Thank you for visiting my web site. I hope you enjoy the photographs.

I’m a graduate from Pratt Institute. I lived and worked in New York City
for over 25 years. In 1984 I founded Fiorentino Associates, an award
winning design firm that specializes in developing corporate identities for
fortune 500 companies. The firm has also partnered with a number of large
non - profit organizations and created programs that enhance their fund
rasing requirements throughout the United states.

As a student at Pratt, I studied graphic design and visual communications.
I often draw from this unique prospective and experience when creating my
photographs. This “design” frame of reference I employ makes, the images
displayed here on the site exciting visually, structurally and dimensionally.

I have traveled extensively around the world but there is a special concentration
of photographs taken in the South Western United States. With that said, my
photographs have been published by the New York Art Directors Club, The
American Institute of Graphic Arts, Graphic Design USA as well as organizations
that include The Wilderness Society and The Nature Conservancy to name a few.

Being within, around and above the great canyons of the America West is
where I find my creative and spiritual self. Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon,
Grand Canyon, Arches and Zion Canyons are the canvases I draw from to
express my creativity.

After visiting the site please sign our guest book, we would love to hear from you.

Locations of Interest

Canyon de Chelley, Arizona

Located near the Painted Desert, Canyon de Chelly was the home of the ancient Anasazi Indians. These Indians live in the cliff dwellings located here over 2,000 years. Distinctive artifacts, cliff dwellings and the spirit of Spider Rock, a huge monolith that stands over 800 feet tall can be found, viewed and if you wish worshiped here. This canyon offers you the most unusual visual experience you could imagine. The Native architecture sustains one of the longest living Navajo communities, and today the Indians live, farm and thrive in the canyon. Navajo people are truly connected to the land as depicted by the intimate connection of cliff dwellings, The White House cliff dwelling, over 1,200 years old and positioned hundreds of feet above the canyon floor. This will be the most famous existing dwelling you can see. You will view petrogylphs that tell the beautiful story of the Anasazi Indians, with many of these artistic depictions painted high on the canyon walls. Take a journey into the passed at Canyon de Chelly, bring an offering to the stream below on that flows on the canyon floor, and say a prayer for those passed on to the spirit world.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

John Wesley Powel, a one armed Civil War veteran explored this canyon in 1871, One of the first men to pioneer a journey through uncharted territory down the rapids of the Colorado River, they were charged with surveying and mapping the area. On Powel’s, second trip, photographs were taken which can be viewed on line. Late evening shadows define this canyon spiritually and spatially and perhaps no where else on earth can you see the gift of this canyon, in this vast visual form, as one layer of canyon wall blends into another. One is no longer the center of the universe but is defined by it on the rim over look. You don’t have to travel far from the Grand Canyon Loge at the North Rim to see this Park in detail. But if you have the time, take a road trip to Point Royal, Bright Angel Point, or Hermits Rest. Explore Mather point and view the Mojave desert of on the horizon, the Grand Canyon is truly the gate-way to a vast and unforgettable experience. Visit the Tusayan Ruin Museum that provides a small glimpse of Pueblo Indian life that dates back 800 years.

Sedona, Arizona

The red rocks speak to your soul and Sedona speaks of spiritual healing. This area is a spiritual mecca, a place of breath taking beauty only the eyes mind can comprehend. In the valley, great monoliths raise up to the sky with names such as Coffeepot, Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. These monoliths dot the landscape before you and provide the most intriguing views you are likely to see anywhere. Hike the many tails, get your palm read or bask in the glorious sun, explore the art galleries, dine at world class restaurants, Sedona has it all. From the finest Hotels such as Enchantment to a simple bed and breakfast Sedona offers something for everyone. Oak Creek Canyon is just north of Sedona and the scenic drive the Oak Creek is well worth the time. If you like the off road experience, there are jeep tours that will get you to places most visitors never see.We took the Red Rock tour and had a wonderful time. The Cocoino National Forest, 1.8 million acres surrounds Sedona. Explore!

Slot Canyon, Arizona

Near Page, Arizona, in the area is known as Glen Canyon Recreational Area. Slot Canyon, like Antelope, Butterfly, Buter and Buckskin draw thousands of hikers and photographers year round. The tight spaces in Slot Canyon were created by the constant flow of wind, rain and water erosion over thousands of years. Sculptured beauty, these interior walls are gently lit by the soft light of the sun, best seen at noon. Each twist and turn reveals the inner secret and soul of mother earth. Most visitors come to Page to explore like Powel and the Glen Canyon Dam. Off course there are boating tours galore, and we took a tour to Rainbow Briidge, that leaves from Wahweap Marina. You will see outstanding views of the lake against beautiful rock formations as you travel through the Forbidden Canyon to Rainbow Bridge. When we arrive there was a violent storm so the photo opportunity was last But the visual experience will last a life time!

