Mirrors of Mammoth

Mammoth Lakes in California, is a photographer's dream, especially when it comes to its serene lakes reflecting the quiet beauty of the Eastern Sierra. The still and clear waters of these lakes provide a tranquil canvas for those seeking moments of calm and visual simplicity.

Photographing the lakes in Mammoth Lakes is a study in capturing reflections. From the glass-like surface of Twin Lakes to the mirror-like symmetry of Lake Mary, these bodies of water offer a quiet backdrop for the surrounding landscapes. The stillness of the lakes enhances the clarity of reflections, creating a straightforward and unembellished visual narrative. It is truly a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime sort magical place.

Framing Fall in Mono County

Mono County, California, transforms into a photographer's haven as autumn takes hold. The county's diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged mountains to serene valleys, offer a spectrum of colors during this season. The aspen groves dotting the landscape turn vibrant shades of gold and orange, creating a striking contrast against the evergreen pines.

Photographing autumn in Mono County is a study in simplicity. Whether framing the iconic Conway Summit or the winding roads through the Eastern Sierra, the fall palette provides a natural allure that requires minimal embellishment. The play of light and shadow during this season adds depth to photographs, capturing the essence of Mono County's autumn without the need for elaborate descriptions. It stands in stark contrast to the eerie beauty of the tufas and the sulphurous environment surrounding them on the borders of Mono Lake, just a few miles away…

Morning at Sentinel Bridge

Yosemite National Park holds a special place in the heart of any nature enthusiast, and for a landscape photographer, there's something enchanting about witnessing an early morning at Sentinel Bridge.

Sentinel Bridge has a rich history that intertwines with the park's development and the broader narrative of early exploration in the American West. Constructed in 1928, the bridge replaced an earlier wooden bridge that stood at the same location. The bridge owes its name to the sentinel-like view it provides of the iconic Half Dome, one of Yosemite's most famous granite formations. Its strategic positioning over the Merced River provides a breathtaking perspective of Half Dome's reflection in the water.

Photographing the early morning landscape at Sentinel Bridge isn't just about capturing an image; it's about embracing the soul-stirring beauty that Yosemite generously shares. It's a reminder that, in the quietude of dawn, nature's grandeur speaks loudest, leaving you with a collection of moments that echo the timelessness of this extraordinary place.

Sunset Views on CA-180

At Kings Canyon National Park, the evening sunsets offer a stunning display of nature's artistry. One of the best places to witness this breathtaking sight is from the comfort of your car along the park's scenic drive, the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. As the sun dips below the horizon, it casts a warm, golden glow across the landscape, turning everything a rich shade of orange.

The scenic drive takes you through a variety of viewpoints and vistas, each offering a unique perspective on the park's beauty. As the sun sets above the mountains, the entire landscape comes alive in the soft, fading light of the setting sun. I enjoyed several viewpoints as we made our way through the valley, chasing the last rays of light as they hid behind the mountains.

A Seasonal Shift

As summer transitions to fall, Kings Canyon National Park undergoes a visible change. Green landscapes turn into warm autumn shades, offering a different view of the park. The ferns at the feet of the tall sequoias take on a golden hue, framing the green giants above them. Hiking along the park's trails provides a chance to enjoy the sound of leaves underfoot.

As temperatures cool down, local wildlife, like mule deer, squirrels, and the occasional black bear, adapt to the season. Fall is an excellent time for photographers and nature enthusiasts to capture the park's evolving scenery. Whether it's the lakes' reflections or waterfalls framed by changing leaves, Kings Canyon National Park in the fall presents a unique opportunity to witness nature's transformation.

From Bear Valley to Hume Lake

Hume Lake in Kings Canyon National Park has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. Originally known as Bear Valley Reservoir, it was later renamed Hume Lake in honor of Frank Hume, a prominent businessman and philanthropist. Hume recognized the recreational potential of the area and played a significant role in its development as a popular destination.

In the early 1900s, a dam was constructed on Tenmile Creek, creating the picturesque lake that we see today. The lake was initially used to supply water for the Sanger Lumber Company's logging operations in the region. Over time, it also became a popular recreational spot, attracting visitors with its serene beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities.

