Waterfall | Russ Bishop Photography

June 3, 2026June 3, 2026

Plitvice Lakes National Park

The mesmerizing waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes National Park are renowned for their unique colors, ranging from azure to green and blue. The waters are fed from underground Karst formations, and the colors change constantly throughout the day depending on the quantity of minerals and organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight.

Delicate travertine dams separate the 16 lakes that are visible on the surface, creating a unique ecosystem between each body of water. Formed as plants and bacteria in the water interact with the air, these barriers grow at a rate of 1 centimeter a year and continue to shape and form the myriad cascades the park is famous for.

Established in 1949, Plitvice Lakes is one of the oldest national parks in Europe and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Croatia is a beautiful country with a rich and colorful past, and as one of the newest members of the European Union its friendly atmosphere and gorgeous scenery make this an ideal addition to any European adventure.

January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

2025 – The Year in Pictures

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

2025 - The Year in Pictures. Cascade on the Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California USA — Cascade on the Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California USA

2025 - The Year in Pictures. Motmot bird (Momotidae) eating a praying mantas, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica — Motmot bird (Momotidae), Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

2025 - The Year in Pictures. Sunset at Playa Matapalo, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica — Sunset at Playa Matapalo, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

2025 - The Year in Pictures. Splendid Leaf Frog (Agalychnis calcarifer), La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Costa Rica — Splendid Leaf Frog (Agalychnis calcarifer), La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Costa Rica

2025 - The Year in Pictures. Rio Celeste, Tenorio Volcano National Park, Costa Rica — Rio Celeste, Tenorio Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

2025 - The Year in Pictures. Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica — Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

2025 - The Year in Pictures. Rio Celeste Waterfall, Tenorio Volcano National Park, Costa Rica — Rio Celeste Waterfall, Tenorio Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

2025 - The Year in Pictures. Morning light on Mount Cook, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand — Morning light on Mount Cook, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

2025 - The Year in Pictures. Rainbow Falls, Wailuku River State Park, Hawaii USA — Rainbow Falls, Wailuku River State Park, Hawaii USA

2025 - The Year in Pictures. Powerful surf on the Puna Coast, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii USA — Powerful surf on the Puna Coast, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii USA

2025 - The Year in Pictures. Jungle stream on the Hamakua Coast, The Big Island, Hawaii USA — Jungle stream on the Hamakua Coast, The Big Island, Hawaii USA

2025 - The Year in Pictures. Sunrise at Mather Point, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona USA — Sunrise at Mather Point, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona USA

November 25, 2025December 5, 2025

Silver Falls State Park

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.