Category Archives: Travel

Breathtaking Moments in the Camargue

“Moments that take your breath away”… As a photographer, this is what I live for. I recently was so fortunate to get to travel to the south of France and join a small group of photographers on a weekend filled with awe inspiring and breathtaking beauty.
I was immediately enamored with their powerful beauty and playful curiosity. This ancient breed of horses are semi wild but cared for by the guardians (cowboys) who dedicate their lives to these amazing creatures. It was so special to observe the relationships between the horses and also the bonds with the guardians.

After galloping through the water they would take breaks by playfully rolling in the sand, or soaking up the sunshine as the salt water dried on their glistening coats. Other more curious horses would come up close, nudging for a scratch or give us a little nibble. They are known for their intelligence, agility and stamina.

There were lots of foals… ready and eager to get in on the fun. The babies are born a darker color and lighten as they get older.

Being marshland, it was best to dress for deep water so we could get in close. One misstep and that would be the end of my camera gear.

This guy had a sense of humor and enjoyed sneaking up and tugging on my scarf when I wasn’t watching!

Images are available now in the Ventura, California, gallery and on the website.

Join us for an opening reception for this new collection:

July 21, 2018
6-8pm
Light Refreshments
Latitudes Fine Art Gallery
401 E. Main St.
Ventura, CA 93001
805-642-5257

Arts & Eats Event- “Explore Our Channel Islands” Collection

There is something about exploring the Channel Islands National Park that makes me feel like a kid on a wild adventure.

Islands that are so close to home yet so remote and removed from the grind of everyday life, Santa Cruz and Anacapa islands really are a place where you can let go and escape, even if for just a day.

Being on the islands inspires me to capture it’s unique beauty. I love photographing the rugged golden cliffs and wildlife. Recently I flew over four of the islands on a helicopter and got a birds eye view…their untouched beauty took my breath away. Truly majestic!

Join us at Latitudes for an exciting evening celebrating the wild and natural beauty of “Our Channel Islands”. Often referred to as “America’s Galapagos”, the Channel Islands National Park, located just off the Ventura coast. It encompasses 5 remarkable islands and their ocean environment, with unique animals, plants and archaeological resources found nowhere else on earth.

The art collection highlights new aerial photographs of the islands by Stephanie Hogue and classic favorites by Steve Munch.

In collaboration with Channel Islands Park Foundation, we welcome two island experts to share exciting info and stories.

-The President of the foundation, Marcella Klein-Williams, to share insights and information about the islands.

-Ken McAlpine, author of “Islands Apart: A Year on the Edge of Civilization,” will be available to discuss his journey through California’s Channel Islands National Park.

20% of all proceeds during the event will be donated to the Channel Islands Park Foundation and all purchases over $20 will receive an event-exclusive gift with purchase.

Kauai Corner Celebration with Steve & Stephanie!

Aloha! We are excited to announce the newest addition to our gallery;

The Kauai Corner

A Latitudes party would not be complete without Steve Munch and as a special treat he’s flying in from Kauai!

Join us for light refreshments and snacks

Saturday, December 10th from 6-9pm

Looking forward to seeing our Latitudes family,

Mahalo

Artistic Adventures – Hawaii Volcano

Your inside scoop on the stories behind the images. Tag along with Stephanie Hogue and Steve Munch as they capture the moments that take our breath away.

As I was flying into The Kona, my excitement grew at the chance to see flowing lava from the Kilauea Volcano. It didn’t take long until I was on the foot trail to the point of entry, where the lava was rumored to be flowing heavy.

As I passed visitors making their way back up the trail, I could gather by their body language that I was about to see something very special. After rounding the final corner of a long 2 mile hike, I could see the steam plumes rising high into the blue Hawaiian sky. Walking through the lava field the heat is the first thing I encountered.

Within minutes I was in the presence of actively flowing lava and standing on the edge marveling at the power and beauty of what is the ongoing creation of an Island. I spent the next few hours observing, enjoying, and appreciating the opportunity to be this close to nature’s most powerful force.

~ Steve Munch 2016

Desert Beauty

This winter I made a couple of trips out to the desert. As a photographer, it is always so inspiring to change your scenery now and then for a boost of inspiration. The desert definitely delivered!! I love the otherworldly landscapes, shapes, textured and color palettes. Joshua Tree was the first stop which was expansive and amazing. I enjoyed the cholla cactus garden and winding roads through the variety of landscapes. It was a quick trip but it motivated me to plan to come again and explore more in depth with some hiking and camping next time.

A Photo Trek to Slot Canyon

As a photographer, there are so many places I have always wanted to visit and photograph. This year I have created a “bucket list” of places I would like to go and Slot Canyon was one of them. It is near Page, AZ on the Navajo reservation and is within driving distance from my house so it came in high on my list. The desert southwest has a beauty all its own, unique from any other place. It has become super popular so it was crowded and tricky to get shots in this canyon without any other people but worth the effort. The lighting and shapes and color were awe inspiring. The best part of the trip was the night tour we took in the canyon led by a great Navajo guide.

Super Bloom in Death Valley

I have lived in California for almost 30 years and somehow never made my way out to Death Valley. So this year, with all the buzz about the Super Bloom and the Centennial Celebration for our beloved National Parks, I thought it was the perfect time to go. I only had one day which was definitely not enough…it is a very very big place! Being early March, the temperature was manageable but got a little toasty by mid day. We brought our golden doodle, Cali, but if I were to go back I would have to leave her at home, the trails and hikes are definitely not dog friendly. We saw quite a bit of the main sights, though I would love to come back and spend a few sunrises and sunsets…and the stars at night have got to be insane! We checked out Mesquite Dunes, Zabriske Point, Artists Drive, Badwater Basin, Devil’s Cornfield and lots more along the drive. It was beautiful to see the fields of golden flowers among all rugged terrain. We were in awe of all its majesty and beauty. We will definitely be back.