Category: Nature Photography

Posted on

Nature Photography Day

California Poppies and Goldfield, Antelope Valley, California
California Poppies and Goldfield, Antelope Valley, California

June 15th is Nature Photography Day!

Created in 2006 by NANPA, the North American Nature Photography Association, it promotes the enjoyment of nature photography and spotlights the many ways images of the natural environment have helped to advance the cause of conservation and habitat preservation both locally and internationally.

NANPA’s mission is to further the art and science of nature photography as a medium of communication, nature appreciation, and environmental protection. This year marks the 17th anniversary of Nature Photography Day, a great time to celebrate the beauty of nature and share your passion for photography with friends and family.

 

©Russ Bishop/All Rights Reserved

Posted on

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Yellowstone River in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone NP, Wyoming
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park is one of the great wonders of the world. Though not as famous, as large, or as old as Arizona’s grand fissure, what it lacks in size and scope, it makes up for in color and curiosity.

As with much of this hyperactive park, the canyon below the Lower Yellowstone Falls was once the site of a geyser basin. During the last ice age large ice dams formed near the mouth of Yellowstone Lake. Then, when they melted, a huge volume of water was released downstream causing massive flash floods and catastrophic erosion that carved through the soft rhyolite lava flows and created the present-day canyon.

It’s unique colors are also a result of hydrothermal alteration and exposure to the elements. Most of the yellow coloring is the result of iron present in the rock rather than sulfur as most people assume. The exposed rocks are oxidizing and essentially the canyon is slowly rusting.

The Yellowstone River begins on the slopes of Younts Peak, south of the park, and travels more than 600 miles to North Dakota where it empties into the Missouri River. It is the longest undammed river in the continental United States, and it’s evolution continues to shape this beautiful canyon.

 

©Russ Bishop/All Rights Reserved

Posted on

Point Lobos

Rocky cliff along the Cypress Grove Trail, Point Lobos State Reserve, Carmel, California
Rocky cliff along the Cypress Grove Trail, Point Lobos State Reserve, Carmel, California

Point Lobos State Reserve on the Big Sur Coast south of Carmel is the quintessential California seaside location. Once the haunt of luminary local residents Edward Weston and Ansel Adams, its rocky cliffs, cypress groves, pebbled beaches, and blue lagoons provide an endless variety of photographic opportunities.

As part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary its waters are home to abundant sea life including the endangered sea otter and California’s state fish, the garibaldi making it a favorite with divers. Extensive trails wander through rare groves of Monterey Cypress, which only occur here and in the nearby town of Monterey, and are the classic wind-swept symbol of the central California coast.

Exploring the Big Sur area provides a wealth of natural history opportunities and a visit to Point Lobos is a highlight of any trip.

 

©Russ Bishop/All Rights Reserved