https://www.rwongphoto.com/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/los-angeles-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/california-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/california-missions-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/san-gabriel-valley-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/california-coast-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/salton-sea-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/joshua-tree-national-park-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/sierra-nevada-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/california-central-valley-region-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/monterey-peninsula-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/san-francisco-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/san-francisco-bay-area-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/california-wine-country-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/redwood-forest-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/california-gold-rush-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/panoramic-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/mojave-desert-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/garden-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/flower-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/canada-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/vancouver-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/quebec-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/victoria-bc-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/banff-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/tree-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/new-mexico-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/pacific-northwest-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/waterfall-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/yellowstone-national-park-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/italy-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/melancholy-landscapes/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/hudson-river-school/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/abstract-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/limited-edition-prints/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/blog/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/top-10-influential-nature-photographers-alltime/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/fiveplacestotakepictures-50-states/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/richard-wong/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/artwork-for-home/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/hospital-artwork-how-art-is-chosen/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/office-art-employee-morale-productivity/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/10-reasons-to-buy-art-online-directly-from-artists/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/art-for-home-staging/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/art-galleries-near-me/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/new-artwork/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/iconic-landscapes/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/southwest-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/the-art-of-making-prints/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/summer-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/fine-art-landscape-photography-art-buyers-guide/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/nature-photography-art/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/new-england-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/galen-rowell-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/family-tributes-artwork/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/photographers-near-me/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/desert-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/california-wildflower-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/wildlife-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/top-corporate-art-collections-all-time/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/best-photography-books/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/home-interior-design/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/should-photographers-use-art-titles/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/black-white-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/color-themes/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/blue-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/green-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/white-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/bright-landscape/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/dark-landscape/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/red-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/yellow-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/tutorials/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/hotel-art/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/fine-art-photography-for-sale/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/plagiarism/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/framing-credit/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/award-winning-photos/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/saal-digital-review-photo-book/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/art-commissions/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/is-artificial-intelligence-bad-for-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/nature-photography-prints-for-sale/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/landscape-photography-prints/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/best-landscape-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/barn-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/vineyard-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/blue-skies-fine-art-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/sunset-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/sunrise-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/coastal-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/living-room-wall-art/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/bathroom-wall-art/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/bedroom-wall-art/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/kitchen-wall-art/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/dining-room-wall-art/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/national-park-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/shasta-cascade/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/best-landscape-photography-2021/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/photography-collections/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/fall-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/architecture-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/7-reasons-to-use-art-consulting-services/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/how-fine-art-photography-prints-are-created/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/best-landscape-photography-2022/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/best-sellers/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/tree-tunnels/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/river-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/lake-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/photography-wall-mural-art/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/walking-the-camino-de-santiago/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/japanese-garden-photos/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/will-ai-art-replace-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/ansel-adams-photography-legacy/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/px3-prix-de-la-photographie-paris/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/ipa-international-photography-awards/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/black-and-white-spider-awards/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/the-french-laundry/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/singlethread-farm/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/philip-hyde-david-leland-hyde-interview/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/inland-empire-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/saxophone-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/seascape-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/best-landscape-photos-2023/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/best-photos-of-the-year/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/in-the-field-photography-blogs/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/photographing-vancouver-in-the-spring/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/photographing-the-butchart-gardens-in-spring/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/charleston-savannah-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/nature-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/fine-art-photography-websites/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/top-landscape-photography-awards/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/how-to-frame-fine-art-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/mountain-photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/20th-anniversary/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/art-auctions/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/how-art-auctions-work/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/auction-industry-term-glossary/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/best-landscape-photos-2024/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/fine-art-photography-auctions/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/edgar-degas/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/yosemite-pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/history-of-group-f64/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/gallery/caring-for-fine-art-photography-prints/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/page/test/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/page/acrylic-face-mount-prints/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/page/student-questions/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/page/fine-art-photography-prints/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/page/framing-credit/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/page/print-prices/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/page/commercial-assignment-photographer/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/page/sitemap/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/page/testimonials/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/page/wall-art-size-calculator-tool/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/almond-orchard-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano130_web.jpg Almond Orchard Panoramic Almond Blossoms in Orchard Panoramic, Stanislaus County, CaliforniaCalifornia produces 80% of the world's almond supply. Much of it happens in the fertile Central Valley. During the late winter months the orchards come alive with bright flowers.  Year Photographed: 2026 Stanislaus County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/belt-of-venus/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10204_web.jpg The Belt of Venus Anticrepuscular Rays Over Lake Manly at Dawn, Death Valley National Park, CaliforniaYear Photographed: 2026 Death Valley National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/devils-golf-course/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10210_web.jpg Devil's Golf Course Devil's Golf Course, Death Valley National Park, CaliforniaDevil's Golf Course is a vast salt pan featuring jagged halite salt crystal formations that rise several feet from the ground, creating a surreal and hostile landscape. The name derives from a 1934 National Park Service guidebook stating that "only the devil could play golf" on such rough, crystalline terrain. These formations are constantly evolving as groundwater seeps up from below, dissolves existing salt crystals, and evaporates, leaving behind new sharp-edged pinnacles.Year Photographed: 2026 Death Valley National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/zabriskie-point-badlands/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10200_web.jpg Zabriskie Point Badlands Badlands Erosion Patterns at Zabriskie Point, Death Valley, California The Zabriskie Point badlands are primarily composed of sediments from Furnace Creek Lake, an ancient lake that dried up millions of years ago, before Death Valley formed. These sediments include fine silt, volcanic ash, clay sandstone, and siltstone, which together form the Furnace Creek Formation. Typically I wouldn't be photographing landscapes midday due to the harsh light but the combination of erosion patterns and bright colored stone at Zabriskie Point created a lot of interesting patterns to work with. Year Photographed: 2026 Death Valley National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/telescope-peak/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10206_web.jpg Telescope Peak Telescope Peak Reflection in Lake Manly at Sunrise, Death Valley National Park, CaliforniaTelescope Peak is the tallest peak in Death Valley National Park (11,043 ft elevation). During my visit, I was fortunate to photograph the snow-capped Panamint Range reflected against Lake Manly, a rare sight for what is normally an arid Badwater Basin (-282 ft elevation). Year Photographed: 2026 Badwater Basin, Death Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lake-manly-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano129_web2.jpg Lake Manly Panoramic Lake Manly Panoramic at Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California Lake Manly is an ephemeral pluvial lake that only forms in Badwater Basin after heavy rainfall. I was fortunate during my first visit to Death Valley, when atmospheric rivers dumped historic amounts of rain across California. The expansive panoramic format captures the surreal scene of North America's lowest point transformed into a shallow lake stretching across the valley floor, with the Panamint Range reflected in the still waters—a rare phenomenon that may not occur again for years. Year Photographed: 2026 Death Valley National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/badwater-basin-sunset/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10199_web.jpg Badwater Basin Sunset Badwater Basin at Sunset, Death Valley National Park, CaliforniaBadwater Basin's salt flats in the foreground with Lake Manley in the background caused by recent flash flooding within Death Valley.Year Photographed: 2026 Death Valley National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-pinnacles-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano128_web_v2.jpg The Pinnacles Panoramic Pinnacles at Sunset Panoramic, Pinnacles National Park, CaliforniaI first visited this part of Pinnacles in 2004 when it was still a national monument. My friend, Marc, and I hiked and climbed the High Peaks Trail on that excursion. That was quite a strenuous hike! My favorite scene was from the bottom looking up at the Pinnacles however. I had wanted to photograph this scene ever since and finally accomplished that 22 years later.Year Photographed: 2026Limited Edition of 10 Prints Pinnacles National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/la-jolla-surfing/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10195_web.jpg La Jolla Surfing Two Surfers Heading into Ocean by Scripps Pier, La Jolla, California Surfing culture is prevalent along the San Diego coastline. As a landscape photographer, I'm always looking for a way to tell a visual story so I'll include people in my frame if it helps complete the scene. In this instance, the surfers walking into my frame allowed me to create my favorite photo from the entire afternoon at Scripps Beach. Year Photographed: 2025 Scripps Pier, La Jolla, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/windansea-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10192_web.jpg Windansea Beach Windansea Beach Surf Shack at Sunrise, La Jolla, CaliforniaOne of San Diego's most iconic surf spots, Windansea Beach is home to the historic palm-covered surf shack that was originally built in 1947. My kids and I arrived well before sunrise to photograph this legendary stretch of coastline in La Jolla. Using a long exposure to smooth out the Pacific waves, I captured the pastel colors of dawn as they painted the sky behind the shack.This designated historical landmark is perched on the sandstone reef where generations of notable surfers have called this their home break. What draws me to scenes like this is the blend of natural beauty and human history—this humble shack represents decades of Southern California surf culture and has weathered countless storms since World War II veterans first built it for shade and community.Year Photographed: 2025 La Jolla, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sunset-cliffs-san-diego/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10187_web.jpg Sunset Cliffs Surfer Standing Atop Arch at Sunset Cliffs, San Diego, CaliforniaThere were some great surfing conditions while I was in San Diego over Thanksgiving week. I waited until after sunset so I could make a silhouette out of the arch at Sunset Cliffs once the tourists went home. As I was framing up the scene, a surfer named, Destin, walked into the scene and gave me the necessary scale to make this all work. Then, I upped the ISO in order to ensure everything was sharp.Year Photographed: 2025 Point Loma, San Diego, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-symphony-of-dawn/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10191_web.jpg The Symphony of Dawn Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier at Sunrise, La Jolla, California Scripps Pier was built in 1988 and is 1,084 ft in length. The pier is owned by UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The top of the pier is off-limits as it's part of a renowed research facility however it's best known for the distinctive tunnel-like pier pilings which extend out into the Pacific Ocean. I was traveling solo with my two kids so I woke up them before dawn to photograph Scripps Pier in La Jolla without tourists wandering through my frame every 20 seconds. Sunrise coincided with high tide which was approximately +5 ft. above sea level which made things slightly terrifying but what a peaceful scene to see the beach clear out every few minutes with rising tides. Year Photographed: 2025 Scripps Pier, La Jolla, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1532/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/art-auction-illustration.jpg https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/la-jolla-potholes/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10189_web.jpg Potholes Tide Pools at Sunset, La Jolla, CaliforniaI had scouted this beach in La Jolla earlier in the morning during high tide where I witnessed waves splashing violently against the shoreline more than 20+ feet high into the air. The sunset hour was close to zero ft tide so I knew there would be some potential here. What I found what deep holes of erosion within the reef due to the rough seas in this area. This made for an interesting foreground.Year Photographed: 2025 La Jolla, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rough-seas-2/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10184_web.jpg Rough Seas II Powerful Tides, La Jolla, California During my visit to San Diego, the surf was pounding the shoreline hard in the morning hours with massive surf flying over the cliffs. In the afternoon hours, many of the areas that were under 6 ft of water in the morning were revealed in the tide pools though some powerful waves were still washing ashore. I'm always drawn to coastal areas as I love photographing water. The power from the ocean and overall action gets my adrenaline going in a way that other landscapes don't. Year Photographed: 2025 La Jolla, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/kaanapali-summer/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/PNW101_web.jpg Kaanapali Summer Kaanapali Beach Sunset, Maui, HawaiiPhotographer: Patty WongYear Photographed: 2025 Maui, Hawaii https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/garrapata-state-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10175_web.jpg Garrapata State Park Garrapata State Park at Sunset, CaliforniaA rugged stretch of beach just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Garrapata State Park represents quintessential Big Sur. Just be careful, as tides have swept a number of people out to sea over the years including several deaths in 2025. Year Photographed: 2025 Big Sur Coast, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mono-pass-pond/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10169_web.jpg Mono Pass Reflections Pond Reflection Near Mono Pass, Yosemite National Park, CaliforniaWhen I noticed the mirror-lake reflections in this small pond in combination with partly sunny conditions, I had just a few minutes to spare before the sunlight would come back out from behind the clouds which would have resulted in a very contrasty scene. Year Photographed: 2025 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1524/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10174_web.jpg https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mount-morgan/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10167_web.jpg Mount Morgan Sunset Sunset Light on Mount Morgan, Inyo National Forest, CaliforniaNot wanting to be caught in the dark with my son while hiking down from Little Lakes Valley, we left right before last light. However, when I saw the sun warming up Mount Morgan I couldn't resist stopping to photograph this scene. I paired the light with manzanita in the foreground as it reminded me of my wife. When we first started dating years ago, she told me that she liked manzanita trees. Year Photographed: 2025 Inyo National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rock-creek/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10171_web.jpg Rock Creek Rock Creek, Inyo National Forest, California Draining from the high Sierra Crest near Bear Creek Spire in the John Muir Wilderness, Rock Creek flows through one of the most scenic alpine corridors in the Eastern Sierra. The creek's watershed encompasses some of the range's most prominent peaks including Mount Abbot, Mount Mills, and Mount Starr before eventually joining the Owens River near the mouth of the Owens River Gorge. I've driven past the Tom's Place turnoff along Highway 395 multiple times over the years, always making a mental note to explore Rock Creek Road on a future trip. The Eastern Sierra has long been one of my favorite regions to photograph, offering dramatic alpine scenery that rivals anywhere in the world. When I finally made time to explore this area, I wasn't disappointed. The combination of rushing water, lush alpine forest created the perfect conditions for landscape photography. Year Photographed: 2025 Inyo National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/point-arena-lighthouse/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/PNW100_web.jpg Point Arena Lighthouse Point Arena Lighthouse, Mendocino County, California Point Arena Lighthouse stands as one of California's most photogenic coastal landmarks, originally constructed in 1870 and completely rebuilt with reinforced concrete following the devastating 1906 earthquake. At 115 feet tall, it ranks among the tallest lighthouses on the West Coast, creating dramatic vertical lines against the expansive Pacific horizon. What makes this location particularly compelling for landscape photographers is the interplay between human engineering and natural forces - the pristine white tower contrasts beautifully with the weathered coastal bluffs and ever-changing ocean conditions. Photographer: Patty Wong Year Photographed: 2025 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-magic-carpet/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10159_web.jpg The Magic Carpet Magic Carpet Ice Plant Flowers, Pacific Grove, California The Magic Carpet at Perkins Park in Pacific Grove tells a remarkable story of one man's vision transforming an unwelcoming landscape. Unlike what many assume, this iconic purple floral display wasn't part of a city beautification project but the passionate work of Hayes Perkins, a well-traveled adventurer who settled in Pacific Grove in 1938. Before his arrival, the coastal bluffs were overrun with poison oak—hardly the picturesque scene visitors enjoy today. Perkins, who had worked in various places including Africa and William Randolph Hearst's properties, took it upon himself in 1943 to clear the noxious plants and replace them with the vibrant Drosanthemum floribundum (ice plant) he had encountered during his global travels. Over fourteen years, this determined gardener single-handedly created nearly a mile-long pathway of these fuchsia-colored blooms, working from his modest cabin near Lovers Point and hand-watering his plantings. His creation became so renowned that it was featured in prestigious publications like Life and National Geographic, even appearing as a Kodak mural in New York's Grand Central Terminal. The area was officially named Perkins Park in 1950 in his honor. Year Photographed: 2025 Pacific Grove, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/point-lobos-cypress-grove-overlook/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10158-BW_web.jpg Cypress Grove Overlook Cypress Grove Trail Overlook, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Cypress Trail Overlook at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve features one of the most breathtaking coastal vistas along California's central coast. Perched above the rugged shoreline, this viewpoint showcases the dramatic meeting of land and sea where ancient Monterey cypress trees, their windswept forms sculpted by decades of ocean breezes, cling determinedly to the rocky cliffs. The overlook provides panoramic views of the azure Pacific waters crashing against jagged rock formations below, while the twisted, gnarled cypress trees—some of the rarest in the world—frame the scene like living sculptures. Year Photographed: 2025 Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sea-lion-point/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10157_web.jpg Sea Lion Point Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Sometimes described as "The greatest meeting of land and water in the world.", the name Point Lobos originated from the early Spanish explorers who called the location, "Punta de Los Lobos Marinos", which means "point of the sea wolves". Sea wolves was the explorers' word for the sea lions which frequent the area. Year Photographed: 2025 Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/carneros-region-aerial-vineyard/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10156_web.jpg Carneros Region Aerial Vineyard Pinot Noir Aerial Vineyard at Sunset, Carneros Region, California Year Photographed: 2023 Carneros, a wine region straddling Napa and Sonoma counties in Northern California, is renowned for producing exceptional Pinot Noir. Several factors contribute to the uniqueness of Carneros Pinot Noir: Cool Climate Influenced by Fog and Wind: Carneros benefits from its