It’s that time of year, once again, when we look back at the year that was and weigh our accomplishments. Well, you always hope that there are accomplishments worthy of looking back on. If nothing else, there’s always weighing the regrets.
Anyway, last year I posted my favorite images from 2011 – Eleven for ’11. Naturally, this year it’s 12 for ’12. They are all favorites of mine for a reason, although the reasons may not be so obvious to everyone else. Nonetheless, I’ll try to give some insight. So here they are listed in chronological order, starting this past January.
“Paradise Found”
Harrismith Beach, Barbados
January 21, 2012
Just another brutal day in paradise, I posted earlier in the year. I think what I liked best about this image is that it was completely secluded. I didn’t have to clone out a single human.
“Ahwahnee Dream”
Yosemite National Park, California, USA
February 15, 2012
One of my favorite things about this image is that it was taken from a very popular vantage point in Yosemite National Park. Still I was able to come away with something unique and original, thanks to the thickening fog in the valley.
“Red Patagonia Dawn”
Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
April 6, 2012
The location, the light, and the effort to get there (I led three of my clients who opted for the backcountry extension to the Patagonia workshop up this steep, ice-covered trail to be here by sunrise) were all factors in this image making the cut.
“Crowning Glory”
Arches National Park, Utah, USA
May 18, 2012
The low-angled light sweeping over the textured sandstone, the dynamic leading lines, the cloud movement during this 30-second exposure make this a clear favorite of mine. I don’t practice many black and white conversions but I was surprised to find two in my favorites for 2012.
“Light Room”
Arches National Park, Utah, USA
May 21, 2012
I love night photography and Arches National Park is one of my favorite places to “do it in the dark.” Ok, shameless plug here: Night photography, Arches National Park, November 6-9, 2013. Thanks for listening.
“River of Light”
The Seine, Paris, France
June 24, 2012
Amazing sunset. Paris, France. What else is there to say?
“Chasing Magic”
Kirkjufellsfoss, Iceland
July 25, 2012
Persistance. I waited four nights in order to get light that I was looking for at this location. I was prepared for a 5th, if necessary.
“Blood Sport”
Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA
August 23, 2012
The Decisive Moment, as Henri Cartier-Bresson might describe this image. This is only one image frame in an entire sequence I posted back in September: Life and Death in Katmai.
“The Spine of Time”
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA
October 23, 2012
If I had a “home” national park, the Smokies would be it. This image captures the essence of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park perhaps better than any other I have taken in the past dozen years or so.
“The Lost City”
Machu Picchu, Peru
November 16, 2012
Rain, rain, and more rain with some impenetrable fog and gloomy skies – but for a brief 40-seconds of optimism. And I was ready.
“Winter’s Blush”
Horgardalur Valley, Iceland
December 9, 2012
This is as much sun and light as you will get in northern Iceland in December. But oh what lovely light it is…
“Midnight’s Children”
Trollaskagi Peninsula, Iceland
December 12, 2012
I had never seen the northern lights before, despite two previous summer trips to Iceland and two summer trips to Alaska. The aurora is what brought me to Iceland in the depths of winter and I was not disappointed.
Thanks for sharing 2012 with me.
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Epic Iceland Photo Instructional Tour
Autumn in the Tetons
Great Smoky Mountains Autumn
Arches and Canyonlands, Utah
Yellowstone in Winter
Ultimate Patagonia: Argentina and Chile
15 Comments
Amazing images. Love them all especially some of the more recent ones as I haven’t seen those until now!
Hi Richard
enjoyed looking at your 12 of the best pictures ,you have shown what beautiful places you have been to and shown what you have seen , as i always think a picture should tell a story an you have done just that
Regards David Gault
Beautiful.
Absolutely beautiful and amazing shots Richard!
RW
Great choices. Those would all look good on my walls. Sadly I have more to hang now than I have wall space. Might have to add a Gallery Room to the house.
Richard the bear shot with the fish is incredible, what timing!! Congratulations on an incredible year by the looks of it and all the best into 2013.
PS I recently saw the northern lights myself for the first time ever what a privilege it is to explore the world like you do. don’t forget how lucky you are.
Taylor
It’s very hard to pick out a favorite but I think I’d have to go with “Ahwanee Dream” or “Crowning Glory.” Or “The Spine of Time,” there you go, definitely, my Fave. I love the variety of places, styles, etc.
I love the picture from Iceland of the northern lights!
Beautiful pictures !
super! this pictures inspire me
Thanks for sharing your 12 for ’12. Gorgeous and inspiring images. Thanks too for your blog. Happy imaging creating in 2013 Richard!
Richard, Spectacular and gorgeous set of images. Looks like one heck of a productive year – a bit of traveling too. Have an even better 2013!
Wow! These are all just amazing photos.! Simply put, your dedication to photography can only yield images like these. Thanks for sharing. Excellent work and the best of the New Year to you.
Hi Richard,
Congrats on another excellent year and best wishes for a baker’s dozen in 2013.
I’m enjoying the diversity of your photographs and seeing exotic locations I am not used to seeing. You certainly realized the opportunities well that you found through wide travel. I guess that’s what many of the pros are doing these days. I’ve seen a lot of Patagonia lately, but I like your image for going a bit further and capturing that early morning red on the peaks. My other favorites are Horgardalur Valley, Chasing Magic, River of Light and the action in Blood Sport. Great timing there and different than what we usually see.
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[...] had the privilege of capturing some great moments. Every new year one of my former teachers, Richard Bernabe, posts his favorite pictures of the past year. His idea inspired me to do the [...]