Category: Greg’s photographs

“Consolation Prize,” Greg’s November, 2019 Flying Carpet column

flying adventures, Flying Carpet column, Greg's photographs

Our weekend guests Alex and Sabina arrived to unseasonably wet and cold autumn weather.

As with previous visitors, I’d promised Alex a Grand Canyon aerial tour. I mention only Alex because while he and I had flown together before, Sabina had expressed such fear of airplanes that I’d presumptively invited another friend in her place. Saturday, rain confined us indoors. Based on forecast improvement, we designated Monday for hiking and autumn leaf-peeping. That left only Sunday, weather permitting, for flying.

Sunday morning, both Flagstaff Pulliam (KFLG) and Grand Canyon (KGCN) Airports reported scattered clouds at 1,700 feet above ground (AGL), roughly 8,700 feet above sea level (MSL). While that was adequate for the route, the Grand Canyon Special Flight Rules Area requires a 10,000-foot MSL minimum altitude to overfly the Canyon.

Lacking pilot weather reports, I explained that we could safely fly to the Grand Canyon, but depending on arrival-time conditions we might not be able to cross. Alex was predictably game to go. Sabina, however, surprised everyone by volunteering to join us—her sister and friends had told her she’d be nuts to miss the Grand Canyon from above.

Although apprehensive, Sabina took the copilot seat, usually best for nervous passengers. Noting clenched teeth and hands while taxiing out, I offered to turn around, but she insisted we continue. After takeoff, however, she began peering out the window…

**Continue reading Greg’s entire column, “CONSOLATION PRIZE” **.

Photo: “Inner Basin Aspens: Sunstruck autumn aspens line Arizona’s San Francisco Peaks.  (Available as a Fine Art Metal Print, Pilot Achievement Plaque, and in Art Note Cards.)

(This column first appeared in AOPA Flight Training magazine.)

Enjoy this story? Read my book, Flying Carpet: The Soul of an Airplane, available in print and your favorite ebook format.

New! Greg’s Photo Art Note Cards

Greg's photographs
Greg’s “Flying Carpet” Aerial Art Note Cards

Friends have long asked me to offer some of my most popular photographic images on high-quality “Art Note Cards” of the sort often found in art galleries, for use in personal communications with friends and clients.

It has taken me quite some time to research the highest quality cards, the most appropriate card stock, and to cull and select images. Well here, finally, are my first series offerings.

My “Flying Carpet” Art Note Cards series features some of my most popular “Views from the Flying Carpet” aerial photographs, while my Kachina Wetlands Art Note Cards showcase dramatic mountains-and-sunflowers landscapes.

Greg’s Kachina Wetlands “Mountains and Meadows” Art Note Cards.

These oversize 5″ x 7″ photo art greeting cards are press-printed on premium textured art watercolor stock, and come in multiples of four cards per image, including envelopes. (Various value packs offer up to five images on twenty cards.) Inner panels are blank for inscribing your own personal messages, and of course envelopes are included.

Learn more and purchase your own Art Note Cards here. Pending initial response, I plan to offer more aerial and terrestrial series in the future, and welcome your feedback on what those should be.

Thanks to all who encouraged me to imprint my images on art note cards, and for your patience in waiting for me to complete this first round. I predict you’ll be pleased with the outcome!

Greg

“Across the World for Lunch,” Greg’s May, 2019 Flying Carpet column

flying adventures, Flying Carpet column, flying destinations, Greg's photographs

Thursday, I flew to meet a pilot friend for lunch. Sounds routine, doesn’t it? But Uwe Goehl, Canadian Airbus captain who flies the world for a Middle-Eastern airline, lives in faraway Abu Dhabi. We last met six years ago, so when Uwe enrolled in hot-air balloon training just across the state line at Hurricane, Utah, I jumped at the chance to reconnect. As always when bound for unfamiliar airports, I phoned ahead.

“As long as you’re not staying over the weekend,” said Art Granger, manager of Hurricane’s General Dick Stout Field Airport (1L8). “We’re closing the runway for reconstruction Monday morning—you wouldn’t want to get stuck here for three months.”

That got my attention. Sure, I planned only a day trip, but what if delayed by weather or an unexpected mechanical problem? I remembered my friend Julie, whose airplane was stranded at another airport when runway reconstruction started two days early and she couldn’t leave. So I arranged to meet Uwe at nearby St. George Regional Airport (KSGU), instead.

