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Bostrom Media Strategies, Reno, NV (2026)

12/27/2024

I hope everyone had a great holiday 😊. I’m back with Day 7 of Photo and a Story where I go through my archive to unveil the story behind each of my favorite photos that I have captured. If you like this series please consider buying a print. ❤️

I recently visited a friend in Los Angeles, and after a few days of hiking and driving around the city, we both started feeling a little overwhelmed by the constant noise and chaos. We wanted to get out and find somewhere quieter, so we started looking at nearby spots. That’s when we noticed Joshua Tree National Park was just a 3.5-hour drive away. Without much hesitation, we packed up the car and hit the road.

One of the places we knew we had to check out was the Cholla Cactus Garden. I’d read about how beautiful—and dangerous—these cacti are. Their spines can latch onto anything that gets too close, so the advice was clear: look, don’t touch, and watch your step.

We got to the garden about an hour before sunset, and it was absolutely magical. The light was golden, and the cacti seemed to glow like they were lit from within. They were covered in so many spines that they looked fuzzy, almost soft, though I knew better than to test that. To make things even more surreal, the cacti were in bloom, and there were thousands of honeybees buzzing everywhere. As soon as we opened the car doors, a few bees flew inside, and shooing them out only brought more in. It was a bit of chaos, but we just had to laugh and roll with it.

https://bostromphoto.smugmug.com/Glowing-Sun/i-QgrJLqV

12/18/2024

Day 6 of Photo and a Story where I go through my archive to unveil the story behind each of my favorite photos that I have captured. If you like this series please consider buying a print. ❤️

My wife once told me this shot could belong in National Geographic. That comment has always stuck with me, perhaps because it reminds me of how serendipitous the moment was. I was exploring the California coast, driving aimlessly, just hoping to stumble upon something interesting. As I cruised along, I noticed a group of cormorants circling a massive rock about 100 yards from the shore.

Curious, I pulled over to take a closer look. As I approached, I realized that the rock’s peaks were dotted with nests—a bustling colony of birds perched against the dramatic backdrop of the ocean. It struck me as the perfect chance to capture a wildlife scene that felt unique and alive.

At the time, I only had my 70-300mm lens with me, not the 150-500mm lens I rely on now for such shots. But in hindsight, I think this limitation actually worked in my favor. Being a bit more removed allowed me to frame the entire scene—the rock, the nests, the ocean, and the cormorants—together in one cohesive story. It wasn’t just about the birds or their nests; it was about the environment they called home.

Moments like this remind me why I love photography. Sometimes, it’s not about planning the perfect shot but about being present and ready when nature offers you a glimpse into its world.

Social media websites compress photos and remove a lot of detail when posting. As always you can view the image in its full detail glory on my website: https://bostromphoto.smugmug.com/Wild-Encounters/i-6DxgKfJ

12/17/2024

Day 5 of Photo and a Story where I go through my archive to unveil the story behind each of my favorite photos that I have captured. If you like this series please consider buying a print. ❤️

Ah, yes—this photo perfectly encapsulates a glimpse of my more reckless side. When scouting locations to photograph, I often turn to Google Maps, spending hours poring over satellite images, searching for interesting landscapes. In this particular case, I was exploring the California coastline, looking for dramatic, jagged rocks rising out of the water. After spotting something that looked promising on the map, I set out on a journey, fingers crossed, hoping the reality would match the satellite imagery.

I arrived at my destination about an hour after sunrise, greeted by the soft, golden light of morning. The lighting was perfect—a beautiful contrast against the towering rock formations, some rising nearly 100 feet out of the crashing waves below. Grabbing my camera, I started exploring the area, walking along the jagged terrain to see how far I could safely venture.

The further I went, the narrower the paths became. I found myself stepping cautiously along a rocky ridge where I barely had an inch of flat ground on either side of my foot. The sheer drops on either side added an exhilarating sense of danger. With every step, I could feel the adrenaline building, knowing that one wrong move could end my adventure quickly.

