Many times over the course of this year I’ve been reminded to embrace and appreciate the unpredictable. This year reminded me that the most extraordinary moments often arise from the unexpected. Weather changes, unpredictable light, and unplanned detours led to some of my favorite shots. It’s a reminder that beauty can be found in the spontaneity of the journey.
One such unexpected moment was coming across this proud bighorn sheep looking out from his rocky perch under a colorful winter sunset sky at Garden of the Gods park in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I was heading back to the car after a relatively uneventful attempt to capture the setting sun over some of the park’s rock formations when I happened to look up and spot a bit of color remaining in the sky and this majestic animal.
An unplanned short detour near the end of a hike in Colorado’s Lost Creek Wilderness led to a break in the forest and a small overlook. From there the smoke from a prescribed forest service burn was visible lingering in the mountain valley below and made for a captivating sunset image and one of my favorite shots of the year.
This year also taught me to appreciate the beauty in simplicity. From the dance of dappled sunlight through a dense green forest, the symphony of waves against the shore, or the golden glow of a sunset casting long shadows over a tranquil mountain landscape, every moment has been a reminder to savor the small joys in life.
Our family vacation to the Pacific Northwest this summer offered numerous opportunities to marvel at nature’s simple beauty. A couple of my favorites, which I haven’t shared before, are this colorful sunset as the waves of the Pacific roll onto the Oregon coast along Cannon Beach and the diffused sunlight passing through the lush green rain forests of Olympic National Park in Washington. Each of these images are even more memorable as they were impromptu captures experienced on relaxing walks with my family.
I’m also grateful for the incredible beauty of our planet and the wonders of nature which never cease to amaze me. The towering peaks, expansive and colorful skies, gently flowing streams, and rich green forests provide an endless canvas for creativity. I’m thankful for the opportunity to witness and preserve these moments, hoping they inspire a similar sense of awe in those who view them.
In a landscape already filled with many waterfalls and cascades, Sol Duc Falls in Olympic National Park, Washington is one of the more unique and strikingly beautiful falls and a perfect example of the wonders of nature. Flowing through the thick temperate rain forest of the Olympic Mountains the Sol Duc River splits into three branches before hurtling almost 50′ off the side of a cliff and thundering down into the narrow moss-covered canyon below. This closely framed vertical image of the falls emphasizes the power and force of the water crashing over the edge to the mossy rocks below.
As the year comes to a close, I look forward to what the next chapter holds. Thank you for being a part of this journey. Your enthusiasm fuels my passion for capturing the world’s wonders through my lens, and I can’t wait to share more adventures with you in the coming year.
Wishing you a season filled with warmth, joy, and the discovery of beauty in unexpected places.
