Hot air balloons are terrific to shoot from, although they have become very expensive, as has most lodging and food in the Napa Valley.

It is tough being patient when you are more than a half million dollars in debt.

With the Internet, you can get lots of info in advance, but a local person who knows how to work the system is invaluable.

Think about the photo you want to make beforehand. Then do it, but also don't be blind to better options that present themselves at the location. Be flexible, and be patient. Leave ego at home. Get the photo before you yell at the asshole, not after.

Everyone thinks it would be great to work for National Geographic. So did I.

I like to move as much as possible and look at reflections, weird angles, subjects from airplanes and cranes. I feel sorry for the Jabba the Hut types who can't do this. Once an obese student told me that he wanted to be a war photographer. I said, "Really?" and then I shot him.

Getting up way in advance of dawn is always a good idea. Nearly ninety-nine percent of the time when I have gotten up in the middle of the night for a shoot, something good always presents itself to offset the nagging tiredness and discomfort of losing sleep.