Big Sur, California

At the edge of the continent and as you drive the Pacific Coast Highway, take the time to see Carmel Bridge, Carmel River State Beach Rocky Point Point Lobos, Hurricane Point and more . The Pacific Ocean meets the coast in the most dynamic transition you are ever likely to see .My favorite place to photograph is Point Lobos State Reserve. It is offen referred to as the “crown jewel” of the State Park System. This is a park where nature got it just right. Further down Highway 1 just North of San Francisco is “ Avenue of Giants”, one of the largest remaining stand of virgin redwoods. Also Rockefeller Forest near by, which has the “Champaign Coast Redwood” a huge 340 foot to tree, hundreds of years old thrust upward to the sky. It is one of Ansel Adams best areas to photograph. The Monterey Peninsula, Pfeiffer Beach, Esalen hot springs are just a few of the attractions at your car doors step. Be sure to stop at Carmel and see this sea-side town, with a pure white sandy beach at the edge of town. Don’t miss the 17-Mile Drive, which takes you through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach.

Death Valley, California

Furnace Creek, Bad water and Stove Pipe Wells, set the stage for a landscape that is one of the hottest, lowest and driest places on the planet. Temperatures can reach as high as 130 degrees! About 550 square miles are below sea level. And will you are boiling you will see, off in the distance snow cover mountains, miles of pristine sand dunes, layered rock and more. Borax, metal mines ghost towns and more make this trip special in so many ways. Visit Scotty’s Castle, play a round of golf or take a road trip and explore the wonders of the valley. It is a world of contrast and extremes where a rain storm may yield wild flowers in and around a vista of salt flats that predominated the landscape. Prospectors Frank Harris, the most famous prospectors ever to explore this desert, was responsible for one of the biggest gold strikes in this desert land. This sparked the famous “gold rush” into Death Valley. Sadly, “The Lost 49ers”, at the height of the gold rush, tried to take a short cut into the desert, but this proved fatal and they paid with their lives giving the area the name, Death Valley.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is known for it’s grandeur and beauty. Most notably, the park is exceptionally scenic during the fall season. Aspens trees turn a bright yellow and are beautifully framed by green Ponderosa Pines. The Aspens paint a board wide brush of beautiful color that fill the mountainside like a field of sunflowers in a Van Gogh painting.

Trail Ridge Road will take you over the Continental Divide, a drive one must take while visiting the park. I drove over the divide in late fall, it was nothing short of a rocky maintain high.

The Park boasts spectacular mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, hiking trails and much more.  In the fall the Elk gather near Horseshoe Park, as the sun sets the bull elk play a symphony to their mates: a deep distinct call that resinates to a high pitch. You will want to see these beast at their best during mating season!

With over 350 miles of trails, you will find hiking trails for all ages. Wild flower, meadows, crystal clear streams, and snow covered mountains are the elements one intersects on trails in this park. 

Maui, Hawaii

As a photographer, what is the most visually unique aspect the Hawaiian Islands, Maui and Oahu are the juxtaposition of land, volcanic activity and sea . These elements combine, in a very special way, at Hana, know as” The Road to Hana” where one can experience rainforests, waterfalls, bamboo jungles, tropical streams and volcanic formations along a 650 twisting and turning road trip. See the “Heavenly” Hana town, Keanae Peninsula , spectacular sea cliffs, Waynanapanapa State Park. Walk the famous black sand beach. Hike to Seven Sacred Pools where you can swim under water! See rugged lava coast line which makes for a prefect photo opportunity. Don’t miss Hana on your trip to Maui. Sun raise at Haleakala is a must see experience and a right of passage for all those who visit the island. Whale watching on the island is the best in the World where huge majestic humpback whales can be seen lifting their sleek bodies out of the ocean for all to see. These whales travel thousands of miles to Maui’s coast to frolic in the clear, warm waters to mate every winter. Sea turtles, colorful tropical fish and spinner dolphins abound here as well. Bring your camera!

