There’s a quiet magic in the moments before dawn, when the world is still, the air crisp, and the sky undecided. It’s my favorite time to step outside, even when I don’t know where I’m headed. Some mornings I chase light. Others, I let it find me. Either way, it's a gentle reminder that not every photo needs a plan, and not every morning needs a masterpiece. Sometimes, the experience is the reward.

Tucked within the rugged beauty of Arizona’s Superstition Mountains lies a hidden gem known as the Wave Cave, a natural rock formation that frames sweeping desert vistas through a sandstone wave. In this blog, I take you along on a sunrise hike into the backcountry, navigating the steep, rocky trail before first light, chasing the subtle hues of dawn. With camera in hand and no clear expectation, I found magic in the moment, an interplay of light, texture, and solitude that defines much of my work. Join me on this journey to discover not just a location, but an experience where nature, timing, and perspective all align.

Until this particular morning, I’d never knowingly seen a Crested Caracara. Little did I know what I was in for when I focused my lens their way! Later, I’d be treated to desert thundershowers!

Today was all about birds, especially owls! I spent the morning photographing a Great Horned Owl family in Scottsdale, Arizona. By evening, I was two hours away at Saguaro National Park near Tucson, photographing an Elf Owl. What a memorable day!

I’ve long wanted to photograph the Big Crane Petroglyph, a historic site that fascinated me. On a cold night, I made it a priority and hiked aimlessly the next morning. Just as I was about to give up, I looked up—and there it was!

Traveling from Colorado’s snowy peaks to Utah’s sunlit deserts reveals a striking contrast: crisp mountain air to warm desert breezes, vibrant red rocks, and ancient cliffs, showcasing nature’s powerful transformation.

Back in 2021, I went on a road trip from Colorado to Canada. Somehow, I took images that I’d forgotten about. Strange, I know. Images from Lake Louise were seemingly lost in the shuffle.

Sunrise moves quick. If you are shooting more than one composition, be prepared to be busy!

The Cold Moon found me busy with moonrise workshops and moonset solo shoots. 

A New Day | Morning Time Well Spent

Supermoon rise out on the plains of Colorado. | Image from Full Moonrise Workshop | Jason Fazio Photography

The Front Range got slammed with snow! I had to go get some images! I had five compositions in mind. I hoped to bag them all!

Pikes Peak’s Warm Glow

I debated whether or not I was going to go out with the camera to photograph the sunset, but was there really ever a debate?

CO to CA, Day 6 of 6

Valley Of Fire State Park, NV

CO to CA, Day 5 of 6

A Glass Sunrise to a Pier 39 Sunset

CO to CA, Day 4 of 6

Walking On Glass & Purple Sea Creatures

CO to CA, Day 3 of 6

Highlights: Salt Point State Park and Ocean Wildlife

CO to CA, Day 2 of 6

Highlights: Yosemite at Sunrise and sunset along the coast!

CO to CA, Day 1 of 6
Highlights: Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) at Sunrise and a dinner date