Looking over the photos we’ve made in the past year is always an interesting and informative exercise. Time to reflect on places we went, what we observed, and what we experienced. Here are 15 of my favorite photographs from 2015.
Quite a few people in Eugene, Oregon, celebrate the arrival of a new year with a hike to the summit of Mount Pisgah. The Jed Kesey Memorial sculpture at the top of the mountain is designed so that the sun lines up with slots on the monument at the solstice.
Sunsets are frequently spectacular in winter along the Oregon coast, and sunrises can be awesome as well. No better place to record the magic than at Bandon on the southern Oregon coast.
In February, I attended the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) Summit in San Diego, and immediately after the meeting I spent a few days enjoying the sun and warmth of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in southern California.
Without question, the highlight of my year was visiting Machu Picchu, part of a trip to Peru with the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). At the top of my bucket list for years, Machu Picchu surpassed expectations. It’s still at the top of my list – I want to go back. I also really enjoyed the time I spent in Cusco, a wonderful city to visit and photograph.
A friend’s request for a print of one of their favorite places sent me to Smith Rock State Park in central Oregon. Dawn glow in early spring beautifully lights this amazing rock formation.
I have always enjoyed traveling in Mexico, so was delighted to visit Puerto Vallarta in May for the annual North American Travel Journalists Association conference. I soon discovered why this city has long been a vacation favorite for both Mexicans and international visitors. Beaches, warm weather, great food, friendly locals, plenty of cultural sites and activities – what’s not to like?
Many years ago Penelope and I spent a summer traveling around Mexico in an old van. One of our stops was the little Pacific Coast town of San Blas. After the NATJA conference, I rented a car and spent a few days traveling along the Riviera Nayarit coast. Not much has changed in San Blas, where you can still get great street food and stroll or just sit around the town plaza in the evening.
One of my goals for 2015 was to do some new photography at Crater Lake National Park. I was happy to put a check next to that one on the list with a late spring visit that resulted in this photo.
I had the pleasure of returning to the Palouse in June to lead a photo workshop. The rolling hills of wheat were at their prime and we had beautiful light at both sunrise and sunset for several days.
In August we hosted Penelope’s brother and wife from Spain, along with three college students from Spain who were visiting as part of a month-long trip to the western USA. They had fun hiking through the forest to the beach on the central Oregon coast.
Vine maples are the first trees to show their fall colors in the Cascade Mountains. A rainy day hike on the McKenzie River Trail led me to this scene near Big Spring at Clear Lake.
In late September, I had the good fortune to co-lead a photo workshop for the Yellowstone Association with Terry Donnelly. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the workshop participants (and Terry) and am excited to be returning to Yellowstone this summer to co-lead another photography workshop with Tom Kirkendall.
A slight detour on my return drive from Yellowstone took me to Steens Mountain in southeastern Oregon. The view from the summit never fails to amaze, taking in the Alvord Desert, almost a vertical mile below, and stretching south and east to mountains on the borders of Idaho and Nevada.
Another of my photo goals for 2015 was to capture the power and fury of storm-generated surf crashing on the rocks at Shore Acres State Park. Truly a spectacular sight. For a sense of scale, note the size of the people on the right edge of the photo.
A sunrise photo seems about right to finish this recap because a new dawn also expresses my hope for the New Year.
Thanks for looking at my photos, and please let me know which are your favorites by leaving a Comment. If you have compiled your own favorites, feel free to post a link below in Comments. You may also want to check out all the favorites posted on Jim Goldstein’s Best of Photos blog post.
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Beautiful set of images Greg!
Thanks Ron. You sure have an amazing collection yourself at http://www.my-photo-blog.com/favorite-photos-from-2015 !
Shore Acres!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Extra cool, seeing as that’s where you and I first met! Let’s go share some more sights in 2016.
Great images Greg! My favorite is the Crater Lake Sunrise which is practically in your neck of the woods.
Thanks Rob. I hope to get back there again this year and try for the same view with better clouds.
Can not decide. I would buy any of them. Would hang up storm surf at Shores Acres first.
Thank you Nadine! Each of these photos can be ordered as a print on photo paper or a canvas gallery wrap. Click on this link, then on a photo you’re interested in to see sizes and prices: http://gregvaughn.photoshelter.com/gallery/2015-Favorite-Photos/G0000wbhPJU3zQMs
All great images Greg, I’d welcome any of them in my portfolio :). Though I’m tempted with Shore Acres, I’d say Crater Lake is my favorite. Both spots are on my list of places to photograph soon (as is Smith Rock). Not sure if I’ll make it in 2016 or not (not having any concrete plans yet in place). I wish all the best for you in the new year!
Thanks Joe. Time to make some plans! You could do all three (and more) in a grand loop around Oregon.
Thank you for sharing your favorite pics. San Blas because it is familiar and Smith Rock because it is epic. You really captured the essence of these places.
Thanks very much Beverly. I hope the San Blas photo evokes some great memories for you too.
Amazing collection of images Greg! I love the power you captured at Shore Acres! I wish you a wonderful 2016!
Thank you Rachel! You have a great selection of 2015 favorites on your website too. Best wishes to you for the new year and looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful photos.
Great selection Greg, you had a wonderful year! The Bandon beach photo is my favorite. Best wishes to you and your family in the new year!
Thanks Alan. The selection of highlights from your year on your website is outstanding. I could stare at that Grand Canyon photo for a long time.
Really nice collection, Greg! I especially like the Palouse and Crater Lake images. Wishing you all the best in 2016!
Thanks Russ. I really enjoyed looking at your selection for the year too. One of these days we’ll have to arrange to meet in one of those locations.
Maybe it’s just because it’s my kind of country, but Wildhorse Lake is really knocking my socks off!
Judging by the excellent photography and subject matter in your own “Best of 2015” selection, I’m sure you’d love the Steens and Alvord Desert country, Jackson.
True JOY in these photos. My favorites are the sunrise on January 1 and Jump for Joy!
Thanks Carol. I’m glad you enjoy the spirit of those photos.
Wonderful eclectic collection, Greg. Each one evokes a story.
Thanks Laurent. Storytelling is certainly one of my goals in photography. Viewing your 2015 Travels on your website I see that you certainly had some grand adventures last year, and continue to produce amazing photos.