2024: A Year of Photographic Adventures and Unforgettable Moments

December 27, 2024

What a year 2024 has been! Another 365 days filled with incredible photographic opportunities, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. Instead of just sharing my usual curated photo collections, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the whirlwind of adventures Jennifer and I embarked on this past year.

Winter's Magic: Yellowstone and Death Valley

We kicked off the year amidst the breathtaking winter landscapes of Yellowstone National Park. While winter in Yellowstone is always a magical experience, this year felt particularly special. The quality of light was extraordinary, and we were fortunate enough to have a once-in-a-lifetime wolf encounter. I won't dwell on it too much here, as I've already shared the details in my blog post: Winter Wonder.

wolves on a thermal feature amidst the snow against a backdrop of snow covered ghost trees
Spirit Realm
Yellowstone National Park
As the first golden rays of dawn pierce through the quietude of Yellowstone's frosted forests, a stream, unfazed by the winter...
Dawn's Golden Veins
Yellowstone National Park

From the frigid Yellowstone, we journeyed to the stark beauty of Death Valley National Park. Exploring hidden canyons and witnessing ephemeral conditions that we may never see again was truly awe-inspiring. You can delve deeper into our Death Valley adventure and view a collection of 100 of my images in this post: The Winter of Wonders: Death Valley 2023-2024.

Wet mud around a pool with Tucki Mountain in the background
Ephemeral Moments
Death Valley National Park
A hidden canyon that is rarely visited that lies next to the highway
Demented Slide
Death Valley National Park

California Dreaming: Big Sur and Monterey

Next, we headed north to the stunning Monterey Peninsula. We had the privilege of teaching at the Out of Big Sur conference and exploring this iconic coastline. It's easy to see why legendary photographers like Ansel Adams and Edward Weston made this area their home, the photographic opportunities are endless! A highlight of our time there was undoubtedly the tour of the Adams' and Weston's homes and darkrooms. Standing in Ansel Adams' darkroom, with John Sexton as our guide, was an incredibly inspiring and uplifting experience. It truly felt like walking through photographic history.

A heart shaped rock on Weston Beach
Be Still My Heart
Weston Beach, Point Lobos State Park
A lesser known overlook in Garrapatta State Park
Hidden Gem
Garrapata State Park

We made a brief return to Death Valley to lead a night photography workshop, catching one last glimpse of the ephemeral Lake Manly before it dried up in the summer. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing we were witnessing a fleeting natural wonder.

The Milky Way reflecting in Lake Manly
Reflecting on the Cosmos
Death Valley National Park

Chasing the Aurora: A Dance with the Northern Lights

May brought an unexpected and truly mind-blowing experience. We made a quick trip back to Yellowstone National Park to witness the Aurora Borealis during one of the strongest solar storms in recent history. Seeing the Northern Lights dance so far south was an unforgettable spectacle. Jennifer captured the magic beautifully in her ebook, A Night Under a Yellowstone Aurora. You can also view my gallery of images from that extraordinary night here: The Great Storm.

aurora borealis in yellowstone national park over great fountain geyser on firehole lake drive
Great Fountain Eruption of Light
Yellowstone National Park

Grand Tetons

In June, we headed to the majestic Grand Tetons. I had the honor of teaching at the Out of Grand Teton conference, while Jennifer was busy running the entire event. Our schedules were packed, leaving little room for personal photography. However, amidst the whirlwind of teaching and organizing, I was able to steal a few moments to create this image.

A storm passes through the Tetons creating waves on Jackson Lake.
Mountain Tides
Grand Teton National Park

Summer in the Rockies and Autumn Adventures

In July, we sought refuge in the mountains of Crested Butte, Colorado. While it wasn't our most photographically productive trip, we cherished the time spent hiking and simply enjoying the mountain air.

