My friend Kim Brannock, a passionate designer working with Patagonia, sent me a note letting me know some of the new gear she has been was working was just released. She mentioned there is one piece I’d be interested in seeing, particularly the color. I was thrilled to see my image helped create a new pattern color for the Patagonia Men’s Sunshade shirts. When she was designing she piece she was browsing through the Patagonia photo archives selecting images for creative ideas. She picked the photo from a big pile of photo selects, and only learned that it was mine later. Random luck! I’m very happy to see my work being used in such a unique and creative way. The bonus part, it’s a piece of gear I practically live in when traveling in the field, and a piece of gear I was using when I took the photo. I couldn’t be more pleased.

A big thank you to the creative unsung hardworking designers who are creating and engineering gear that performs in tough conditions. When I am out on assignments I need to be focused on the shoot and not worried if my gear is going to hold up. So the next time you’re comfortable out when it’s cold or dry when its wet, don’t forget to thank the design team, its a big task!