2025 – The Year in Pictures. Continuing a tradition that began over ten years ago here is a selection of a few of my favorite images released in the past year. These are not necessarily my best or most popular, but each represents a special moment in time in which the beauty of this amazing world revealed itself before my lens.
Please share and enjoy! I’d love to know your thoughts and if any images resonated with you or conjured up good memories. You can click on any image for a large high quality view, to learn more about it or purchase a fine art print.
I look forward to seeing your favorite images, and most of all I wish everyone a healthy and Happy New Year!
-Russ
Cascade on the Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California USAMotmot bird (Momotidae), Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa RicaSunset at Playa Matapalo, Puntarenas Province, Costa RicaSplendid Leaf Frog (Agalychnis calcarifer), La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Costa RicaRio Celeste, Tenorio Volcano National Park, Costa RicaArenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park, Alajuela Province, Costa RicaRio Celeste Waterfall, Tenorio Volcano National Park, Costa RicaMorning light on Mount Cook, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, New ZealandRainbow Falls, Wailuku River State Park, Hawaii USAPowerful surf on the Puna Coast, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii USAJungle stream on the Hamakua Coast, The Big Island, Hawaii USASunrise at Mather Point, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona USA
El Capitan above the Merced River in winter, Yosemite National Park, California
Happy Holidays and welcome Winter Solstice!
Midwinter, Yule, the Longest Night, Jól – the Winter Solstice (December 21st) is known by many names, but the shortest day of the year is the official start of winter and the perfect time to reflect on the past twelve months.
As 2025 comes to a close I’m grateful for another year of new experiences and travel near and far. And as always I appreciate your support and company, and encourage you to keep exploring all the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Have a wonderful holiday season and a healthy, prosperous New Year!
Lower South Falls, Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
Oregon is well-known for its lovely waterfalls and lush green surroundings so typical of the Pacific Northwest. The Columbia River Gorge includes some of the finest and most recognizable cascades in the world making this an idyllic spot for hiking and photography.
But its proximity to the city of Portland and the interstate highway make this a popular destination that’s certainly no secret. On my last visit a new bride was having her wedding pictures taken under Multnomah Falls complete with stylist and catering!
So if getting off the beaten path is more to your liking, then check out some of the other parts of the state that offer great opportunities to experience the beauty and solitude of falling waters in a pristine setting without the crowds.
Silver Falls State Park east of Salem is one such gem that includes several beautiful falls in a remote valley. It is the largest state park in Oregon with over 9,000 acres, and its 24 miles of trails allow plenty of opportunity for quiet contemplation, exploring, and photography. Lower South Falls shown here is a highlight of the park and one of four cascades where the trail is carved into the cliff behind providing a unique view.
Other destinations such as Proxy Falls in Willamette National Forest and the Rogue River Scenic Byway in southern Oregon are well-worth the diversion off the major highways. As with many locations in the west, a sense of adventure and a willingness to leave the pavement will allow you to experience much more of the wilder side of Oregon.