Oahu, Hawaii

On my first trip I stayed at the famous Haleulani Hotel in Waikiki, where shopping, sailing and walking the beach are all available right outside the hotel. In a Macadamia nut shell, Oahu has Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and the North Shore. For the more adventuresome you may travel to the North Shore Beach, also known as the “banzi tunnel” where huge 30 foot waves challenge even the most skilled surfers. Visit Haleiwa, and Sun Set Beach, a legendary beach and a favorite for local residences. This area is also known for the vast pineapple plantations of which Dole Corporation plantation is the most popular. Be sure to stop and explore Peacock Flats while you are in the area. We paid our respects at the Pear Harbor Memorial; a heart felt experience to be sure, and well worth the time to take the tour of the battle ship USS Arizona. God bless those who gave their lives.

Great Falls, Maryland

Great Falls Park and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal or the C&O canel offers you the opportunity to be out in nature and with in a few miles of the Nation’s Capital, Washington, DC. Here one can hike the Billy Goat trail, climb over jagged rocks and view rock climbers on the Virginia side of the park and see kayaking on the Potomac River below. Patowmack Canal, the first canal in the United State that used locks to raise and lower boats can be see on the towpath. The old canal towpath is an excellent way for those up to the task to hike up to Harpers Ferry National Historic Park and onto the Appalachian Tail, and beyond! Also in the park is are15-miles of trails that follow Difficult Run, a small stream that leads you to Mather Gorge. Be sure to stop at the famous Great Falls “over look” and see the signature views of water cascading down Great Falls rushing water drops nearly 100 feet. These are class 6 rapids for those up to the challenge! You can see from my photograph the cascading waters are a formidable. challenge for any kayak attempt over the Great Falls.

White Sands, New Mexico

The largest pure gypsum sand dunes anywhere in the world can be found at this park. Plan you trip near sun set to capture the spirit of soft light from the setting sun as it reflects over the crystal white sand. Visit Trinity Site where in 1945 the first atomic bomb explosion changed the world. A place of beauty, Trinity is marked by the pure power and force of an event that in fact changed the history of the world, the berth of the nuclear age! Be sure to take the 8-mile scenic dune drive. Stop by the Visitor Center building, which is an excellent example of Spanish pueblo-adobe architecture and a must see. The Legend of Pavala Blanca is one of he most enduring Indian legends. The ghost of the Great White Sands tells the story of an ambush of proud Apache warriors. From those who are interested, Holloman Air Force base is located near by. This Base has participated in Desert Storm, Desert Shield and Enduring Freedom and many more.

Shiprock, New Mexico

This 1,700 foot volcanic plume is the sacred place for Navahos, also known as Rock with Wings. Ancient folk myth tell of how this rock was thought to be a great bird that transported ancestral people of the Navaho tribe to there lands in northwest Mexico. The rock is more of a metaphor suggesting that the site has great powers to lift the human soul above daily problems. This is also a place where young Navaho seek to achieve their vision quest and thus be transformed both physically and spiritually into adulthood. The Navaho Nation holds the Northern Navaho Fair here in October. Shiprock is located in near proximity to Canyon de Chelly and Chaco Canyon.

Coromandel, New Zealand

One can experience the visual blend of forest, land and sea in a vast perspective know to those who have made this magical trip as the Coromandel Peninsula. Some have suggest that this place is another Pacific Coast Highway, it will live up to that metaphor and more! About 50 miles from Auckland this is a favorite vacation destination. Golden white beaches, dense forest and magnificent coastal scenery are part of what make this area one of my favorite places. Polynesian influence abounds and from an historical perspective great navigators Kupe and Cook explored this region. Mercury Beach is depicted on this site and for good reason, the dynamic juxtaposition of sea and land here is unequaled anywhere I have traveled. Artist galleries, studios showcase of some of New Zealand’s most talented artist. Protect the Kiwi! The National symbol of New Zealand the tiny bird can be found in the region. There are magnificent stands of Kauri Trees, which can grow up to 50 meters tall on the peninsula which make for yet one more reason to see New Zealand! Consider stopping in Rotorua and Wai-O-Tapu as you exist the Coromandel. The region is known for Geothermal activity. It is in a volcanic zone where boiling mud, hot springs and the famous Champagne Pool can be seen. Huge volcanic craters and the Sinter Terrace are surrounded by an expansive natural bush setting which makes this stop a warm and wonderful must see.

