Hidden away in the mountains that create and surround Southern California, are rare glimpses into the past of what wild California once was. Los Padres National Forest protects much of these lands from future development and maintains the trail heads that lead into the backcountry and wilderness of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Monterey Counties. Once entering these mountains, you find a lost paradise that contains many surprises to those willing to travel these trails.

The true subject of these images is "ancient light", as it defines the land and elements within the scene. Ancient light refers to the way light falls onto an object to reveal a timeless quality to the scene and locations. I capture the scenes when the light is optimal to reveal this timeless moment that could have existed in any time before.