“Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop.” - Ansel Adams
Well, to be sure, I've shared more than 12 photos in my year-end review here, but to be fair, using a digital camera allows me to produce many more photos than Ansel Adams using a view camera that took one sheet of film at a time. Whether or not the images I managed to produce this year deserve to mentioned with any of Adams' is something I'll leave to others to determine. But overall, I'm happy with the way 2022 turned out for me.
The year started with a late January trip to Death Valley National Park, in Southern California, with my friend and colleague Kristen Wilkinson. It was an incredible experience exploring such an arid landscape, including locations like Mesquite Flats Dunes, Zabriskie Point, Dante's View, and Badwater Basin. I've included a few of my favorites here.
Mesquite Twilight
Limited Edition
The magnificent Amaragosa Mountains rise behind Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, adding depth and grandeur to an otherworldly landscape. The sky is ablaze with a fiery glow of orange, pink and purple hues, casting a warm and inviting light upon the sand dunes. The dunes themselves are a work of art, with wind-blown patterns and intricate lines captured in stunning detail, as the interplay of light and shadow creates a dynamic and mesmerizing image that will take your breath away. This Limited Edition of 100 prints includes a signed certificate of authenticity.
Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes was simply gorgeous. We'd first visited during an afternoon to check out the location, but decided early morning would be better as we'd hoped the winds would remove footprints and create the soft ripples in the sand.
Celestial Basin
Limited Edition
The incredible beauty of the night sky is on full display as Jupiter descends toward the horizon and stars begin to shine just after twilight in Badwater Basin. The pyramid of light you see is known as Zodiacal Light, a stunning phenomenon that is the result of sunlight reflecting off cosmic dust orbiting in the solar system. Badwater Basin is a vast salt flat that lies 282 feet below sea level in Death Valley National Park, and is characterized by the mesmerizing polygonal patterns created by groundwater rising up through the salt and evaporating. This is a limited edition of 100 prints and includes signed certificate of authenticity.
Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, was unbelievable. The patterns the salt made gave me so much to work with photographically, but adding to it the incredibly dark skies that enabled me to capture the stars and zodiacal light, it became an unforgettable experience.
Zabriskie Dawn
Limited Edition
Greeting the morning light at Zabriskie Point in the arid yet beautiful Death Valley National Park is a magical sight, with pink alpenglow illuminating Telescope Peak in the distance while light and shadow play over the ridges of the badlands. The yellow and brown striped hills, carved over the eons by water, now stand dry awaiting exploration. Capture this stunning moment in time for your home or office and let it remind you of the wonders of nature and the beauty of morning light, of a day starting anew.
This is a Limited Edition of 100 prints. Each print includes a signed Certificate of Authenticity, and a matching serial number.
The night sky above Reid State Park in Maine is a stunning vision of stars, galaxies, planets, and the ever-present Milky Way. Its glittering light and mystery is mirrored in the stillness of the Sheepscot River that winds through the park and is framed by tall pine trees whose limbs glisten from the snow that covers the ground. Whether you look up into the night sky and see the stars that reach out to eternity or down at the river and be mesmerized by their reflection, the park provides a beautiful, serene array of nature's wonders along the coast of Maine.
Back home in Maine in February, I took advantage of the beginning of Milky Way Season, when the Milky Way is visible in the southern sky. This happens from late February to early October, depending on what part of the country you're in. I headed to Reid State Park in frigid temperatures in the middle of the night to capture my image of the Milky Way over the Sheepscot River. All in a night's work!
Against the Tide
Pinnacle Rock on Bailey Island, Maine, stands against the incoming tide on a spring morning.
I made "Against the Tide" in April, just as things began warming up. I found myself on a perch just above where the waves were crashing against Pinnacle Rock on Bailey Island. This is one of my favorite local spots to photograph and it was the perfect way to start a spring day.
Shenandoah Dream
Sunlight pours over the Blue Ridge Mountains and Jewell Hollow in Shenandoah National Park.
