2012: The Year in Review

This year my blog post got a little more philosophical and emotional than it has in the past. But, what do you expect when you throw down everything you've got to start a gallery in a town already dominated by Mr. Moab, only a few doors down the sidewalk? New guy competing against a photographer who has been here for 30 years and made thousands of photographs in his time. Was there room for another gallery? Another guide? A new kid, willing to work hard to upset the status quo? Eh, who knew? We did it anyway and now we are at the end of the year, looking back on a crazy year full of family squabbles, more than a few tests of our relationship, strains on our financial security (or lack thereof), and some really, really great times. We worked hard, we struggled and in the end, we somehow came out ahead. We're signing on for a second year at the gallery, which is undergoing some pretty significant changes.

In 2013 we'll not only offer fine art prints, matted prints, greeting cards, etc. but we're also adding some products that will expand our market reach. Exciting stuff ahead!

At any rate, I've rambled long enough in an Ambien induced stupor. Please visit my blog post, to see 10 of my favorite images and read a little bit about the trials and tribulations we experienced along the way.

An impressive collection, Bret. I hope there will always be room for talent no matter where it is. I'm planning to open a gallery right next door to yours this year. Much success in the coming year to you and Mr. Moab!

Very productive year. Hope to see you in Moab sometime next year.

RichieV

With running a new gallery, it's mind-boggling that you had any field time at all, let alone being able to capture some great shots at the same time. Hope next year is even more successful for you!

Thank you, all. Wishing each of you and your families a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013!

Morris: Come on in, the water's warm! Seriously, I'd welcome another gallery or two in Moab. I think there could be some great synergy between the galleries/photographers.

Don: That makes two of us!

Bret, best of success to you and your family again in 2013. The Winter Aspens and Broken Arch images are great. The darkness behind the aspen boles really works!

Hi Bret, I've made four trips to Moab this season and each time I visit I make it a priority to stop by and check out your gallery. In fact, I'm in town right now! Im staying at the Bowan, about 100 yards from your shop!

Expansion of the gallery? New products? Great! Moab could use another t-shirt shop! Seriously, love the gallery and I will definitely visit every time I'm in the area. Best wishes for an even more prosperous 2013 for you and your family, Bret.

Kane: You picked a great hotel. I think the Bowen is the best kept secret in Moab. If you peeked through the window at the gallery you probably saw that it's a mess. Remodel is almost done and we're trying to get things cleaned up and organized again. We might be in there later today. If you see us, please do stop by. Enjoy your time in Moab!

Bill: Not so much expansion in space as expansion in product offering. We did add a little space to the gallery and made the office area a whole lot bigger, though. More on that soon...

Excellent collection, Bret. My faves are the mule ears, the cottonwood leaves close up & and the b/w aspens. Awesome! Wishing you & Melissa the best in 2013.

Nice collection, Brett! I like 1,3,6,9 especially. Last time i was out there the gallery hadnt opened yet--so i look forward to seeing it when i head out there next. Best of luck in 2013!

Each image is a standout with a story to make them stronger. Your ability to pre-visualize, then re-calibrate to detailed intimate landscapes serves you well!

Congratulations on the gallery Bret, I wish you more success in the new year. Great selection of images, particularly the Arches photos and of course the last one.

Absolutely love your black & white of the aspens. So serene! Also really like the Broken Arch shot! Amazing! I wish you continued success in 2013 especially with the McClung Gallery opening next door!

Thanks so much, everyone!

Nice collection, and congratulations on a successful year with the gallery! I hope I can visit Moab soon and drop by the gallery.

You might not have been shooting as much this year, but the quality did not suffer! I hope to visit our gallery soon!

Superb set of images Bret and I'm glad your gallery went well this year. I look forward to working with you and hope you have even more success in the coming year!

A great collection, and that b&w image of the aspens is the closest I think I've ever come to buying someone else's work.
And I still might!
Best of luck, light, health and happiness to you and your family in 2013, and a big 'Thanks!' for hosting such fine get-togethers.

Bret your photos are very unique and speak to me! I really love all of them My favorite being the one of your son! He looks absolutely adorable with his little hat and pack, but in addition its a great photo technically and tells a great story. My other favorites are the Organ and wildflowers and Winter Aspens ( very Ansel Adams) both are great shots! Well done!

Thanks for sharing with us the pivotal nature of how 2012 was for you personally Bret. Congrats on the success of your new gallery! Even if you didn't travel as much as you normally do this year, you made a fantastic set of photographs. The leaves closeup is not like anything I have ever seen and has a tremendous amount of detail. Great image! I also like the arch image and monsoon clouds right before it. Utah red rock at its finest. Best wishes for 2013!