proximity to San Pablo Bay, which provides cooling fog and breezes. These conditions moderate the warm days, creating an ideal environment for Pinot Noir, a grape variety that thrives in cooler climates. The slower ripening process enhances the grape's complexity, maintaining vibrant acidity while allowing flavors to fully develop.Well-Drained, Clay-Rich Soils: The region's soils, primarily clay loam with some gravel and volcanic influences, contribute to the wine's distinctive profile. The clay retains moisture, which can sustain vines during dry summers, while the soil's natural stress encourages lower yields and more concentrated fruit flavors.Elegance and Balance: Pinot Noir from Carneros is often celebrated for its balance of fruit, acidity, and tannins. The wines typically showcase bright red fruit flavors like cherry, raspberry, and cranberry, complemented by earthy notes, subtle spice, and silky textures. These qualities make Carneros Pinot Noir approachable yet complex.Sustainable and Innovative Practices: Many Carneros vineyards are pioneers in sustainable viticulture, which enhances the quality of the fruit while preserving the region's natural resources. Innovative winemaking techniques also allow producers to craft wines that highlight the terroir's unique expression.Versatility and Food Pairing: The delicate, nuanced style of Carneros Pinot Noir pairs exceptionally well with a wide range of foods, from roasted poultry and pork to earthy mushroom dishes and even salmon. Its versatility is another reason why it's highly sought after by wine enthusiasts. Overall, Carneros Pinot Noir stands out for its elegant expression of fruit, vibrant acidity, and connection to its distinct cool-climate terroir, making it a favorite among Pinot lovers worldwide. California Wine Country https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fall-in-filoli/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10155_web.jpg Fall in Filoli Fall Colors at Filoli Mansion, Woodside, CaliforniaOn this mid-November morning, I walked past the Filoli Mansion and was immediately drawn to the colorful fall foliage and moss hanging from the trees while contrasted against the brick walls. My wife went inside to explore for 20 minutes while I stayed outside to photograph this scene. Year Photographed: 2024 Woodside, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-old-oak/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10124-2_web.jpg The Old Oak Southern Live Oak Tree at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, South Carolina Year Photographed: 2024 Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, South Carolina https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/magnolia-plantation-house/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10154_web.jpg Magnolia Plantation House Magnolia Plantation House, South Carolina Year Photographed: 2024 South Carolina https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/magical-morning-black-white/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8405-BW_web.jpg Magical Morning Black & White Black Oak Trees in Fog After Spring Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California Photographed the morning after an early Spring snowstorm, this was one of the most productive sunrise photoshoots I've ever had. Year Photographed: 2014 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/filoli-walled-garden/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10153_web.jpg Walled Garden Filoli's Walled Garden During Fall Season, Woodside, California A one-acre ornamental garden, the Walled Garden features ginkgo biloba lined pathways through the heart of the garden. The ginkgo biloba is especially beautiful during the fall season with it's vibrant yellow leaves. Year Photographed: 2024 Filoli, Woodside, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/phoenix-reborn/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10151_web.jpg Phoenix Reborn Japanese Maple Tree at Filoli Gardens, Woodside, California Japanese maple trees are some of the most photogenic trees with their twisted limbs and spread canopy. They especially come alive during the fall season with vibrant fall colors. Year Photographed: 2024 Filoli Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-pathway-of-giants/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10150_web.jpg The Pathway of Giants Dogwood-Lined Pathway Through Forest During Fall Season, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California I find pathways and nature trails to have a special beauty of their own despite being a man-made creation. I find them to be contemplative and a visual metaphor of moving forward. Year Photographed: 2024 Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/wall-of-color/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10149_web.jpg Wall of Color Dogwood Fall Color, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California Though the reds and oranges is what will draw the viewer's eye into the scene, it's actually the greens that allow this to happen. The visual contrast here with this composition being primarily green is what allows the viewer to gravitate toward the intense orange and red fall foliage. Year Photographed: 2024 Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/natures-canvas/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10143_web.jpg Nature's Canvas Dogwood Peak Fall Colors, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California A rare display of California foliage with all of the stages of fall color in one frame. In most places that I've photographed in California the foliage will go from green to yellow or brown. Maybe orange in a some instances but rarely all of the colors from green to red represented in one photo. Year Photographed: 2024 Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-last-vestiges/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10148_web.jpg The Last Vestiges Dogwood Peak Fall Colors, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California Though I was surrounded awash in a sea of red fall foliage, it was the green dogwood leaves in front of me that attracted me to this composition. The green foreground afforded me a strong contrast to the peak fall colors throughout the rest of this scene. Year Photographed: 2024 Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mother-and-son-calaveras-big-trees/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10144_web.jpg Mother & Son Giant Sequoia Trees & Dogwood, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California The two giant sequoia trees (Sequoiadendron giganteum) are called the Mother and Son due to their difference in size, although they likely started growing around the same time. The Mother tree has thrived over the years, while the Son tree has lost much of its upper height, likely due to wind or lightning damage. The strong backlighting of this composition provided illumination on the dogwood foliage above me that accentuated the red berries on the tree. Year Photographed: 2024 Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/forest-light/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10147_web.jpg Forest Light Dogwood Peak Fall Colors, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California The process of dogwood fall colors is primarily driven by the breakdown of chlorophyll as days shorten and temperatures cool in autumn. During the growing season, chlorophyll gives leaves their green color, facilitating photosynthesis. As autumn approaches, trees like the dogwood begin to slow down chlorophyll production, leading to its gradual disappearance. This allows other pigments, such as carotenoids and anthocyanins, to become visible. Carotenoids, which produce yellow and orange hues, are present year-round, while anthocyanins are often synthesized in response to environmental conditions, contributing vibrant red and purple shades. Factors such as warm sunny days followed by cool nights enhance anthocyanin production, resulting in the brilliant fall colors characteristic of dogwoods. Year Photographed: 2024 Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dogwood-dreams/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10141_web.jpg Dogwood Dreams Dogwood Fall Color, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California I've photographed New England, the Appalachians, Zion National Park and the Eastern Sierra during fall season in past years but this forest full of dogwood was one of the most beautiful displays of fall foliage that I have ever laid my eyes on. Year Photographed: 2024 Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-colors-of-warren-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/PNW097_web.jpg The Colors of Warren Falls Fall Foliage Water Reflections Near Warren Falls, Vermont Resembling a painting, photographer Patty Wong was drawn to the abstract water reflections in this pond near Warren Falls, Vermont. Photographer: Patty Wong Year Photographed: 2024 Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/gold-brook-covered-bridge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/PNW099_web.jpg Gold Brook Covered Bridge Gold Brook Covered Bridge, Stowe, Vermont Photographer: Patty Wong Year Photographed: 2024 The Gold Brook Covered Bridge, also known as Stowe Hollow Bridge or Emily's Bridge, is a historic covered bridge located in Stowe, Vermont. Here are the key points about this structure: History and Construction The bridge was built in 1844 by John W. Smith. It is notable for being the only 19th-century covered bridge in Vermont that uses wooden Howe trusses and still carries a public roadway. The Howe truss design was patented just four years earlier in 1840, making this bridge a relatively early example of this construction type. Physical Characteristics - Length: 48.5 feet (14.8 m)- Width: 17 feet (5.2 m)- Roadway width: 13.5 feet (4.1 m)- Construction: Single-span Howe truss- Exterior: Vertical board siding- Roof: Gabled metal- Foundation: Dry-laid stone abutments- Decking: Wooden planking Historical Significance The Gold Brook Covered Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 1, 1974[1]. It is significant not only for its unique construction but also for being the only surviving 19th-century covered bridge in the town of Stowe. Local Legend The bridge has gained notoriety due to a local legend about a ghost named Emily. According to the story, which was featured on the Travel Channel's "Most Terrifying Places in America," Emily was a jilted bride who allegedly committed suicide at the bridge in the 1850s. This legend has led to the bridge's nickname, "Emily's Bridge," and reports of paranormal activity. Stowe, Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hancock-red-barn/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/PNW098_web.jpg Hancock Red Barn Red Barn & Fall Colors, Hancock, Vermont Few photographic subjects conjure nostalgic Americana feelings the way that red barns do. Add in the New England fall color and you have the makings of a classic photo composition. Photographer: Patty Wong Year Photographed: 2024 Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/portland-head-light/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/PNW093_web.jpg Portland Head Light Portland Head Light ‎⁨at the Fort Williams Park⁩, ⁨Cape Elizabeth⁩, ⁨Maine⁩ Portland Head Light, built in 1791 in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, is the state's oldest lighthouse. It was commissioned by George Washington and initially used whale oil lamps for illumination. Over time, it has undergone upgrades, including the installation of Fresnel lenses and an aerobeacon. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains the beacon and fog signal, while the lighthouse keeper's house is now a maritime museum. Located at the entrance of Portland Harbor, it remains an iconic navigational aid and historic site. Photographer: Patty Wong Year Photographed: 2024 Cape Elizabeth, Maine https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/duck-brook-acadia-national-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/PNW094_web.jpg Duck Brook Fall Foliage Duck Brook Fall Foliage, Acadia National Park, Maine Duck Brook in Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, is a scenic waterway that flows through lush forests and rocky terrain. Known for its stone arch bridges and tranquil beauty, Duck Brook is a popular spot for visitors seeking a peaceful nature experience. The brook's serene atmosphere is enhanced by its surroundings, offering picturesque views of mossy rocks and flowing water, especially near the Duck Brook Bridge, a historic stone structure that highlights the craftsmanship of early park architects. Photographer: Patty Wong Year Photographed: 2024 Acadia National Park, Maine https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/white-mountains-fall-color/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/PNW095_web.jpg White Mountains Fall Color Kancamagus Hwy, Lincoln, New Hampshire In fall, the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire's White Mountains transforms into a vibrant tapestry of color. This scenic 34-mile route is renowned for its breathtaking views, where forests of maple, birch, and oak trees explode in hues of fiery red, brilliant orange, and golden yellow. The rolling mountains, rivers, and valleys create a rich, layered landscape that enhances the spectacle. Popular viewpoints like Sabbaday Falls and the Pemigewasset Overlook offer especially stunning panoramas, making it a favorite autumn drive for leaf-peepers and photographers alike. Photographer: Patty Wong Year Photographed: 2024 New Hampshire https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bar-harbor-fall-colors/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/PNW096_web.jpg Bar Harbor Fall Colors Bar Harbor Fall Colors, Acadia National Park, Maine Bar Harbor, located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, is a picturesque town of 5,089 (2020 census) that becomes particularly enchanting in the fall. Surrounded by Acadia National Park, the area bursts into vibrant autumn colors, with forests turning shades of deep red, bright orange, and golden yellow. Visitors enjoy hiking trails with scenic views, boat tours, and exploring the quaint downtown filled with local shops and eateries. The cool, crisp air and colorful foliage make it a perfect seasonal destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. Photographer: Patty Wong Year Photographed: 2024Related Photo: Duck Brook Fall Foliage Acadia National Park, Maine https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/valley-drive-in-theatre-lompoc/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2847-2_web.jpg Valley Drive-In Theatre Valley Drive-in Theatre, Lompoc, California Originally opened in 1959, Lompoc's Valley Drive-in Theatre is a relic of a bygone era. Drive-in theaters were common between the 1950's through 1970's, and even when I was a child in the 1980's. I remember my parents taking me to the Azusa Drive-In Theater several times. Most, like Lompoc in 1998, have shuttered over the years. Year Photographed: 2007 Information Source: Lompoc Record Lompoc, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fall-morning-russian-river-valley/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10139_web.jpg Fall Morning in Russian River Valley Russian River AVA Fall Colors in Fog, Sonoma County, California There was progressively light rainfall as I was driving along the Russian River Valley evaluating the weather conditions. I had scouted this location the day prior and in past years so I decided to stop here when I noticed the atmospheric fog in this scene. From a photography-standpoint, one of the main differences between Sonoma vineyards and Napa Valley is that there are more hills in Sonoma. Napa Valley is rather flat so it's difficult to see beyond what's in-front of your camera. Having undulating hills like this can result in more dynamic compositions that draw the viewer's eye into the scene. Year Photographed: 2024 Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fall-morning-in-dry-creek-valley/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10138_web.jpg Fall Morning in Dry Creek Valley Dry Creek Valley Fall Colors, Sonoma County, California One of the nice things about photographing in the morning during early fall is the late sunrise time. I set the alarm for 6 a.m., quickly cleaned up then headed out from Windsor and was at my location by 6:30. It was still pitch black outside so I had to wait in my car for a bit until there was some visibility. I had scouted this area around Dry Creek Valley the day prior so had a general idea of where I was going to photograph this morning. The sun never made an appearance due to storm clouds, which resulted in vibrant-looking fall colors in the vineyard. Year Photographed: 2024 Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/russian-river-valley-pinot-noir-grapes/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10140_web.jpg Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Grapes Russian River Valley AVA Pinot Noir Wine Grapes & Fall Foliage, Sonoma County, California Russian River Valley Pinot noir is celebrated for its rich, complex flavors and elegance, owing to the unique terroir of California's Sonoma County. The region's cool, foggy climate—tempered by the Russian River's influence—creates an ideal environment for Pinot Noir grapes, allowing them to ripen slowly and develop layered characteristics. Typically, Russian River Valley Pinot noir exhibit aromas of dark cherry, raspberry, and plum, often with notes of earthy forest floor, baking spices, and hints of floral undertones. Year Photographed: 2024 Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/adrift/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10136_web.jpg Adrift San Simeon State Park, Cambria, California The morning before I experienced an incredible sunrise, then on this morning I experienced the more typical fogged in California Coast weather. The wave action was strong on this morning so I wanted a clean composition that highlighted my feelings on this morning. Year Photographed: 2024 California Central Coast https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cambria/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10135_web.jpg Cambria Moonstone Beach at Sunrise, Cambria, California Cambria is a small town of 5,678 residents on California's Central Coast. The town is perhaps known for Moonstone Beach which is 1.5-mile stretch of coastline that has a boardwalk along the bluffs which make for an enjoyable stroll. One of my favorite spots to visit as a child, I booked a mini-getaway for my wife & kids to stay at Moonstone Beach. We spent the days playing on the beach and walking along the boardwalk. On this morning I was able to photograph this incredible sunrise. Year Photographed: 2024 San Simeon State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tree-of-radiance-ii/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10041_web.jpg Tree of Radiance II Japanese Maple Tree, Portland, Oregon Year Photographed: 2022 Portland, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/ribiera-porto-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano105_web.jpg Ribiera Porto Panoramic Ribeira Waterfront Panoramic, Porto, Portugal Part of the historic centre of Porto which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ribiera waterfront is one of the liveliest districts in Porto. I made this panoramic photo by walking over the Douro River via the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia. Year Photographed: 2017 Limited Edition of 10 Prints Porto, Portugal https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-forest-of-dreams-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano123_web.jpg The Forest of Dreams Panoramic Sunrise Fog Panoramic, Marin County, California Sunrise is the most peaceful time for photography. You'll rarely encounter others; as you're more likely to hear the sound of birds and wildlife than another human. Year Photographed: 2024 Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/weathered-curves/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10132_web.jpg Weathered Curves Monterey Cypress Trees in Fog, Point Reyes National Seashore, California One of the windiest locations in the United States, Point Reyes National Seashore is a place where only the hardiest plants and trees survive. The Monterey Cypress being no stranger to tough conditions takes on the shape of the wind. Year Photographed: 2024 Point Reyes National Seashore, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-forest-of-dreams/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10131_web.jpg The Forest of Dreams Sunrise Fog, Marin County, California Waking up well before sunrise, I drove to Marin in the dark hoping to catch a sunrise from an elevated perspective. I struck out on a few locations before taking a route I hadn't explored before just above the marine layer. Year Photographed: 2024 Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pierce-point-ranch-barn/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10130_web.jpg Pierce Point Ranch Barn Pierce Point Ranch, Point Reyes National Seashore, California Year Photographed: 2024 Timeline of Pierce Ranch (Pierce Point Ranch) 1856: Part of the ranch's main house was constructed, making it the oldest surviving ranch house in the Point Reyes region, if not the entire coastal section of Marin County. 1858: The Shafter brothers sold a 2,200-acre tract of land at the end of Tomales Point to Solomon Pierce for $7,000. Pierce Ranch (also known as Pierce Point Ranch) was established and became the largest of four independent ranches on the Point Reyes peninsula. Late 1800s: Pierce Ranch excelled in producing the finest quality butter. Goldberg, Bowen, and Company, a famous San Francisco fine food purveyor, purchased the entire butter production from the ranch during this period. By 1900, the Point Reyes region ranches were considered the best among California's 300 dairy ranches, with Pierce Ranch leading in product quality. 1878 & 1880: Pierce Ranch was recognized as an outstanding example of a dairy ranch in publications from these years. 1973: Pierce Ranch ceased operations as a dairy farm. 1980: The National Park Service began rehabilitating the ranch core, citing it as the best example of an 1800s West Marin dairy ranch. 1985: Pierce Ranch was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The ranch was subsequently opened to the public as an interpretive site, showcasing the highest degree of integrity of early buildings in its physical complex among the ranches of the Point Reyes peninsula and nearby Olema Valley. Pierce Ranch remains the least altered and least modernized physical complex of ranch buildings in the area. Point Reyes National Seashore, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/california-beach-summer/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10129_web.jpg California Beach Summer Tide Pool Long Exposure, Bean Hollow State Beach, California Exploring tide pools is something I've always enjoyed doing. Add in thick fog and you have a recipe for an ethereal image. Year Photographed: 2024 Bean Hollow State Beach https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/honeycomb-rocks/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10128_web.jpg Honeycomb Rocks Tafoni Filled With Rocks, San Mateo Coast, California Coastal tafoni are distinctive rock formations found along shorelines, characterized by their intricate, honeycomb-like patterns and smooth, rounded cavities. Formed primarily in sandstone and other granular rocks, these features develop through a combination of salt weathering, where salt crystals from seawater infiltrate and expand within the rock, and thermal stress from temperature fluctuations. The constant action of waves and the presence of salty, moist air accelerate these weathering processes, creating the unique, often visually striking patterns seen in coastal tafoni. These formations not only enhance the natural beauty of coastal landscapes but also serve as important microhabitats for various marine organisms. Year Photographed: 2024 San Mateo Coast, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/california-federation-of-womens-clubs-grove/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10126_web.jpg California Federation of Womens Clubs Grove California Federation of Womens Clubs Grove, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California Named in honor of the California Federation of Women's Clubs, the club donated to the Save the Redwoods League in the 1920's in order to purchase this old-growth redwood forest from the Pacific Lumber Company. The redwood grove features one of the top ten tallest trees in the world. Year Photographed: 2024Related Photo: Founder's Grove Humboldt Redwoods https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dyerville-giant/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10125_web.jpg Dyerville Giant Dyerville Giant, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California The Dyerville Giant was a remarkable coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California. Once the world's tallest tree, this giant tree stood approximately 370 feet tall before it fell in 1991. With an estimated age of over 1,600 years, the Dyerville Giant was a significant natural landmark, contributing to the rich biodiversity and ecological complexity of the ancient redwood forest. Even after its fall, the tree continues to play a crucial role in the forest ecosystem, providing habitat and nutrients to a variety of plant and animal species. Its legacy endures as a testament to the grandeur and longevity of the coast redwoods. Year Photographed: 2024 Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/forsyth-park-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano122_web.jpg Forsyth Park Panoramic Forsyth Park Panoramic at Dawn, Savannah, Georgia Forsyth Park, located in the historic district of Savannah, Georgia, is a picturesque 30-acre public park renowned for its lush greenery and iconic fountain. Established in the 1840s, the park features a wide array of amenities including walking paths, playgrounds, tennis courts, and a fragrant garden for the visually impaired. The park's centerpiece, the ornate Forsyth Fountain, modeled after the fountains in the Place de la Concorde in Paris, serves as a popular gathering spot and photo backdrop. With its majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss, seasonal flower beds, and regular farmers' markets, Forsyth Park is a vibrant community hub that captures the essence of Savannah's charm and southern hospitality. Year Photographed: 2024 Limited Edition of 10 Prints Savannah, Georgia https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/low-country-romance/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10123_web.jpg Lowcountry Romance Cypress Gardens Swamp, Moncks Corner, South Carolina In the iconic canoe scene from "The Notebook," Noah and Allie find themselves caught in a torrential downpour while out on a serene lake. As they paddle through the rain, their emotions pour out just as freely. The tension between them is palpable, filled with unresolved feelings and unspoken desires. Despite the storm raging around them, their connection intensifies as they come to terms with their love for each other. With every stroke of the paddle, they navigate not only the waters but also the depths of their hearts, culminating in a passionate embrace that solidifies their bond. It's a moment of raw vulnerability and undeniable chemistry, captured amidst the tranquil beauty of nature and the tumultuous storms of love. Year Photographed: 2024 Cypress Gardens, South Carolina