Valley of Fire Afternoon Sun By Charles L. Downing

From an early age I knew photography was my calling. By 10, I had saved enough money from selling newspapers to buy my first camera. Winning a trip to Mt. Hood ignited a passion for photography which still drives me today. The military and my career as a hydraulic design engineer took me across the globe, allowing me to capture thousands of moments through my lens. In 2014, as my career slowed, I embraced other passions-working with horses and venturing into remote wilderness areas far from crowds. There is nothing more exhilarating than immersing myself into nature. A single snapshot can spark a memory, but a truly exceptional photo captures the soul of a fleeting moment. I have stood in places so breathtaking they have left me speechless. Now I spend most of my time in Nevada, seeking to showcase it's raw beauty, from rugged Ruby Mountains to the blazing hues of the Valley of Fire, and of course the timeless splendor of Lake Tahoe.