Last light on the mountains in Crested Butte during a clearing storm at sunset.
Peaks Aglow
Crested Butte, Colorado

Our fall season started back in Yellowstone, where we led workshops amidst beautiful foggy conditions and enjoyed some much-needed downtime.

black and white image of the yellowstone river
Whispers of the Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park
A spiderweb in Yellowstone covered in dew droplets on a cold morning
Get Tangled in my Web
Yellowstone National Park

Then, our fall turned into an absolute whirlwind of epic proportions! We began with a visit to Mount Rainier National Park, a place that was completely new to us. We hiked, explored, and, of course, photographed this stunning landscape.

Clearing storm over Mount Rainier creates dappled light on the glaciers.
Glacial Light
Mount Rainier National Park
Fall colors grace the hillsides while Mount Rainier reveals itself through the clouds.
Fall Wonderland
Mount Rainier National Park

However, our time at Mount Rainier was cut short as the allure of the Aurora drew us back to Yellowstone once again. We witnessed some fantastic displays, though they didn't quite reach the intensity of the May event.

A band of stable auroral red arc (SAR) streaks across the milky way.
SAR and Milky Way
Yellowstone National Park
The Aurora glows brightly over Porcelain Springs
Porcelain Skies
Yellowstone National Park

The Aurora chase continued! Another massive solar storm was predicted, and the only place with clear skies was Glacier National Park. Without hesitation, we embarked on the six-hour drive, and were we ever rewarded! What we witnessed that night in Glacier was likely the most incredible display of the Aurora we will ever see. It was a surreal, magical night that will forever be etched in our memories. Jennifer's ebook, A Night Under the Aurora in Glacier National Park, beautifully recounts the experience. I'm still working on releasing my full gallery from that night, but here's a little teaser image to whet your appetite.

The Aurora glows brightly over Saint Marys Lake with Orion in the sky
Orion Ablaze
Glacier National Park
An unforgettable night of Aurora, here reflection in Lake McDonald
Unforgettable
Glacier National Park

Coastal Wonders and Desert Respite

From the northern lights, we transitioned to the rugged beauty of the Oregon Coast. Photographing crashing waves, exploring lush forests, and discovering ephemeral sand patterns kept us busy and inspired.

A lone tree in the forest
Twisted and Tangled
Oregon Coast
An intimate landscape photograph of tidal grasses on the Oregon Coast, showcasing subtle tonalities and textures.
Tidal Textures
Oregon Coast
Waves crashing over sea stacks create an ephemeral waterfall
Crash Into Me
Oregon Coast
Sunlight beams through early morning mist
Light Dance
Oregon Coast

After logging over 8,000 miles on the road, exhaustion started to set in. We needed a break, so we made a stop near Goblin Valley in Utah. Spending time with friends, exploring new canyons, and simply relaxing was the perfect antidote to our travel fatigue.

Salt seeping out of sandstone creates waves of patterns
Why?
San Rafael Swell
Sandstone with dots
All Dotted Up
San Rafael Swell

A Full Circle: Ending the Year in Death Valley

Finally, we found ourselves back in Death Valley to close out the year. While busy with workshops, we managed to carve out some personal time for exploration. Witnessing thousands of Pupfish thriving in their new homes after last year's flooding was a heartwarming sight. We also discovered some incredible salt formations in a remote area, a testament to the ever-changing nature of this unique landscape.

Reflected light creates a welcoming invite into the canyon
Welcoming Canyon
Death Valley National Park
Rolling dunes of Eureka
Sensual Eureka
Death Valley National Park
A lone pupfish holds still for his portrait amongst the sea of young pupfish
Guardian
Death Valley National Park
Salt sticks form after flooding rains fill the playas
Salt Geometery
Death Valley National Park

Looking Ahead to 2025

As I reflect on all the incredible adventures Jennifer and I shared this year, I'm filled with gratitude and excitement. It was a whirlwind of unforgettable moments, and we can't wait to see what 2025 has in store! Thank you for joining us on this journey.

What were some of your favorite adventures in 2024? Share them in the comments below! I'd love to hear about your experiences.

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