There’s something about the Adirondacks that strips life down to its essentials—silence, grit, and the raw beauty of nature. I recently had the chance to document a trip with a group of retired Navy SEALs deep in that wilderness. It wasn’t just a shoot. It was a reunion, an adventure, and a chance for these men to reconnect—with each other and with themselves.
Gear Preparation
I brought my RED cinema camera and two Canon zoom lenses: a 16-35mm for those vast, sweeping landscapes, and a 70-200mm for capturing quiet, emotional moments—the kind that often happen around a fire or during a quiet paddle at sunrise. I also flew my Mavic 3 Cine drone (outside wilderness zones) to show just how vast and untouched this place really is.
Exploring the Lakes
Our adventure began at Hoel Pond, a serene lake surrounded by dense forest. The calm waters provided the perfect setting for some stunning early morning shots, with the mist rising from the surface as the sun began to peek through the trees. Filming the SEALs paddling through these serene waters, sharing stories and laughter, was a poignant reminder of their camaraderie.
That night, we camped at Long Pond, where the sound of rain on our tents was a soothing backdrop to our dinner.The rain added a dramatic element to our footage, highlighting the rugged and unpredictable nature of the Adirondacks. The SEALs’ resilience and adaptability shone through, as they effortlessly set up camp and enjoyed the downpour.
The next day, we made our way to St. Regis Pond. The journey included several challenging portages, where we had to carry our canoes and gear over land between waterways. The effort was rewarded with the discovery of a fantastic campsite by St. Regis Pond, where we filmed stunning sunset shots and captured the essence of wilderness camping.
The Challenges of Portaging
Portaging is an integral part of exploring the Adirondacks’ interconnected waterways. It involves carrying your canoe and gear between lakes and ponds, often over considerable distances. During our trip, we covered 9.5 miles in canoes, crossed 16 ponds, and portaged a staggering 13.7 miles. Watching the SEALs navigate these challenges with precision and teamwork was inspiring.
An Unforgettable Experience
A huge part of that came down to our guide, Henri de la Vega. Henri is the real deal—a Triple Crown finisher, licensed backcountry guide, and a man who has logged over 9,000 miles in the wild. I had the chance to work with him before on a 32-mile trek through the White Mountains, and once again, his leadership, calm presence, and deep knowledge of the outdoors elevated every part of the experience. Whether it was teaching a skill, calming a storm, or simply setting the pace, Henri showed up with presence and purpose.
This trip was made possible by Guardian Revival—a nonprofit committed to improving the mental health and well-being of military, veterans, first responders, and their families—and the SEAL Future Fund, an organization built by SEALs for SEALs to walk alongside these men as they transition and continue their lives of service. Their support, along with the strength and humility of the men on this trip, reminded me that healing and brotherhood often go hand in hand—and sometimes the wilderness is the perfect place for both.
This wasn’t just another shoot. It was a window into something real—and I’m grateful I got to witness and capture it.
High Castle Cinema 
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