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.

High Country Beauty

Yosemite National Park's Tioga Road, winding through high mountain passes, is a treasure trove for photographers seeking serene and reflective landscapes. Along this picturesque route, you'll discover a series of pristine alpine lakes that beg to be captured through the lens.

Tenaya Lake, with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding granite peaks, is a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers alike. Its accessibility, nestled right along Tioga Road, makes it a prime location for capturing the park's stunning vistas. Tioga Lake, nestled amidst the rugged terrain, offers a more secluded setting. Its still waters mirror the grandeur of the surrounding landscape, creating an atmosphere of tranquility. Ellery Lake, with its dramatic shores and high-altitude charm, provides another opportunity for capturing the unique beauty of Yosemite's alpine lakes.

Photographing these lakes along Tioga Road is a journey into Yosemite's serene side. Whether you're capturing the play of light on the water's surface, the reflections of surrounding peaks, or the subtle details of lakeside vegetation, these moments provide a chance to celebrate the unadulterated beauty of the high country.

A Morning with the Cypress Trees

I have shared quite a few images of this place throughout my last few blog posts. For those of you who are just itching to see something other than Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge: I promise this is the last one, and there will be a new location featured next week! But if you are enjoying seeing this stunning swamp through my lens, in all sorts of different lights, then you may enjoy this final post. Following a spectacular golden sunrise over the lake, we watched the sun climb a little higher in the horizon and peep through the cypress trees. I hope that these images of clear blue skies and early morning light will brighten up your day!

The Swamp Awakens

It was an early start to get to Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge in time for sunrise. I loved this place so much the night before that we just had to come back for more. I certainly did not expect it to get even better than it was in the previous visit - and for several reptilian visitors to adorn the landscape. This was one of those incredible golden mornings that you don’t see very often. Sometimes nature puts on a real show.

Night Falls over Banks Lake

In my previous blog post, I hinted that I would be sharing quite a few more images from Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia. This week’s blog post continues on to a peaceful evening at the lake, featuring a little bit of astrophotography. The last two photos are star trail images: compilations of tens or hundreds of images of the night sky, merged together to show the movement of the stars over time. With a clear and unpolluted sky, you can really see how the milky way shifts around across the frames. In this particular place, the brightest stars are also reflected in the still waters, creating mirrored star trails on the surface of the lake.

A Hidden Treasure in South Georgia

We arrived in Valdosta, a small city in south Georgia, with absolutely no expectations of what we would find there. On a spare evening, we opened up Google Maps and searched for “things to see” in the area. Apparently there was a somewhat interesting swamp visible from a boardwalk, so we packed up our camera gear and went to see the sunset. Little did we know what we were about to encounter!

The Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge is truly a hidden gem and was an absolute surprise. We loved it so much that we just kept coming back for more! So be prepared for a few more blog posts featuring this amazing place.

Sunset at the Swamp

This place was so incredible that I feel compelled to share a little more. This time I feature the soft golden light outlining the cypress trees of Stephen C. Foster State Park in southern Georgia. Unfortunately, we didn’t quite catch the sunset, as rental boats need to be returned by 7pm, but we made the most of the three hours we had at this stunning place. Please join me on another scenic boat ride through the Okefenokee Swamp below…

Afternoon on a Boat

Stephen C. Foster State Park is a hidden gem in Southern Georgia. It is just over an hour’s drive from Valdosta, “the capital of South Georgia” and the gateway into the Okefenokee Swamp. We enjoyed a calm afternoon on a rented motor boat exploring the water trails (note: there are no walking trails!) of the park, which are a collection of waterways through the swamp environment brimming with giant tupelo and bald cypress trees. It is the home to many bird species, amphibians, fish, and alligators!