In mid April, I headed to Shenandoah National Park with Kristen again. The hope was that we'd catch the spring blossoms just right and get some of those soft pastel colors. It wasn't to be as spring came a little later this year, but there were still some beautiful scenes to be had.
Luminous Ebb
The dazzling light of the rising sun reflects off of the surface of wet sand at low tide on Popham Beach, Maine, creating a beautiful interplay between light and color. The dark cloudy sky, adorned with streaks of purple and orange, paints a gorgeous backdrop for beach decorated by ripples left in the sand by the receding ocean waters. The silhouette of a a distant island provides an interesting contrast against the luminous ebb, completing this tranquil sunrise scene.
In May, I led a workshop here on Maine's midcoast. The first day we were blessed with an incredible sunrise on Popham Beach. I love the patterns of pools and ripples in the wet sand on Popham at low tide, and this was as good as I've ever seen it.
Starry Night on Bailey Island
The Milky Way glows in the night sky over Bailey Island in Harpswell, Maine.
In late May I headed back to Bailey Island. I'd had the idea for an image of the Milky Way over Pinnacle Rock for a while, and was finally able to make it happen. It was pitch dark and about 1am when I made this. It took a little work but it felt good to finally bring this image to fruition.
Siren's Song III
"Sirens Song III" is a breathtaking fine art print that captures the raw power of the Pacific Ocean at Cape Disappointment in Washington. This photograph captures the turmoil of the ocean driven by a storm as it crashes against the rugged coastline. The fine detail and vivid colors bring the scene to life, inviting you to embrace the strength of storm-driven waves.
In June, I headed to Oregon to lead another workshop. I've always loved the Pacific Northwest, and this trip was filled with a variety of landscape and seascape images. Before the workshop began, I headed up to Cape Disappointment just across the Columbia River in Washington. It was a stormy day and I was able to get some of the angriest waves I've ever seen!
The Wood Between The Worlds
Sunbeams stream down into the misty old growth forest at Cape Falcon, Oregon, just south of Cannon Beach. The old growth forest serves as a sort of buffer between the rugged coastline of Oregon, and the mountains further inland, reminding me of the fabled wood from the Chronicles of Narnia. This photo captures the peaceful landscape of an ancient forest, as light filters through the Sitka Spruce trees, casting a warm, inviting glow. With its rich, vibrant colors and masterful composition, this photo is the epitome of natural beauty and tranquility.
The day after I visited Cape Disappointment, I headed to Cape Falcon, just south of Cannon Beach. I spent the entire morning in the old growth forest there, among the Sitka Spruce trees. Soft light filtered through the trees, and the coastal fog moved in and made magic happen!
Little Missouri Badlands
The Little Missouri Badlands of North Dakota at Theodore Roosevelt National Park on a summer afternoon.
July was really special, as my wife joined me on our first cross-country road trip together. It was still a work trip for me, but having her there made it special. She didn't even want to kill me after being cooped up with me in the car for 8,000 miles! We made many stops along the way, but photographically, our first stop was Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. We only spent a few hours there, but it was more than enough to show her how beautiful that park is. I had spent several days there last year with my son and my brother, so I knew just where to take her!
The Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell at Washington Pass in North Cascades National Park is captured in a breathtaking photograph that showcases the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The majestic peak towers over the rolling hillsides covered in lush Douglas Firs, spruces, and pine trees. The snow-covered mountainside and the pristine blue sky filled with cumulus clouds create a perfect contrast of nature's elements. Add a sense of tranquility and peace to your home or office with a museum-quality print of this stunning photograph.
From North Dakota, we crossed Montana (man, Montana is HUGE), and eventually ended up on the Washington coast. From our base there, we explored North Cascades National Park. The North Cascades are incredibly beautiful! We were a bit shocked to be hiking in a few feet of snow still in mid-July!
Diablo Twilight
The sky glows with the last light of the day over Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park in Washington.
