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
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.
Detail of Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California
Chasing Waterfalls. There’s something about flowing water that soothes the soul and sparks the imagination. Mesmerizing ripples on a lake, the fluid dynamics of an eddy as it dances over rocks in a stream, or the powerful force of a cascading waterfall. It’s poetry in motion – nature’s visual elixir.
Preserving these moments of natural movement on film or sensor is a tireless indulgence for the outdoor photographer. Varying shutter speeds and focal lengths can create dramatic landscapes or freeze intimate moments of light and form. And most impressive is the fact that no two images will ever be the same!
Learning to read the flow of the water becomes intuitive with experience and helps solidify the visual appeal of each frame. Waterfalls in particular are constantly changing their course as the wind shifts, and timing your exposure for the best flow can greatly reduce editing time when reviewing dozens of images.
As with all nature photography, time spent thoughtfully viewing a scene and carefully framing your composition is paramount. It will ensure that when the decisive moments arrive you’re able to capture the dancing waters at peak performance.
