It’s fair to say that I’m behind on working through my photographs from 2023. In fact, I still have a number of photographs from 2022 that I haven’t reviewed. For a while, I was feeling weighed down by this- burdened by the weight of raw photos waiting to be finished and shared. But, I’ve chosen to let that go and lean into the joy of reliving moments and experiences. The beautiful thing about photography is that the photos serve to remind us of the experiences we’ve had, the moments we’ve been moved by, and the adventures we’ve taken.

In the summer of 2023, I took some time to reflect on my “why” when it comes to photography and I wrote these words:

I wish to live a life of meaningful experiences and to record those experiences with my camera. To use my camera as a pen to record entries into the journal of my life. A tool of exploration, discovery, wonder, and expression. An extension of my senses. An expression of gratitude.

I’m confident in knowing that I’ve stayed true to these words. In a world where we are now asking “is that photo even real?” I am proud of the real moments, the real memories, and the very real life that I’m living and documenting. As I catch up on photos from last year, I know I will find new favorites and moments I haven’t yet revisited. For now, though, here are my favorite photographs from 2023 and the short stories behind them.

Sony a7IV+ 24-70 GM II
1/500 | F/8 | ISO 400

January 2023 - Freshly Fallen Snow, Mazama, WA

For the 3rd year in a row, we kicked off the New Year cross country skiing in the North Cascades. Snow fell continuously during our trip, coating everything in a blanket of soft white. I’ve learned that one of my favorite things about winter are snowy trees, particularly when combined with a layer of fog or clouds.

Sony a7rV + 24-70 GM II
1/200 | F/6.3 | ISO 400

January 2023 - Always Look Behind You, Winter Sunrise at Yellowstone

I joined a group of friends on Amy Ames’ trip to Yellowstone. While one might have said the trip was intended to be wildlife focused, our group happily photographed whatever caught our eye. On this brutally cold morning, we were photographing birds in the river as dawn began to break. I turned around just to see what the view behind me looked like and I took off running down the snow packed roads. The scene that unfolded as the sun rose became one of my favorite memories of all of 2023.

Sony a7rV+ 200-600 G
1/1000 | F/6.3 | ISO 1000

January 2023 - Under a Blanket of Snow

This snow coated bison made good work of posing for us on the Yellowstone trip. Heavy snow and thick fog were intermittently covering the valley, creating incredible atmosphere for this scene.

Sony a7rV+ 200-600 G
1/1000 | F/9 | ISO 4000

January 2023 - Shortie in Skagit

After hearing rumors of the “shorties” in the Skagit Valley, I asked a friend to show me where to find these beauties. We spend the afternoon exploring different wildlife hotspots before ending at the known location for the short eared owls. The owls become active in the late afternoon, dipping and diving through the fields in search of dinner. Photographers and birders line the roads by the dozens, each vying for their chance to grab the perfect photo.

Sony a7rV+ 70-200 GM II
1/200 | F/7.1 | ISO 400

April 2023 - Surfer’s Rituals, Playa Grande, Costa Rica

While I have many photographs of surfers from our spring surf trip to Costa Rica, this is my favorite because of the actions. Surfers have rituals before they paddle out into the water. Stretching, waxing the board, meditating, taking a moment of peace… whatever it might be. I loved how each of these surfers was working through their ritual as the dawn light kissed the beach.

Sony a7rV + 16-35 GM
1/30 | F/22 | ISO 1250

April 2023 - Magic at Cardiac Canyon, Arizona

I created this image on a tour of Cardiac Canyon in Arizona. Our guides had told us to be ready for the moment the sunlight began to enter the slot of the canyon as that would be when we could start playing with dust to make the light rays appear as they so famously do. And while that was fun, creating this sunburst, my lens covered in glittering dust and dirt spoke more to me than the rays of light passing through the dust.