In the 1940s, the Civilian Conservation Corps made significant contributions to Hume Lake's development. They constructed various facilities, including a campground, cabins, and a beach area, making it more accessible and enjoyable for visitors.

Today, Hume Lake continues to be a destination for camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and other recreational pursuits. Its rich history and natural splendor make it a cherished part of Kings Canyon National Park, inviting visitors to connect with the past while creating new memories in this scenic mountain retreat.

Leaf Peeping Among the Sequoias

Visiting Sequoia National Park during the autumn season - or fall, as we call it here -, I was greeted by a breathtaking display of vibrant foliage. At this time of year, the landscape transforms into a painter’s palette, with hues of red, orange, and yellow splashed across the bushes and trees. The contrast between the evergreen giants and the vivid autumn leaves created a picturesque scene that felt straight out of a postcard. Although it is not a popular destination in the autumn, the coloured foliage we did find made for some really lovely images.

A Stop on the Road

We were lucky enough to catch a captivating sunset at the Generals Highway Scenic Overlook on our drive out of Sequoia National Park. This location was a welcome surprise on our travels, as we hadn’t really planned anywhere in particular for sunset and did not have particularly high hopes for it, given that the park is set in a valley. The viewpoint provides an elevated position to witness the sun descending below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the surrounding landscapes and submerging the hillsides gradually in darkness. As day transitions into night, the rolling foothills, lush forests, and towering sequoias become immersed in the serene and enchanting colors of dusk.

A Journey Through Meadows

Join me on a peaceful walk through two lovely meadows in Sequoia National Park: Crescent Meadow and Log Meadow. These enchanting landscapes offer a serene escape amidst the towering sequoia trees.

Crescent Meadow, also known as "Meadow of the Little Baldy," was named by early visitors who noticed its crescent moon shape. This picturesque meadow has a rich history, as it served as a campsite for the Kaweah Colony, a short-lived utopian community in the late 1800s. Today, Crescent Meadow remains a popular destination for visitors to enjoy leisurely walks and spot some local wildlife.

Log Meadow, on the other hand, gets its name from the fallen sequoia logs scattered across the meadow. These logs are remnants of past natural processes, such as wildfires and the life cycle of the giant sequoias. They serve as a testament to the dynamic nature of the park and provide unique photographic opportunities.

End of Day at Moro Rock

Another visit to Moro Rock at Sequoia National Park this weekend, this time in the late afternoon as the haze and the falling sun transformed the skies into a beautiful mixture of oranges and yellows. There was a beautiful lateral light there as well which left half of the valley in light and the other half in shadow. Here, I made full use of my whole photography kit - from wide lenses to capture the expansive valley below, to a telephoto lens aimed at the few trees hugging the mountain ridges. The most incredible thing is that this wasn’t even quite sunset: we still made it down the valley and caught sunset at a different location afterwards.

Scaling New Heights

Moro Rock offers a very different perspective on Sequoia National Park. This towering granite dome offers panoramic views over the whole park - finally placing you above the gigantic trees and changing the whole perspective of the landscape. As you ascend the winding staircase, the world below transforms into a tapestry of lush forests and rugged peaks, and the sprawling landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see. It was really mind-boggling to go from feeling like a tiny ant standing at the feet of the forest giants to seeing them from above, surrounded by the local ravens gliding in the skies.

Animals in the Woods

Of course, there is even more to the National Parks than just incredible landscapes - there are also its many inhabitants. On my visit to Sequoia National Park, I photographed quite a few animals we saw along the way: chipmunks, squirrels, mule deer, and even a white-headed woodpecker. The early morning light also makes for great wildlife photography, casting a soft glow on the subjects. See if you can tell which photos were taken earlier in the day and which were taken under harsher afternoon light.

Art in the Forest

Now, now, this is a special one! Join me and step into the world of captivating contrasts as we explore the majestic Sequoia National Park through my lens. In these photographs, I sought to highlight the striking contrast between light and dark, big and small, and the many textures of the forest. The towering sequoia trees, with their lofty branches and intricate textures, serve as the perfect subjects for this exploration. I truly believe some of these images belong on a canvas on the wall - so please sit back, relax, and enjoy this walk through the woods. I think these really are stunning images.