Valley of Fire, Nevada

This park is Nevada’s oldest park which was dedicated in 1935. Located only 50 miles from the Las Vegas Strip the park is very accessible to you. Brilliant formations of red , jagged rocks and sand dunes are the signature components here. Rock formations created over 150 million years ago created such structures as the Beehives, Mouse’s Tank, Seven Sisters and Elephant Rock which are among the signature landscape. Atlatl Rock is the site of significant Indian petroglyphs. Petroglyph Canyon is a half-mile walk to Mouse’s Tank where you can find great examples of Indian rock writings. Many migrant birds are residences here such as the Sage Sparrow, Raven and the famed Roadrunner. The plant community is dominated by creosote brush, burro, and bruttle bush. Cactus species include Beavertail and cholla. With over 35,000 acres there are plenty of activities such as off road trails, hiking and nature walks to keep you on the move.

Mount Rainier, Washington

This is a glaciated volcanic peak offering limitless mountaineering possibilities. Whether you take the challenge and do the vertical clime to the summit or you drive the beautiful roads within the park, Mount Rainer will not disappoint you. There is everything from climbing, camping bicycling and more at the park. See old growth forest, a flowering meadow to the magnificent snow covered Mount Rainer. There are five areas of development within the park that range from simple camp sites to fine hotels. They include, Longmire, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, Sunraise and Carbor. The 14,400 - foot peak is the highest peak in the Cascade Range. Other Cascade Range peaks include Mount St. Helen, Mt. Adam, Mt, Baker, and Glacier Peak . Hiking Mount Rainier will be a challenge as this a 9,000 foot vertical effort over a distance of 9 miles. If you are headed to the top, be prepared!

Arches Park, Utah

The forces of nature created over 2,000 natural sandstone arches at Arches park. The world famous Delicate Arch is featured on my site! These extraordinary natural creations produce landscapes that are truly unforgettable. The color, texture and shapes of these unique rock formations were made over millions of years. Wind, rain and erosion sculpted what I thing is the most fascinating place in Utah. The park offers a “window” on the world of what will promise to be a stunning visual trip you will not forget. Arches are defined and occur typically as fins of Sandstone and over time with natures helping hand become delicate arch formations. Don’t miss delicate Arch or Devils Garden and take the time to hike very accessible trails and viewpoints in the Park. The contrast of late evening sun light make these beautiful arches glow warm red magenta and gold, a photographers wellspring of subject matter.

Bryce Canyon, Utah

The greatest amphitheater was made by nature it self and it can be found at Bryce Canyon. As you drive along the rim of the canyon you will see Ponderosa Pine intermingled with the famous spires called “hoodoos”. Natures forces over millions of years of wind, rain, snow and erosion have created tall rock formations that stately stand before us today. Yet while we can not fully understand the vast creation of this amphitheater we can walk the meadows, see the wildlife, view the fossils and know that we are in a very special place ecologically and spiritual. Sun Set, Bryce and Inspiration Point are just a few of the many over looks that are easy to access. The geology here produces many varied forms among them is the famous Natural Bridge, one of many arches here in the park. This Sculpted arch formation is rich in iron oxide minerals which emit a brilliant the red coloration. Grand Staircase may be seen from Fareview Point that is one of the most remarkable vistas in the park. Close your eyes at Rainbow Point, and let your minds eye take over, that is Bryce Canyon.

Monument Valley, Utah

Signature John Wayne style scenic monoliths are found here in abundance. The valley is centered in the Four Corners area and the Navaho Indian Nation administers the park. Defining western monoliths such as Three Sisters, King on His Throne, The Mittens, Bear and Rabbit, Stagecoach and Castle Rock paint this landscape like no artist could. I have stood in the middle of US Highway 163 with my 200 telephoto lens and knew that somehow I would find my way back home as Monument Valley was in fact home for me. Be kind to the Navaho for this is their land and their proud history, their souls and their spirit God are imbedded in these sand stone monoliths. Mexican Hat, just up the road on US 163 is a worth while stop and be sure to visit Gouldings Lodge as well.

Zion National Park, Utah

Standing outside the lodge at Zion, one feels the full embrace of these massive cliffs that sound you in every direction. You are in fact deep within the womb of Zion Canyon. Most parks are experienced from a rim far above the canyon floor. Zion is different and for that reason worth the trip. These sandstone cliffs are the grand master impressionist’s palette, pale blue, pink pastel yellow and orange. Located on the Colorado Plateau bordering the Great basin and Mojave Desert, you can if you wish, see much more beauty than can be imagined. Hiking is the signature activity at Zion and it is said to be the mecca for hiking in the US National Park System. Be sure to walk the Virgin River, near the lodge, a refreshing easy walk that gives you a warm perspective to this fine park.