Our first stop on the way back was Devil's Tower National Monument in Wyoming. We got there just in time for some gorgeous late afternoon light. Jess and I did a short hike while I figured out where I wanted to photograph from. Now that I'd seen it in person, I needed to go back and re-watch "Close Encounters of the Third Kind, since this location figured so prominently in the movie.
Twilight in the Badlands
Limited Edition
Be transported to the breathtaking beauty of Norbeck Pass in Badlands National Park in South Dakota with this stunning fine art print. The rugged rock formations stand tall and proud, etched in the soft glow of twilight. The pink and purple hues of the sky paint a picture of peace and tranquility, while wispy clouds add an ethereal touch to the scene. This photo captures the essence of the park's natural splendor and is a must-have for any nature lover or art collector.
Limited edition of 100 prints. Includes signed certificate of authenticity.
The next day, we visited Badlands National Park for an incredible sunrise. Badlands simply looks like you're on another planet. We spent half the day exploring Badlands before getting back on the road. I was able to make some beautiful images, but my favorite is definitely "Twilight in the Badlands", above.
Perkins Island Lighthouse
Perkins Island Lighthouse stands watch over the Kennebec River on a summer morning in Georgetown, Maine.
Once back home in Maine, I spent a lot of time editing images from the road trip. But in August, I managed to get out on the Kennebec River with another photographer in his boat and capture some sunrise images. One of the nice things about being on the river was the different vantage points to see lighthouses, like Perkins Island, above.
Sunset Reset
Sunsets are the Great Reset at the end of every day. The sun goes down, the world goes to sleep, and tomorrow starts anew.
Here, a skiff is tied off a small island in Middle Bay near Lookout Point in Harpswell, Maine, as the red and orange glow of the sunset is reflected in the calm waters, showcasing the beauty and serenity of a summer evening in New England.
At the end of August, I had one more Milky Way image I wanted to make, at Lookout Point in Harpswell. I arrived in time for sunset, knowing the Milky Way would be visible just after dark. It was a gorgeous sunset, but I was anxious to capture the Milky Way over the islands visible from Lookout Point.
Night Falls at Lookout Point
The Milky Way glows above the islands visible from Lookout Point on a summer night in Harpswell, Maine.
Capturing the Milky Way over Lookout Point was a little more difficult than I thought, but I managed to make it work. You can see the result above. It was a nice way to finish off the summer months as I headed into September.
Morning on Winnegance Creek
A boathouse sits on the edge of WInnegance Creek while a dinghy waits tied up in the creek on a summer morning near Bath, Maine.
In September, I stayed in Maine for the most part, capturing some small vignettes I'd seen while meandering about. The first at Winnegance Creek is not far from my home. I'd seen it many times while driving by and knew I wanted to capture it with morning light on it, so I finally made myself get there and do it. The waters on the creek were calm, creating a gorgeous reflection.
The Red Boathouse
An old red boathouse on the banks of the Sasanoa River in Georgetown, Maine on a summer morning.
The second vignette was this house on the banks of the Susanna River on the Georgetown Peninsula. I've been past it several times and I know many people have photographed it, but I'd never put my own spin on it. I was glad to finally get around to it. It's just such a Maine spot that it was hard to resist.
You Otter Be in Pictures
A family of furry, playful otters lays among the seaweed near the aptly named Otter Cliff in Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor, Maine. They are huddled close together, seemingly relaxed and content in each other's company. The otters dark, shiny coats covering their plump, round bodies give them an adorable appearance, while the deep green seaweed provides a rich contrast and creates an idyllic coastal scene. The photograph captures a peaceful moment in the lives of these adorable creatures, highlighting the close-knit bond within the family.
One of the fun things about living on the Maine coast is how angry the ocean gets when there's a storm churning somewhere at sea. It makes for awesome photos. With that in mind, and a hurricane at sea, I headed up to Acadia to see if I could get some giant waves crashing against the rocks. Unfortunately, nature didn't cooperate, but as I was setting up for a landscape photo, trying to make lemonade from the lemons I'd been handed, this family of otters popped up from the rocks near Otter Cliff to spend a few minutes with me. Really made my day.
