I live by the belief that the universe runs according to certain laws. In particular, I will walk through fire for good people doing good things. Recently, the world -- and by the world I mean my friend Marc Thomas Kallweit -- reciprocated when he invited me to exhibit my images alongside his amazing body of work this week at Sacramento's Urban Hive.

Please join us for the opening reception this Thursday, December 8 at 6pm, where Marc and I will showcase much of the beauty captured through our international travels.

FIRST LIGHT: A lighting workshop at the historic Preston Castle with photojournalist Carl Costas.

All photographs begin with light. It doesn't matter if it comes from a substation downtown or from the heavens above. We will learn how to see, shape, and direct light into simply beautiful images during this one day training session. This will be a fun and fast paced learning environment, with a heavy emphasis placed on recognizing, understanding, and controlling light.

Saturday, November 26, we will have the distinct pleasure of holding the workshop at the historic Preston Castle. Originally constructed in 1890, the colors, textures, and history of this location provide a perfect backdrop for beautiful photographs.

Space is limited to 15 attendees. Click here to register now

About Carl Costas:

I spent thirteen years honing my craft in newspaper newsrooms like the Sacramento Bee. Before becoming a photographer, I was a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. After serving beside some of the bravest people I've ever met, I traded my weapon for a camera -- and learned about myself. Since that time the camera has taken me around the world and into the lives of countless beautiful people.

The portfolio: carlcostas.com

Under the hood: carlcostas.com/blog

Fly on the wall: Behind the scenes of a photoshoot with an NBA star

A story that needs to be told

I've been working with the international picture agency Zuma Press for a number of years now and have nothing but great things to say. They blanket the world with talented storytellers and bring the bountiful fruits of their labors to an audience of millions. Today, I was fortunate enough to have my work with a family of Liberian refugees highlighted in zReportage, a regular feature of what CEO Scott Mc Kiernan calls "stories that need to be told."

I am pleased to be a small part of something so much bigger than myself.

http://www.zreportage.com/zReportage.html?num=zrep389

Lady in Red

Sunset at Half Moon Bay, Calif.

The Dichotomy of East Africa

East Africa is a study in contrasts; Millions of people waste away from famine. Millions more escape death but suffer the wrath of warlords and oppressive governments. Yet through it all, beauty abounds. On the faces of children, in the connection between generations, and in the simplicity of everyday life, happiness flourishes.

"Early Bird Gets the Wave," sunrise over Big Basin Redwoods Park

Early Bird Gets the Wave by carl costas
I spent a couple days hunting light on the Northern California coast recently. It was a commissioned gig but it felt more like a vacation. I got the job done but didn't miss the chance to recharge the creative batteries. The coastal air, beautiful landscape and friendly folks made it all the better.

People are people, some just have more fans

A retrospective of some of the mega and marginal stars I've had the pleasure of crossing paths with over the years.

The Color of my Past

When Elizabeth had difficulty exercising she saw her doctor. Not long after, she was in full cardiac arrest and on the brink of death. After two hours of CPR and weeks of intensive care, a team of medical professionals had given the young mother a second chance at life.

Over the past several months I have had the privilege of being the conduit through which incredible people have chosen to tell their stories. It's stories like Elizabeth's, and that of the many others that have colored my recent history, that inspire me to simply do better. To be the best storyteller I can be.

Ubereclectic Singer-songwriter

Adrian Bourgeois is an old soul in the body of an ubereclectic twentysomething. With influences like The Beatles, Brian Wilson and Elvis Costello, the ever melodic singer-songwriter pens and croons tracks with dreamy titles like Melt In My Mind, Silk From Ashes, and To Be (the first man on earth).

A Living Legend

The idea of running a hundred miles through the mountains today is beyond the realm of normal thought for most people. In 1974 it was more than unheard of, it was considered impossible and dangerous. But when Gordon Ainsleigh came face-to-face with the prospect some three decades ago, he was undaunted.

With equal measures of wisdom and bravado, Ainsleigh set off on a journey that others before him had only done on horseback. Twenty-three hours and forty-seven minutes later, Ainsleigh emerged as the first person to have run the arduous Western States trail in one day. He had done the unthinkable, and solidified his place as a pioneer in the sport now known as ultrarunning.