This particular shot was taken to capture the precariousness of that narrow path and the rugged beauty of these dramatic landmasses. I wanted to convey the sense of both awe and danger that I felt standing there—the jagged rocks, the crashing waves, and the thin line of safety I was walking.

Looking back, this experience reminds me of the thrill of exploration and the lengths I’m willing to go to capture a unique perspective. It’s a moment that combines my love for adventure with my passion for photography, and I hope this image inspires others to seek out the beauty of the untamed world—even if it means stepping a little out of their comfort zone.

https://bostromphoto.smugmug.com/Life-By-The-Water/i-vHLWdwP

12/17/2024

Day 4 of Photo and a Story where I go through my archive to unveil the story behind each of my favorite photos that I have captured. If you like this series please share it. ❤️

This was the first photo where I truly felt like I had created something worthy of being called art. It was also the first photo I ever had printed. I captured this image at Lake Ralphine in Santa Rosa, California. At the time, I had developed a habit of waking up early every morning and looking out the window to check for clouds in the sky—an essential ingredient for a dramatic sunrise.

On this particular morning, when I glanced outside, the clouds looked almost perfect. All I needed was for them to stick around long enough to catch the colors of sunrise. Excited, I grabbed my camera, tripod, and gear, then headed to the lake. I had already pre-scouted a spot, so all that was left was to wait for the light to work its magic.

I remember keeping a close eye on the sky during the drive, silently willing the clouds to hold their position. When I arrived at the lake, the conditions were even better than I had hoped. A gentle breeze rippled across the water, creating a subtle movement that sparked an idea. I decided to split the frame evenly between the horizon and the water, adjusting my camera’s shutter speed to create a painterly effect in the water while keeping the sky sharp and still.

As the sun began to rise, the sky erupted with color. Everything fell into place—perfect timing, perfect conditions. I captured several exposures, tweaking my settings to get it just right. What came out of that morning was exactly what I had envisioned: stunning colors, a dynamic sky, and a water reflection that feels more like a painting than a photograph.

This image remains special to me, not just because of its beauty but because it represents a moment when vision, preparation, and nature aligned perfectly to create something truly meaningful.

Social media websites compress photos and remove a lot of detail when posting. As always you can view the image in its full detail glory on my website: https://bostromphoto.smugmug.com/Glowing-Sun/i-ts5HHxd

12/14/2024

There was a lot of drama in the skies leading up to today’s dumping of snow.

Social media websites compress photos and remove a lot of detail when posting. As always you can view the image in its full detail glory on my website: https://bostromphoto.smugmug.com/Life-By-The-Water/i-3xKcNGv

12/13/2024

Day 3 of Photo and a Story where I go through my archive to unveil the story behind each of my favorite photos that I have captured.

This chunky ball of cuteness is, what I believe to be, a Dark-eyed Junco—a fairly common bird in Washoe Valley. What makes this photo special to me is that I captured it literally in my own backyard.

For the longest time, I had noticed this piece of dead wood sticking out of the ground. Every time I walked past it, I thought to myself, “This would be the perfect perch for a bird—I’d love to capture a photo of one sitting right there.” The scene seemed to call for a moment like that, but it never quite came together.

One day, I decided to take action. I tossed out some bird seed nearby, knowing it would likely attract the Juncos and other small birds that frequent the area. Then I grabbed my camera, positioned myself at a comfortable distance, and waited. And waited. Aaaannnnnd waited some more.

Persistence eventually paid off. Birds began to gather around the seed, flitting between the ground and nearby branches. Now all I needed was for one of them to hop onto the perch. I kept watching, camera ready, holding my breath every time one got close.

Then, it happened. For just a fleeting moment, a Dark-eyed Junco hopped up onto the perch, as if it had read my mind. It paused there, perfectly poised, and I clicked the shutter. The moment was so brief I hardly had time to appreciate it before it flew away. But I had captured it—the exact moment I had envisioned for so long.

