Each year, I sit down to curate a strong selection of photographs from my travels. Beginning in December and ending in November, this collection gives me a chance to reflect on places I’ve been and the sights I’ve been fortunate to visit. From the milky-way to natural arches and the wonders of the ocean I’ve selected 15 photographs to be welcomed to my site, and initiated as Preston Maag’s 2021 Print Collection.
Why Print?
In a society where attention spans last no longer than a minute and the majority of people have already stopped reading this blog, I believe we have been inundated to the beauty of the world around us. I’ve always been attracted to physical items whether by a book, poster, or magazine that despite what’s going on around it, stays the same. The same goes for a printed photo. Whether through a spontaneous moment of you and a loved one taken on an iPhone or the likes of a dedicated camera, memories should be cherished much longer than the tenure of social media. As a photographer, taking photos has become a livelihood to the point where oftentimes I have way too many photos to post, leaving them to sit sterile in my iCloud until I’m reminded of memories months later. As for my print collection, I take the time to select photos that I’d imagine someone purchasing and placing into their living room, bedroom, office, etc to inspire wanderlust and adventure. Releasing this collection each year brings me great joy as I share unreleased photos purely in print for those that are interested. Though I will continue to use Social Media and share pictures from my travels, the best of the best will remain to be found at Prestonmaag.com/store. Thanks for taking the time to check out my store today and I’m excited to hear what you think, Cheers!
Badwater Salt Flats
Where? Death Valley National Park, California, United States.
Description- The light of the bright night sky bounces off of the salt flats below as the Milky Way dances above.
Why Print? I love the way the salt gives a strong foreground to the sky above. The juxtaposition of the darkness and Salt flats creates a deep image best viewed in large-scale print.
Cape Perpetua
Where? Cape Perpetua State Park, Oregon, United States
Description- The endless waves of the Pacific Ocean crash against the Oregon Coast with cars strung out across the highway.
Why Print? I love the perspective this photograph gives, giving a bird’s eye view of a highway at sunset and the rolling waves crashing against the cliffside.
Crater Lake
Where? Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, United States
Description- With the prominent Wizard Island in the distance, Crater Lake showcases its grandeur.
Why Print? Size and Scale do this photo justice, highly recommended for purchase in its largest size, this photo gives endless views. Can you spot the people?
Death Valley Night Sky
Where? Death Valley National Park, California, United States.
Description- The Milky Way.
Why Print? I’ve always been fascinated with stargazing and the abundance of stars above us. (Check out my Astro Collection Here!) Taken in one of the darkest places in the United States on a New-Moon night, this photo is an excellent start to an Astro Collection.
Delicate Arch
Where? Arches National Park, Utah, United States
Description- Standing 50 feet tall and crafted by thousands of years of wind storms, the Delicate Arch stands proudly in Utah.
Why Print? Inspired by the official license plate of Utah, I’ve always made it a goal to make my way out to Arches. Best printed in its largest size, this Arch is a glimpse into one of the many natural wonders available to us.
Hobbit Trail
Where? Hobbit Trail, Oregon, United States
Description- Beneath the forest canopy, light leaks onto the trail pushing you evermore forward.
Why Print? Surprisingly, this is the first iPhone print I’ve ever offered. With the largest sensor yet, I personally love the scale it gives to the image, seemingly giving you a POV of my time on the trail.
Japanese Maple
Where? Kubota Garden, Washington, United States
Description- The vibrant reds and oranges of fall come alive in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Why Print? With great clarity and sharpness, I believe this photo to be a great centerpiece for any home during the holidays. With its vibrant hues and warm ambiance, the Japanese Maple should be a staple in any Fall Collection.
Leopard
Where? West Coast Game Park, Oregon, United States
Description- Face to face with a Leopard, he awaits his next meal.
Why Print? Whether in the wild, a zoo, or in this case a game park, taking photographs of Wildlife has always intrigued me. Specifically, this leopards’ intimidating eyes caught my glance giving insight into the way these animals hunt their prey.
Lunch Time
Where? Newport Beach, California, United States
Description- A pelican swoops into the water to catch clueless fish below.
Why Print? Form. To produce the least splash possible and improve its chances of diving even deeper, I love the way in which the pelican folds and points it’s body toward the water in the same way a diver contorts their body or a ballerina points her toes. Best printed as part of an ocean collection.
Park Avenue
Where? Arches National Park, Utah, United States
Description- With the Tower of Babel looming in the distance, the early morning light begins to creep up this valley of red rocks.
Why Print? It’s certainly not a view you see every day but part of what intrigued me about this photo was the way it encapsulates so much of the Southwest. Red Rocks, tall buttes, expansive views, you’d think a tumbleweed would run right through the image.
Pelican
Where? Newport Beach, California, United States
Description- Patrolling the waters, the king sea bird makes its rounds.
Why Print? I love the peace and quiet that this picture invokes, flying from left to right, your eyes are drawn to the Pelican in its territory just miles away from the rest of humanity.
South Falls
Where? Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, United States
Description- An everlasting cascade of water descends from the cliff 80 feet to its next journey.
Why Print? Fed by strong rains and numerous lakes, waterfalls are seemingly endless. Framed by the trees to the left and right, I love its contrast to the trail just underneath.
Toes in the Sand
Where? Glamis Sand Dunes, California, United States
Description- As the sun sets in the distance, a couple of buddies take a moment to appreciate the little things.
Why Print? Taken from a far distance, I watched as this group stopped just at the top of the Glamis sand dune, put their flag up, and began to kick back as the sun descended toward the horizon. It’s the little things.
Tower of Babel
Where? Arches National Park, Utah, United States
Description- Just off the main road, one rock stands taller than the rest.
Why Print? Best printed as part of a Southwest collection, the Towel of Babel’s strong red rock looks impressive on any wall.
Zabriskie Point
Where? Death Valley National Park, California, United States
Description- With the earth folding into itself, Zabriskie Point is highlighted by the late afternoon sun.
Why Print? With endless hills of tiramisu, the dramatic landscape of Death Valley is on full display. Best printed in its largest form, its scale is so impressive you won’t even believe there are people in the photo as well.
Preston Maag 2021 Print Collection
Interested in a different print that’s not listed? Let me know below!
Honorable Mention