https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pink-azaleas-magnolia-plantation/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10122_web.jpg Pink Azaleas Pink Azaleas at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, South Carolina At Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, the pink azalea flowers create a breathtaking display of natural beauty, adding vibrant splashes of color to the lush landscape. As visitors wander through the meticulously maintained gardens, they are greeted by clusters of these delicate blooms, their soft pink petals gently swaying in the breeze.The azalea bushes, with their glossy green foliage, serve as the perfect backdrop for the profusion of pink blossoms that adorn them. Each flower is a masterpiece of nature, with intricately layered petals that create a sense of depth and texture. Against the backdrop of the plantation's historic buildings and towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, the pink azaleas create a scene of timeless Southern charm. Year Photographed: 2024 Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, South Carolina https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/wormsloe-plantation-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano121_web.jpg Wormsloe Plantation Panoramic Wormsloe Plantation Oak Avenue Panoramic, Savannah, Georgia Wormsloe Plantation is a breathtaking sight, often described as one of the most iconic and picturesque locations in Savannah and Georgia. It features a stunning avenue lined with majestic live oak trees (Quercus virginiana) draped in Spanish moss, creating a scene of timeless beauty and Southern charm. The avenue stretches for about 1.5 miles, creating a captivating canopy of foliage that casts dappled sunlight onto the ground below.The live oak trees of the avenue are known for their massive size and sprawling branches, some of which extend horizontally for considerable distances. Their twisted limbs and gnarled bark add to their character and lend a sense of antiquity to the landscape. Spanish moss hangs gracefully from the branches, swaying in the gentle breeze and adding a touch of romanticism to the scene.As visitors walk or ride along the avenue, they are enveloped in a sense of tranquility and wonder, surrounded by the beauty of nature and history. The Wormsloe Plantation avenue of oaks offers a glimpse into the past, evoking images of a bygone era and inviting contemplation and reflection amidst its serene ambiance. It's no wonder that this enchanting location has become a popular destination for photographers, artists, and admirers of Southern landscapes alike. Year Photographed: 2024 Savannah, Georgia https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/live-oak-spanish-moss/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10118_web.jpg Live Oak With Spanish Moss Backlit Live Oak Tree With Spanish Moss, Charleston, South Carolina Spanish moss is a flowering plant that belongs to the bromeliad family, scientifically known as Tillandsia usneoides. Despite its name, it's not actually a moss but rather an epiphytic plant, which means it grows on other plants or structures but doesn't rely on them for nutrients. It's commonly found hanging from trees in warm and humid climates, particularly in the southeastern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. Spanish moss has long, thin, grayish-green stems that can grow several feet in length, and it often creates a draping effect on the branches of its host trees. It's often used in decorative arrangements and crafts. Year Photographed: 2024 Charleston, South Carolina https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/noble-hardee-mansion/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10119_web.jpg Noble Hardee Mansion Noble Hardee Mansion, Savannah, Georgia The Noble Hardee Mansion in Savannah, which dates back to 1860, is a distinguished architectural masterpiece nestled within the charming streets of Georgia's oldest city. Its design exudes Southern charm and grace, blending elements of neoclassical and antebellum architecture to create a timeless aesthetic.The mansion's exterior is characterized by stately columns, intricate wrought-iron railings, and sprawling verandas, inviting guests to step back in time to an era of refined elegance. Its elegant facade stands in striking contrast against the lush greenery of the surrounding oak trees, adding to its picturesque allure. Year Photographed: 2024 Savannah, Georgia https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/white-azalea-magnolia-plantation/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10117_web.jpg White Azalea White Azaleas at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, South Carolina The white azalea from Magnolia Plantation is a stunning flowering shrub known for its elegant beauty and delicate blooms. With its pure white petals, this azalea variety exudes a sense of purity and grace. The flowers typically have a soft, subtle fragrance that adds to their allure. When in full bloom, the white azaleas create a breathtaking sight, especially when contrasted against the lush greenery of the surrounding garden or plantation landscape. They are often used in landscaping to add a touch of timeless elegance and charm to outdoor spaces. Year Photographed: 2024 Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, South Carolina https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/prettiest-street-in-savannah/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10120_web.jpg The Prettiest Street in Savannah Jones Street, Savannah, Georgia Often described as "The Prettiest Street in Savannah", Jones Street is renowned for its picturesque beauty and historic charm. Lined with majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss, this cobblestone street exudes a timeless elegance. The architecture along Jones Street is a blend of Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate styles, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage. Stately mansions, adorned with intricate ironwork and colorful facades, stand as reminders of Savannah's antebellum past. Many of these historic homes have been preserved and converted into charming bed and breakfasts, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's gracious hospitality. Year Photographed: 2024 Jones Street https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/southern-live-oak/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10116_web.jpg Southern Live Oak Live Oak Driveway at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, South Carolina Southern live oak trees are magnificent specimens known for their grandeur and longevity. Characterized by their sprawling branches and dense, evergreen foliage, live oaks possess a distinctive appearance that sets them apart in the landscape. These trees often feature gnarled trunks and twisted limbs, lending them a sense of rugged elegance. Live oaks are iconic in southern regions of the United States, where they can be found dotting coastal plains and providing shade in parks, gardens, and historic estates. Their resilience to harsh weather conditions, including hurricanes, and their ability to thrive in a variety of soil types make them beloved fixtures in the natural environment. Laden with Spanish moss and often home to diverse ecosystems of flora and fauna, live oaks evoke a sense of timelessness and reverence, embodying the spirit of the southern landscape. Year Photographed: 2024 Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, South Carolina https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/washington-square-charleston/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10115_web.jpg Washington Square Washington Square at Sunrise, Charleston, South Carolina Washington Square, situated in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, lies behind City Hall at the intersection of Meeting Street and Broad Street within the Charleston Historic District. Its origins trace back to April 1881 when planting beds and red brick walks were installed, initially dubbed City Hall Park. However, on October 19, 1881, in commemoration of the centennial of the Yorktown surrender, the park was renamed in honor of George Washington, with the new name being officially displayed over the gates in December of the same year. At its heart stands a memorial dedicated to the Washington Light Infantry, crafted from Carolina gray granite and resembling a scaled-down version of the Washington Monument in the nation's capital. Rising approximately forty-two feet, it bears inscriptions of significant military engagements and the names of fallen soldiers from the Civil War. Unveiled on February 23, 1891, the memorial serves as a poignant tribute to the unit's sacrifices. Year Photographed: 2024 Charleston, South Carolina https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pineapple-fountain/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10114_web.jpg Pineapple Fountain Pineapple Fountain at Joe Riley Waterfront Park, Charleston, South Carolina The Pineapple Fountain in Charleston is a charming and iconic landmark located within the Waterfront Park, a beautiful public space along the Cooper River. This fountain, designed in the shape of a pineapple, pays homage to the symbol of hospitality that has deep roots in Charleston's history.Standing at the center of a shallow pool, the Pineapple Fountain features multiple tiers that cascade water in a serene and mesmerizing manner. The pineapple, with its intricate detailing, serves as the focal point, surrounded by lush greenery and seating areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the picturesque scenery.The design of the fountain not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the park but also provides a refreshing oasis for locals and tourists alike, especially on hot summer days. It has become a popular spot for photography, leisurely strolls, and gatherings, embodying the warmth and welcoming spirit of Charleston. Year Photographed: 2024 Charleston, South Carolina https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/charleston-the-holy-city/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10113_web.jpg The Holy City St. Michael's Church Towering Over Broad Street, Charleston, South Carolina Charleston is nicknamed "The Holy City" due to its abundance of church spires that punctuate its skyline. This moniker reflects the city's historical significance as a religious and cultural center in the southeastern United States. The skyline dominated by church steeples led to the nickname, highlighting the prominent role of religion and the rich spiritual heritage of Charleston. Additionally, the city's tolerance for various religious denominations and its commitment to religious freedom have contributed to its reputation as "The Holy City." Year Photographed: 2024 Charleston, South Carolina https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mercer-williams-house/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10112_web.jpg Mercer-Williams House Mercer-Williams House, Savannah, Georgia One of the most famous mansions in Savannah's downtown historic district, the Mercer-Williams House is perhaps best known for being featured in the best-selling book & movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Year Photographed: 2024 Savannah, Georgia https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/forsyth-park-fountain/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10111_web.jpg Forsyth Park Fountain at Forsyth Park, Savannah, Georgia The Forsyth Park Fountain stands as a timeless emblem of Savannah's charm and elegance, nestled within the verdant expanse of Forsyth Park. The story goes that this iconic fountain was ordered from a Janes and Kirtland Co. catalog in 1858, and is only one of a few in existence. Surrounded by lush greenery and shaded pathways, the fountain serves as a serene oasis in the heart of the city, inviting locals and tourists alike to pause and admire its beauty. Whether it's the gentle sound of water trickling into the basin or the sight of sunlight dancing off its ornate features, the Forsyth Park Fountain captivates all who encounter it, leaving a lasting impression of Savannah's rich cultural heritage and Southern hospitality. Year Photographed: 2024 Savannah, Georgia https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/wormsloe-plantation/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10110_web.jpg Wormsloe Plantation Oak Avenue at Wormsloe Plantation, Savannah, Georgia The Wormsloe Historic Site, originally named Wormsloe Plantation, is a state historic site located near Savannah, Georgia, in the southeastern United States. Covering 822 acres, the site preserves a portion of the historic Wormsloe Plantation, established by Noble Jones, one of Georgia's colonial founders. Key features of the site include a picturesque 1.5-mile oak-lined avenue, the ruins of Jones' fortified tabby house, a museum, and a demonstration area depicting colonial daily life.In 1736, Noble Jones acquired a land grant for 500 acres on the Isle of Hope, which served as the nucleus of Wormsloe. He constructed a fortified house overlooking the Skidaway Narrows, strategically positioned along the Skidaway River within the Intracoastal Waterway. This fortified structure formed part of a defensive network established by James Oglethorpe and early Georgia settlers to safeguard Savannah against potential Spanish incursions. Over time, Jones expanded Wormsloe into a small plantation, and his descendants erected a grand mansion on the site, using it as a rural retreat.The State of Georgia procured the majority of Wormsloe Plantation in 1973, subsequently opening it to the public as a state historic site in 1979. Year Photographed: 2024 Savannah, Georgia https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cypress-gardens-south-carolina/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10109_web.jpg Cypress Gardens Cypress Gardens, Moncks Corner, South Carolina Cypress Gardens, located in South Carolina's Lowcountry, has served as a filming location for several movies. One notable film shot there is "The Patriot" (2000), starring Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger. Portions of the movie were filmed in the scenic landscapes of Cypress Gardens. Additionally, parts of the film "The Notebook" (2004), featuring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, were shot at Cypress Gardens, particularly the iconic scene where the characters Noah and Allie row through a serene lake surrounded by swans. During our visit, my family and I got to do a self-guided canoe tour around the swamp which took about an hour. Following the canoeing, we walked the same trails where I came upon this beautiful cypress scene full of bald cypress and tupelo trees. Year Photographed: 2024 South Carolina https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/avenue-of-the-oaks/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10108_web.jpg Avenue of the Oaks Avenue of the Oaks, Boone Hall Plantation, South Carolina The Avenue of the Oaks at Boone Hall Plantation is a breathtaking spectacle that greets visitors as they arrive at this historic estate, located near Charleston, South Carolina. This iconic feature consists of a majestic double row of live oak trees (Quercus virginiana) that stretch for nearly three-quarters of a mile, creating a grand entrance that evokes a sense of timeless beauty and Southern charm.The live oak trees, draped with Spanish moss and adorned with lush green foliage, form a natural canopy overhead, casting dappled shadows on the path below. As visitors stroll along the Avenue of the Oaks, they are enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by the serenity and splendor of the Lowcountry landscape.The origins of the Avenue of the Oaks trace back to 1743 when the first trees were planted. The oak trees were planted along the main entrance to the plantation, serving as a symbol of hospitality and prestige for the estate's owners and guests. Year Photographed: 2024Related Photos: Southern Live Oak | The Old Oak Boone Hall Plantation, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rainbow-row-charleston/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10107_web.jpg Rainbow Row Rainbow Row, Charleston, South Carolina Rainbow Row, a vibrant and iconic row of pastel-colored historic houses, epitomizes the charm and allure of Charleston, South Carolina. Located along East Bay Street, Rainbow Row is a beloved landmark that draws visitors from far and wide to marvel at its picturesque beauty. Dating back to the 18th century, these meticulously preserved Georgian-style homes showcase a spectrum of hues, from soft pinks and blues to sunny yellows and shades of lavender. Strolling along the cobblestone streets, visitors are transported back in time, imagining the bustling life of Charleston's early residents against the backdrop of these colorful facades. Rainbow Row remains a cherished symbol of Charleston's rich architectural heritage and Southern hospitality, captivating the hearts of all who wander its enchanting streets. Year Photographed: 2024 Charleston, South Carolina https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-long-white-bridge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10106_web.jpg The Long White Bridge The Long White Bridge, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, South Carolina Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, nestled along the banks of the Ashley River in Charleston, South Carolina, is a destination steeped in history (not all of it good) and natural beauty. Established in 1676 by Thomas and Ann Drayton, it is one of the oldest plantations in the South and has evolved over the centuries into a renowned botanical garden and historic site. Here visitors can explore the plantation's lush gardens, where azaleas, camellias, and magnolias bloom in a riot of colors year-round. Year Photographed: 2024 Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, South Carolina https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/alligator-audobon-swamp-garden/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10105_web.jpg Alligator Alligator at Audobon Swamp Garden, South Carolina The Audubon Swamp Garden, situated within the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina, hosts a thriving population of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). These reptiles, native to the region, play a significant role in the ecosystem of the swamp.Alligators are commonly spotted throughout the Audubon Swamp Garden, both on land and in the water. With their dark, armored bodies and powerful tails, they blend seamlessly into the environment, making them sometimes challenging to detect from a distance. Visitors often observe alligators basking on the banks of the swamp, soaking up the warmth of the sun, particularly during the cooler months.The Audubon Swamp Garden provides a suitable habitat for alligators, offering a mix of freshwater ponds, marshes, and wooded areas. These diverse environments support the alligators' varied behaviors and activities, including hunting, breeding, and nesting. Year Photographed: 2024Related Photo: Lowcountry Romance Audobon Swamp Garden, South Carolina https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/camino-frances-pink-home/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9597_web.jpg Camino Frances Colorful Pink Home Along Camino Frances Trail (The French Way), Galicia, Spain The Camino Frances, also known as the French Way, is one of the most renowned pilgrimage routes in the world, stretching over 800 kilometers across northern Spain. Beginning in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, and culminating at the majestic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Galicia, this ancient trail has been traversed by pilgrims for centuries, seeking spiritual growth, reflection, and connection. I made this photo at the tail-end of a week-long trip while walking the Camino de Santiago. Year Photographed: 2017 Galicia, Spain https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/ponte-de-lima-camino-de-santiago/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9465_web.jpg Camino de Portugese Camino de Santiago Scallop Shell The Portugese Way Route to Ponte de Lima (Oldest Town in Portugal), Portugal The Camino de Portugués, a renowned pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, traverses picturesque landscapes from Portugal into Spain. Starting typically in Lisbon or Porto, this route spans around 620 kilometers or 240 kilometers, respectively, offering a blend of coastal and inland scenery. Pilgrims walk through charming villages, lush vineyards, and historic cities like Coimbra and Tui, experiencing a rich tapestry of cultural and natural beauty. The path is less crowded than the more famous Camino Francés, providing a more intimate and tranquil journey. Along the way, travelers enjoy diverse culinary delights and warm hospitality, culminating in the profound spiritual and historical ambiance of Santiago de Compostela, where tradition holds that the remains of Saint James the Apostle rest. Year Photographed: 2017 Ponte de Lima, Portugal https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sea-nettle-jellyfish/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4949_web.jpg Sea Nettle Jellyfish Monterey Bay Aquarium, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/ocean-waves/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10095_web.jpg Ocean Waves Ocean Waves at Sunset, Point Reyes National Seashore, California At Point Reyes National Seashore, where the rugged coastline meets the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, the symphony of ocean waves performs its timeless masterpiece. With each gentle rise and fall, the waves paint a mesmerizing portrait of tranquility and power. The rhythmic dance of the tide against the rugged cliffs echoes the eternal cycle of nature, a testament to the enduring beauty of the sea. Here, amidst the salty breeze and the cry of seabirds, one finds solace in the endless horizon, where the boundary between sky and water fades into infinity. In this sanctuary of nature's grace, the ocean waves at Point Reyes National Seashore embody both the serenity and the majestic force of the sea. Year Photographed: 2024 Point Reyes National Seashore, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/shark-fin-cove-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10103_web.jpg Shark Fin Cove Beach Shark Fin Cove Beach, Davenport, California Shark Fin Cove Beach in Davenport is a stunning coastal gem nestled along the northern shores of Monterey Bay. Its name derives from the distinctive rock formation that juts out from the turquoise waters, resembling the dorsal fin of a shark, creating a striking focal point against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.As visitors approach the beach, they are greeted by a picturesque vista of golden sands stretching out beneath towering cliffs. The rugged coastline is dotted with sea caves, tide pools, and weathered rock formations, adding to the beach's allure and providing ample opportunities for exploration. Year Photographed: 2024 Davenport, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-giving-tree/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10102_web.jpg The Giving Tree Oak Tree, Jack London State Historic Park, California In the heart of a verdant glade in Sonoma Valley, where whispers of the wind intertwine with the melody of birdsong, stands a tree known as The Giving Tree. Its branches, outstretched like benevolent arms, cradle the dreams of wanderers and weary souls alike. With each gentle sway, it bestows gifts of shade and shelter, its leaves whispering secrets of solace to those who seek refuge beneath its boughs. From its roots, a wellspring of kindness flows, nurturing the earth and all who tread upon it. Like an ancient sage, The Giving Tree imparts lessons of generosity and grace, teaching us that in the act of giving, we truly find our richest blessings. Year Photographed: 2024 Glen Ellen, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pacific-grove-flowers/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10100_web.jpg Pacific Grove Flowers Ice Plant Bloom at Sunrise, Pacific Grove, California Pacific Grove is one of my favorite towns in California. I've been visiting for my entire life, as my parents used to take my family on vacation here. The coastline is beautiful at all times of the year but is especially pretty during spring when the coastline is lined with flowers. Year Photographed: 2023 Monterey Bay, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/jurassic-forest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10099_web.jpg Jurassic Forest Del Norte Coast Redwoods in Fog, California Amidst the swirling mist, secrets are whispered between the ancient redwoods. They speak of centuries past, of legends lost to time, and of the eternal dance between light and darkness. Listen closely, and you may hear their voices carried upon the breeze, a haunting melody that sings of the forest's enduring spirit. Year Photographed: 2022 Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/shark-fin-cove-beach-black-white/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10097-BW_web.jpg Shark Fin Cove Black & White Shark Fin Cove Beach Black & White, Davenport, California Accessed via a steep scramble down the rocky cliffside, Shark Fin Cove features one of the most distinctive seastacks that I've come across. My son at the age of 7, was more comfortable going down the hillside than even I was and it was well-worth the effort. Year Photographed: 2024 Davenport, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/point-reyes-sunset/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10096_web.jpg Point Reyes Sunset The Great Beach Sunset, Point Reyes National Seashore, California As the sun descends gracefully, casting its golden tendrils across the vast expanse of Point Reyes National Seashore's Great Beach, nature orchestrates a symphony of hues that paint the heavens with unmatched brilliance. The sky becomes a canvas, ablaze with fiery oranges as if the universe itself is whispering secrets to those who pause to listen. Waves gently kiss the shore, their rhythm harmonizing with the celestial spectacle unfolding above. In this fleeting moment, time stands still, and the soul is enveloped in a transcendent embrace with the beauty of creation. It's a reminder that even in the midst of life's tumult, there exists a serene sanctuary where the heart finds solace, and the spirit is renewed by the simple yet profound magic of a Point Reyes sunset. Year Photographed: 2024 Landscape Photo https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-great-beach-point-reyes/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10093_web.jpg The Great Beach The Great Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California Spanning 11-miles north to south from Kehoe Beach to South Beach, The Great Beach at Point Reyes is one of the most pristine coastal locations on the California Coast. Year Photographed: 2024 Point Reyes National Seashore, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/armstrong-redwoods-snr/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10092_web.jpg Armstrong Redwoods Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Guerneville, California Armstrong Redwoods is a 805-acre old-growth coast redwood forest located in Sonoma County, California. The park was founded in 1934 and features some very tall trees including the Colonel Armstrong Tree (308 feet & the oldest tree in the park) and the Parson Jones Tree (310 feet & the tallest tree in the park). The forest suffered from a devastating wildfire in 2020 which burned a significant