The Del Dios Art Tour is Back!
Dec 5th. Add it on your calendar
After a brief hiatus, the Del Dios Art Tour and Sale is finally back! Del Dios is famous for its vibrant community of artists, musicians, and eclectic creatives. Make sure to plan a visit to meet these remarkable individuals, discover their craft, and hear firsthand about the passion and inspiration behind their work. I’m excited to share that I will be showcasing my own photography as part of the tour this year, so please stop by to say hello!
This month’s Lake Hodges activity Update
Unlike other regions, most of the autumn colors and reflections at Lake Hodges don’t come from a dramatic shift in tree foliage, but rather from the unique shrubbery and low-lying vegetation framing the water, which results in a far longer window of opportunity. The winter visitors have started arriving, including the Black-necked Stilts
A common misconception in nature photography is that great shots require direct sunlight. As this image of Rushing Western Grebes demonstrates, overcast conditions are often ideal, capturing fine details that would otherwise be lost to harsh highlights or deep shadows.
While the dense foliage offers stunning reflections, it also serves as a perfect camouflage for the area’s wildlife. This season has been exceptionally rewarding for coyote photography, with almost daily encounters as local packs journey back to their daytime sanctuaries each morning.
The sheer variety of wildlife is what makes guiding and photography at Lake Hodges so fulfilling. Case in point, this female Northern Harrier. Mornings routinely yield an impressive selection of avian subjects—hardly surprising given that over 247 distinct species have been identified in the area. As a founding board member of the ‘Friends of Lake Hodges‘ I am currently cataloging these species to build a comprehensive record.
On that note, a big shout-out to everyone who came to the ‘Friends of Lake Hodges’ fundraiser back in September! We had an awesome turnout. Special thanks to Domain Artifact Winery for letting us use their amazing venue. Between the good food, wine, and music, we also had a silent auction where a couple of my prints were up for grabs.
With the water levels currently low due to a mandate from the State’s Division of Safety of Dams, our winter wildlife visitors are arriving to some absolutely incredible photography opportunities.
And let’s not forget the beautiful sunrises this time of year. On many mornings, Lake Hodges offers a striking mix of mist, high clouds, colorful skies, and smooth reflections across the water.
The secret is knowing where to pause and take it all in. Find the right viewpoint, and the lake’s quiet morning light can turn an ordinary start to the day into something special.
As the first light begins to break through the mist at Lake Hodges, I’ve already found two grebes nuzzling together on the water. Their quiet closeness hints at the breeding season just ahead.
The soft morning light warms their white plumage, while the rippled reflections carry that glow down through the frame. Moments like this are a reminder that the lake’s early hours reward patience—and a little knowledge of where to look.
When the sun finally breaks through at Lake Hodges, the extra light can turn a fleeting bit of action into a photograph full of detail. This Snowy Egret has just snagged a small fish, with droplets still suspended in the air.
The bright light reveals the delicate texture of the egret’s white feathers—and even the fish’s profile—against the darker water. Moments like this happen quickly, but they’re a reminder of what patience can bring.
Some photographs stay with you simply because you love the moment—and I really love this one. On my way back from my recent trip to Utah, I came across this handsome Steller’s Jay in perfect plumage.
Getting down to the bird’s eye level gave me a close look at that bold crest and the fine texture of its dark feathers. The warm, uncluttered background lets the jay’s color and character take center stage, with room around it to breathe.
It’s not every day the light, setting, and a beautiful bird come together like this. This is what it’s all about.
Artists of Del Dios Studio Tour & Sale
Again, I’ll be participating on Dec 5th and 6th. If you’re in the area please pop over and say hello.
Discover what sparks the imagination of our local creators at the Artists of Del Dios Studio Tour on December 5th and 6th, 2026. Come explore a wonderfully diverse collection of artistic styles and learn firsthand what inspires their unique creative processes.
Here’s a reminder of my Website for purchasing my ART. Every print tells a story — Visit my website to see the full collection and find the perfect piece for yourself or someone special this season.
One of my favorite features of my online gallery is the room mockup tool. I know how important it is to feel confident that a piece of art will truly fit your space. With this tool, you can preview any print on a variety of room backgrounds, change the wall color, and even upload a photo of your actual room. It’s a simple way to see how a print will complement your décor before you buy—so you can bring a piece of Lake Hodges home with complete confidence.
If there’s a particular image you’ve seen on my social media or during a tour that isn’t yet available on the site, just let me know. I’m always happy to upload high-resolution versions and help you find the perfect print for your space.
https://www.lakehodgesphototours.art/shop-art.
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if you’re interested in heading out on the lake or walking the area for photography or videography, I’d love to connect. Please contact me directly by email at Brian@LakeHodgesPhotoTours.com to discuss your interests or to set up a session.
Feel free to share this invitation on your preferred social media platform, and don’t forget to subscribe at the bottom of this page for updates, tips, and the latest wildlife stories from Lake Hodges.
Looking forward to sharing the beauty of Lake Hodges with you!
Until next time