St. George is only 150 miles from Flagstaff, but over a stunningly remote route. Halfway lies none other than the Grand Canyon, followed by the uninhabited “Arizona Strip.” En route, only Grand Canyon National Park Airport reports weather, beyond which there are no airstrips, towns, nor even ranches for 100 miles. So while excited, I obsessively double-checked my survival kit, outerwear, water, and energy bars…

**Read Greg’s entire column, “ACROSS THE WORLD” **

Photo: “Hurricane Cliffs and the Pine Valley Mountains, Utah” (available as a Fine Art Metal Print). 

SEE MORE PHOTOS HERE!

(This column first appeared in AOPA Flight Training magazine.)

Greg

©2019 Gregory N. Brown

“Silence ‘in the soup,'” Greg’s April, 2019 Flying Carpet column

Flying Carpet column, Greg's piloting tips, Greg's photographs

SnowShroudedSecretMtn-RedRockWilderness_GPS3approachFLG_1802-PanoeSmw

A day-long snowstorm had just passed when I flew Jean to Phoenix to see her mom. Lingering flurries receded to the east, while from the west approached the intense cobalt skies seen only after snow.

By the time I dropped Jean and steered for my next appointment at Prescott, a few new snow showers sprinkled northern Arizona’s mountains. No worry–Flagstaff’s San Francisco Peaks beckoned clearly from between them for my subsequent flight home.

Ninety minutes later, I preflighted for my final fifty-mile hop. Prescott’s Love Field Airport lies in an open valley, with Flagstaff 2,000 feet higher at the base of Arizona’s tallest mountains. Therefore you can usually see Flagstaff’s “Peaks” directly from Prescott’s airport tiedowns.

Now, however, the snow showers between here and home were denser than before…

**Read Greg’s entire column, “SILENCE ‘IN THE SOUP’” **

Photo: “Seven Veils” (available as a Fine Art Metal Print): Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness from the GPS Runway 3 Instrument Approach into Flagstaff, Arizona. 

SEE MORE PHOTOS HERE!

(This column first appeared in AOPA Flight Training magazine.)

Greg

©2019 Gregory N. Brown

UPDATED: “Inner Basin Aspens,” Greg’s latest “View from the Flying Carpet” Fine Art Photography Metal Print

Greg's photographs

Inner Basin Flaming Aspens!

Recently I flew out-of-town visitors over the Grand Canyon. As always it was amazing, but I found myself dodging clouds so we returned early.

On our way back, however, sun pierced clouds over flaming autumn aspens lining the Inner Basin of Arizona’s San Francisco Peaks, and… Wow, one of my most amazing aerial sights ever! (Click on photo to see a larger image.)

“Inner Basin Flaming Aspens” Fine Art Metal Print sizes and pricing* in ready-to-hang frameless floating wall mounts (pictured at my Fine Art Metal Prints page):

11″x17,” $125
12″x18,” $145
16″x24,” $195
20″x30,” $295
24″x36,” $395
30″x40,” $495
*Prices include standard shipping within Continental US. (Contact me for pricing of custom sizes and framing options.)

Order your “Inner Basin Aspens” Fine Art Metal Prints HERE.

Check out my other available Views from the Flying Carpet aerial photographs, and Down to Earth terrestrial photographs.

Many thanks for the amazing response to this particular photo, and to all who have invested to date in my Fine Art Metal Prints, 2019 Photographic Wall Calendars, and Pilot Achievement Plaques.

Greg

Announcing Greg’s 2019 “Down to Earth” Terrestrial Photo Wall Calendars!

Greg recommends, Greg's photographs

NEW! 2019 “Views from Kachina Wetlands” Photo Wall Calendars

Nearly every day for years I’ve hiked or biked this beautiful wetlands near Flagstaff, photographing sunsets, weather phenomena, wildflowers, and birds.

(The Audubon Society ranks Kachina Wetlands among Northern Arizona’s top birding sites.)

Finally this year I’ve collected some of my favorite and most unique Kachina Wetlands images into Standard and Premium-sized wall calendars, including many from my “Down to Earth” series of Fine Art Metal Prints.

2019 “Views from Flagstaff” Photo Wall Calendars

new 2013 Lulu FC oversize wall calendar-front

These calendars feature some of my favorite photographs shot in and around our beloved Flagstaff, Arizona, including several from my “Down to Earth” series of Fine Art Metal Prints.

