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Passion, Freedom, Adventure, Fulfillment, and Joy. That is just some of what photography offers. Sharing the experience with others is the reward. This blog is a collection of stories, tutorials, and insights I have gained in my exploration of light.
 This Old TreeThis morning, yesterday's snowfall left a thin, silky white blanket on the San Pedro Valley. A brief reminder of the unusual winter storm. The snow is gone from now; its feeble hold was no match as the high desert temperature climbed back towards normal. But, as the microscopic droplets left, they paused briefly in the mountains, coalescing into wispy clouds that bid farewell to their brethrens stronghold above 5,000 feet, and then wafted away forever.
In the Valley this morning a century old cottonwood sparkled in a rarely worn white blazer. It has been decades, if ever, that it had worn this coat, but it fit like it was tailor made. Behind the old tree, snow-covered Miller and Carr mountains, ancient in their reign, shone radiantly in the midmorning suns reflection while the resilient San Pedro river trickled southward, not allowing the cold to freeze its tepid flow.
I stood humbly as I took in this landscape. By human standards I am old, but here, next to God's creation, I understood that I am but an infant. Each day He provides me with a new opportunity to reflect on His greatness. Each day I pray for the privilege to share it with the world. I am but a scribe to the glory of His Grace and redemption.
Shoot Date: December 30, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture priority ¹⁄₁₆₀ sec at f/16 ‒ 2 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 150 mm
ISO: 100
This morning, yesterday's snowfall left a thin, silky white blanket on the San Pedro Valley. A brief reminder of the unusual winter storm. The snow is gone from now; its feeble hold was no match as the high desert temperature climbed back towards normal. But, as the microscopic droplets left, they paused briefly in the mountains, coalescing into wispy clouds that bid farewell to their brethren's stronghold above 5,000 feet, and then wafted away forever.
In the Valley this morning a century old cottonwood sparkled in a rarely worn white blazer. It has been decades, if ever, that it had worn this coat, but it fit like it was tailor made. Behind the old tree, snow-covered Miller and Carr mountains, ancient in their reign, shone radiantly in the midmorning suns reflection while the resilient San Pedro river trickled southward, not allowing the cold to freeze its tepid flow.
I stood humbly as I took in this landscape. By human standards I am old, but here, next to God's creation, I understood that I am but an infant. Each day He provides me with a new opportunity to reflect on His greatness. Each day I pray for the privilege to share it with the world. I am but a scribe to the glory of His Grace and redemption.
This Old Tree
©RGallucci Photography
---
Shoot Date: December 30, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture priority ¹⁄160 sec at f/16
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 150 mm
ISO: 100
 Winter in the High DesertI had a simple goal after I read the winter weather advisory last night. If it snowed in the valley, I was going to find someplace to get a picture of it. I hoped to get at least one image that captured the progression from arid desert to snow-covered wonderland. I never counted on a mothership cloud hovering over the summit of Miller Peak or the golden shafts of early morning light that highlighted the twin high peaks of the Huachucas.
While others drove towards the mountains to chronicle in great detail the wet snow-laden branches on the desert broom and cactus, I traveled to the dry land. It was the only way I might get my shot. As I drove down Hereford Road, past the river, and around the turn, I started looking for a place to set up. I've traveled that road a hundred times, but it was only on this journey that I noticed the high ridge overlooking the Echoing Hope Ranch. It was perfect. Pulling off the road, I climbed the wet, muddy incline and found myself on a tiny plateau whose vista view took in the San Pedro River, the entire valley and the full range of the mountains.
I cannot tell you why God provides me these opportunities and locations to tell the world the story of the magic that is southern Arizona. That knowledge is beyond my limited intellect. I just know that He continues to provide me with these blessings and I humbly capture and share them. I will scribe His greatness as long as He allows me the privilege and every day give thanks for the honor.
Shoot Date: December 28, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture priority ¹⁄₁₂₅ sec at f/8.0 ‒ 2 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 150 mm
ISO: 100
I had a simple goal after I read the winter weather advisory last night. If it snowed in the valley, I was going to find someplace to get a picture of it. I hoped to get at least one image that captured the progression from arid desert to snow-covered wonderland. I never counted on a mothership cloud hovering over the summit of Miller Peak or the golden shafts of early morning light that highlighted the twin high peaks of the Huachucas.