amount of the park. Year Photographed: 2024 Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/jack-london-state-historic-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10090_web.jpg Jack London Vineyard at Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen, California Year Photographed: 2023 Jack London was an American author who lived from 1876 to 1916. He was known for his adventurous spirit and prolific writing. London's life was as intriguing as his literary works. Growing up in California, he experienced a variety of jobs, from an oyster pirate to a gold prospector, which later influenced his writing, giving it an authentic and adventurous edge. He gained widespread fame for novels like "The Call of the Wild," "White Fang," and "The Sea-Wolf." These stories often revolved around themes of nature, survival, and the human spirit's resilience. London's adventurous lifestyle, combined with his keen observations of nature and human behavior, infused his writing with a sense of realism and depth. Despite passing away at a relatively young age, his legacy endures through his literary contributions, which continue to captivate readers worldwide. London's ability to intertwine adventure, nature, and the human condition in his writings remains a hallmark of his enduring appeal. The Jack London State Historic Site is a preserved estate in California that honors the life and legacy of the renowned American author, Jack London. This historic site encompasses the Beauty Ranch, where London resided and found inspiration for his writing, and the Cottage, where he penned some of his most famous works. Preservation efforts have maintained the site's historical significance, providing an opportunity for literature enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers to experience the essence of Jack London's world. It stands as a testament to his impact on literature and his deep connection to the land. Jack London State Historic Site, Sonoma Valley https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/silhouette-bonsai-trees-the-huntington/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10089_web.jpg Bonsai Trees Silhouette Silhouetted Bonsai Trees at The Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California Year Photographed: 2023 Bonsai trees, an ancient horticultural art form originating from Japan, are miniature trees grown in containers. This exquisite practice involves cultivating small trees that mimic the shape and scale of full-size trees, encapsulating the beauty and tranquility of nature in a compact form. Bonsai, derived from the Japanese words "bon" (tray) and "sai" (planting), represents the harmonious fusion of art and nature. These captivating trees are meticulously cultivated to create a sense of age, character, and natural landscapes in miniature. Symbolism and Meaning: Bonsai trees hold deep cultural significance and symbolism. They are often associated with harmony, balance, and the appreciation of life's beauty. Gifted as symbols of honor, respect, or friendship, these living artworks carry profound meaning and convey a sense of mindfulness and tranquility. The Huntington Botanical Gardens https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/carneros-pinot-gris-pinot-noir/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10088_web.jpg Carneros Pinot Gris & Pinot Noir Pinot Gris & Pinot Noir Vineyard at Bouchaine Vineyards, Napa Valley, California Carneros Region is a unique wine-growing region that is characterized by the cool breeze from the San Francisco Bay which is often foggy. Bouchaine Vineyards is the oldest continuously run vineyard in Carneros which is located at the southern end of Napa Valley. Year Photographed: 2023 California Wine Country https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bouchaine-vineyards/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10087_web.jpg Bouchaine Vineyards Bouchaine Vineyards at Sunset, Napa, California I was able to time this sunset with the remnants of Hurricane Hilary which resulted in this rather intense sunset. Year Photographed: 2023 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/oakville-cabernet-sauvignon-veraison/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10086_web.jpg Cabernet Sauvignon Veraison Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon Veraison, Napa Valley, California When it comes to grape cultivation, veraison plays a crucial role in the development of different grape varieties. Each variety goes through a unique veraison process, which ultimately impacts the quality and characteristics of the resulting wine. During veraison, the grapes undergo distinct changes that are specific to their variety. This includes variations in color, texture, and flavor. For example, red grape varieties usually experience a change in color during veraison, transitioning from green to red or purple. On the other hand, white grape varieties may exhibit changes in color as well, often becoming more translucent or golden. Furthermore, veraison has a significant influence on wine development. The timing and duration of veraison directly impact the grape's sugar levels, acidity, and flavor composition. This means that wines made from grapes that undergo veraison at different times may exhibit varying levels of sweetness, acidity, and flavor intensity. Grape Maturation: Veraison as a Stage Veraison is considered a crucial stage of grape maturation. It marks the beginning of the final ripening process, during which various changes occur within the grapes. These changes include: Softening of berries:The grapes start to soften, indicating that they are reaching their optimal ripeness.Increased sugar levels: As veraison progresses, the sugar content in the grapes rises, contributing to the development of flavors and alcohol content in the resulting wine.Decreased acidity:Acidity levels in the grapes decrease, leading to milder and smoother flavors in the finished wine.Flavor development:Veraison allows the grapes to develop their unique flavors, a process that continues until harvest. Climate & Environmental Factors The timing and success of veraison are influenced by various climate and environmental factors. Climatic conditions such as temperature, sunlight exposure, and soil composition play a crucial role in determining when veraison occurs. For instance, warmer climates tend to accelerate the onset of veraison, leading to an earlier harvest, while cooler climates may prolong the maturation process. Additionally, adequate exposure to sunlight during the growing season ensures optimal sugar accumulation and flavor development during veraison. Soil conditions also impact veraison and overall grape development. Factors such as soil moisture and nutrient availability contribute to the vine's health and ability to undergo veraison effectively. Harvesting Decisions: Veraison as an Indicator As the grapevines enter the crucial stage of veraison, vineyard managers and winemakers closely monitor its progress to determine the ideal timing for harvest. Veraison, the point in the grapevine's growth when the berries start to change color and soften, serves as a vital indicator for initiating the grape harvest. During veraison, the grapes undergo significant transformations in their composition and flavor profile. This transitional period allows the winemakers to assess the grape's readiness for harvest by observing the color change from green to red or purple in red grape varieties, or from green to yellow or golden in white grape varieties. This visual cue hints at the accumulation of sugars, acids, and phenolic compounds that contribute to the grape's flavor and aroma. Vineyard managers and winemakers employ several methods to monitor and evaluate the progress of veraison. They regularly inspect the berries, assessing their firmness and color to determine the level of ripeness. Additionally, they measure the sugar levels, acidity, and pH of the grapes to gauge their readiness for harvest. By carefully observing these indicators, they can make informed decisions about the optimal timing for picking the grapes. Timing is crucial in grape harvesting as it directly affects the quality of the resulting wine. Harvesting too early may result in underripe grapes, leading to a lack of desired flavors and aromas in the wine. On the other hand, delaying the harvest may cause overripe grapes, leading to unbalanced wines with excessive sweetness or lack of acidity. By relying on veraison as an indicator, vineyard managers and winemakers can determine the optimal moment to begin the harvest. This allows them to maximize the balance between sugar levels, acidity, and phenolic compounds, ensuring the production of high-quality wines. Year Photographed: 2023 Oakville, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/oak-knoll-cabernet-sauvignon-grapes/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10084_web.jpg Oak Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes Oak Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes Veraison, Napa, California Oak Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon is a distinguished wine originating from the Oak Knoll District in Napa Valley, California. This varietal is celebrated for its exceptional balance, complexity, and elegance, often showcasing a rich bouquet of dark fruits such as blackberry, black cherry, and plum, complemented by subtle notes of cocoa, cedar, and vanilla. The Oak Knoll District's temperate climate, with cooler nights and moderate days, allows for a longer growing season, resulting in grapes that develop deep, nuanced flavors and refined tannins. On the palate, this Cabernet Sauvignon typically offers a harmonious blend of ripe fruit, well-integrated oak, and a smooth, lingering finish, making it a favorite among connoisseurs and a testament to the high-quality winemaking of the region. Year Photographed: 2023 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/oak-knoll-chardonnay-grapes/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10085_web.jpg Oak Knoll Chardonnay Grapes Oak Knoll Chardonnay Grapes Veraison, Napa, California Oak Knoll Chardonnay hails from the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, a region renowned for its ideal climate for producing high-quality wines. This Chardonnay is known for its vibrant and balanced profile, often characterized by aromas of crisp green apple, pear, and citrus, interwoven with hints of tropical fruits like pineapple and subtle notes of vanilla and toasted oak from barrel aging. The cooler climate of the Oak Knoll District allows the grapes to retain refreshing acidity while developing rich, complex flavors. On the palate, the wine typically exhibits a creamy texture, bright acidity, and a long, elegant finish, making it a sophisticated and versatile choice that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Year Photographed: 2023 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/del-valle-regional-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10083_web2.jpg Del Valle Regional Park Del Valle Regional Park Sunset, Livermore, California A 4,316 acre park within the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), Del Valle has beautiful rolling hills dotted with native California oak trees. My son and I were on the trail when a woman told me that she encountered what appeared to be a mountain lion crossing the trail and got video of it. Scary. Fortunately I survived to photograph this gorgeous scene bathed in warm sunset sidelight. Year Photographed: 2023 Livermore, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/napa-valley-in-september/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10082_web.jpg Napa Valley in September Summer Sunset in Napa Valley, California It was about 75 degrees and sprinkling a bit about 30 min prior to sunset but there still appeared to be potential for some sunset color so we stuck around. The shadow created by the mountain is what drew my eye toward this composition. My 7 year-old son was also intrigued by this and was taking his own pictures with my backup camera. My son ended up shooting 4x the amount of frames than I did! Year Photographed: 2023 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lake-arrowhead/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6016_web.jpg Lake Arrowhead Lake Arrowhead Shoreline Vacation Properties, San Bernardino National Forest, California Lake Arrowhead, situated in the scenic San Bernardino Mountains of San Bernardino County, California, is an unincorporated community that is enveloped by the breathtaking San Bernardino National Forest and encompasses the renowned Lake Arrowhead Reservoir. Positioned approximately 13 miles northeast of the San Bernardino city limits, the community had an estimated population of 12,424 according to the 2010 census. Initially known as "Little Bear Lake," the name was changed to Arrowhead Lake around 1920 when the Arrowhead Lake Company, a Los Angeles-based group, acquired both the lake and its surrounding land. Tourism serves as the predominant economic driver in the region, contributing millions of dollars annually to the county and creating numerous full-time and part-time employment opportunities for local residents. The area attracts over 4 million visitors each year, drawn by its natural beauty and recreational offerings. Accommodation options include hotels, motels, bed and breakfast establishments, vacation cabin rentals, condos, as well as cozy cabin lodges and resorts. Additionally, Lake Arrowhead is a popular destination for business conferences, further enhancing its appeal and economic impact.Lake size: 782 acresShoreline: 14 milesElevation: 5106.70Maximum depth: 185 feetLake width: 1.5 milesLake length: 2.2 miles Year Photographed: 2009 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/santa-rosa-plateau/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6580-2_web.jpg Santa Rosa Plateau Cactus Along Vernal Pools Trail, Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, California The Santa Rosa Plateau, situated in Riverside County, southern California, is an elevated plateau that extends southeast from the Santa Ana Mountains. Within the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, approximately 8,400 acres (34 km2) of the plateau are preserved. The reserve not only protects the natural landscape but also includes historic structures such as the Moreno and Machado Adobes, which are the oldest standing buildings in Riverside County, dating back to the 19th century Mexican land grant Rancho Santa Rosa. The Santa Rosa Plateau is characterized by diverse native plant communities and habitats. These include the vibrant purple needlegrass prairie (Nassella pulchra), the majestic California oak woodland (featuring Engelmann Oaks—Quercus engelmannii), montane chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and the increasingly rare vernal pools found in urbanized Southern California. Engelmann oaks were once widespread across the western United States, but their range has receded to the southernmost regions, with Pasadena being their northernmost location. The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve plays a crucial role in protecting and sustaining the only protected and reproducing Engelmann oaks in the state. Vernal pools, which are shallow depressions in the soil, fill with water during the spring rains. These pools serve as habitats for fairy shrimp and other minute crustaceans that hatch and lay their eggs during this time. The dormant eggs remain unaffected by the dry months until the subsequent rainy season, when they hatch and continue their life cycle. Year Photographed: 2010 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/brooks-bouquet/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10078_web.jpg Brook's Bouquet Harris Beach State Park Sunrise, Brookings, Oregon I noticed a beautiful patch of late spring wildflowers along the southern Oregon coast so rather than photograph seascapes I decided to photograph the coastal bluffs above Harris Beach. Year Photographed: 2023 Harris Beach State Park, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hoh-rainforest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10044_web.jpg Hoh Rainforest Moss & Lichen on Trees at Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, Washington The Hoh Rainforest is characterized by its temperate climate, abundant rainfall, and moss-covered trees, creating a magical and otherworldly atmosphere. This temperate rainforest forest receives more than 100 inches of rain annually and is the wettest location in the lower 48 states. The trees predominantly consist of sitka spruce and western hemlock. Due to the amount of precipitation the largest trees can grow to enormous sizes in excess of 300 feet in height. The most popular attraction in this forest is The Hall of Mosses Trail. Year Photographed: 2022 Olympic National Park, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mount-rubidoux/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7055-2_web.jpg Mount Rubidoux Mount Rubidoux at Sunset, Riverside, California Mount Rubidoux, located in Riverside, California, is a prominent city landmark known for its historical significance and scenic beauty. Rising to 1,331 feet, this granite hill offers panoramic views of the Riverside cityscape and the surrounding Inland Empire region. The mountain is a popular spot for hiking and walking, with well-maintained trails that lead to the summit, where visitors can find the iconic Peace Tower and the Serra Cross, both memorials reflecting the area's rich cultural and religious heritage. Every Easter, the mountaintop hosts one of the oldest outdoor sunrise services in the United States, drawing large crowds. The combination of natural beauty, accessible outdoor recreation, and historical elements makes Mount Rubidoux a cherished destination for both locals and tourists. Year Photographed: 2010 Riverside, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/gateway-arch/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1442-2_web.jpg Gateway Arch Gateway Arch at Sunrise, Jefferson Expansion Memorial National Monument, St. Louis, Missouri The St. Louis Gateway Arch is a 630-foot-tall stainless steel structure that rises high above the Mississippi River. Construction of the building was completed in 1965. For many years, the surrounding park was named, "Jefferson Expansion Memorial National Monument", until being re-designated as Gateway Arch National Park in 2018. The site is also historically significant for being the start of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. About the Gateway Arch The Gateway Arch is an architectural marvel that stands tall in St. Louis, Missouri. Its unique design and construction make it a significant landmark in the United States. Let's dive into the fascinating details of this iconic structure. Overview of the Architectural Design and Construction The Gateway Arch is a stunning monument created to symbolize the westward expansion of the United States. Its graceful and sleek structure is the result of the imaginative mind of architect Eero Saarinen. The graceful curved shape represents a gateway to the west, making it a powerful and symbolic presence. Constructed between 1963 and 1965, the Arch stands at an impressive height of 630 feet, making it the tallest arch in the world. Its stainless steel exterior shines brightly against the backdrop of the Mississippi River and the St. Louis skyline, commanding attention from miles away. Engineers faced numerous challenges during the construction process. The use of an innovative inverted catenary curve proved instrumental in ensuring the stability and strength of the Arch. This curve, found in a hanging chain, allowed the Arch to support its weight efficiently, even in turbulent weather conditions. Materials Used The Gateway Arch's exterior is constructed entirely out of stainless steel, giving it a modern and striking aesthetic. Approximately 900 tons of steel were used to build the Arch, allowing it to withstand the test of time. The stainless steel panels were carefully shaped and welded in an intricate process to achieve the iconic curved design. The interior of the Arch is just as extraordinary as its exterior. Visitors can experience a unique tram ride to the top of the Arch, where they can admire breathtaking views of St. Louis and the surrounding areas. The tram cars are made of aluminum, ensuring a lightweight yet sturdy experience for visitors. The Arch showcases excellent craftsmanship and engineering, making it an inspiration for architects and engineers around the world. Its design and use of materials truly make it a masterpiece of American architecture. Year Photographed: 2006 St. Louis, Missouri https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/black-and-white-the-lone-cypress/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9770-BW_web.jpg The Lone Cypress Black & White The Lone Cypress Tree Long Exposure, Pebble Beach, California Year Photographed: 2019 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/black-and-white-mcway-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9945-BW_web.jpg McWay Falls Black & White McWay Falls at Dusk, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, California Year Photographed: 2009 Big Sur, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/black-and-white-emerald-bay/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9625-BW_web.jpg Emerald Bay Black & White Emerald Bay State Park Sunrise, Lake Tahoe, California Year Photographed: 2017 Lake Tahoe, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/stout-grove/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10075_web.jpg Stout Grove Coast Redwoods at Stout Grove, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California Named after lumberman Frank D. Stout, Stout's widow donated this 44-acre grove of old-growth coastal redwood trees to The Save The Redwoods League in 1929. Stout Grove is one of the more accessible stands of old-growth forests in the area. While this grove doesn't have the tallest trees nor the most trees, it is quite photogenic. Year Photographed: 2023 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/damnation-creek/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10076_web.jpg Damnation Creek Rhododendron Rhododendron Bloom, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, California I caught the peak rhododendron bloom in this area on this rainy morning. The more commonly seen photo on the internet is the rhododendron set against a foggy forest, but I find that the chaotic redwood forest scenes are equally as beautiful. My job as a photographer is to try to convey what my experience felt like and it is not always a manicured look. Year Photographed: 2023 Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-sands-of-time/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10074_web.jpg The Sands of Time Sand Ripples at Sunset, Harris Beach State Park, Oregon Coast Not long after I stepped onto the beach, I noticed that the setting sun was creating strong side light on the sand. The interplay of light and shadow compelled me to focus on this abstract nature scene before focusing on the sunset seascapes that originally drew me onto the beach. Year Photographed: 2023 Oregon Coast https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1406/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10073_web.jpg https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/giant-steps/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10072_web.jpg Giant Steps Coast Redwood Tree Trunk in Old-Growth Forest, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California With the tallest specimens standing in excess of 300 ft tall, coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) are the tallest living organisms on earth. Year Photographed: 2019 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/euphorbia-cornigera/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10071_web.jpg Euphorbia Cornigera Euphorbia Cornigera Wildflowers, Berkeley Hills, California After a record-breaking year of rainfall in the Bay Area, the East Bay Hills came alive with spring wildflower blooms abound. On the 2nd of two hikes to this area, I photographed this patch of Euphorbia Cornigera in the shade along a trail. Year Photographed: 2023 Berkeley Hills, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/monument-valley-tribal-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9830_web.jpg Monument Valley Tribal Park Monument Valley Tribal Park, Arizona Monument Valley Tribal Park is a breathtaking landscape of sandstone buttes, mesas, and spires that rise up from the desert floor. Located on the Navajo Nation Reservation in the southwest corner of the United States on the border of Arizona and Utah, it is a popular destination for photographers, nature lovers, and tourists alike. With its red rocks and clear blue skies, Monument Valley offers a variety of photographic opportunities, from stunning sunrises and sunsets to dramatic landscapes and unique cultural experiences. To make the most of your visit to Monument Valley, it's important to plan ahead and be prepared. Here are some tips to help you capture the best possible photographs:Visit during the golden hours: The best times to photograph Monument Valley are during the golden hours - the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. The soft light during these times creates a warm and dramatic effect, giving your photos a magical quality.Scout out your locations: Take some time to explore the park and identify the best locations for your photographs. Some popular spots include the Mittens, Elephant Butte, and Three Sisters. You can also take a guided tour to learn more about the park's history and culture.Consider the weather: Monument Valley is located in a desert climate, which means that temperatures can be extreme during the day and drop dramatically at night. Be sure to dress in layers and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Also, keep an eye on the weather forecast - storms and high winds can make photography challenging.Experiment with different angles and perspectives: Don't be afraid to experiment with different angles and perspectives. Try shooting from a low angle to emphasize the size of the rocks, or get up high for a sweeping view of the valley. You can also use foreground elements, such as shrubs and rocks, to add depth and interest to your photos.Respect the culture: Monument Valley is a sacred place for the Navajo people, and it's important to respect their customs and traditions. Ask for permission before taking photos of people, and be mindful of any signs or restrictions in the park. Remember that you are a guest in their home, and act accordingly. Year Photographed: 2016 Arizona https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/vineyard-of-mustard/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10069_web.jpg Vineyard of Mustard Winter Mustard Vineyard Aerial Drone View, Yountville, California Vineyards are one of the most difficult types of landscape to photograph especially when the terrain is flat like much of Napa Valley. As a licensed drone pilot, I'll look for vineyards that have potential that might not necessarily look great from eye-level then take my drone up to capture the view that I had pre-visualized. Year Photographed: 2023 Yountville, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/old-vines/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10068_web.jpg Old Vines Old Vines & Mustard Bloom in Vineyard, Oakville, California Oakville AVA is home to some of the most sought-after wines in the world, and one of the key factors behind their exceptional quality is the use of old vines in the region. Old vines, which are typically over 50 years old, have deeper roots and produce fewer