Scott Papek is a self-taught Fine Art nature photographer who was born in Omaha, Nebraska, the current base of his gallery and business. Although his previous life in the music business first prompted the flow of his creative juices and took him to California, Scott eventually recognized his calling to an alternative outlet that permitted him to share his creativity through a camera lens.
Scott began a disciplined self-education in La Jolla, California, where he would rise early each morning, grab his camera, and head to capture the natural beauty of the coastal area into frequent inspiring reproductions. Occasional setbacks only seemed to motivate Scott, and nine months of persistent through-the-lens devotion was rewarded with his first gallery shot. Since then, Scott has been living a life of adventure, freedom, and fulfillment where he has made it his mission to mentor others to do the same.
When he is not spending time with his lovely wife and their young twins, Scott’s curiosity and drive to explore new places fuel his travels around the world where images await capture.
Category Archives: Landscape Photography
West Glacier Hiking
Bridge over Calm Water
Glacier National Park is one of Scott’s favorite locations due to its gorgeous scenery and abundant water. This capture reflects his first visit to West Glacier, a less-populated area of the park. Realizing he had the entire location to himself, Scott enjoyed a cup of coffee, watched the sunrise, and then decided to stay longer. He will never forget the wow factor, pure joy, and Zen he felt each time he snapped the shutter. The photography opportunity is endless. Go Explore and get your hiking and camping in. Click here for more info.
Kennebunkport Maine
There are several reasons why Maine is a dream location for Scott. Its diverse landscape offers natural beauty that includes mountains, rivers, lakes, streams, and the Atlantic Ocean. On a recent photographic journey, Scott was returning from a 4:43 a.m. ocean sunrise when he drove through Kennebunkport and noticed three boats in the distance. Once he found the perfect spot to shoot, he became mesmerized by the boats and their reflections in the glass-like water. As the boats slowly drifted in different directions, they continuously offered different perspectives. Blessed with a low tide and calm seas, Scott spent two hours capturing a moment he will never forget
The Drift is a limited edition of 15 images and can be viewed here.
Antelope Slot Canyons
Scott Papek releases, “Angel Heart”
Within the ever-changing landscape of Northern Arizona’s Navajo land lies two popular slot canyons, Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. No one knows exactly when the Antelope Canyon was first discovered. According to older Navajos, entering the canyon was once like crossing the threshold of a cathedral. In order to be in the right frame of mind, they would most likely pause before walking I, preparing for protection and respect. This moment of reflection probably allowed the Navajo to leave with uplifting insight into what Mother Nature has to offer all of us, and to be in harmony with something greater than themselves. Please click here for more info
Explore Utah in a week
DISCLAIMER: It’s sneaky hot and the altitude is as high at 10k. I got myself in a little trouble not having enough water on one of my hikes. Please have backups of water and protein bars! I don’t know everything so please just use this part of your research.
If you fly into Phoenix, Las Vegas or Salt Lake I would use the same route.
This is based on a 5-7 day trip.
Start in Page, Arizona.
Famous slot canyons. Upper and lower canyon.
Note: There are no unguided tours. The canyons are located on Navajo Nation property.
Best times to shoot. Upper Canyon 11am-2p, Lower Canyon, early morning. If you have the choice to start at north or south choose north.
Upper canyon can be really crowded. I paid for the photography tour which definitely benefited me when the light started to pop through. There were people actually fighting behind me trying to get closer. For upper, the light only pops through the canyon in the summer months when the sun is at it’s highest peak. Please call the guides to make sure your trip lines up with those time lines.
Don’t forget to get up extra early and head to Horseshoe Bend.
Next head to The wave: Vermillion cliffs.
It’s impossible to get in if you don’t book a reservation way in advance.
Bryce Canyon:
Well worth the visit. Get there for sunrise and do the hike in the hoodoos before it gets warm.
Willis Creek Slot! I loved this canyon. I hiked it an never saw a human.
Willis Creek Trailhead – From Mount Carmel Junction, follow US Highway 89 north, to Glendale, Utah. Make a right turn on 300 North, also called the Bench Road. It’s directly across the highway from the Buffalo Bistro. Travel the graded dirt Glendale Bench Road (road #600) for 15 miles to a marked junction in the road. There is a kiosk at the junction with a map and other information. The road goes in two directions from the Glendale Bench Road. One road is the Johnson Canyon Road and the other is the Skutumpah Road (road #500). Take Skutumpah Road. It’s 14 miles on Skutumpah Road to the Lick Wash Trailhead. To find Willis Creek continue down Skutumpah Road 11.8 miles past the Lick Wash trailhead. There are two parking areas for Willis Creek. The trail starts on the opposite side of the road from the registration box.
Escalante:
Where the locals like to go to get away from tourists.
There are a few slot canyons such as Zebra, Peek-A-Boo and Spooky. It’s endless what you can hike and see here.
Always be aware of the weather conditions and never enter a slot canyon during stormy weather. Although flash floods can happen anytime of the year, hiking in July, August, and September carries the greatest risk. Do NOT drive the road in the rain, it can be very sketchy. Clay and mud on this road are a major issue if it rains, and ya you’ll be 26.2 miles from the pavement if you do get stuck, the identical distance of a marathon.
Always hike with plenty of water in the desert and keep an extra supply of water and food in your car. Let someone know when you leave and when you are to return. Watch for rattlesnakes!
Ocean Art
Scott Papek releases: Seabed La Jolla Shoreline, San Diego, California
It has been said that the best art is created from pain. I never followed that path. My art comes from things I seek. When I first started this journey, photography provided a path to escape a stressful, energy-draining job and stay creative. While on this chosen path, I learned much about myself, ultimately transforming my life forever. Although time continues to go by, the feeling has never changed. Photography is my safe spot, and the place where I feel most at home. To buy ocean art please click here
Scripps Pier in Lajolla
Scott has spent many hours around the Scripps Pier in La Jolla, California. He is drawn to the pier because every visit is different. Between the tide, weather, and time of day, the view is never the same. This particular evening, Scott was enjoying a rare moment in having the pier all to himself. The sun had just dipped behind the ocean. As he continuously clicked the shutter, he captured this perfect moment when the sand, sea, and sky became one. Please click here for sizing and more info.
Research for Landscape Photography spots
I get asked often how do I know where to go shoot next? I don’t want to discredit the research and vision that’s put in but it’s pretty simple. I’m pretty sure the things you photograph or paint is what you care the most about. I care about water. It could be an ocean, stream, lake, river or waterfall. Everything about being around water hits all my senses at once and instantly puts a spell over my body. Not like voodoo shit but it’s pretty incredible. For more info with this print please click here.