While others drove towards the mountains to chronicle in great detail the wet snow-laden branches on the desert broom and cactus, I traveled to the dry land. It was the only way I might get my shot. As I drove down Hereford Road, past the river, and around the turn, I started looking for a place to set up. I've traveled that road a hundred times, but it was only on this journey that I noticed the high ridge overlooking the Echoing Hope Ranch*. It was perfect. Pulling off the road, I climbed the wet, muddy incline and found myself on a tiny plateau whose vista view took in the San Pedro River, the entire valley and the full range of the mountains.
I cannot tell you why God provides me these opportunities and locations to tell the world the story of the magic that is southern Arizona. That knowledge is beyond my limited intellect. I just know that He continues to provide me with these blessings and I humbly capture and share them. I will scribe His greatness as long as He allows me the privilege and every day give thanks for the honor.
*I had not known of the Echoing Hope Ranch before today. I looked up their website. They are a non-profit that provides care for Autistic and developmentally challenged people. I had no idea such an organization existed way out here in the outskirts of what others call civilization. I am proud that they do. I plan on contacting them to see if there is anything we can do to help their efforts. Life doesn't get any better than when you are given an opportunity to give back.
Winter in the High Desert
©RGallucci Photography
 The HiddenI cannot imagine anything other than providence that allowed me to spot this regal eight-point buck hidden in the tall grass. Having left the house at 5:30am, I was returning from shooting the Christmas Day sunrise. In a passive driver's daze ceded by early hour and the empty road ahead of me, my thoughts focused on crawling back into bed for a couple of hours before starting the day's festivities when out of the corner of my eye, a random change in reflection brought me to full awareness. Slowing down, I expected to see a Harrier deftly gliding along the grasslands flowing ridges. Instead, I saw the copper-colored rack of this buck contrasting just enough with the pale flaxen hues of grass to make them visible. I believe he thought he was utterly camouflaged and, if not for the good fortune of an errant beam of light, he was.
I am continually awed by natures adaptations. The world that surrounds us can easily mingle into a smooth amalgam of sameness that hides its wonder and beauty when we do not take the time to examine its secrets. Seeing the sometimes stark but often subtle differentiation that allows creatures to merge with their surroundings offers a glimpse of the masterful artistry of Gods creation. I am blessed to be its witness and humbled to be His scribe.
Shoot Date: December 25, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture priority ¹⁄₅₀₀ sec at f/6.3 0 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 600 mm
ISO: 500
I cannot imagine anything other than providence that allowed me to spot this regal eight-point buck hidden in the tall grass. Having left the house at 5:30 am, I was returning from shooting the Christmas Day sunrise. In a passive driver's daze ceded by early hour and the empty road ahead of me, my thoughts focused on crawling back into bed for a couple of hours before starting the day's festivities when out of the corner of my eye, a random change in reflection brought me to full awareness. Slowing down, I expected to see a Harrier deftly gliding along the grasslands flowing ridges. Instead, I saw the copper-colored rack of this buck contrasting just enough with the pale flaxen hues of grass to make them visible. I believe he thought he was utterly camouflaged and, if not for the good fortune of an errant beam of light, he was.
I am continually awed by natures adaptations. The world that surrounds us can easily mingle into a smooth amalgam of sameness that hides its wonder and beauty when we do not take the time to examine its secrets. Seeing the sometimes stark but often subtle differentiation that allows creatures to merge with their surroundings offers a glimpse of the masterful artistry of Gods creation. I am blessed to be its witness and humbled to be His scribe.
The Hidden
©RGallucci Photography
---
Shoot Date: December 25, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture priority ¹⁄500 sec at f/6.3 0 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 600 mm
ISO: 500
 Christmas SunriseFor to us a child is born, to us a son is given. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
Today, as we rejoice in the gift of salvation and grace our Father bestowed upon us with the birth of His son may your spirit be filled with peace and your soul overflow with love.
This image was captured this morning in a field near my house. I do not need gifts on Christmas, I receive a bounty of them every day in the beauty and wonder of this world. I am blessed by the gifts from my Father and remain humbled to be His scribe.
Shoot Date: December 25, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture priority 30.0 sec at f/16 ‒ 1 EV
Lens: EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM @ 24 mm
ISO: 100
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
Today, as we rejoice in the gift of salvation and grace our Father bestowed upon us with the birth of His son may your spirit be filled with peace and your soul overflow with love.
This image was captured this morning in a field near my house. I do not need gifts on Christmas, I receive a bounty of them every day in the beauty and wonder of this world. I am blessed by the gifts from my Father and remain humbled to be His scribe.
