These are my favorite images from 2019. Many are from the West, I was lucky to travel this year and love the national parks. To complete my first 365 project I also began shooting macro images for the first time and concentrated on black and white photography.
After leaving Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks we headed north for Yosemite. Late afternoon sun on the valley floor. The color image in the gallery is from two days later but features both upper & lower falls.
Eagle View on the High Sierra Trail. Quick 1.5 mile hike from the trailhead. Nice section of Sequoia National Park around the Parker Trees, Crescent Meadow and the drive through tunnel log. Easy place to spend a few hours.
Last photo from the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. Really enjoyed my time on the road and in this section of the park. If i have more time I'll post additional images from Knapps Cabin and other locations I haven't had time to work on.
Kings Canyon is the deepest canyon in the US. Decided to drive to the roads end and there were several pull-offs to view the mountains. The color image shows the road with better detail, black and white has a better texture for the brutal landscape.
At the top of Moro Rock, watched a couple groups of people move in and out before realizing it was just me. Narrow walkway at the summit with panoramic views while you wait.
On the way to the summit, waiting on other visitors to pass on the stairs. Carrying an infrared black and white camera as well as the traditional digital lets me choose which composition I like the most. Typically the black and white...
Infrared black and white from the Giant Forest. One of my favorite images of the day, difficult to capture the size of the trees so I focused on the detail.
Crescent Meadow Trail in Sequoia National Park. Like most of the meadows this time of year, it was a wetland. Easy, level path to follow, looked like a great place for wildlife.
Roadside cairn garden as we were entering Sequoia National Park. The color images weren't quite as good as the black & white infrared.
Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 401.1. Wash Creek Valley Overlook is a simple turnout along the road. The tree stand above the sign provided the framing for the composition.