grapes per vine, resulting in more concentrated flavors and aromas in the grapes. In Oakville, many of the old vines are planted on well-draining gravelly soils that help regulate the vines' water intake and provide unique mineral and nutrient profiles to the grapes. The resulting wines are often described as complex, elegant, and full-bodied, with notes of dark fruit, tobacco, and earthy undertones. Winemakers in Oakville take great care to preserve and maintain these old vines, as they are an essential part of the region's winemaking heritage and a key to producing some of the most exceptional wines in the world. Year Photographed: 2023 Oakville, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/napa-valley-winter-sunset/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10067_web.jpg Napa Valley Winter Sunset Napa Valley Winter Sunset, California There are certain landscapes that I keep finding myself photographing year after year. This is one of those landscapes. Whether it be bare vineyards with blooming mustard flowers, fall color leaves or blazing sunsets, I continually seek ways to challenge myself creatively. Year Photographed: 2023 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1394/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/14-1374a.gif https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1356/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/52586419_10156323369318667_3567726047413665792_n.jpg SingleThread Farm - Healdsburg, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1353/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/52534566_10156323369578667_5895036437044133888_n.jpg Akabana Kanpachi Akabana Kanpachi with winter citrus, sorrel, Meyer lemon curd SingleThread Farm - Healdsburg, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1352/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/52607806_10156323369668667_8830468200983429120_n.jpg Santa Barbara Abalone Santa Barbara abalone with hakurei turnip, white sturgeon caviar and wild seaweed SingleThread Farm - Healdsburg, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1351/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/52043262_10156323369748667_4042080149892497408_n.jpg Housemade Tofu Housemade tofu with north coast mushrooms and matsutake tea SingleThread Farm - Healdsburg, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1350/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/52596269_10156323369808667_9220026253036224512_n.jpg Guinea Hen Roulade Guinea Hen Roulade with sunchoke, charred broccoli and preserved lemon SingleThread Farm - Healdsburg, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1349/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/52387589_10156323369873667_6421247390539317248_n.jpg Black Cod Black Cod with tama miso, yuba, vegetables from the farm and kumquat kosho SingleThread Farm - Healdsburg, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1348/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/52637194_10156323369953667_1639674262841196544_n.jpg American Wagyu American Wagyu - delicata squash and beef tongue SingleThread Farm - Healdsburg, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1347/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/52700609_10156323370003667_288374884621352960_n.jpg Wagashi Golden milk, date and kinkato butter, rooibos, burnt honey and blood orange SingleThread Farm - Healdsburg, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1346/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/52595871_10156324506393667_8161709069640400896_n.jpg SingleThread Farm - Healdsburg, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1345/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/52608899_10156324506493667_3768172390161317888_n.jpg Palette Cleanser SingleThread Farm - Healdsburg, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1344/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/52337584_10156324506553667_2698625735597228032_n.jpg Dessert SingleThread Farm - Healdsburg, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rodeo-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10065_web.jpg Rodeo Beach Rodeo Beach Sunset, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California Iconic Bay Area sea stacks originally made famous by the late, great Galen Rowell. I had attempted to photograph this scenic twice before with the last visit about 15 years prior. After all this time I finally pulled off the photo that I had envisioned as this colorful sunset lasted for probably about 25 minutes. On this visit, there was a spring tide at -1.9 ft so this allowed me to get closer to the sea stacks with my 16mm lens and still fill the frame. Most photos I've seen are from further back with a wide angle lens which render the sea stacks too small in the frame to have much impact. Year Photographed: 2023 Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/burney-falls-scenic-overlook/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10064_web.jpg Burney Falls Scenic Overlook Burney Falls Scenic Overlook, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, California Year Photographed: 2020 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/second-beach-panoramic-black-and-white/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano120-BW_web.jpg Second Beach Black & White Panoramic Second Beach Black & White Panoramic Seascape, Olympic National Park, Washington Second Beach, located within Olympic National Park in Washington, is a stunning location that is beautifully captured in this black and white panoramic seascape photograph. The wide expanse of sand and surf is awash with large waves crashing against the shore, creating a moody and dramatic atmosphere. The coastline in the distance appears rugged and rocky, with tall cliffs rising up from the water, adding to the natural beauty of the scene. The panoramic aspect ratio of the photograph allows the viewer to take in the full beauty of Second Beach and the surrounding landscape. The overcast sky only adds to the mood of the photograph, enhancing the raw and natural beauty of this coastal location. Overall, this photograph perfectly captures the majesty of Second Beach and the rugged coastline of Olympic National Park, making it a true masterpiece. Year Photographed: 2022 Olympic National Park, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/american-tuscany/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10063_web.jpg American Tuscany Alexander Valley Fall Colors, Sonoma County, California Fall in Alexander Valley, nestled in Sonoma County, California, is a picturesque and enchanting season, marked by a vibrant tapestry of colors and a bustling harvest atmosphere. The vineyards transform as the grape leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning contrast against the rolling green hills and clear blue skies. This is the peak time for the wine harvest, known as "crush," where the valley buzzes with activity as wineries gather their ripe grapes to produce world-class wines. The crisp, cool air carries the earthy scent of the season, and the region's numerous wineries and tasting rooms offer visitors a chance to savor fresh vintages and enjoy the scenic beauty. Fall festivals and events celebrate the bounty of the harvest, making it a festive and delightful time to experience Alexander Valley's charm and hospitality. Year Photographed: 2022 Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hills-of-color/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10062_web.jpg Hills of Color Alexander Vineyard Fall Colors, Sonoma County, California Year Photographed: 2022 Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/alexander-valley-vineyard-fall-sunset/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10061_web.jpg Alexander Valley Vineyard Fall Sunset Fall Sunset Over Alexander Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California As the sun sinks lower in the sky, it casts a golden glow over the rolling hills and vineyards of Alexander Valley AVA in Sonoma County, California. The fall air is crisp and cool, and the leaves of the grapevines have started turning gold, creating a tapestry of color across the landscape. In the distance, the Mayacamas Mountains stand tall and majestic, their peaks kissed by the last rays of the setting sun. As the day comes to a close, the peaceful tranquility of the valley is broken only by the soft rustle of the leaves in the gentle breeze. It's a perfect moment to sit back and take in the beauty of this special place. Year Photographed: 2022 Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sterling-pond-fall-colors/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10059_web.jpg Sterling Pond Fall Colors Fall Foliage in Forest, Sterling Pond, Vermont Fall colors at Sterling Pond in Vermont are a breathtaking display of nature's splendor, transforming the landscape into a vibrant palette of reds, oranges, yellows, and golds. The dense forests surrounding the pond, primarily composed of maple, birch, and beech trees, burst into brilliant hues, their reflections shimmering in the clear, still waters of the pond. The contrast between the vivid foliage and the evergreen spruces and firs adds depth and richness to the scenery. As the crisp autumn air enhances the clarity of the view, the entire area exudes a serene and almost magical quality. Year Photographed: 2019 Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/franconia-notch-fall-colors/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10058_web.jpg Franconia Notch Fall Colors Fall Foliage in Forest, Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire is a stunning showcase of fall colors, where the White Mountains burst into a kaleidoscope of red, orange, yellow, and gold. As the leaves change, the park's dense forests of maple, birch, and oak trees create a vibrant tapestry that contrasts beautifully with the evergreen pines and the rugged granite peaks. Iconic sites like the Flume Gorge and the Basin are framed by the rich autumnal colors, enhancing their natural beauty. The crisp, cool air and the clear blue skies provide the perfect backdrop for hiking, biking, and scenic drives along the Kancamagus Highway, making Franconia Notch State Park a quintessential destination for experiencing New England's breathtaking fall foliage. Year Photographed: 2019 New Hampshire https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/quechee-gorge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10060_web2.jpg Quechee Gorge Quechee Gorge, Woodstock, Vermont Affectionally referred to as "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon", Quechee Gorge rises 165 feet above the Ottauquechee River. Disclosure: I did a sky replacement on this photo which better complemented the scenery. Year Photographed: 2019 Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tree-of-radiance/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10039_web.jpg Tree of Radiance Japanese Maple Tree at Sunrise, Portland, Oregon As I explored the park before sunrise I noticed a Japanese maple tree that I had not seen before. There is a more popular Japanese maple from Portland that I've photographed but this particular tree held my interest as it was more creatively challenging to pull this off. Year Photographed: 2022 Portland, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/seal-rock-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10038_web.jpg Seal Rock Beach Seal Rock State Recreation Site at Sunrise, Oregon While traveling with family, I usually don't carry a camera around during the daytime but I use that time for scouting my photoshoots. I took my family to Seal Rock Beach the previous afternoon so while my kids built sandcastles I used that opportunity to scout the beach for my sunrise photoshoot. While I did scout this creek the previous day as a potential foreground, there was serendipity involved as the earth shadow light happened to perfectly align with the creek. Year Photographed: 2022 Oregon Coast https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/second-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10040_web.jpg Second Beach Second Beach Foggy Morning, Olympic National Park, Washington I visited Second Beach on the previous morning with my wife and kids. We spent the day there building sandcastles and exploring the tide pools. I made a mental note of how I'd like to photograph the beach if I had similar conditions the following morning. Surely enough it was socked in with thick fog as I made my way through the forest trail and down the hillside with a flashlight before dawn. Not long after I was able to make long exposures of the beach while the fog provided a sense of mystery. Year Photographed: 2022 Olympic National Park, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tree-of-inspiration/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10042_web.jpg Tree of Inspiration Portland Japanese Garden Lace Leaf Maple Tree, Portland, Oregon There is no shortage of eye-catching trees at the Portland Japanese Garden, but this Japanese Maple tops them all. I had previously photographed this tree around the same time of year in 2012 so this time I chose to utilize a wider-angle lens so I could include the tree canopy in my composition. Year Photographed: 2022 Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hall-of-mosses-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano119_web.jpg Hall of Mosses Panoramic Hoh Rain Forest Panoramic, Olympic National Park, Washington I previously visited the Hoh in 2001 with my family and had been wanting to photograph it for many years prior to this visit. During that first visit it rained non-stop during my entire visit. The Hoh Rain Forest is the rainiest location in the continuous 48 states after all with an average of 140 inches of rain per year. On this visit however, there was no rain so I visited before sunrise in order to photograph the forest in diffused soft lighting. The Hall of Mosses is a popular hiking trail located in the Hoh Rainforest within Olympic National Park. The trail is a quarter of a mile long and winds through a dense forest of Sitka spruce and western hemlock, covered in a lush layer of moss and ferns. The trail takes visitors through old growth forest and offers a glimpse into the unique ecology of the Pacific Northwest rainforest. The trail is considered easy and accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. Along the trail, visitors can expect to see a variety of plant and animal life, including mosses, ferns, and salamanders. It's a great place to explore the natural beauty and serenity of the park and the rainforest. Year Photographed: 2022 Olympic National Park, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hall-of-mosses/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10043_web.jpg Hall of Mosses Moss & Lichen at Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, Washington With average rainfall totals of more than 10 feet per year, the Hoh Rain Forest is incredibly lush with moss & lichen draping tree imaginable. Year Photographed: 2022 Olympic National Park, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mount-olympus/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10048_web.jpg Mount Olympus First Light on Mount Olympus, Olympic National Park, Washington Though only topping out at a maximum elevation of 7,980 feet, Mount Olympus receives a staggering amount of snow and has large glaciers as a result due to the close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Year Photographed: 2022 Olympic National Park, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/del-norte-coast-redwoods/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10049_web.jpg Del Norte Coast Redwoods Redwood Trail in Fog, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, California While there are more impressive individual tree specimens in other redwood groves, Del Norte Coast Redwoods is unique among the Northern California redwood parks in that it is rises directly above the coastline which is frequently foggy during the summer months. On the tail-end of a 16-day family road trip, I explored this trail early in the morning as my family slept in. Year Photographed: 2022 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/newport-crab-pots/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10050_web.jpg Newport Crab Pots Crab Pots, Newport, Oregon I absolutely enjoyed exploring Newport, Oregon's Historic Bayfront. Though a popular attraction, this is a real working harbor. I focused my attention on the colorful patterns of the fishing nets and crab pots that are commonplace around the harbor. Year Photographed: 2022 Oregon Coast https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hanging-crab-pots/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10051_web.jpg Hanging Crab Pots Crab Pots, Newport, Oregon Though I'm not a fisherman, fishing harbors deeply resonate with me on an emotional level. Perhaps because the salty ocean air reminds me of the family summer vacations along the Central California Coast from my childhood. When I see fishing nets & crab pots, I often feel compelled to photograph them. Year Photographed: 2022 Newport, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/oles-waffle-shop/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10035_web.jpg Ole's Waffle Shop Ole's Waffle Shop, Alameda, California Established in 1927, Ole's Waffle Shop has been a fixture within Alameda's dining scene for many decades. The neon sign is one of the most eye-catching attractions along downtown Alameda's Park Street. Year Photographed: 2022 Alameda https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/towata-flowers/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10036_web.jpg Towata Flowers Towata Flowers, Alameda, California Owned by the Towata Family for decades until its' closing in 2009, Towata Flowers, was established by John Towata in 1945. This was notable as Towata was assigned to a Japanese internment camp during World War II, then established Towata Flowers upon release. The family previously owned a flower shop in Alameda but lost it during the war presumably due to the forced relocation. Year Photographed: 2022 Alameda https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cies-islands/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9586_web.jpg Cies Islands Scenic View of Illa de San Martino from Illa do Faro on Cies Islands, Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, Spain In 2017, I hiked several parts of the Camino de Santiago (Camino Portugues & Camino Frances) before reaching Santiago de Compostela in Spain. One of the highlights of this adventure was a day trip out to one of the Cies Islands which is part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. I would describe the scenery as similar to the Channel Islands National Park in California but much more beautiful. My group and I hiked up to the top of Illa do Faro which afforded us panoramic views for many miles. This hike was as good as it gets. Year Photographed: 2017 Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, Spain https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/capitola-beach-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano117_web.jpg Capitola Beach Panoramic A classic California coast beach town, Capitola Beach is typically packed with beachgoers during the daytime. Knowing this, I awoke well before dawn in order to photograph the colorful beachside bungalows. The soft morning fog added in revealing the bright colors. Year Photographed: 2021 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pierce-point-ranch/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8361_web.jpg Pierce Point Ranch Pierce Point Ranch, Point Reyes National Seashore, California Pierce Point Ranch is a historic ranch located in the Point Reyes National Seashore, in Marin County, California. The ranch is situated on the Tomales Point peninsula, which juts out into the Pacific Ocean and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. Pierce Point is known for its picturesque rolling hills, dotted with grazing cattle, and surrounded by dense coastal scrub and forests. There are a variety of hiking trails that provide opportunities for visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area.The ranch is known for its historic significance as well, it was a working dairy ranch for over 100 years and it was one of the most important ranches in the area. The ranch has a collection of restored and preserved buildings, including a farmhouse, barns, and outbuildings, that give visitors a glimpse into the history of the area and the lives of the people who lived and worked on the ranch. The ranch is also a great place for wildlife viewing, it's home to a wide variety of animals such as Tule elk, foxes, and the largest mainland seabird breeding colony in the lower 48 states. Year Photographed: 2014 Point Reyes National Seashore, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/red-barn-and-flag/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9404_web.jpg Red Barn & Flag Red Barn With U.S. Flag, Gilroy, California Year Photographed: 2017 Gilroy, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/home-interior-design-artwork/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/home-interior-design-artwork.jpg https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/craigdarroch-castle/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6293_web.jpg Craigdarroch Castle Craigdarroch Castle Staircase, Victoria, BC Craigdarroch Castle is a historic, Victorian-era Scottish Baronial mansion constructed in 1890 by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir during the reign of Queen Victoria. The site is now designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. Year Photographed: 2009 Victoria, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/kamaole-beach-park-iii/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9652_web.jpg Kamaole Beach Park III Kamaole Beach Park III Tide Pool at Dawn, Maui, Hawaii Nestled on the picturesque island of Maui, Kamaole Beach Park III stands as a radiant gem among the island's stunning coastal landscapes. With its pristine shores, inviting turquoise waters, spacious picnic areas, and abundant marine life, this beach park offers a paradise-like setting for both locals and visitors alike. The Majestic Beach: Kamaole Beach Park III boasts a stretch of pristine white sand that gently slopes towards the glistening ocean. This crescent-shaped beach is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and warm, gentle waves, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. The mesmerizing sight of the turquoise sea meeting the golden shoreline serves as a perfect backdrop for unforgettable photographs. Maui's Paradise: Situated on the enchanting island of Maui, Kamaole Beach Park III is just one of the many natural wonders this Hawaiian paradise has to offer. With its tropical climate, lush greenery, and breathtaking views, Maui is renowned for its unparalleled beauty. Photographers visiting Kamaole Beach Park III can capture the essence of Maui's natural splendor, incorporating the beach's pristine surroundings and vibrant colors into their visual narratives. A Lot to Explore: Beyond the sandy beach and azure waters, Kamaole Beach Park III offers a lot more to explore. Adjacent to the beach, there are spacious picnic areas equipped with shaded pavilions, barbeque grills, and ample seating. Visitors can relish the beauty of the park while enjoying a delightful picnic with family and friends. These picnic areas also provide fantastic opportunities for capturing candid moments of joy and togetherness. Snorkeling Haven: One of the standout features of Kamaole Beach Park III is its incredible snorkeling opportunities. Venture into the sparkling waters and discover a vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and marine creatures. As photographers, we can capture the mesmerizing beauty of this underwater realm, documenting the fascinating interactions between marine life and the curious snorkelers who explore their habitat. Year Photographed: 2016 Maui, Hawaii https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/encinal-market-van-de-kamp-bakery-sign/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10033_web.jpg Encinal Market & Van de Kamp Bakery Sign Encinal Market & Vintage Van de Kamp Bakery Sign At Night, Alameda, California The Van de Kamp Bakery sign is an old vintage sign that dates back many decades. There aren't many of these left. When contrasted against the mid-century neon Encinal Shopping Center sign I found this scene to be quite eye-catching. Year Photographed: 2022 Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1279/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/artisan-hd-fuji-matte-watercolors.jpg "Watercolors" - Fuji Matte https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1278/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/canson-platine-fibre-watercolors.jpg "Watercolors" - Canson Infinity Platine Fibre Rag https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/nas-alameda-runway/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10032_web.jpg NAS Alameda Runway Aerial Photo of Alameda Point & San Francisco at Sunset, Alameda, California Formerly called, Naval Air Station Alameda, this rapidly gentrifying part of Alameda featured two runways: 13-31 measuring 8,000 ft × 200 ft (2,438 m × 61 m) and 07-25 measuring 7,200 ft × 200 ft (2,195 m × 61 m). Two helicopter pads and a control tower were also part of the facilities. Year Photographed: 2022 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/light-in-the-forest-2/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/light-in-the-forest-2.jpg Light In The Forest II Crepuscular Rays Shining Through Armstrong Redwoods SNR, Guerneville, California Located in a temperate rainforest just outside of the Sonoma County town of Guerneville, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve features old-growth coast redwood trees including the Parson Jones Tree which tops out at over 310 feet in height. The Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest redwood tree in the park at approximately 1,400 years of age. Originally founded as Armstrong Redwoods State Park, the redwood grove became Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in 1964 in order ensure its protection for years to come. Year Photographed: 2014 Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Guerneville, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/beach-mirror/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10031_web.jpg Beach Mirror Robert Crown Memorial State Beach at Low Tide, Alameda, California A location where I've spent much time over the past decade. I particularly enjoy visiting during minus tides which can reveal an array of patterns and water reflections in the shallow water. Year Photographed: 2022 Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/57-mag-napa-valley-cover/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/57-mag-cover-winter-2022.jpg https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/parador-de-baiona/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9555-2_web.jpg Parador de Baiona Parador de Baiona Sunset, Baiona, Spain A fortified building overlooking a beautiful coastline in Galicia, Spain. I spent the night here while hiking the Camino de Santiago en route from Portugal. Year Photographed: 2017 Spain https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/oakville-mustard/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10028_web2.jpg Oakville Mustard Drone Aerial View of Mustard Bloom in Vineyard, Oakville, California One of the most challenging aspects of photographing Napa Valley is that most of the valley lacks terrain so it can be hard to find compositions where I can see beyond what's in front of my face. That's one of the reasons why I decided to become a certified drone pilot so I could get a slightly higher vantage point than from what I could see with my two feet. Another alternative would be to stand on the roof of my car; which I've done before but it's not the safest option. Year Photographed: 2022 Napa Valley https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/livermore-valley-wine-country/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10027_web.jpg Livermore Valley Wine Country Livermore Valley Wine Country Drone Aerial, Livermore, California With a wine grape growing lineage dating back to the 1840's, Livermore Valley AVA has more than 5,000 acres of vineyards. Though Livermore Valley is not as well-known compared to its' more famous neighbors Napa Valley & Sonoma County, 80% of California Chardonnay is linked to this region. Year Photographed: 2022 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sky-fire/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10026_web.jpg Sky Fire Winter Sunset Over San Francisco Bay, Alameda, California This was one of those sunsets that burned for awhile. My kids were with me and even they were fixated on the colorful clouds. Year Photographed: 2022 Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fly-navy/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10025_web.jpg Fly Navy Navy Jet at Alameda Point, Alameda, California Naval Air Station Alameda (NAS Alameda) was a United States Navy Naval Air Station in Alameda, on San Francisco Bay. NAS Alameda had two runways: 13-31 measuring 8,000 ft × 200 ft (2,438 m × 61 m) and 07-25 measuring 7,200 ft × 200 ft (2,195 m × 61 m). Two helicopter pads and a control tower were also part of the facilities. Now known as Alameda Point, the former base features a mix of tasting rooms, retail and mixed-using housing. Year Photographed: 2022 Alameda Point https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/peacock/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2406_web.jpg Peacock Peacock at Los Angeles County Arboretum, Arcadia, California Year Photographed: 2007 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/villa-de-wine-country/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10024_web.jpg Villa de Wine Country Vineyards in an Estate, Napa Valley, California This scene reminded me of a Tuscan postcard so I had to pull over onto the dirt and photograph the landscape in the late afternoon hours during fall season. Year Photographed: 2021 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/domaine/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10022_web.jpg Domaine Vineyard Fall Colors Aerial, Yountville, California Domaine is a French word that refers to a vineyard that makes wine from its' own grapes. This is an important distinction as many brands of wine have grapes sourced from multiple vineyards and varieties other than their own. Year Photographed: 2021 Awards: 2022 IPA International Photography Awards - Professional, Nature, Aerial/Drone - Official Selection Yountville, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sparkling-oakville/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10021_web.jpg Sparkling Oakville Oakville Vineyard Aerial at Sunset, Napa Valley, California An abstract aerial photo of a vineyard that makes sparkling wines. Year Photographed: 2021 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cabernet-sauvignon-wine-grapes/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10034_web.jpg Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Grapes Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Grapes, Oakville, California Arguably the top wine region in the world for cabernet sauvignon, my son and I couldn't help but smell the sweet aromas of the wine grapes as we traveled throughout Napa Valley. We managed to photograph this crop of grapes before annual fall harvest and wind took ahold. Year Photographed: 2021 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-grapes-of-fall/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10014_web.jpg The Grapes of Fall Wine Grapes in Fall Season, Rutherford, California Fall harvest usually takes place before most vineyard foliage has turned color so it takes a lot of observation to find a vineyard in full fall color that also has the grapes still hanging onto the vines. Year Photographed: 2021 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/wine-country-tree-tunnel/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9998_web.jpg Wine Country Tree Tunnel Tree-Lined Road in Vineyard, Napa Valley, California Napa Valley has some of the grandest of driveways that I've seen. The trees leading off to a distant vanishing point in the sunset is what drew my eye to this scene. Year Photographed: 2021 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/oakville-trees/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10013_web.jpg Oakville Trees Tree-Lined Driveway, Oakville, California When I think of the idyllic home, I often imagine a driveway lined with a white picket fence. Year Photographed: 2021 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/calistoga-trees/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8160-2_web.jpg Calistoga Trees Tree-Lined Driveway During Fall Season, Calistoga, California There are many beautiful driveways in Napa Valley, but this one always catches my eye. I made this photo during my first visit to Calistoga, while I was photographing a bike tour. Year Photographed: 2013 Wine Country, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/wine-country-ginkgo-biloba/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10012_web.jpg Wine Country Ginkgo Biloba Ginkgo Biloba Trees, Napa Valley, California Ginkgo biloba is a species of tree native to China. It is the last living species in the order Ginkgoales, which first appeared over 290 million years ago. Fossils very similar to the living species, belonging to the genus Ginkgo, extend back to the Middle Jurassic approximately 170 million years ago. The tree was cultivated early in human history and remains commonly planted. Ginkgo biloba also has some of the most vibrant yellow fall foliage of any tree that I've seen. Year Photographed: 2021 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-trees-of-heritage/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10010_web.jpg The Trees of Heritage Tree-Lined Driveway In Fall Season, Napa Valley, California When I think of Napa Valley, I think of the intoxicating aroma of wine grapes, vineyard estates and trees. I love it when all three elements converge in one place. Year Photographed: 2021 Wine Country https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/all-american-driveway/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10011_web2.jpg All-American Driveway US Flag Hanging Above Tree-Lined Driveway, Napa Valley, California The U.S. flag is a powerful symbol that means a lot to me. I made this image while traveling with my five-year-old son. Though my son is too young to appreciate the lifestyle that my wife and I provide for him I want him to grow up humble and realize what a great opportunity he has. My son can still be anything he wants if he puts his mind to it. Year Photographed: 2021Related Photo: Wine Country Tree Tunnel Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/oak-knoll-trees/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10009_web.jpg Oak Knoll Trees Fall Color Tree-Lined Driveway, Napa, California As a photographer, I simply cannot resist vibrant fall colors. I'm just glad that I'm not the one who has to sweep up all the leaves once the season ends. Year Photographed: 2021 Napa, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/silverado-trail-aerial-vineyard/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10006_web.jpg Silverado Trail Aerial Vineyard Aerial Sunset Over Vineyard During Fall Season, Calistoga, California I first encountered this scene nearly a decade ago while photographing a Wine Country Bike Tour for Backroads. Similar to then, this vineyard was full of golden foliage. This time I wanted to explore a different perspective while swapping the bike for a drone. It looks better from the aerial perspective. Year Photographed: 2021 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/moonrise-over-oakville-ava/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10007_web.jpg Moonrise Over Oakville AVA Moon Rising Over Vineyard at Sunset, Oakville AVA, California The most difficult aspect of photographing vineyards is finding a vantage point where you can actually see the horizon. Most vineyards are above eye level so unless you can find a vineyard on a hill it's nearly impossible to photograph them as a landscape. This is where aerial photography comes into play as my drone allowed me to see just above the top of the vineyard all the way to the horizon. Year Photographed: 2021 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/canard-vineyard/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10004_web.jpg Canard Vineyard Canard Vineyard at Sunset, Calistoga, California Without clouds to add interest to the sky I chose to fill the frame with a low-angled vineyard composition to obscure the harshness of the light. The strong backlighting attracted me to this scene. Year Photographed: 2021 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/alexander-valley-trees/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10057_web.jpg Alexander Valley Trees Tree Tunnel / Alexander Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California What I enjoy about California Wine Country is while most of the land can be classified as agricultural, there's a pastoral feel here makes me feel at home. Year Photographed: 2022 Sonoma Wine Country, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/alexander-valley-fall-color/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9996_web.jpg Alexander Valley Fall Color Vineyard Fall Colors, Alexander Valley AVA, California With warm days and cool nights, green vineyards gradually give way to yellow and red foliage as the fall season progresses. The soft light at dawn allowed me to capture the full range of fall color in this Alexander Valley AVA vineyard. Year Photographed: 2021 Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/undulating-vineyard/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9997_web.jpg Undulating Vineyard Rows of Vineyard, Alexander Valley AVA, California With rolling terrain to work with, I opted to fly my drone just above the vineyard to capture the lines from the air which led to a vanishing point at the base of the hill. Year Photographed: 2021 Sonoma Wine Country, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/forest-in-the-mist/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9992_web.jpg Forest In The Mist Monterey Pines In Fog, Pebble Beach, California Sitting in my car at the beach in the dark, pre-dawn, I contemplated whether I would stick around for what seemed to be foggy seascapes. Then I recalled the forests I had seen on previous visits to Monterey Bay. I couldn't recall exactly where I had seen them but I had a general idea so off I went through the progressively thick fog until I found a place that looked promising. Here I liked the outlines of the Monterey pine forest set against the thick pea soup-like fog. The challenge is to simplify enough of the chaotic scene yet show the character of the forest. Year Photographed: 2021 Awards: 2022 IPA International Photography Awards - Professional, Nature, Trees - Official Selection Pebble Beach, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/capitola-wharf/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9991_web.jpg Capitola Wharf Capitola Wharf, Capitola, California Constructed in 1856, Capitola Wharf is a 855 long wooden pier that has been ruined and reconstructed multiple times over the years. The pier was damaged again during the January 2023 atmospheric river storms. Year Photographed: 2021 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/capitola-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9990_web.jpg Capitola Beach Located on the northern shore of Monterey Bay, just south of Santa Cruz, Capitola is a popular beach destination with a very walkable seaside village. Soquel Creek runs through the middle of town and empties into the Pacific Ocean through Capitola Beach. The colorful buildings are part of the Venetian Court, which is listed as site 87000574 on the National Register of Historic Places. This was one of the first condominium seaside developments in California, and is in a United States Historic District. Year Photographed: 2021 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-redwood-empire/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9989_web.jpg The Redwood Empire Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, located in Northern California, is renowned for its breathtaking old-growth redwood forests, some of the most pristine and majestic in the world. The park spans over 10,000 acres and features towering coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), many exceeding 300 feet in height and several centuries in age. These ancient giants create a cathedral-like canopy, filtering sunlight and casting an ethereal glow on the lush understory of ferns, mosses, and diverse plant life. Year Photographed: 2019 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/eve-of-solstice-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano116_web.jpg The Eve of Solstice Panoramic San Francisco Bay Fog at Sunset Panoramic, Berkeley, California During the foggy months, not only can it be difficult to see a sunset but also managing the wind. Rather than shoot a static image like most photographers would have, I chose to let my shutter speed drag to showcase the trees blowing in the brisk wind. Year Photographed: 2021 Berkeley Hills, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-eve-of-solstice/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9986_web.jpg The Eve of Solstice Layer of Fog at Sunset With Mount Tamalpais in Background, Berkeley, California Fog is common here in the summer months but getting the right conditions to actually photograph from above the clouds is much less common. Year Photographed: 2021 Berkeley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/headland-cove-point-lobos/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6452-2_web.jpg Headland Cove Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California Year Photographed: 2009 Point Lobos, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hollister-peak/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9983_web.jpg Hollister Peak Hollister Peak at Dawn, Morro Bay, California Having seen the fog bank rolling in around this landscape as I was driving back from dinner the prior evening, I decided to head back at dawn when I realized that the coast was completely fogged in. For just a few brief moments I was able to capture Hollister Peak as the fog was about to obscure the view. Year Photographed: 2021 Morro Bay, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/natural-bridges-santa-cruz/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9982_web.jpg Natural Bridges Sunset at Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz, California Erosion has taken its toll on the "bridges" here as there used to be three arches connected together. The first fell during the early 20th century while the 2nd collapsed in 1980. I'd be remiss not having photographed at it least once before the last one inevitably goes. Year Photographed: 2021 Santa Cruz, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/resurrection-river-black-and-white/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6952-2-BW_web.jpg Black and White Resurrection River Black and White Photo: Resurrection River Scenic Vista From Exit Glacier Trail, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska Year Photographed: 2010 Alaska https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/point-joe-black-and-white/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9772-BW_web.jpg Black and White Point Joe Black and White Photo: 17 Mile Drive Seascape Long Exposure, Pebble Beach, California Year Photographed: 2019 17 Mile Drive https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/morning-dream-black-and-white/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8411-BW_web.jpg Black and White Morning Dream Black and White Photo: Yosemite Falls After Spring Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California Year Photographed: 2014 Yosemite National Park https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tunnel-vision/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9981-BW_web2.jpg Tunnel Vision Black and White Photo: Snow Storm at Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park, California Year Photographed: 2015 Yosemite National Park https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/spirit-island-black-and-white/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9092-BW_web.jpg Black and White Spirit Island Black and White Photo: Spirit Island Overlook at Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada Year Photographed: 2015 Jasper National Park https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/americas-best-idea-black-and-white/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7948-BW_web.jpg Black and White America's Best Idea Black and White Photo: Old Faithful Geyser, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Year Photographed: 2010 Yellowstone National Park https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fairmont-banff-hot-springs-black-and-white/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7631-BW_web2.jpg Black & White Fairmont Banff Hot Springs Black and White Photo: Fairmont Banff Hot Springs Resort, Banff, Alberta, Canada Year Photographed: 2012 https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/wizard-hat/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9975_web.jpg Wizard Hat Wizard Hat, Bandon Beach, Oregon Bandon Beach has a ton of seastacks but Wizard Hat is arguably the most recognizable of them. I had gotten tired of shooting the standard foregrounds in the tide pool so I decided to find a different vantage point and utilize long exposure techniques to emphasize Wizard Hat. Year Photographed: 2021 Bandon, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bandon-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9976_web.jpg Bandon Beach Bandon Beach Sunrise, Oregon One of the most popular beaches in Oregon for photographers, Bandon Beach had quite a lot of photographers on the beach for sunset on the two days that I went to the beach at sunset. At sunrise however, I didn't see another photographer until well after the sun had come over the horizon. I enjoy photographing beaches at sunrise for the solitude and not having to worry about getting in people's composition and vice versa. Year Photographed: 2021 Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mount-shasta/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9980_web.jpg Mount Shasta Mount Shasta, California Nestled in the heart of northern California, about 60 miles north of Redding, the towering presence of Mount Shasta beckons photographers from all corners of the globe. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, mystical allure, and awe-inspiring vistas, this iconic mountain has become a veritable paradise for those seeking to capture its grandeur through the lens. With its dramatic cloud formations, ever-changing light, and diverse natural surroundings, Mt. Shasta offers endless opportunities for photographers to create stunning images that evoke a sense of wonder and reverence. As photographers venture to Mt. Shasta, they are immediately captivated by the mountain's enigmatic presence. A stratovolcano standing at an impressive height of 14,179 feet (4,322 meters), the snow capped peak of Mt. Shasta serves as an iconic landmark in northern California. Its symmetrical cone, often veiled in a shroud of clouds, exudes a mystical aura that has sparked numerous legends and spiritual beliefs among locals and visitors alike. Photographers are drawn to capturing this mystique, seeking to immortalize its beauty and share the allure of Mt. Shasta with the world. One of the defining features of Mt. Shasta photography is the dramatic and ever-changing cloud formations that envelop the mountain. From wispy cirrus clouds gently floating by to billowing cumulonimbus formations that create a sense of drama, the interplay between the clouds and the mountain's majestic silhouette offers photographers a dynamic canvas to work with. Whether at sunrise, sunset, or during stormy weather, the shifting patterns of the clouds provide endless opportunities to capture unique and awe-inspiring compositions that showcase the ethereal nature of Mt. Shasta. Year Photographed: 2021 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/coquille-river-lighthouse/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9974_web.jpg Coquille River Lighthouse Coquille River Lighthouse, Bandon, Oregon Commissioned in 1895, Coquille River Light was in continuous operation until 1939 when it was replaced by an automated light on the south jetty. After decades of neglect, restorations began in 1976 which returned the lighthouse to its' former glory. Year Photographed: 2021 Bandon, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/humboldt-sunrise/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9972_web.jpg Humboldt Sunrise Woodley Island Marina Sunrise, Eureka, California Though I primarily focus on landscape photography these days, I always enjoy spending a quiet morning alone in a marina. The day before was extremely windy and I didn't shoot any photos but on this morning I had a nice diffused sunrise to work with. On previous visits here, I explored the colorful crab pots and fishing nets but since this was a Sunday morning everything was packed away so I focused on the boats instead. Year Photographed: 2021 Eureka, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/blue-shards/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9970_web.jpg Blue Shards Tidal Patterns, Harris Beach State Park, Oregon On the way back from a sunrise photoshoot, I noticed these abstract beach patterns and made several images before my camera battery ran out. I unfortunately got mixed up when charging my batteries and ended up without any backup batteries. Fortunately, the first image I made was my favorite of the session. Year Photographed: 2021 Harris Beach State Park, Oregon Coast https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/morning-glow/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9971_web.jpg Morning Glow Lichen Covered Branches & Pink Flowers, Shore Acres State Park, Oregon Shore Acres was formerly the estate of timber baron, Louis J. Simpson. The grounds feature a formal garden with plants and flowers from all over the world. Despite the modest size, this was one of the more beautiful gardens that I've visited. Year Photographed: 2021 Shore Acres State Park, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-tides-of-time/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9969_web.jpg The Tides of Time Tidepool Sunset, Brookings, Oregon There's nothing quite like Pacific Northwest tide pools. There's so much marine life to explore and the long, flat beaches reveal themselves especially during low tide situations. I soaked my boots again and again on this evening as I wanted to fill my frame with water. My son accompanied me on this excursion and I made him stay way back since he had already taken a bath prior to us going to the beach so I didn't want to risk making my wife bad by getting our son all dirty again. Year Photographed: 2021 Brookings, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/harris-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10073_web.jpg Harris Beach Harris Beach Sunset, Oregon Coast I first visited Harris Beach in 2021, which I enjoyed very much. The only thing lacking was an interesting sky. So two years later on the day I arrived in Brookings, I saw some interesting clouds developing after dinner so I dropped my family off at the Beachfront Inn then headed over to Harris Beach for the sunset photoshoot. Year Photographed: 2023 Awards: 2024 IPA International Photography Awards - Professional, Nature, Sunrise-Sunset Category - Official Selection Oregon Coast https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rio-grande-gorge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5905-2_web.jpg Rio Grande Gorge Rio Grande Gorge, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, New Mexico Rising 800 feet above the Rio Grande River, the Rio Grande Gorge runs through a 50-mile stretch in northern New Mexico outside of Taos. The gorge and surrounding areas were designated as the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in 2013. Year Photographed: 2009 Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lush-forest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6357-2_web.jpg Lush Forest Temperate Rainforest - Capilano River Regional Park, North Vancouver, B.C., Canada As I walked through this temperate rainforest during a storm, I was immediately brought back to my youth when my parents and I had walked the same trails when I was a six-year-old boy on my first visit to Canada. It rained for much of the trip in 1986 as it did on this trip in 2009. I've always enjoyed walking in the rain as it brings me a sense of calm. Year Photographed: 2009 Capilano River Regional Park, B.C. https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fidalgo-island/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9966_web.jpg Fidalgo Island Washington Park Sunset, Anacortes, Washington Fidalgo Island is an island in Skagit County, Washington, located about 60 mi (97 km) north of Seattle. To the east, it is separated from the mainland by the Swinomish Channel, and from Whidbey Island to the south by Deception Pass. The island is named after the Spanish explorer and cartographer Salvador Fidalgo who explored the area in 1790. I spent the night here prior to venturing to the San Juan Islands for the week. Year Photographed: 2014 Anacortes, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-cauldron/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5680-2_web2.jpg The Cauldron Ocean Water Funneling into Tide Pool, Laguna Beach, California As much as I would have liked a closer view, a sneaker wave had already almost knocked me over so I was unwilling to get any closer. Live to photograph another day! If I were to photograph this today it would be safer to have used a drone. Year Photographed: 2009 Laguna Beach, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sleeping-lady-vineyard/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9965_web.jpg Sleeping Lady Vineyard Sleeping Lady Vineyard Mustard Bloom, Yountville, California Located along the Yountville foothills, Sleeping Lady is perhaps best known for the Cabernet Sauvignon. Year Photographed: 2021 Yountville, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/los-angeles-skyline-night/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7471_web.jpg Los Angeles Skyline at Night Downtown Los Angeles Skyline at Night from Griffith Observatory, California The Los Angeles skyline at night is a dazzling spectacle, epitomizing the city's vibrant energy and modernity. Illuminated by countless lights, the array of towering skyscrapers, such as the iconic U.S. Bank Tower, create a stunning, luminous panorama against the dark sky. The city's unique architectural styles are highlighted in this nocturnal glow, with each building contributing to a mesmerizing mosaic of colors and shapes. The gentle hum of the bustling city below, combined with the twinkling lights of distant neighborhoods and the occasional spotlight piercing the sky, adds to the dynamic yet serene ambiance. From vantage points like the Griffith Observatory or the hills of Mulholland Drive, the view is both breathtaking and emblematic of Los Angeles' status as a global metropolis. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/yountville-winter/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9964_web.jpg Yountville Winter Winter Vineyard Mustard Bloom, Yountville, California My favorite type of vineyard composition involves finding elevated leading lines. This is actually much more challenging than it sounds particularly in Napa Valley since there are not many places where you can get an elevated vantage point. Year Photographed: 2021 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mustard-vineyard/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9963_web.jpg Mustard Vineyard Mustard Flowers in Vineyard, Yountville, California Having visited Napa Valley several days prior with my family during Valentine's Day, I couldn't keep staring at the vibrant mustard flower. I came back later in the week with my son during a rain storm in order to get the nice, diffused light which makes for more vibrant flower photography. The only regret I had was that I lost a tripod leg somewhere in the vegetation and couldn't find it after an hour of searching for it. Year Photographed: 2021 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rutherford-trees/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9962_web.jpg Rutherford Trees Tree Tunnel Driveway, Rutherford, California Photographed on a rainy, winter day, the overcast lighting and wet ground allowed me to maximize the amount of color captured by my camera. California's Mediterranean climate sometimes leads to unique seasonal patterns such as "fall color" at the same time mustard blooms in the vineyards. Year Photographed: 2021 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/anza-borrego-superbloom/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW319-2_web.jpg Anza Borrego Superbloom Spring Wildflowers at Sunset, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, California Photographed during the winter of 2005, which was a winter with a significant amount of precipitation in California. This Anza Borrego wildflower display was described as the "Superbloom of the Century". Rangers remarked that it had been years since they had seen such a profusion of flowers. Sadly, the next bloom several years later was over-taken by invasive weeds and not as vibrant. Year Photographed: 2005Related Photo: Superbloom Carpet California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/ginkgo-biloba/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9961_web.jpg Ginkgo Biloba Ginkgo Biloba, Alameda, California During most years from mid-to-late November, Alameda will pop with fall colors. Ginkgo Biloba is one of the more common types of trees you'll find here as they turn a bright golden yellow later in the fall season assuming the wind hasn't blown all the leaves off by then. Year Photographed: 2016 Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/san-jacinto-wildlife-area/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6493_web.jpg San Jacinto Wildlife Area Mount San Jacinto Looming Above San Jacinto Valley, San Jacinto Wildlife Area, California Standing at 10,834 ft elevation, San Jacinto Peak is an omnipresent sight throughout the valleys below. Year Photographed: 2009 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/san-francisco-peaks-arizona/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW085_web.jpg San Francisco Peaks Winter Sunrise at Bonito Meadow and San Francisco Peaks, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Arizona The San Francisco Peaks are a volcanic mountain range that forms the backdrop for the town of Flagstaff. Standing at 12,633 feet elevation, Humphrey's Peak is the tallest peak in Arizona. Year Photographed: 2003 Arizona https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/court-of-the-patriarchs/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9960_web.jpg Court of the Patriarchs Court of the Patriarchs Sunrise, Zion National Park, Utah An iconic set of sandstone peaks within Zion National Park, Court of the Patriarchs are named after biblical figures Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Abraham and Isaac are pictured here on the left and right respectively. Year Photographed: 2005 Zion National Park, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rhode-island-state-capitol/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW253-2_web.jpg Rhode Island State Capitol Sunset Alpenglow on Rhode Island State Capitol, Providence, Rhode Island Year Photographed: 2005 Providence, Rhode Island https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/seed-savers-farm/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1476-2_web.jpg Seed Savers Heritage Farm Seed Savers Heritage Farm, Decorah, Iowa Year Photographed: 2006 Decorah, Iowa https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-prophet/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW010_web.jpg The Prophet Year Photographed: 2004 San Mateo Coast, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/towers-of-the-virgin-zion/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9959_web.jpg Towers of the Virgin Towers of the Virgin at Sunrise, Zion Natoinal Park, Utah Rising more than 3,000 feet above the Zion Canyon floor, this navajo sandstone rock wall commonly known as Towers of the Virgin actually consists of a group of distinct peaks. The names of these peaks include West Temple, The Witch Head, Meridian Tower, Bee Hive, The Sentinel, Mount Spry, Bridge Mountain, Mount Kinesava and Altar of Sacrifice. Talk about photographing an imposing landscape first thing in the morning! Year Photographed: 2019 Zion National Park, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/scarlett/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9956_web.jpg Scarlett Peak Fall Foliage in Asian Garden, UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, California The most vibrant fall color typically doesn't last for more than a day or two at best so I try to keep a close eye on conditions during the fall seasons so I can time my visits accordingly. My diligence paid off on this day. Year Photographed: 2020 UC Berkeley Botanical Garden https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/star-of-the-forest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9954_web.jpg Star of the Forest Late November Fall Color in Forest, Redwood Regional Park, California Waking up well before dawn and hiking 20 minutes through the forest, I was rewarded with nice glowing light through the fall foliage. Year Photographed: 2020 Redwood Regional Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dancing-queen/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9958_web.jpg Dancing Queen Japanese Maple Tree at UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, Berkeley, California With California largely shut down to due to COVID-19, outdoor activities and gardens are largely the only activities allowed. My family and I managed to time our visit to see this asian garden at peak fall color. Others seemed to have the same idea as I had to wait 1.5 hours until closing time for people to clear out of the bottom of the sunken garden for me to make this photo without people in the frame. Year Photographed: 2020 Awards: 2021 IPA International Photography Awards - Professional, Nature, Seasons Category - Honorable Mention UC Berkeley Botanical Garden https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/november-centerfold/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9953_web.jpg November Centerfold Autumn Leaves on the Ground, Redwood Regional Park, California Though there was still an ample amount of foliage left on the trees, the ground was also covered with fallen leaves. The most difficult aspect of photographing more intimate details like this is deciding what to exclude. I found the leaf that I wanted to photograph and moved it to a more desirable location. This photo is a rare combination of "found" and "created" photograph. Year Photographed: 2020 Redwood Regional Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/ancient-vines/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9222-2_web.jpg Ancient Vines Old Grapevine and Fall Foliage, Napa Valley, California Old vineyards have a lot of character as the gnarled limbs are covered with green foliage for half the year, then some give way to yellow, golden and red colors before becoming bare for the winter. I liked the kaleidoscope of colors here at the peak of fall color. Year Photographed: 2015 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/whispers-of-fall/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9950_web.jpg Whispers of Fall Impressionist Abstract Water Reflections, Echo Lake, Vermont Limited Edition of 25 Fall color had just started in southern Vermont when I arrived so I went to a number of places seeking out colorful leaves to photograph. One of the first places I saw good foliage was at Echo Lake so I spent some time there while on the way to Woodstock. Year Photographed: 2019 Echo Lake, Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tafoni-salt-point/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9949_web.jpg Tafoni Tafoni Patterns, Salt Point State Park, California Much of the coastline features these honeycomb-like tafoni rock patterns. The challenge as an artist is to find patterns that make for compelling imagery. I liked this rock due to the deep erosion patterns and side-lighting which created much-needed contrast. Year Photographed: 2020 Salt Point State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/salt-point-state-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9948_web.jpg Salt Point Tafoni & Sunset, Salt Point State Park, California The honeycomb-like patterns found in these rocks at Salt Point State Park are caused by salt and wind erosion from ocean. This phenomenon is known as tafoni. This was one of the few images I made during the strange, pandemic year of 2020. My wife relieved me of my parenting duties for a day to celebrate my birthday, so what else would a photographer like me do? Go and make photographs. Year Photographed: 2020 Awards: 2021 PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris, Professional, Nature, Sunsets Category - Bronze Sonoma Coast, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/burney-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9946_web.jpg Burney Falls Burney Falls, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, California Since my family and I have largely been at home for the majority of the year due to the birth of our daughter and the COVID-19 pandemic, I treated my wife out for a mountain getaway for her birthday. On the way home we stopped by Burney Falls which is a place we had talked about visiting for several years now. I had photographed the waterfall once before while my wife working out of Redding for the week but now on this visit we were able to visit as a family which make it special. Year Photographed: 2020 McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/figueroa-mountain/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6637-3_web.jpg Figueroa Mountain Figueroa Mountain Scenic Landscape, Santa Ynez Mountains, California Rising high above the Santa Barbara area, Figueroa Mountain is a glimpse back in time to what California's coastal areas looked like a century ago before mass development. Like clockwork, the spring wildflowers were out in force during my visit. Year Photographed: 2010 Santa Ynez Mountains, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/seward-boat-harbor/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6923-2_web.jpg Seward Boat Harbor Purple Fireweed Wildflowers at Seward Boat Harbor, Seward, Alaska Year Photographed: 2010 Seward, Alaska https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/forest-in-the-sky/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9944_web.jpg Forest In The Sky Foggy Eucalyptus Forest, San Francisco, California This eucalyptus forest was planted by former mayor, Adoph Sutro (1830-1898) more than a century ago in what is now Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve. The forest covers about 80 acres, 61 of which are currently owned by UCSF. More than 40 species are birds are known to inhabit this ecosystem. It's hard to believe that this quiet forest is surrounded by an urban jungle that is San Francisco. Year Photographed: 2020 Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve, San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/jungle-in-the-city/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano113_web.jpg Jungle In The City Foggy Eucalyptus Forest Panoramic, San Francisco, California San Francisco is one of the foggiest cities on the west coast and quite densely populated so it was quite a treat to find this forest in the middle of the city full of eucalyptus trees dripping with fog-induced rain. So close yet so far from urban city life. Year Photographed: 2020 Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve, San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cloud-forest-canopy/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9941_web.jpg Cloud Forest Canopy Foggy Eucalyptus Forest Tree Canopy, San Francisco, California As I walked through this quiet forest raining with fog precipitation, I couldn't help but think how far removed San Francisco's urban jungle felt.Year Photographed: 2020 Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve, San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cloud-forest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9942_web.jpg Cloud Forest Hiking Trail Through Foggy Eucalyptus Forest, San Francisco, California Located square in the middle of San Francisco's fog belt atop the city's 2nd tallest hill, Mount Sutro's eucalyptus forest is covered in fog for much of the year which provides ample precipitation for the forest below. When I photographed this it was a challenge to keep my camera and lens dry as it was essentially raining down below the canopy. Year Photographed: 2020 Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve, San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/little-river/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9616-2_web.jpg Little River Mendocino County Coast Sunrise, Little River, California Year Photographed: 2018 Mendocino Coast, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/north-shore-salton-sea/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9939_web.jpg North Shore Salt Creek, Salton Sea, California Located on the North Shore of the Salton Sea, Salt Creek is within the Coachella Valley in Riverside County. Year Photographed: 2009 Salton Sea, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/downtown-alameda/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9938_web.jpg Downtown Alameda Historic Alameda Theatre at Sunset, Alameda, California Nicknamed, "The Island City", Alameda consists of two islands and along with part of the mainland adjacent to the Oakland Airport. The city features one of the largest collections of Victorian era homes still in existence and has a historic downtown district which includes the Art Deco-style Alameda Theatre which was built in 1932. Year Photographed: 2020 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/historic-alameda-theatre/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9936_web.jpg Historic Alameda Theatre Historic Alameda Theatre at Night, Alameda, California Built in 1932, the historic Alameda Theatre features the Art Deco architecture of Timothy L. Pflueger. This was the last movie palace built in the Bay Area. Other grand movie palaces' in the area include Paramount Theatre, Fox Oakland Theatre and Grand Lake Theater which are all located in Oakland. If it weren't for the COVID-19 shelter-in-place rules there's no way I would have been able to make this photo without people at dusk on a Friday night. Year Photographed: 2020 Awards: 2020 IPA International Photography Awards - Professional, Architecture, Buildings Category - Honorable Mention Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/prairie-creek-redwoods-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano097-2_web.jpg Prairie Creek Redwoods Panoramic Panoramic Photo of Dense Temperate Rainforest, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California What I enjoy about exploring the different redwood parks in California is that they all have a different character. Prairie Creek resembles the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest more than other redwood parks in California. Year Photographed: 2014 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pali-lookout-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano103-2_web.jpg NuÊ»uanu Pali Lookout Panoramic NuÊ»uanu Pali Lookout Panoramic, O'ahu, Hawaii Limited Edition of 10 Prints My wife and I had decided to explore the windward side (east side) of O'ahu earlier in the day during our anniversary when I encountered this scenic overlook above Honolulu. The Pali Lookout was the site of the Battle of Nu'uanu, where King Kamehameha I won the battle that united O'ahu in 1795. Year Photographed: 2016 O'ahu, Hawaii https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/san-francisco-oakland-bay-bridge-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano111_web.jpg San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Panoramic San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Panoramic, Treasure Island, California The Bay Bridge is 23,556 feet long and was originally constructed in 1933. The bridge has seen multiple upgrades in the years since including a new span on the eastern half which was completed nearly a decade after I made this image. Year Photographed: 2008 Treasure Island, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/john-moulton-barn/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9932_web.jpg John Moulton Barn John Moulton Barn / Mormon Row, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Two remaining picturesque barns highlight Mormon Row. Settler John Moulton along with his brother, Thomas, built these barns on adjacent homesteads. After nearly 30 years of working the land, John replaced his log home and barn with a new carpenter-constructed, pink stucco frame house and impressive, two-story gambrel barn north of Antelope Flats Road. Year Photographed: 2018 Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/half-dome-merced-river/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9935_web.jpg Half Dome & Merced River Half Dome & Fall Color Reflection in Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California This classic Yosemite Valley reflection is arguably more clear than what I would have seen had I held up a mirror to this scene. Year Photographed: 2008 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/grand-teton-wildflowers/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9930_web.jpg Grand Teton Wildflowers Lupine in Meadow, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming My family and I were driving to a trailhead when I was stopped by this meadow of lupine. I liked the juxtaposition of spring wildflowers against snow-capped mountain peaks. The season of transition was well under way. Year Photographed: 2018 Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/moulton-barn/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9718_web.jpg Moulton Barn Moulton Barn at Sunrise, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming The Moulton family played an essential role in the establishment and development of the Jackson Hole Valley. In the late 1890s, John and his wife, Estella, arrived in the area and claimed a plot of land to begin their homesteading journey. The Moulton family faced numerous challenges as they settled in this rugged and untamed wilderness. They had to battle the harsh climate, limited resources, and isolation from the outside world. Despite these hardships, the Moultons persevered, working tirelessly to expand their homestead and make a living off the land. John Moulton's son, Thomas Alma Moulton, later inherited the family homestead and continued the legacy of homesteading. Thomas married Lucille Dunford and together, they raised their children while nurturing the land that had become their home. Their daily lives revolved around farming, ranching, and the constant upkeep of their property. Life as an early settler was far from easy. The lack of modern infrastructure meant that everything had to be done manually, from harvesting crops to building shelters. The settlers also had to contend with the unpredictable weather conditions, which could be especially harsh during the long winter months. The Moulton Barn became an integral part of the early settlers' lives. It served as a shelter for their livestock and a storage space for essential supplies. Its solid structure and strategic location provided protection from the elements and a sense of security for the settlers. Moreover, the barn served as a gathering place for the community, where stories were shared, friendships were forged, and knowledge was exchanged. It was a hub of activity, representing the collective spirit of the early settlers in their quest for a better life. Today, the Moulton Barn stands as a symbol of the strength and resilience of the early settlers who paved the way for future generations. It serves as a reminder of the challenges they faced and the legacy they left behind, shaping the history and culture of the region. The property with the barn was one of the last parcels sold to the National Park Service by the Moulton family. Year Photographed: 2018 Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/schwabacher-landing/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9720_web.jpg Schwabacher Landing Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is a breathtaking destination that never fails to leave visitors in awe. Known for its towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, this national park offers a picturesque backdrop for any photographer. Among the many photogenic spots within the park, Schwabacher Landing stands out as a must-visit location. With its serene reflection of the Teton Range on the Snake River, Schwabacher Landing is a true gem for photography enthusiasts. The calm waters create a mirror-like surface, perfect for capturing stunning images that encapsulate the majesty of the surrounding landscapes. Whether you're in search of serene sunrise photos, vibrant fall foliage, or the tranquil beauty of winter, this iconic landscape offers endless opportunities to capture nature's magnificence. One of the most striking features is its iconic beaver ponds. These ponds not only serve as a vital habitat for a diverse range of wildlife but also create mesmerizing reflections of the surrounding mountains and trees. This natural beauty is a photographer's dream, offering endless opportunities for capturing stunning images. And let's not forget the scenic Snake River. Flowing through the heart of of the area, it adds an extra touch of majesty to the already breathtaking landscape. Whether you choose to capture the river's gentle flow or the grandeur of the Teton Range reflected in its waters, the possibilities for awe-inspiring photographs are endless. Schwabacher Landing is more than just a pretty view however. It also holds historical significance as a former homestead site, adding an extra layer of charm and intrigue to the area. As you explore, take a moment to reflect on the pioneers who once called this place home. Year Photographed: 2018 Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/new-england-fog/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9925_web.jpg New England Fog Cloudy Fall Morning, Vermont It had been raining pretty hard on this morning but I caught a brief break and brought my camera out to capture this fog rolling over the mountains before it got obscured. Year Photographed: 2019 Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/seal-rock-san-francisco/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW009_web.jpg Seal Rocks Seal Rocks at Sunset, San Francisco, California One of the first photos I was truly happy with, I made this image on Fuji Velvia slide film shortly after moving to San Francisco. Year Photographed: 2002 San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/californias-gold/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9922_web.jpg California's Gold Golden Poppies & Lupine, Merced River Canyon, California While Yosemite is not exactly known for "super blooms", the Merced River Canyon just outside of the park can have quite nice displays of golden poppies, lupine and redbud during the spring months. Year Photographed: 2016 Merced River Canyon, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/merced-river-canyon-wildflowers/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9923_web.jpg Merced River Canyon Wildflowers Spring Wildflowers, Merced River Canyon, California As the Sierra Nevada awakes from her winter slumber and thaws, the hillsides turn an emerald green dotted with California golden poppies, lupine and more. Year Photographed: 2016 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/camperdown-elm-filoli/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9914.jpg Camperdown Elm Christmas Lights on Camperdown Elm Tree at Filoli Garden, Woodside, California Filoli is a 654-acre estate located in Woodside, California, that features a 16 acre formal garden and 56 room mansion. The estate was established by 19th century entrepreneur, William Bourn II. Bourn was best known for his time at the Empire Mine and for creating the merger which eventually became known as Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). Every holiday season, Filoli transforms into a Christmas attraction with thousands of lights installed throughout the grounds. I went to see the fall color at Filoli which coincided with the winter holiday light display and I liked how this huge camperdown elm was draped in not just big twisted branches but also Christmas lights. This Camperdown Elm has been declared a National Champion Tree by the Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute. The tree measures in at 24 ft tall, with a 101 inch trunk and 40 ft crown. Year Photographed: 2019 Filoli Garden, Woodside, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/one-tree-hill/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9920_web.jpg One Tree Hill Tree on Hill With Afternoon Sidelighting, Valley Ford, California Though landscape and nature photography is typically of static subjects, what I enjoy most about tree photography unlike say rocks for example is that trees lend themselves to a visual storytelling. I prefer to leave my photos to interpretation however. Year Photographed: 2020 Awards: 2022 IPA International Photography Awards - Professional, Nature, Trees Category - Honorable Mention Valley Ford, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/nymph-lake-rmnp/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8746_web.jpg Nymph Lake Limited Edition of 25 Prints Sunrise Alpenglow on Hallett Peak at Nymph Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado While arriving at the trailhead about an hour before sunrise I was debating whether I wanted to photograph at Nymph Lake or Dream Lake which was higher up on the trailhead. In the end I decided to photograph Nymph Lake as my wife and I had enjoyed a beautiful afternoon here the day prior for her birthday. Our hike to Dream Lake wasn't nearly