Among them are photographs of historic downtown Flagstaff including the landmark Weatherford and Monte Vista hotels, the San Francisco Peaks, 2015 Lulu FC Greatest Hits standard wall calendar-frontCoconino County Fair, seasonal views of summer sunflowers and autumn aspens, and Flagstaff’s famed New Years “Great Pinecone Drop!”

(Previous buyers note that this year’s “Views from Flagstaff” calendars contain the same great photos as last year’s.)

2019 “Views from Japan” Photo Wall Calendars

2014 Japan oversize wall calendar-frontOnce again, I’m also offering my terrestrial, “Views from Japan” photographic wall calendars.

Although a departure from my aerial persona, Jean and I have been so taken with Japan’s beauty and character during our travels that I can’t resist sharing special images from there.

This is one country you must make plans to visit! And once seeing the included photographs, I suspect you’ll agree.

2014 Lulu Japan standard wall calendar-frontIncluded are amazing views of Kyoto’s and Nara’s exquisite temples, Matsumoto Castle, Osaka’s Dotombori Entertainment District, a Shinto wedding at Miyajima Island, Tokyo’s Ginza District, and Ogimachi Historic Town.

(Previous buyers note that this year’s “Views from Japan” calendars contain the same great photos as in prior years.)

2019 “Views from Korea” Photo Wall Calendars

2014 Japan oversize wall calendar-frontCheck out my “Views from Korea” photographic wall calendars!

Included are amazing photographs taken in the Republic of [South] Korea, little-known among Americans, with its fascinating blend of old and new.

Lulu Korea standard wall calendar-front copySee Seoul’s renowned Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gunsan’s Barley Festival, traditional Korean horsemen in Jeonju, Gochang-eup Fortress, and more troubling, North Korea viewed from the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Joint Security Area.

(Previous buyers note that this year’s “Views from Korea” calendars contain the same great photos as in prior years.)

2019 “Well, I’ll Be!” Photo Wall Calendars

2015 Lulu FC Greatest Hits standard wall calendar-frontCheck out my “Well, I’ll Be!” Photo Wall Calendar, featuring some of my wackier photographs.

I created this calendar primarily to hang over my own desk, but can pretty much guarantee you a monthly smile when you change pages!

(Available only in Standard size. Previous buyers note that this year’s “Well, I’ll Be!” calendar contains the same great photos as in previous years.)

Click on each calendar image to preview and order, or visit my Calendar Store!

(To preview monthly calendar pages, click “preview” under the picture on the individual calendar page.)

*Calendar Sizes and Pricing

Each full-color 12-month wall calendar series comes in two sizes:

  • Standard 11″x17″ for $19.95** (8.5″x11″ images).
  • Premium oversize 13.5″x19″ for $29.95** (9.5″x13.5″ monthly images).

Monthly photos for a given calendar are similar in both formats except for size.

What a great way for you and your lucky gift recipients to celebrate each month of the new year!

Greg

**CHECK CURRENT WALL CALENDAR DISCOUNTS HERE.

**NOTES:

  • All calendars can be shipped directly to you, or to others as gifts.
  • Shipping and sales tax (if applicable) are additional.

©2018 Gregory N. Brown

Announcing Greg’s 2019 “Views from the Flying Carpet” Aerial Photo Wall Calendars!

Greg recommends, Greg's photographs

2019 “Views from the Flying Carpet” Photo Wall Calendars

Check out this year’s “Views from the Flying Carpet” aerial photo wall calendars, filled with recent aviator’s-eye views from around the country.

This calendar comes in two sizes,* featuring some of my latest aerial photographs from my “Views from the Flying Carpet” series of Fine Art Metal Prints.

Both calendar sizes feature exceptional image quality suitable for framing!

 

2019 “Views from the Flying Carpet Greatest Hits” Photo Wall Calendars

new 2013 Lulu FC oversize wall calendar-frontHere are my “Views from the Flying Carpet Greatest Hits” aerial photo wall calendars, filled with my favorite aviator’s-eye views from around the country.

This “Greatest Hits” version comes in two sizes, featuring some of my most popular aerial photographs from my “Views from the Flying Carpet” series of Fine Art Metal Prints.

2015 Lulu FC Greatest Hits standard wall calendar-frontBoth calendar sizes feature exceptional image quality suitable for framing!

Note that because these photographs represent my most popular images to date, all have ap

Click on each calendar image to preview and order, or visit my Calendar Store!

