I didn't discover photography until around 2012, later in life than many photographers. What began as a curiosity quickly became a passion that changed the way I see the world.
Photography has taught me to slow down. Whether I'm standing in front of a waterfall before sunrise, wandering through a quiet small town, or watching the evening light settle across the High Desert, I've learned that the best photographs usually come to those who are willing to wait. I'm continually amazed by God's creation and the beauty that can be found in both iconic landscapes and the quiet places most people pass by.
Much of my work is inspired by the American West and the places my wife and I have explored together. Traveling in our motorhome has allowed us to experience remarkable landscapes, charming small towns, historic places, and the everyday beauty that often goes unnoticed when we're in a hurry. Some of my favorite images have come from destinations I had planned for months, while others appeared unexpectedly around the next bend in the road.
Although I enjoy photographing a wide variety of subjects—including landscapes, Americana, street scenes, macro photography, and classic cars and trains—I find myself most drawn to images that tell a story or capture a sense of place. My goal isn't simply to record what was in front of the camera, but to create photographs that help others feel what it was like to be there.
I'm largely self-taught and continue to learn with every trip and every photograph. The more I photograph, the more I realize there's always something new to discover—not only about photography, but about the world around us.
Thank you for visiting Saddle Rock Photography. I hope these images inspire you to explore, to slow down, and to notice the beauty that surrounds us every day.
Why "SaddleRock"?
People often ask where the name SaddleRock Photography came from.
Many years ago, our family hiked into California's Eastern Sierra. After a long climb, we reached a beautiful alpine lake called Saddlerock Lake. I can still remember stepping out into the open and seeing that crystal-clear lake surrounded by granite peaks. It was one of those places you never forget.
Years later, when my wife and I were starting an insurance company to complement our mortgage business, we struggled to come up with the right name. Then one day it hit me—SaddleRock Insurance.
When we eventually sold the mortgage company, the insurance business came to an end. Later, as I ventured into house flipping, SaddleRock Investment, Inc. was born. When we opened our own reverse mortgage company, the obvious choice was SaddleRock Reverse Mortgage.
So when photography became my passion, there was really only one name that felt right...
SaddleRock Photography.
The name has been part of my journey for many years, and every time I see it, I'm reminded of that unforgettable hike to SaddleRock Lake.
I hope you enjoy the photographs, the stories behind some of them, and perhaps even find a photograph that reminds you of a special place or inspires you to explore somewhere new.
Thank you for visiting, and if you have any comments or questions, I'd love to hear from you.
—Rory