Autumn Sunset by the Barn
An old barn sits beneath a maple tree at sunset on an autumn evening in rural Maine.
Sometime earlier this year, a friend of mine, Natalie Breton, sent me a quick phone shot of the barn above, thinking it might be something I wanted to photograph. It looked like a great subject, so... I waited. When she'd first sent it to me- I think it was back in the spring- there were no leaves on the trees and I decided I'd wait until there were. Then of course I got sidetracked and focused on other things, until one day in the fall, I had a free afternoon and decided to go find the barn. I happened to pick the perfect day, with a nice sky close to sunset, the tree next to the barn was nice and colorful and the light was perfect.
Appalachian Sunset II
The Great Smoky Mountains lay before the setting sun on an autumn evening at Clingman's Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The sun appears as a large yellow disc, casting warm rays over the peaks of the mountains. The sky is painted in a gradient of red, orange, and pink, creating a vivid contrast with the blue and purple hues of the mountains. The use of a telephoto lens flattens the image to large, graphic shapes, showcasing the natural beauty and grandeur of this stunning landscape.
I finished out the autumn in the Great Smoky Mountainswith Kristen Wilkinson again. I've loved exploring there the previous times I'd visited, and this one was no exception. The leaves came down a little earlier than we'd hoped at the higher elevations, but we were able to capture some amazing views, and still get some good foliage at the lower elevations.
Autumn Mist at Newfound Gap
Mist hangs in the valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains at Newfound Gap on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee on an October morning.
There's such a wide variety of compositions available in the Smokies. From wide vistas with mountains that stretch for miles, to more intimate landscapes. We photographed an incredible sunset from Clingman's Dome, and I managed to capture an amazing misty morning from Newfound Gap.
Autumn on Hyatt Lane
An oak tree shows its full autumn color on a misty morning on Hyatt Lane in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Cades Cove is definitely my favorite spot in the Smokies. It's especially magical when there is a low hanging mist that moves through the trees and across the meadows.
I Am A Rock, I Am An Island
The sun sets behind Weir Island near Stonington, Maine on a November evening. The long exposure technique used creates a serene effect on the ocean and adds drama to the sky, where the clouds appear to be in motion, illuminated by the warm hues of red and orange from the setting sun. The foreground is dominated by the imposing rocks on Sand Beach, adding depth and texture to the scene.
In November, my wife and I took a drive up the coast of Maine so I could photograph Sand Beach in Stonington, on Deer Isle. I had been keeping my eye on the tides and the sunset location, as I wanted the sunset as close to the island as possible. This spot seemed perfect. It turned out to be a really beautiful sunset and I decided it would make a nice long exposure, which is what you see above.
Lobsterman's Christmas
On a foggy night in Friendship Harbor, Maine, a unique Christmas tree made of colorful lobster buoys stands brightly lit on a dock. In the background, several lobster boats can be seen anchored in the harbor, providing a picturesque contrast to the lit-up tree, and creating a serene and festive atmosphere on this winter evening.
Once the leaves are off the trees, I tend to take a little break for a bit, waiting for snow to fall. I've been waiting a while here, as we haven't had much on the coast. But Christmas on the Maine coast is so magical, with Christmas trees made of lobster buoys and lobster traps popping up in many towns along the coast. I would have preferred a little snow to photograph these, but this rainy, foggy, evening in Friendship was pretty magical all on its own, without the snow.
Reflected Tranquility
Awaken to the beauty of nature with this stunning fine art photo print captured just before dawn on Wells Beach in Maine. The vivid colors of the sky dance across the canvas just before the sun rises over the ocean, casting a warm glow over the shoreline. The intricate details of the rocks and sand are magnified in the crystal clear tide pools that reflect the stunning sky. This unique scene is sure to add a touch of tranquility and peacefulness to any room.
All in all, 2022 was a fantastic year for me. I hope you all had great year, have a wonderful 2023 filled with laughter and love, and continue to follow my adventures!