Sony a7rV + Lensbaby Edge 80
1/200 | F/5.6 | ISO 320

May 2023 - Virginia Actually Does Have Waves

In May, I brought the Saltwater Retreat to Virginia Beach. I was excited to show off my hometown and all of the beautiful locations that fly under the radar. We spent a week along the shores at Sandbridge and on this morning at the Little Island Fishing Pier, the conditions brought the local surfers to the water. One of the surfers was alternating between two boards and left this one in the perfect composition for me to photograph it. Months later I learned that the surfer is an old family friend, having grown up with my baby brother, making the photo feel more special.

Sony a7rV + 200-600 G
1/25 | F/10 | ISO 800

June 2023 - The Rare Grey’s Lily, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC

June took me to Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains for Nature Photography Weekend. I met a group of friends to spend the weekend at the conference, photographing and being inspired by others. On a trip years before, a friend and I had found the rare Grey’s Lily tucked along a wooded trail. We visited again and were delighted to find a number of these rare beauties. Far on the hillside and under the cover of deep forest, we had to use long lenses and tripods to capture the shot. We each took turns, sharing in the delight of the other’s photographs. It was a reminder that not only are there rare joys in nature, but sharing moments like these with friends is also an exceptional gift.

Sony a7rV + 70-200 GM II
1/800 | F/7.1 | ISO 200

July 2023 - West Tiger Super Bloom

We returned to Seattle for the summer and jumped into hiking season. I made a goal for myself to complete a few solo hikes, something I hadn’t done on my own before. My first was a trip to see the wildflower super bloom on West Tiger Mountain. The mid-day sun brought the blooms to life, illuminating the chaotic tangle along the typically baren hillside.

Sony a7rV + 24-70 GM II
1/160 | F/8 | ISO 160

August 2023 - Morning Light at Snoqualmie Falls

I hosted a group of friends on a photography trip during the month of August. Our first stop before heading into the mountains was a visit to Snoqualmie Falls. Having photographed the falls a number of times, I left my tripod in the car, carrying only my camera. As the early morning light crested the edge of the falls, it mixed with the mist creating a beautiful glow. I handheld my camera as still as I could, hoping to get an image in focus at a slower shutter speed. Once I was able to view the image on my computer, I found that I loved the way the shutter speed was just slow enough and yet also just fast enough. The photograph felt more true to the moment, which is always a goal of mine when creating images.

Sony a7rV + 14 mm GM
15 secs | F/1.8 | ISO 4000

August 2023 - The Sourdough Wildfire burns behind Liberty Bell while the Milky Way shines above, North Cascades, WA

During our girls photography trip to the North Cascades, the Sourdough wildfire closed the road through the park and we were forced to take the long way around to spend a few days exploring these incredible mountains from the east side. After a hazy sunset, we weren’t sure what to expect for astrophotography, but we set up our cameras and waited for night to fall. As the sky darkened, the fire glowed brighter in the night, illuminating the sky in incredible shades of red and orange. As much as I hate the cause, it sure was beautiful.

Sony a7rV + 24-70 GM II
1/80 | F/20 | ISO 250

September 2023 - Sunrise from Alpe di Tires, Rosengarten, Italy

An incredible sunrise from our trekking trip to the Italian Alps. I loved how this section of the Dolomites offered views of the rugged peaks, the green grassy knolls, and the villages spaced throughout. The day ahead would bring one of the most challenging climbs of the trip, and this sunrise offered hope and promise of a beautiful day ahead.

Sony a7rV + 70-200 GM II
1/200 | F/8 | ISO 200

October 2023 - Sunrise Barrels, Avon, NC

Off shore winds and distant storms combined to create the perfect lighting conditions to illuminate the beautiful seaspray coming off the fall waves in Avon. I walked to the beach without my camera but quickly ran back to the house and drove to the pier to capture this beautiful moment.

Cheers to a wonderful 2023 and the new year ahead. I’d love to hear which image of these is your favorite and why.