Residency in Denmark, then Colorado, then California... Travel on three continents... I worked in 5 different US states chasing guiding and photo contracts. I slept in the front seat of my car too many times to count.
Managed some sweet alpine climbing ticks in the Rockies and the Sierra. With two new camera lenses I got some new visual perspectives and tried to learn how to "see" again. I got to test/play/shoot a lot of great outdoor gear from Osprey Packs, Camelbak, Blue Water Ropes, Grand Trunk, Mpowher Apparel, Optic Nerve sunglasses, inflatable kayaks from Innova etc....
I finally got to work with my sister, a dedicated activist - we spent time on a national project together helping a non profit realize and then document The Concert Across America To End Gun Violence in Santa Barbara meeting Ozomatli etc, shooting alongside long time Nat Geo editor/photographer and hero Bill...
Many amazing rainbows, sunrises and sunsets and unbelievably starry nights.
It was a gift reconnecting with the magic of the Southwest again after a five year hiatus - Wandering deep into the Navajo and Hopi reservations and the Grand Canyon.
Rediscovering my hometown - the rugged chapparal Coast Range backpacking, mountain biking, bouldering and trail running, the coastline surf and reconnecting with family was awesome.
The turbulence was certainly there, (working through injuries and the fitness curve to guide again in the Rockies and in the Grand Canyon etc) but the pain also provided much welcomed illumination.
What I recollect most however are the moments spent with friends both old and new - moments of connection with strangers - laughter as well as harsh perspective. Through mirrors offered and the hard-realized illuminations, life was lived in 2016... Thank you.
These are a few of my favorite images from the year...
All images ©Bennett Barthelemy/Tandem Stills + Motion
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