(To preview monthly calendar pages, click “preview” under the picture on the individual calendar page.)

*Calendar Sizes and Pricing

Each full-color 12-month wall calendar series comes in two sizes:

  • Standard 11″x17″ for $19.95** (8.5″x11″ images).
  • Premium oversize 13.5″x19″ for $29.95** (9.5″x13.5″ monthly images).

Monthly photos for a given calendar are similar in both formats except for size.

What a great way for you and your lucky gift recipients to celebrate each month of the new year!

Greg

**CHECK CURRENT PUBLISHER DISCOUNTS ON MY WALL CALENDARS HERE.

**NOTES:

  • All calendars can be shipped directly to you, or to others as gifts.
  • Shipping and sales tax (if applicable) are additional.

©2018 Gregory N. Brown

Sunflower addiction: Greg’s latest “Down to Earth” Fine Art Photography Metal Print

Greg's photographs

Sunflower Sunset

Here’s my latest Down to Earth terrestrial Fine Art Metal Print offering, “Sunflower Sunset,” photographed at Kachina Wetlands south of Flagstaff, Arizona.

SunsetReflections_KachinaWetlands_0594-PanoeSmw1200

This summer has been one of the best in memory for wild sunflowers blooming in Northern Arizona’s meadows and mountains.

Every time I go out, my camera insists on capturing more perspectives, and each time I post one I’m encouraged by audience response to take more. So thanks, everyone, for enabling my camera’s sunflower addiction! 

See all my latest “Down to Earth” terrestrial and “Views from the Flying Carpet” aerial photography Fine Art Metal Prints.

As always, thanks to all who have invested in my photography to date, including Fine Art Metal Prints, Photographic Wall Calendars, and Pilot Achievement Plaques.

Greg

Greg’s latest “Down to Earth” Fine Art Photography Metal Print

Greg's photographs

Mountain Sunflowers!

Here’s my latest “Down to Earth” terrestrial Fine Art Metal Print, “Mountain Sunflowers,” photographed at Kachina Wetlands south of Flagstaff, Arizona.

Sunflowers-SFPeaks_KachinaWetlands_0559eSmw1200

This summer has been one of the best in memory for wild sunflowers blooming in the meadows and mountains of Northern Arizona. Just the other day I captured this image of the San Francisco Peaks framed by sunflowers at Kachina Wetlands.

See all my latest “Down to Earth” terrestrial and “Views from the Flying Carpet” aerial photography Fine Art Metal Prints.

c2014GregBrown_SphinxMothWithThistles_4312-bb12x12Smw1200In other photography news, I’m pleased to have just donated two other terrestrial Fine Art Metal Prints prints to the Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) for their upcoming Summit and fundraiser at Quinta Mazatlan Birding Center in McAllen, Texas:

c2015GregBrown_Sunflowers_1983-8bitSmw1200“Sphinx Moth with Thistles,” (right) for their silent auction, and yes, more “Sunflowers!” (left) for their live auction. Coincidentally both of these were shot in previous years at Kachina Wetlands. Best of success to ANCA at their fundraiser!

Many thanks to all who have invested in my photography to date, including Fine Art Metal Prints, Photographic Wall Calendars, and Pilot Achievement Plaques.

Greg

Greg’s latest “View from the Flying Carpet,” and “Down to Earth” Fine Art Photography Metal Prints

Greg's photographs

Tahoe Reflections!

LakeTahoeCarsonRangeAloft_0096eSmw1200

I photographed “Tahoe Reflections” from over the Nevada Desert just east of Lake Tahoe. Read the background story in my Flying Carpet column, “Sky Islands.”
See also “Tahoe Chalice” taken on that same aerial journey, and all my available Views from the Flying Carpet aerial Fine Art Metal Prints.

Sunset Lenticular Clouds

And here’s my latest “Down to Earth” terrestrial Fine Art Metal Print, “Sunset Lenticulars,” photographed at Kachina Wetlands south of Flagstaff, Arizona.

SunsetLenticularClouds_KachinaWetlands_4407-PanoeSmw1200

Lens-shaped “lenticular clouds” commonly form downwind of mountains—in this case, Arizona’s San Francisco Peaks—during periods of strong winds aloft. See all my latest “Down to Earth” terrestrial Fine Art Metal Prints.

Many thanks to all who have invested in my photography products to date, including Fine Art Metal Prints, Photographic Wall Calendars, and Pilot Achievement Plaques.

Greg