Christmas Sunrise
©RGallucci Photography
---
Shoot Date: December 25, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture priority 30.0 sec at f/16
B&W ND10 Filter
Lens: EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM @ 24 mm
ISO: 100
 The Owl at the Beaver PondOne of the fascinating things about Owls is how well they blend into their surroundings. When you think about it, it is astounding. Here are some of the biggest birds in the forest and yet it is often impossible to see them while they roost on a branch near you. This was the case when Cindy and I found ourselves directly underneath this stately Great-horned Owl the other day.
We had heard that a pair of wood duck are wintering at an old abandoned beaver pond deep in the woods surrounding the San Pedro river. Trudging a mile and a half in the hot desert sun with my tripod, camera, and long lens over my shoulder, we finally reached a point on the trail that was parallel with the pond. From there, with no discernable path to follow, we had to bushwack through the woods to the spot where the ducks were supposed to be.
Have I mentioned lately that every plant in the Arizona high desert has some kind of thorn or pricker on it?
Navigating through the stinging underbrush and over the dried fallen leaves that covered the ground was not a silent process. By the time we reached the river there was no wood duck. I'm somewhat sure that they flushed to safer waters when they heard us approach. We waited an hour in the hopes that they would return before deciding to head back to the car.
As we turned to leave, we noticed a dry wash heading in the direction of the main trail. Not wanting to repeat the experience of the walk in, and unworried about the chance of a flash flood at this time of year, we decided to follow the cleared path out of the woods. With my tripod and camera once again over my shoulder and my head down, we began the walk out. We had only proceeded about ten feet when I noticed rocks covered in whitewash. Intrigued I looked up and there, not five feet over my head, was this Great-horned Owl. It had been watching us the entire time, completely unconcerned about our presence. Setting up my camera, I focused on the bird and realized that 600mm was way too much lens. Pulling back the lens so that the Owl was entirely in the frame I took my shots. Not wanting to overstay our welcome I only took about a dozen shots, thanked the bird for its accommodation and headed to the car.
The miracle of life that surrounds us is one of the greatest of Gods gifts. We have only to allow ourselves to become aware of our surroundings and open our eyes more fully to receive the reward of His splendor. I am blessed to have been given the privilege to experience these miracles and humbly remain a scribe to His wonders.
Shoot Date: December 21, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Shutter priority ¹⁄₅₀₀ sec at f/6.3 0 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 350 mm
ISO: 1250
One of the fascinating things about Owls is how well they blend into their surroundings. When you think about it, it is astounding. Here are some of the biggest birds in the forest and yet it is often impossible to see them while they roost on a branch near you. This was the case when Cindy and I found ourselves directly underneath this stately Great-horned Owl the other day.
We had heard that a pair of wood duck are wintering at an old abandoned beaver pond deep in the woods surrounding the San Pedro river. Trudging a mile and a half in the hot desert sun with my tripod, camera, and long lens over my shoulder, we finally reached a point on the trail that was parallel with the pond. From there, with no discernable path to follow, we had to bushwack through the woods to the spot where the ducks were supposed to be.
Have I mentioned lately that every plant in the Arizona high desert has some kind of thorn or pricker on it?
Navigating through the stinging underbrush and over the dried fallen leaves that covered the ground was not a silent process. By the time we reached the river there was no wood duck. I'm somewhat sure that they flushed to safer waters when they heard us approach. We waited an hour in the hopes that they would return before deciding to head back to the car.
As we turned to leave, we noticed a dry wash heading in the direction of the main trail. Not wanting to repeat the experience of the walk in, and unworried about the chance of a flash flood at this time of year, we decided to follow the cleared path out of the woods. With my tripod and camera once again over my shoulder and my head down, we began the walk out. We had only proceeded about ten feet when I noticed rocks covered in whitewash. Intrigued I looked up and there, not five feet over my head, was this Great-horned Owl. It had been watching us the entire time, completely unconcerned about our presence. Setting up my camera, I focused on the bird and realized that 600mm was way too much lens. Pulling back the lens so that the Owl was entirely in the frame I took my shots. Not wanting to overstay our welcome I only took about a dozen shots, thanked the bird for its accommodation and headed to the car.
The miracle of life that surrounds us is one of the greatest of Gods gifts. We have only to allow ourselves to become aware of our surroundings and open our eyes more fully to receive the reward of His splendor. I am blessed to have been given the privilege to experience these miracles and humbly remain a scribe to His wonders.
The Owl at the Beaver Pond
©RGallucci Photography
---
Shoot Date: December 21, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Shutter priority ¹⁄500 sec at f/6.3 0 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 350 mm
ISO: 1250
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