My Favorite of 2014

Another year in the books!  I feel like it was just a few months ago that I was compiling my favorite images from 2013. Life is getting faster and faster. So without further ado, here are some of my favorite images from 2014. It usually is a hard process to weed down to a few of my favorites, however, this year wasn’t difficult at all because I didn’t travel as much.  Some of the images probably shouldn’t be in here, but with a few of them I just said screw it, and so they are in there!  It’s sometimes hard to be objective when they’re your own images because of the story and emotions that come with it.  So here is 14 from 2014.  These aren’t in any kind of order, they are simply the photos that I like best.  Hope you enjoy them.

1. Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park, CA

I went to Death Valley in November.  I was so happy to get a pretty sunrise after a restless cold night of “sleeping” in my car.  When I arrived to Zabriskie Point it was dark and already full of photogs all hoping the thick clouds would part for some color in the sky at sunrise.  None of us left disappointed that morning.  This is my first panoramic image that I have attempted.  I think it turned out nicely.

2. The Great Smoky Mountain, National Park, TN

Fall time in the Smoky’s is the best!  So is spring and winter! I love the Smoky’s any season, but find myself always planning a trip in the fall to seek out the amazing colors.  This year I was one week too early for the peak colors, however when I came across this scene I was a happy girl.

3.   Lee Flats, Death Valley National Park, CA

 

I wanted to try out a new spot in Death Valley that I hadn’t been to yet and so I went to Lee Flats.  I love Joshua Trees, and I heard there was a valley full of them.  The drive was a long and rough one, but to me it was worth it.  I do want to go back here to shoot the trees at dusk or dawn and do some night photography as well when I come back in the future.

4. Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park, CA

There were plenty of photogs at this spot on this morning.  There were few talking quietly, while others, like myself, were just trying to stay warm and wake up a little bit more.  Then I brok the quiet chatter with a very loud… “oh sh..!!!” as my tripod and camera took a spill and started a slight slide until a nice lady could stop it for me.  That moment of panic, that hush in the air and all eyes are on you… ugh, I hate that! So, I jumped over the wall to see if my camera was going to work again or if she was kaput.  I look at the lens, I dust her off and set her back up on her legs and tested her out… She worked!!  And all the people exhaled with me in relief…. Then the color exploded and I got this image! woohoo.  Thank you very nice lady who stopped my camera!

5. The Valley of Fire State Park, NV

 

Ending my trip in Death Valley always means a short trip to the Valley of Fire before I hop on a plane for home out of Las Vegas.  I love this place.  I thought I would have more time here, but I came the day they were setting up for the half marathon.  They closed before sunset and were closed that next morning! Sad for me, but I got to do some exploring.  I really enjoyed the half day I got. Can’t wait to go back.

6. Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park, CA

 

I was heading down to my car  after a morning of shooting Zabriskie Point when I noticed the lighting totally change.   It was beautiful! So I just stood there taking in the view turning in all directions.  Then I saw this lonely bench just screaming at me to come and sit down with her and enjoy the incredible surroundings.  After I took this image I did just that.  I sat and quieted my soul.  Truth be told, life has been a little tough these last few months.  I now have this image as my wallpaper on the desktop to remind me to “sit and be still” in the storms of life.  For in that stillness is when I find Light, Peace and Rest and know that I am never alone.

7. Wild Mustang on Corolla, NC

I have wanted to see the wild horses of the Outer Banks in NC ever since I have heard of them.  So in Oct I got my chance.  My husband and I had our 4×4 truck with us so we drove out on Corolla in search of the wild beauties.  It wasn’t until we gave up and was on our way back that they came out.  I hope to take a workshop soon where I can focus totally on capturing the beauty of these amazing creatures.

8. Somewhere in NC

Not at all sure where this was taken but I do know it was on one of my water breaks in NC when I was on my ‘Head to Head’ bike trip.  (I rode my bike from Nags Head, NC to Hilton Head, SC in Oct)  It was taken with a little point-and-shoot camera.  I wish there was a scratch and sniff app so that you could smell the wonderful salty marsh air…

9.  The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC

Clingman’s Dome at sunrise.  It was pretty cool seeing the clouds roll in over my head that morning.  However, the wind!!! Wow.

10.  Arthur Ravenal Bridge, Charleston, SC

Love this bridge!  I got to ride my bike across her on my Head to Head bike trip.  It was by far the best bride and safest that I road over.  I shot this in April right after I dropped off my son at the Citadel on one of our short weekend visits with him.  I hope to get there during a sunset sometime this year.

11.  The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Tremont, TN

Tremont… Love this place!  I met up with some friends this fall and we came to shoot here.  It’s great shooting with like-minded people!  I learn more each time I am with these guys and I have a lot of fun too.  It’s nice seeing everyone’s take on the same area.

12. Arthur Ravenal Bridge, Charleston, SC

After huffing and puffing to get to the top of this bride on my bike, I took out my trusty iPhone and grabbed this shot.  I kind of like this.

 

13. The Valley of Fire State Park, NV

I was wandering in the Valley of Fire trying to find a specific huge colorful rock and ended up here.  Sometimes getting turned around can be fun because you can discover different places other than your objective.

14.  MY FAVORITE, Kaitie my Lady

 

What can I say about her other than she is simply beautiful, smart, witty, fun, and has changed my world?  She graduated this June and now is doing great in college.  I am proud to be the only woman fortunate enough to be called her mom! This girl rocks!

Thank you for taking the time to have a look at what I love to do.

Please leave a comment and let me know which one is your favorite. I would love to hear from you.  Also submit to my blog. Thanks again, and hope you have a wonderful 2015!