Since then, the sport has grown wildly popular among the bravest of the bold. Thousands of athletes from all walks of life regularly test their physical and mental extremes on courses around the world. But the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run is commonly referred to as the birthplace of the ultramarathon, and the man simply known as Gordy is considered a living legend.

Actions, Words, and More Actions

Some people mean what they say. Others say what they mean. Jason Harper puts his money where his mouth is. When the do-gooder learned of the plight of inner-city kids in his area struggling with hunger, he not only loaded their cabinets with food but filled their minds with books and free time with structure. Then he ran a hundred miles in the mid-summer heat to raise awareness for their cause.

True Vision

Photographer Pete Eckert has never seen his work. He took to photography after a medical condition robbed him of his sight -- and has been making hauntingly beautiful images ever since. Armed with a crystal clear mental vision and a wicked sharp wit, Eckert senses his subjects with a self-described "sonar" and records their image on medium format film with long and sometimes multiple exposures. The only gage he has by which to judge his success or failure is the comments and feedback he gets from viewers. And I, for one, am thoroughly impressed.

A Different Kind of Thanks

The Tarlesson family fled their native Liberia, leaving behind a life of violence and hunger. They settled on a fertile plot in Northern California where they now grow organic vegetables and spices. Each year since their arrival they give thanks for their good fortune with a celebration of traditional African food, song and dance.

Bass Lake, Calif. -- Free Desktop Wallpaper

Sunset over Bass Lake, Calif. Bass Lake is situated in the Sierra National Forest approximately 14 mi (23 km) from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. Follow this link to download a high resolution copy of this image.

Liberian Refugees Give Thanks

The Tarlesson family fled their native Liberia, leaving behind a life of violence and hunger. They settled on a fertile plot in Northern California where they now grow organic vegetables and spices. Each year since their arrival they give thanks for their good fortune with a celebration of traditional African food, song and dance.

Step into the light

For a look at the sketchbook that is my journey so far please visit carlcostas.com and follow along at facebook & twitter

taqueria rojo san francisco

taqueria rojo san francisco

A Marine trades his weapon for a camera, and learns about himself

I was a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. I could field strip an M-16 blindfolded and engage a target from 500 hundred yards. I was proudly standing up for what I knew was right, but it wasn't my calling.

Like most creatives, the path to my current place in life has been circuitous. After four years of working side-by-side with some of the bravest people I've come to know, I put down my weapon, picked up a camera, and never looked back.

Photography has since taken me around the world; Over mountaintops, across plains, and into the lives of countless beautiful people. I have seen triumph and tragedy through my lens. And gained incredible wisdom along the way.

I served my country because I chose to. I make pictures because I can’t not.

For a look at the sketchbook that is my journey so far please visit carlcostas.com and my facebook page

Sunrise over the American River Confluence

Sunrise over the American River Confluence.

carlcostas.com 2010 Year in Review

Every time I begin to forget why I make pictures, I'm saved by an image I can never forget. Okay, I half stole that thought, changed it around and made it my own. But it couldn't be a more fitting description of how I feel about my career. 2010 has been a particularly memorable year; One filled with wild changes and struggle, triumph and growth. I can easily say that it has been one of the most challenging and rewarding years of my life. Check out the highlights on my facebook fan page.

Unity in the Community

Good samaritans provide food and friendship for the homeless during the heart of the holiday season. Follow this link for the rest of the images.

Continuum

2010 motion reel: Dramatic footage of light, landscape, and motion from carlcostas.com

Sunset Over South San Francisco

Follow this link to download a high resolution copy of this image. Just right-click (ctrl-click for Mac) and "Save as."

MacArthur Genius Grant Recipient

Acclaimed novelist and University of California, Davis professor Yiyun Li creates emotionally compelling literary portraits set in both China and the United States. Li was one of a select few recently chosen to receive a 2010 MacArthur Fellowship, a program also known as the genius award that grants a $500,000 stipend to individuals showing extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits.