Jeff Nissen

The tree is gone now. I made this image during the winter of 2017 at my parents farm in western Iowa. It was an iconic tree known by most in their community, until this past summer, when a microburst swept through and blew it over. I’m grateful I trekked out in the morning fog and freezing temperatures to capture it one final time.

silhouette photo of lighthouse during golden hour

About one year ago, North Central California was being hammered by winter rains; ceaselessly. Clouds covered the skies day after day, and scenes like this were hidden for about two months. I was parched for color. Then one day the clouds you see in the distance rolled out, almost apologetically, as they seemed to file from left to right, beaten by the promise of Summer, leaving behind the beautiful aftermath.

Being the surfing capital of the US, Santa Cruz, CA is never in shortage of talented surf athletes. For the first time since living in the area, I turned my lens on the surfer and got down on their level, filling my rubber boots with ocean water instead of keeping it out. Most spectators and photographers watch from the cliff 60± feet above, but doing what most do, never achieved anything great.

silhouette of man walking on top of large rock

A second later, and this is just another guy walking on top of a natural bridge. I love how his stride mimics, so closely, the shape of the bridge below.