Great Geyser Abstract, Wyoming

Here it is, folks – number ten of my ten favorite images of the decade from 2000 – 2010.  I made this image in Yellowstone National Park a day or two before Melissa and I were married.  We took her family on a tour of Yellowstone since they had never been and probably would never go back.  We hit all the usual tourist spots: Old Faithful, Hayden Valley, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the little loop that passes Great Geyser.  In truth, I’d never been to Great Geyser and of course, my camera was along just in case. As we walked out on the boardwalk I noticed that clouds were reflecting in the top terrace while brightly colored bacterial mats inhabited the lower terraces.  I was just starting to settle into a groove of making intimate landscape photos and this little scene grabbed my attention right away.  I excused myself to return to the truck where my faithful camera was patiently waiting.

Using my 100-400mm lens I was able to extract a small slice of the overall scene.  I didn’t have a lot of time to work as there were several people waiting for me to finish so we could continue their tour of the park.  Fortunately, the composition came quick and there were no exposure challenges.  I made the image, we all crammed back into the truck and were back on the road doing more touristy things.

Often, we as photographers connect with one of our images because of the adventure involved in making the image.  Obviously, that isn’t the case here.  I don’t know what it is about the image that keeps me coming back to it.  It isn’t my strongest image.  There was no adventure involved in making it.  Nothing momentous happened while I was creating the image, although perhaps tying the knot a couple days later has something to do with my affinity for the photo!  It’s just a simple image of a simple scene.  I hope you enjoy it.

Read “My Favorite Photos of the Decade – Part Nine” here

Melissa and Jackson Hiking in Glacier NP, Montana

Last Friday’s post was a bit heavy so I thought I’d lighten up today with a cute photo and it’s sweet backstory.  Melissa and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary in Glacier National Park in July, 2010.  We hiked to Virginia Falls with Jackson comfortably seated in a backpack carrier for most of the trail.  Toward the end he began to fuss, which is usually our cue that he’s done hitching a ride and is ready to strike out on his own.  We freed him from the pack and he immediately started running down the trail between the tall, vibrant green foliage.  Melissa caught up and as she sidled up next to him, he reached up with his little hand and grabbed her hand.

I already had my camera out as I wanted to photograph Jackson exploring  the trail on his own.  This sweet moment lasted but a few seconds.  Fortunately, I was able to fire off a few properly exposed frames before he let go and took off at top speed, excited to be experiencing the wilderness under his own power, not from the plush seat of his carrier.  Melissa and I are both great lovers of wilderness and we’re hopeful that by taking Jackson out to the mountains and deserts early and often, he’ll share our passion for the outdoors.  If the pure joy he exhibits now every time we go for a hike is any indication of what’s to come, I believe he’s well on his way to being a big-time nature lover.

I hope this photograph brings a smile to your face.  It always does and always will for me.

Lots of great posts last week.  It was hard to narrow it down to just five but I dug deep and managed to pull it off.  Enjoy the articles.

Why Do You Photograph? – Jay Goodrich
Jay discusses his reasons for photographing the natural world and asks readers to share their experience.  I couldn’t help but leave a comment on this one!

15 National Parks You’ve Never Heard Of – Huffington Post
Anyone who knows me knows I’m passionate about America’s national parks.  This photo essay documents 15 of the least visited parks in the U.S.  I’ve been to five of ‘em.  You?

Sixty Six Ways to Promote Your Blog – Rosh Sillars
Just what the title says.  You probably won’t try all 66 suggestions, but give a few of them a shot and you’re likely to see traffic to your blog increase.  Really good stuff here.

Turning the Commercial Corner: Part 1 – Adam Barker
Thinking about transitioning from photography hobbyist to photography professional?  Adam dispenses some solid, no BS advice in this article that I assume is the first in a series. On another note, if you’ve never heard of Adam Barker I bet you will soon.  Uber-talented landscape, commercial and adventure photographer making a stratospheric rise through the ranks.  Be sure to spend some time salivating over the images in his online galleries.

5 Great Outdoor and Landscape Photographer Blogs – Dan Bailey
Patrick J. Endres in Alaska, Guy Tal in Utah, Jon Cornforth in Washington, Ian Plant in Virgina and…Bret Edge in Utah!  I’m honored to be recognized by Dan and even more honored to be included in such an impressive list of crazy talented photographers.  Thanks, Dan!

As usual, feel free to post a link in the comments section to any blog posts or articles you found useful, insightful, inspiring or just plain fun.