The Legendary General Sherman

The General Sherman Tree Trail in Sequoia National Park is an easy loop walk through the towering sequoias, culminating in an awe-inspiring encounter with the world's largest living tree, the General Sherman. Standing at over 275 feet (84 meters) tall, with a diameter of more than 36 feet (11 meters) at its base, this ancient giant is a true marvel of nature. General Sherman is believed to be around 2,200 years old, making it one of the oldest living organisms on the planet, standing as a testament to the endurance and resilience of the sequoia species. For a bit of scale, the very last image in this blog post features my (tall!) husband completely dwarfed by this extraordinary giant.

In the Presence of Giants

This weekend I am switching gears to the second national park I am featuring in my blog: the incredible Sequoia National Park. These giants are some of the largest living organisms on Earth, and are extremely long lived, with some estimated to be over 3,000 years old. Their bark is thick, spongy, and fire-resistant, which helps protect them from wildfires that are common in the area. They also have other unique adaptations, such as shallow roots that spread wide to anchor themselves in the soil.

I had the privilege of witnessing the park's majestic beauty at the crack of dawn and it was a sight to behold! The rising sun cast a golden glow over the towering sequoia trees and cast an incredible glow deep into the forest. This national park surprised me in that I liked it a lot more than I thought I would, and I think it’s thoroughly underrated! I hope to be able to prove that over my next series of blog posts that will feature this incredible trees.

The Hidden Valley Nature Trail

The Hidden Valley Nature Trail is a short one-mile loop that takes you through the rocky landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park. The path is surrounded by towering rock formations all around it. During our visit to this spot, I was lucky enough to witness the beautiful morning light as it streamed through the valley, casting a golden glow on the rocks and highlighting the park's stunning colors. And of course, there were plenty of incredible Joshua Trees and rugged desert vegetation to photograph along the way too.

If you're planning a visit to Joshua Tree National Park, make sure to add the Hidden Valley Nature Trail to your itinerary. Trust me; you won't regret it!

A Collection of Cacti

Joshua Tree National Park is home to a variety of cacti species, each with its distinct characteristics and beauty. The Mojave Desert, which covers much of the park, provides an ideal environment for these hardy plants to thrive.

Perhaps the best known amongst them are the various species of cholla. Cholla cacti, also known as the "jumping cacti”, have a unique method of reproduction, where they detach and roll around in the wind to spread their seeds. The cholla cactus may look harmless, but their spines can easily cling to clothing and skin, earning them their "jumping" nickname. Cholla are just one of several species featured here - which also includes prickypear and barrel cacti varieties.

A Walk Through the Mojave Desert

During my visit to Joshua Tree National Park in California and I was blown away by the unique landscapes of the Mojave Desert. The rugged terrain and unique flora and fauna are spectacular even in the harsh midday light. I especially enjoyed photographing the iconic Joshua trees up close. These tall, spiky trees are only found in this part of the world and are a true symbol of the desert. Their twisted branches and rough bark make for stunning photos against the blue sky. The stark beauty of the desert landscape is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. I hope these photos will inspire you to visit this stunning national park and experience its beauty for yourself!

Stars, Geology, and Joshua Trees

Last year I had the fantastic opportunity to visit a number of National Parks throughout the US, and this year I will be sharing images from all my visits here on my blog! We have loved them all so far and hope to one day make it to all 63 of them. I’ll be sharing images of the parks we have visited in order, so let’s start in sunny California, where it all began…

Joshua Tree National Park is known for its unique rock formations, minimal light pollution,and unique desert environment. At night, it also provides a stunning canvas for astrophotography. We were lucky enough to get almost completely clear skies, so I was able to capture some incredible images of the Milky Way arching - and spinning! - over Heart Rock, Arch Rock, and the park’s emblematic joshua trees.

Turquoise Spring Waters

Continuing along our travels through Florida, we paid a short visit to Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park. This state park is home to several springs, including Peacock, Ginnie, and Little River Springs, which flow into the Suwannee River. It is a popular spot for underwater cave diving, with over 14,000 feet of cave passages open to visitors. Although we stayed entirely above the water during our visit, we did have the rare opportunity of taking photos from the skies for an even more unusual view of this location: the skies! The drone flight did not disappoint, showing just how stunning the clear turquoise waters of the spring are from all angles.