone and the first slivers of light breaking the horizon behind me. When I arrived, it was just me and another couple. We nodded at each other, as if the three of us knew that this was the best time to experience the magic. That morning, I watched the sunrise in complete silence, yet never saw the sun... This was one of the last images I captured before I headed out, eager to escape the incoming crowds.

Sunrise at Horshoe Bend, Page, Arizona

Dusk in the City of Light

The best views in Paris are not from the Eiffel Tower, but of it. One of the most recognizable monuments on the planet, the Eiffel Tower beckons travelers from around the world to experience the magic of the French capital—enjoy world-class art and culture, indulge in mouth-watering cuisine, and partake in the joie de vivre.

This photo almost didn't happen. Paris was the last leg of our European trip, and I was exhausted from driving all day. We had finished dinner and were wandering along the Champs-Élysées, taking sunset photos of the Arc de Triomphe. "Dad, can we go up? There are great views from up there, perfect for photos," my older daughter mentioned as we started heading back to our Airbnb. What? How did I miss the fact that we could climb the Arc de Triomphe?! We corrected our course and picked up the pace, hoping to make it up before closing time. We watched as day transitioned to night, and marvelled as the City of Light came to life.

The Eiffel Tower at Dusk, Paris, France

A feast for the senses

One island, two vibes... The Dutch side of the island (St. Marteen) is far more developed—lined with 80s era resorts, numerous bars and resturants, and a smattering of casinos that cater largely to American and Dutch holidaymakers, along with the cruise ship crowd. The French side (St. Martin), on the other hand, is far less developed, a bit grittier, and a whole lot wilder.

Home to secluded beaches and isles, lively street parties, and a diverse food scene, St. Martin enjoys a unique heritage found nowhere else in the Caribbean. One afternoon we're devouring mouthwatering barbeque at a roadside barrel grill, and eight hours later we're experiencing the extravagant atmosphere of Les Mardi de Grand Case. St. Martin truly is a feast for the senses. Here's a shot of the aforementioned beach town of Grand Case, where we dined at a restuarant that served the island's ecclectic fusion of French, Creole, and Afro-Caribbean cuisine... quite literally on the beach.

Dinner at sunset, Grand Case, St. Martin, FWI

Monument Valley at sunset, Monument Valley, Arizona

The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Chabil Mar at sunset, Placencia, Belize

Sailboat in Peter Bay, St. John, US Virgin Islands

Sunrise at Cap de Formentor, Mallorca, Spain