Calle 70 La Habana

Everybody talks about Cuba in comparisons. You have to appreciate it for what it is. Otherwise you miss the whole picture. 

Last February I traveled to Cuba with a friend from Florida to film a documentary about surfing in the luddite nation. It wasn't a video of us catching big waves, but rather of us using surf as a way to transcend political boundaries and connect with the people. We made friends with the Cubanos, ate with them and stayed in their houses. All because of our common connection––surf. Stay tuned for the documentary coming Summer 2015.

Soaring Above All 16 Utah Mormon Temples

I spent the last two months driving and droning all 16 Utah temples. I wanted to see these structures from a new perspective and showcase both their physical and spiritual significance for the mormon community in Utah. This video is a compilation of several shots from each temple. You can see each temple in detail here. And although I spent many hours driving to the various corners of Utah, it was worth the journey to make this drone video. Stay tuned for more videos to come!

The Ocean Becomes Alive

Michel Deffense, a native of Portugal, surfs every chance he gets––often waking up before 5am to catch a wave. For him, surfing is an opportunity to be alone and connect with the ocean. It's not recreation, it's a lifestyle. When the big waves come, the ocean becomes alive.

Beach Paradise with Only 40 Inhabitants

On the coast of Southern Mexico, there are 40 of the friendliest, kindest and most hospital people you will ever meet. Playa Grande may not be large, but it is full of character and long, pristine beaches. A visit to this village is well worth the journey off the beaten path. 

Mayan Ruins in Palenque, Mexico

Deep in the state of Chiapas in Mexico is a hotbed of ancient Mayan ruins. Palenque is the largest and grandest of them all. Amazingly, only 2 percent of the ruins have been uncovered—which means there is still a whole Mayan city buried in the jungle!

Originally I had wanted to drone over Palenque. I brought my drone, hiked up a temple and hid on the top while I assembled my drone. I knew it wasn't necessarily legal to fly my drone but I thought if they couldn't find me then no harm done. Right as I was about to take off, a guard came around the top of the temple and found me. He calmly told me that I couldn't fly there and if I did I would be fined $20,000 pesos. Ouch! So maybe it's better that I didn't fly my drone although I really wanted to. This video, then, is only from the ground. And without my glidecam! (They told me I couldn't bring that in either). Sorry about the shakes! 

82-year-old Hammock Master

Inocente, a veteran 82-year-old hammock maker, comes from Playa Grande, Mexico––a village of only 40 people. This place is beyond remote. And in his simple palapa, it takes him four days to make each double-weaved hammock he sells. I jumped at the opportunity to capture a story about a characteristic man from a village only a handful of people know about. The beach, the sun and the 40 people were incredible.

Drink Good Coffee. Read Good Books.

So, I don't drink coffee. And I made a video about it. Why? Because I'm a fan of the cafe culture––the open atmosphere, the rich conversations and the diverse people. Frontera is a hot new cafe in San Cristobal, Chiapas, Mexico and I'm a regular. Paúl, the owner, spent the beginning of his career in the coffee trade working everywhere from Central America to Europe to East Africa. And now he is back in his native Chiapas. He brings a passion with him for artisan coffee and food. Frontera is a unique environment to experience both the local and regional coffee (and food). Oh, and the chilaquiles are killer. 

San Diego Temple

The San Diego Temple seem from above (and below). 

Chandelier Cover by Amber Lynn

I'm a fan of Sia's music and she blew us away with her release of Chandelier earlier this year. Amber Lynn, a very talented local musician, made an awesome cover of the song. For filming the video, Amber wanted to shoot just after sunset so we could see the city lights. You photographers and videographers understand that shooting in low light and no external lighting can be a real challenge. With a little bit of luck and serendipity, we were at the right place at the right time to get the perfect shots. Take a look!

Angels Landing –– Zion National Park

A good friend of mine and I roadtripped down to Southern Utah last weekend in a futile attempt to get into the Wave. Sadly, we didn't make it in, but that's okay. Instead we hiked Angels Landing in Zion National Park and some other areas in Northern Arizona. It was a spectacular trip. And of course, no trip is complete without the drone. I schlepped  it up 1400 feet to the top of Angels Landing to get the video below. Feel free to share!

Camp, Wake Up, and Drone →

This was my daily routine this weekend. A good friend and I road tripped down to Southern Utah to get into the Wave (We didn't get in by the way) and ended up on wild three-day journey through Northern Arizona, Zion and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Park. Of course, I carried my drone everywhere and had to get some stellar shots of the amazing scenery. Stay tuned for the Angels Landing video where I fly the drone above a 1400 ft canyon!

Washington D.C. Temple from Above!

I was in D.C. this past weekend shooting a wedding. I got some great shots of the temple both from the air and on the ground and I thought I would make a little vignette to share with you! The actually wedding videos will be done shortly––complete with drone footage. Stay tuned!

Some More Drone Magic

Had a grand time this weekend flying my drone up Provo Canyon on the Alpine Loop as well as giving it a spin around the Utah Capitol. Enjoy! (And feel free to subscribe to my Youtube Channel!)

Drone Footage at Bridal Veil Falls

Yes, I have a drone now. And it is unreal flying it. You wouldn't believe how easy It is to maneuver the copter—too easy even. For more of my drone footage, check out my Instagram @thefriendlydrone. 

Bridal Veil Falls is up Provo Canyon. It's a great place for an afternoon stroll, pictures or even a picnic. I filmed this short video with the drone and edited it on my iPhone 6 plus. Enjoy!

I have been doing a lot of test footage with the drone to make sure I can handle flying it when I film weddings. Imagine breathtaking aerial shots of the temple spliced into final wedding video. I think it will give  a nice touch. I've already used it in a music video with Ashley Hess which worked out well. No casualties yet! You can see the video here.

Viking Ships

Viking ships were dug up from the bottom of the Roskilde fjord in the early 60's and have been standing since in the Viking ship museum in Roskilde Denmark. Real Vikings sailed in these ships. They plundered, traded, fished, and attacked in them. I love the thought that we can witness centuries of history simply through the types of transport a people used. The ships tell the light and dark sides of the Vikings' expansive power and dominance. I wonder when in centuries to come what people will make of our modern-day ships. What will our cars, airplanes, and cruiseliners reveal about our lives?

The Modern Vikings

Denmark has a deep connection with the Vikings. Every year, in the town of Frederikssund, people gather together, dress up as Vikings, and perform a Viking play. I interviewed several of them and what I learned was remarkable. Some participate for the camaraderie, others because they grew up going to the play, and a few participate because they believe in the Norse gods.

Danish Flea Markets

Danes have an amazing flea market culture. There is no limit to what and how you sell. Danish country roads are peppered with these makeshift flea markets selling everything from fresh strawberries to antique dinner plates to random kitsch. 

One in 400

Denmark consists of more than 400 islands, but not each one is created equal. Among the many options for a cozy get away, the island of Langeland attracts more tourists and vacationers than most other islands in the small country. Our week on this oblong plot of land in the Baltic Sea was nothing short of magical with its rolling fields, savory food, and impressive wildlife. It was simply natural to take a few pictures of what was around us and now I can see why so many flock to Langeland to get away. It's a one-of-a-kind island.

A different perspective

I took this picture at the base of Ensign Peak. I find inspiration in seeing the vastness of the valley. The openness contrast with the tight closeness of everyday life going to school, going to work, and studying.