This photo is a reminder of the joy that comes from patience and persistence, especially in photography. Sometimes the simplest moments, like a bird perched on a stick in your backyard, can turn into something unexpectedly beautiful when you’re willing to wait for it.

https://bostromphoto.smugmug.com/Wild-Encounters/i-86R3Tst

12/13/2024

Day 2 of “Photo and a Story” where I go through my archive to unveil the story behind each of my favorite photos that I have captured.

It was a cold morning in Washoe Valley, and I was out with my new Sony A6400 for the first time. I’d spent weeks researching cameras, reading reviews, and comparing features, and now I finally had it in my hands. This was my chance to test it out—messing with the autofocus, trying out different settings, and just getting a feel for how it worked.

As I walked around, surrounded by the bare trees and dry grasses of the valley, I noticed a squirrel clinging to the side of a tree trunk. It wasn’t scurrying away like most squirrels usually do; instead, it was just sitting there, staring straight at me. I figured it was as good a chance as any to see what this camera could do.

I raised the camera, and tried to frame the shot as quickly as possible. The squirrel stayed put, almost like it was giving me time to figure everything out. I pressed the shutter, took a few frames, and hoped for the best.

When I looked at the photo later, I was pretty happy with it. The focus was sharp, and the squirrel’s curious little face was perfectly clear. It wasn’t anything groundbreaking, but it was a good start—and it made me feel like I was starting to get the hang of my new gear.

That photo will always remind me of that first day walking with the new camera in Washoe Valley. It was one of those small wins that made me feel like I was on the right track.

Social media websites compress photos and remove a lot of detail when posting. As always you can view the image in its full detail glory on my website: https://bostromphoto.smugmug.com/Wild-Encounters/i-p33tXrC

12/13/2024

(Long post but bear with me)

A photo might catch your eye, but it’s the story behind it that captures your heart.

Photography can sometimes feel distant or hard to connect with because, without knowing the story behind a photo, it can feel like little more than a collection of colorful pixels on a screen. To bridge that gap, I’m starting a new series called “Photos and a Story.” In this series, I’ll dive back into my photography archive to share not just the images I’ve captured but the personal stories, moments, or emotions that make them special. It’s a chance to give you a glimpse into the meaning behind the pictures, connecting the visual with the narrative in a way that brings them to life. I’m excited to take this journey with you and share these stories that have shaped my work!

Day1: It was the morning of my birthday, and I was out testing a new lens for my Sony A7Rii—the 24-105mm F4 G, which, even now, is my go-to for almost everything. Back then, I wasn’t very confident in my photography. I didn’t really know what I was doing, but my goal was simple: come back with at least one shot I was proud of.

I decided to explore the Laguna de Santa Rosa, a wetland near Sebastopol, California. It was quiet and cold, and the ground was wet under my boots. The reeds swayed lightly in the breeze, and everything felt calm as I wandered, looking for something to catch my eye.

As the sky started to brighten, I noticed the first hints of sunrise creeping in. Soft oranges and pinks stretched across the horizon, and the sunlight began to reflect off the water. The whole scene felt peaceful, like it had been waiting for this exact moment. I raised my camera and framed the shot, hoping I could do it justice.

Thinking to myself, would I get the exposure right? Would the photo look as good as it felt in real life? I set up the tripod, adjusted the settings, and clicked the shutter.

When I got home and saw the image, it wasn’t perfect, but it was something I was proud of. That photo—a sunrise over the marsh, with water, trees, and reeds bathed in warm light—felt like the first step toward finding my confidence as a photographer. It was a small moment, but it reminded me that even when I’m unsure of myself, just showing up and trying can lead to something meaningful.

Social media websites compress photos and remove a lot of detail when posting. As always you can view the image in its full detail glory on my website: https://bostromphoto.smugmug.com/Life-By-The-Water/i-WBmtCbK

10/30/2024

The 99 Neo is the cheapest offering from mezeaudio at just $200, but is it any good?

10/24/2024

Let me be your social media resource. Ask me your questions.

10/19/2024

Photographers!

Are screen captures inside of video game still “Photography” Let me know below 👇

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