Around this time of year I always take a moment to reflect on how my last year went, whether I did the things I wanted to do, whether I am living the life I want to live, and whether I grew as a photographer.
But I have this tendency to see only the negative things in life. For some reason, the negative things just stand out much more than the positive things, which are sometimes invisible.
Looking back on last year, I couldn’t help but think that it kinda sucked. I had some lingering medical issues that made me feel sick for much of the first half of the year. In the spring, my Mom was diagnosed with ALS. Then in the fall I had my “trip of a lifetime” to Africa, which turned out to be hugely disappointing not to mention expensive, although I got some good photos despite all the crap that happened on the trip. When I got home I felt like my dream had been crushed. Then at Christmas time my Mom was hospitalized due to the ALS, and she’s still there now.
It was a tough year.
But when I started to put my top 10 list together, I began to realize that I had some good times too. In fact, there were some really good times! I revisited many of my favourite haunts in the American Southwest, I had a great summer playing with the whales and dolphins in British Columbia, and I discovered some new places along the way too.
So this year, doing this exercise has reminded me of why I do photography in the first place. Because it helps me to see the good things in life. It’s easy for me to look back and think that everything was bad, but when I look at these photos, I have to admit it isn’t true.
Like last year, I have two separate top 10 lists: one for landscapes and one for wildlife. As usual, I didn’t choose them because they are popular or because they are technically the best. I just chose them because I like them the most.
Here are my top 10 landscape photos of 2014.
1. Sunset at Jumbo Rocks
At the beginning of the year, Ray and I returned to one of our favourite National Parks in the USA, Joshua Tree, where we were treated to one of the best sunsets we have ever seen.
Read the story behind the image.
2. Joshua Tree Sunburst
Joshua Tree strikes again. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of sunbursts!
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3. Southwest Blue
Taken just down the street from my campsite in Quartzsite, Arizona. This photo was chosen by Topaz Labs as a featured photo for their plugin Topaz Clarity!
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4. Superstition Mountains
One of our new discoveries last year in Lost Dutchman State Park, Arizona. It was just a day trip so I am hoping to return this year to explore it some more.
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5. Fire Wave
The Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada is becoming a regular stop!
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6. Arch at Whitney Pocket
Also in Nevada, there are some fantastic rock formations and lots of exploring to do at Whitney Pocket.
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7. Alabama Hills
Near Lone Pine, California, this is my favourite new discovery from last year! I love finding places out in the wilderness where we can camp away from all the people and enjoy the peacefulness of nature.
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8. Cannon Beach, Oregon
We always stop at Canon Beach on our snowbird trip both going south and again going north. I can’t get enough of this magical spot.
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9. Estuary in Campbell River
This is the view out the back window of my summer campsite in British Columbia!
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10. Baobab Tree
I still have tons of photos from Tanzania still to process. This is one of the few landscape images I have processed so far.
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Later this week I will have my top 10 wildlife photos from 2014.
Have you collected your favourite photos from 2014? If so, feel free to leave a link in the comments below. I would love to see them!
Inspiring photos and amazing places!
Nice stuff Anne, love the lesser known, out-of-the-way state gems. That Oregon coast is eye-opening, I’ve got to scan some of the old film shots and put them up to the website. Thanks.
Hi Anne,
I am so glad you could see the silver lining on a difficult year. Sometimes we are our worst enemies, know it too well from experience. I pray and wish the best possible for your mom, that’s a tough call.
Your images and experiences on the road are beautiful and inspiring, thanks for that. I am a little jealous, like you, travel and photography are magic for me.
I’ve been going through a tough 7 months after a batched up surgery last summer, had a new surgeon operate last week, I thought it would be a one night stay, it was 4, and recovery is going to be prolonged, doing everything I can to be on my feet soon again. You know what I miss most, of course, running to the beach or Intracoastal park near me to shoot sunsets. Love you sunset silhouettes at Joshua Tree.
Continue your wonderful journey, it’s enriching to all.
Anne – Above all, your shots reflect passion and zest. For us amateurs and beginners, how about some info on the camera settings and editing, of the shots?
Always a treat to see your images and to see how they integrate with your life – thanks for sharing so much of yourself!
My fave 12 from 2014: http://www.debsnelsonphotography.com/blog/
Thanks for letting me share!
Anne,
You continue to be an inspiration, as you share your inner and outer journeys with us.
Thank you from a fellow traveler who frequently finds the road rougher than I’d like!
M
AMAZING PICTURE NO QUESTION
Bad years makes one appreciate the good years. If there were no “bad” , how would one discern , the good ?
I too, have had my bad year/s, and it does make one stronger. Best wishes to your mother.
I did enjoy the images, very nice spots to visit and photograph.
Fabulous collection of images, Anne! It makes me happy to know you’re out there pursuing your passion. 🙂
Beautiful photos Anne! The colors in your sunset photos are so vivid. Here’s to an incredible 2015 🙂
sorry to hear you had a rough year.Well think of the experience you got,you learned and got
out in a better shape,(I hope).we all have to go thru these to appreciate the better things in
The store for us.I know you will have much better 2015,I am hoping.Even thru your hardships and expensive trip you are appreciative.
Absolutely love “Fire Wave” – the texture, the color, the flow… it’s beautiful!
Sounds like you went through a lot last year, Anne. Hope 2015 shapes up to be better for you, and all the best for your mom.
This is a really nice collection Anne. You’ve clearly shown that photography does enable us to focus on the positive when life throws us a curveball. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time, and I hope the new year brings you peace, renewed optimism and many inspiring vistas. 🙂
Sorry to hear about your difficult year but I agree that at least some very nice photography came out of it. I hope your 2015 is much much better! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your photos and thoughts for the year. It is often hard to talk about the negative parts of our lives but be assured that you do not have to walk that path alone, many are with you in body and spirit. Jim
Great set of images, Anne. Wishing you the very best for 2015. 🙂
Beautiful collection of images Anne. I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s illness. Hugs to you and your family at this time. Looking forward to seeing your photos from this year.
Anne, Thanks for sharing the top ten photos and for the idea of doing a personal review every year. I think it help you with your thinking about 2014 and that is a big plus. Hoping for a much better 2015 for you in the personal area, The photos are wonderful!
A wonderful set – despite the downsides of the year these reveal incredible richness. So sorry to hear your Mom is unwell with ALS, Anne
Hi Ann,
I’m really sorry to hear about your mom still being in the hospital, and the difficult year in general. Even though things may have been rough at times, you’ve come out of 2014 with beautiful images!
I wish you and your family all the best in 2015! 🙂
(((Hugs)))
Rachel
Nice shots! I’m learning about landscape shots from you and a local at our photo club meeting last night.
Sorry about your mom. Hope she stays OK until…………………..
What was the problem on the trip to Africa? I have been twice and had a great time. Setting up a group tour for November 2016 — great price, too! Interested?
absolutely amazing. seeing these makes me realize I really need to travel more…limited budget so I should really explore my home state.
Looks like you made up for it through your nice photography Anne–something you can look at and say,
“Maybe it wasn’t such a bad year after all…” 🙂
Keep shooting. You have a good eye.
.
Sounds like we had somewhat similar years, Anne. I had big trips that weren’t quite what I hoped, a major car wreck, and lots of bad news from close friends. But like you, I look at my photos and think that it can’t have been so bad after all! I’m glad you’ve weathered it all, and lets hope for an easier 2015!
(P.S. Let me know next time you’re passing through the Eastern Sierra – that’s my home turf these days.)
Beautiful work!