as pleasant as it was extremely windy and cold the day prior. I plan to photograph Dream Lake at sunrise someday but I'm happy with how this morning turned out. Year Photographed: 2014 Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bear-lake-rmnp/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8745_web.jpg Bear Lake A Very Windy Sunrise at Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado This photo almost came at the expense of my camera gear. With gale-force winds at sunrise I saw a large wave flying my direction which ended up knocking my tripod over but thankfully I was paying attention and caught it in the knick of time. With seconds to spare as the sunrise alpenglow lit up Hallett Peak, I gathered my wits and managed to get off this exposure which was sharp fortunately. Year Photographed: 2014 Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/port-costa/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9064_web.jpg Port Costa Port Costa Old Pier Pilings, Contra Costa County, California Located down a remote two-lane road in San Francisco's East Bay, Port Costa is upon first glance a seemingly ramshackle little town that has seen better days. Spend a little time there however and it's clear that there is a unique charm that can't be found elsewhere. Port Costa (pop: 190) at one time was the busiest wheat shipping port in the United States with a violent history. The town was located right along the transcontinental railroad as it was founded for the railroad ferry Solano in the 1870's. While those days are long past, some of that character remains to this day with a number of unique businesses and buildings along the main drag. Year Photographed: 2015 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/superbloom-carpet/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9841_web.jpg Superbloom Carpet Spring Wildflowers and Wind Turbines Below Mount San Jacinto, Palm Springs, California One of the most spectacular displays of wildflowers I've ever seen was found just outside of Palm Springs amidst a wind turbine field and just below 10833' Mount San Jacinto. Year Photographed: 2019 Palm Springs, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-memories-that-build-a-life-together/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8744_web.jpg The Memories That Build a Life Together Pagoda Mountain, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado During my first date with my now-wife, we discussed the interesting types of food we had tried. We immediately bonded over this topic. One thing she mentioned that I hadn't heard of before was "Rocky Mountain Oysters". Samantha proceeded to tell me the story behind that and where she tried it. I kept that in mind so when it came time to plan her 30th birthday several years later I planned a surprise trip to Colorado. I just told her to pack several days worth of clothing with no further details. She didn't find out the destination (Denver) until we arrived at the check-in counter at Oakland Airport. Dinner that evening was at the Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant in Denver, the location where Samantha discovered Rocky Mountain Oysters. I kept that a secret as well until arriving at there. The rest of Samantha's 30th birthday trip was spent at Rocky Mountain National Park. This trip has definitely been one of the highlights of our relationship to date. Year Photographed: 2014 Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/moraine-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8748-2_web.jpg Moraine Park Moraine Park Fall Sunset, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Moraine Park is a wide valley that was carved by glaciers ages ago and currently support abundant wildlife including herds of elk in addition to a river running through. The valley is surrounded by the dramatic peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. Year Photographed: 2014 Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/virgin-river-the-watchman/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9781_web.jpg Virgin River & The Watchman The Watchman and the Virgin River, Zion National Park, Utah Arguably the most famous scene in Zion Canyon, The Watchman looms high above the mighty Virgin River as it has for thousands of years. Year Photographed: 2019 Zion National Park, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/over-the-hills-and-far-away/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9843_web.jpg Over the Hills and Far Away Spring Wildflowers, Chino Hills State Park, California Wanting to get away from the crowds on the main trail I took a side trail up and over the hill. Not too eventful at that point but then with the overgrown brush I mistook a deer trail for a hiking trail and ended up down a very steep ravine that probably wasn't meant for hikers. I saw a golden poppy covered hillside way off in the distant hills and felt that it was within reach so I hiked and hiked until I realized that I would never get there and back while making it to the airport in time. So close yet so far away. Year Photographed: 2019 Chino Hills State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/calistoga-backroads/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9916_web.jpg Calistoga Backroads Cherry Tree Blossoms in Driveway, Calistoga, California The legendary Napa Valley is a wine lover's paradise so naturally it attracts an international demographic. While the main roads of Napa Valley can often suffer from traffic congestion there are many backroads to explore the quieter areas of California's Wine Country. This is where I get the most enjoyment from making photos. Year Photographed: 2019Related Photo: Oak Knoll Trees Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/california-aqueduct-ii/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9911_web2.jpg California Aqueduct II The California Aqueduct, San Joaquin Valley, California 444 miles long, the California Aqueduct is a complex system of canals and tunnels which collect water from the Sierra Nevada Mountains and valley regions of California. The California Aqueduct is the main source of clean water for most Californians. As I was returning to the San Francisco Bay Area from a Thanksgiving family celebration in Southern California, I noticed that the sunset sky starting to give way to pastel shades of purple and blue as I was coming up upon a scenic overlook. The scenic overlook was adjacent to the California Aqueduct so I used aqueduct as the main focal point for my photo to pair with the beautiful evening sky. "California Aqueduct II" utilizes a similar compositional style as Andreas Gursky's "Rhein II" which was the world's most expensive photo ever sold at the time of sale in 2011. Also similar to "Rhein II", I used Photoshop to clone out a storm drain and some garbage from the foreground. Year Photographed: 2015 San Joaquin Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/motif-number-1/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9910_web.jpg Motif Number 1 Motif Number 1 at Bradley Wharf, Rockport, Massachusetts In the small coastal town of Rockport, Massachusetts, there stands a simple wooden shack, painted a vibrant shade of red, that is allegedly America's most painted building. This unassuming structure is no ordinary building, for it holds the soul of a community and the spirit of a town. It is known as Motif Number 1, and it is a symbol of the fishermen who have braved the waters of the Atlantic for generations. Motif Number 1 has been painted and repainted countless times since it was first built in either the 1840's or 1880's depending on the source. The Blizzard of 1978 destroyed the original structure so the current building is an exact replica that was constructed later that year. Yet, it is not the building itself that is so special, but rather the history and the stories it represents. For many, Motif Number 1 is a reminder of the hardworking men and women who have made their living from the sea. It serves as a tribute to the fishermen who have faced the dangers of the ocean with courage and determination. Their bravery has been immortalized in the very fabric of the town, and Motif Number 1 stands as a testament to their legacy. But the significance of Motif Number 1 goes beyond just the fishing industry. It represents the spirit of a town that has banded together through thick and thin. It has been a source of inspiration during times of hardship and a beacon of hope during times of joy. It is a symbol of the resilience of a community that has weathered storms both literal and figurative. Motif Number 1 is not just a building; it is a company of memories. Memories of the families who have lived in Rockport for generations, memories of the tourists who have come and gone, and memories of the stories that have been passed down through the years. It is a part of the heartbeat of Massachusetts, and it continues to serve as a source of inspiration for those who call this town their home. In the end, Motif Number 1 is not just a symbol of a town or an industry; it is a symbol of the human spirit. It is a reminder that no matter what challenges we face, we can persevere with determination, courage, and community. So if you ever find yourself in Rockport, take a moment to stop and gaze upon Motif Number 1. Let its vibrant red color and storied history remind you of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit. Year Photographed: 2019 Rockport, Massachusetts https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/flume-covered-bridge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9882_web.jpg Flume Covered Bridge Flume Covered Bridge, Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire Built in 1871, Flume Covered Bridge is arguably the most famous covered bridge in New Hamphire as it is located along the trail to Flume Gorge, a very popular attraction for visitors. Flume Covered Bridge is definitely the most beautiful covered bridge that I've seen especially when the red paint contrasted against the bright yellow fall foliage. Year Photographed: 2019 Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/warren-covered-bridge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9880_web.jpg Warren Covered Bridge Warren Covered Bridge, Warren, Vermont Built in 1880, Warren Covered Bridge is a 57.5 foot long bridge that spans over the Mad River in northern Vermont. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. While driving around Vermont I couldn't help but notice how many homes and businesses display the U.S. flag. So seeing the U.S. flag hanging in front of Warren Covered Bridge is what attracted me to this scene as this felt like a quintessential Vermont scene to me. Steady rainfall couldn't keep me from photographing the bridge. Year Photographed: 2019 Warren, Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/woodstock-middle-bridge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9879_web.jpg Woodstock Middle Bridge Woodstock Middle Bridge, Woodstock, Vermont Built in 1969, Woodstock Middle Bridge is one of three covered bridges located within Woodstock, Vermont. Middle Bridge is perhaps the most well-known of the three however as it is located just off of The Green in the village of Woodstock. Year Photographed: 2019 Woodstock, Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/vermont-route-100/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9886_web.jpg Vermont Route 100 Fall Foliage on Hillside, Hancock, Vermont I had read about Vermont Route 100 in all of the guidebooks and on numerous websites so I had to drive this for myself. The fall color along this route was absolutely stunning in many places. Year Photographed: 2019 Hancock, Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hancock-town-hall/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9888_web.jpg Hancock Town Hall Town Hall, Hancock, Vermont Hancock (pop. 323) is a small town in northern Vermont located along the scenic Vermont Route 100. Some of the best fall color that I saw on this trip was found in this area. Year Photographed: 2019 Hancock, Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/echo-lake/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9891_web.jpg Echo Lake Echo Lake Morning Fog & Fall Color, Charleston, Vermont Much of my visit to Vermont was characterized by fog and rain. For a regular tourist those would be considered miserable conditions but for a nature photographer, I couldn't have dreamed of more atmospheric conditions to work with. Year Photographed: 2019 Charleston, Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/moss-glen-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9893_web.jpg Moss Glen Falls Moss Glen Falls, Green Mountain National Forest, Granville, Vermont Approximately 35 feet tall, Moss Glen Falls is one of two waterfalls by the same name in Vermont. The other Moss Glen Falls is located just outside of Stowe. This Moss Glen Falls is arguably the more beautiful of the two and located alongside the Vermont Route 100 scenic byway. Year Photographed: 2019 Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/roaring-branch/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9896_web.jpg Roaring Branch Fall Color Along Roaring Branch River, Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont I found Vermont to be a tricky state to photograph and much different than I had anticipated. Much of the forests are behind private land and not accessible without a telephoto lens. I was pleased to find this stretch forest that was largely free of development and enjoyed the quiet moments that this experience afforded me. Year Photographed: 2019 Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/stowe/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9899_web.jpg Stowe Stowe Fall Sunrise, Vermont Stowe (pop. 4,314) is a popular ski town in Northern Vermont located at the base of Mount Mansfield, the tallest mountain in Vermont. Like many towns in New England, Stowe was founded (est. 1763) prior to the American Revolution. Year Photographed: 2019 Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/classic-new-england-church/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9901_web.jpg Classic New England Church Foggy Fall Morning, Stowe, Vermont Few experiences in landscape photography are more profound than photographing a fall sunrise. The morning air is cool yet contrasted by the warm tones of fall foliage. Vermont is one of the premiere places in the world for viewing fall color. Year Photographed: 2019 Awards: 2022 IPA International Photography Awards - Professional, Architecture, Cityscapes - Official Selection Stowe, Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-kanc/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9902_web.jpg The Kanc Kancagamus Highway Fall Color, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire Kancagamus Highway aka. "The Kanc" is a 30+ mile long highway that passes through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This route is famous for fall color and attracts a large amount of leaf peepers each fall. There were some wide swaths of fall mountain forests that I was able to see from the scenic overlooks near the mountain pass. Year Photographed: 2019 White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/kancagamus-fall-color/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9903_web.jpg Kancagamus Fall Color Full Spectrum of Fall Colors Along Kancagamus Highway, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire New Hampshire is famous for the fall color displays and this day along Kancagamus Highway did not disappoint! Year Photographed: 2019 Awards: 2022 IPA International Photography Awards - Professional, Nature, Seasons - Official Selection White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/artists-tapestry/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9905_web.jpg Artists' Tapestry Fall Color Forest Tapestry, Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire Being a native Californian, I rarely get to see forests full of deciduous trees so I was eager to visit New Hamphire for the first time. It was a real treat to climb up on this overlook at Franconia Notch State Park and see a full spectrum of peak fall color just below. Year Photographed: 2019 Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/new-hampshires-gold/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9906_web.jpg New Hampshire's Gold Forest Fall Foliage Along Kancagamus Highway, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire I spent the first day of my New England photography trip scouting along "The Kanc" but was disappointed with the lack of fall color. On my return visit nearly a week later everything had changed as much of the forest had turned various shades of golden yellow, orange and red. I had found New Hampshire's gold. Year Photographed: 2019 White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/artists-bluff/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9907_web.jpg Artists Bluff Artists Bluff, Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire To reach Artists Bluff I mistakenly hiked in from the Bald Mountain route which is a much more difficult and tricky route especially when the rocky trail is wet. At multiple points during the hike I questioned whether it was even worth the effort. Once I reached Artists Point all of my fears disapated once I was rewarded with this amazing vista of the forests below in full fall color glory. Year Photographed: 2019 Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/smugglers-notch/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9883_web.jpg Smugglers' Notch Fall Colors at Smugglers' Notch, Mount Mansfield State Forest, Vermont Due to the signing of The Embargo Act of 1807 by President Thomas Jefferson, it was illegal to trade goods with Great Britain and Canada. Since Vermont was adjacent to Canada many people continued to smuggle goods and livestock over the present-day Smuggler's Notch. Fugitives used to run from the law by climbing over Smugglers' Notch and escaping to Canada. The Notch was also a hotbed of alcohol sales during the Prohibition Era with a vast quantity of liquor coming from neighboring Canada. Its safe to say that Smugglers' Notch has truly earned its' notorious name. As for myself? I smuggle fall color photos. Year Photographed: 2019 Awards: 2020 IPA International Photography Awards - Professional, Nature, Seasons Category - Honorable Mention Mount Mansfield State Forest, Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/smugglers-paintbrush/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9884_web.jpg Smugglers' Paintbrush Maple Trees Peak Fall Color at Smugglers' Notch, Mount Mansfield State Forest, Vermont This being my first visit to Vermont, I felt that it took more time than normal to "see" the photos I wanted to make. Part of this was due to being unfamiliar with the area and having no prior personal connection to the region. The other thing is that there are trees everywhere so it takes work to figure out what to focus on. By the time I left, Vermont started to grow on me and I had started to figure some things out. This is one of the last photos I made while in Vermont. Year Photographed: 2019 Mount Mansfield State Forest, Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/woodstock-inn/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9878_web.jpg Woodstock Inn Woodstock Inn & Resort, Woodstock, Vermont Located in the heart of the Green in village of Woodstock, Vermont, The current-day Woodstock Inn & Resort was purchased in 1967 and rebuilt by Laurance Rockefeller. The property is one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Vermont. Year Photographed: 2019 Woodstock, Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/jenne-farm/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9877-2_web.jpg Jenne Farm Jenne Farm, Vermont Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Vermont lies a hidden gem that embodies the essence of rural beauty and serenity—the Jenne Farm. With its rolling hills, vibrant green pastures, and a charming red barn, this idyllic farm has become an iconic symbol of Vermont's natural splendor. Its timeless allure has captured the hearts of photographers and visitors alike, who flock to this enchanting location to witness its ethereal beauty firsthand and capture breathtaking photographs that encapsulate the essence of rural life. The Jenne Farm, a working farm since the late 1700's, is located in the small town of Reading, Vermont. Spanning nearly 500 acres, the farm primarily focuses on maple sugaring and continues to be owned and operated by extended members of the Jenne Family. Its rich history and connection to the land make it a cherished part of Vermont's agricultural heritage. Photographers from around the world are drawn to the Jenne Farm for its photogenic qualities, especially during the autumn season. The farm's quintessential New England charm, with its rolling hills adorned in vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, makes it a photographer's dream. The interplay of light and shadows, the changing colors of the foliage, and the presence of the iconic red barn create an exquisite canvas for capturing truly remarkable images. The Jenne Farm's beauty and allure can be attributed to its harmonious blend of natural and man-made elements. The iconic red barn, built in the 19th century, stands as a sentinel against the bucolic backdrop, exuding a rustic charm that has stood the test of time. Nestled amidst the farm's verdant pastures, the barn serves as the focal point of countless photographs, symbolizing the timeless character of rural life in Vermont. The state of Vermont is renowned for its stunning landscapes, and the Jenne Farm perfectly encapsulates the essence of this natural beauty. The farm is situated in an area known for its lush forests and rolling hills. Its pristine surroundings, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys, add to the farm's allure, creating a tranquil and awe-inspiring atmosphere that leaves visitors spellbound. The Jenne Farm's sprawling land is a testament to the commitment and stewardship of generations of the Jenne family. The rolling hills and open fields provide ample grazing grounds for the farm's dairy cows, ensuring their well-being and productivity. The connection between the land and the community is deeply rooted, and the farm continues to contribute to Vermont's agricultural legacy. For those seeking a glimpse into the timeless beauty of rural life, the Jenne Farm in Vermont is a must-visit destination. Its captivating landscapes, iconic red barn, and vibrant colors during the autumn season create an ethereal setting that has inspired photographers and nature enthusiasts for decades. This cherished farm stands as a testament to the harmonious relationship between humans and the land, reminding us of the enduring charm and tranquility found in Vermont's countryside. Year Photographed: 2019 Reading, Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sleepy-hollow-farm/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9874_web.jpg Sleepy Hollow Farm Sleepy Hollow Farm, Pomfret, Vermont This quiet, pastoral scene was once owned by the legendary Aerosmith guitarist, Joe Perry. While some photos of idyllic-looking locations belie the actual experience of the surrounding areas, Sleepy Hollow Farm really does encapsulate the spirit of Vermont. Year Photographed: 2019 Awards: 2020 IPA International Photography Awards - Professional, Nature, Seasons Category - Honorable Mention Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/welcome-to-the-jungle-hotel-wall-mural/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/welcome-to-the-jungle-hotel-mural.jpg https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/new-england-fall-color/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9873_web.jpg New England Fall Color Fall Foliage & Fog, Vermont While growing up as a young kid I always enjoyed the fall decor of October & November. My mom would decorate our house every year as did my elementary school classrooms. This beautiful seasonal decor did a lot to stir my imagination because while there were a lot of benefits to growing up in Southern California, being blessed with distinct seasons was not one of them. As a result, I've always longed to experience true seasons so I travel to locations such as Vermont where I can experience this firsthand and not just via home decor. Year Photographed: 2019 Hale Hollow, Vermont https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/walden/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9872_web.jpg Walden Fall Foliage In Forest / Walden Pond State Reservation, Concord, Massachusetts "We need the tonic of wildness...At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature." - Henry David Thoreau, Walden: Or, Life in the Woods Year Photographed: 2019 Walden Pond State Reservation, Concord, Massachusetts https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tree-of-love/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7972_web.jpg Tree of Love Dana Point Harbor Sunset, Dana Point, California Prior to photographing this sunset, I had witnessed a man get down on one knee to propose to his girlfriend under a gazebo overlooking Dana Point Harbor. Judging from her reaction I believe she accepted the proposal. So this photo represents three happy people: the guy, the girlfriend and myself. I enjoyed this sunset in one of the most beautiful places in Orange County. Year Photographed: 2013 Dana Point, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/yosemite-valley-chapel/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9871_web.jpg Yosemite Valley Chapel An interdenominational church, Yosemite Valley Chapel was originally constructed in 1879. The church seats 250 people. While the chapel is attended by many, it is arguably more popular amongst photographers and tourists alike as the chapel has graced many photos over the years. Year Photographed: 2015 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mendocino-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano110-2_web.jpg Mendocino Panoramic Mendocino Panoramic, California A popular weekend destination for San Francisco Bay Area residents, Mendocino is a small victorian town that is home to numerous bed & breakfast inns. Year Photographed: 2019 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/atmospheric-river/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9869_web.jpg Atmospheric River Big River Beach & Highway 1, Mendocino, California As a photographer / artist, I'm always looking for fleeting moments of light to create a mood or atmosphere within my landscapes. This particular morning in Mendocino was particularly special as it was completely fogged just prior to sunrise so I didn't expect to see any sunlight. All I needed was a slight opening to create this warm glow across the scene illuminating the beaches below the headlands of Mendocino and the bridge crossing Highway 1. Year Photographed: 2019 Mendocino, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mendocino-coast-botanical-gardens/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9870_web.jpg Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Seascape, Fort Bragg, California The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is situated over 47-acres just north of Mendocino in the town of Fort Bragg. About half of the land is devoted to the botanical garden grounds while the rest consists of wild seascapes such as this one before me. Year Photographed: 2019 Fort Bragg, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-dream-of-light/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9865_web.jpg The Dream of Light Sunrise Long Exposure, Mendocino, California I like the painterly feel of long exposure water photography. Using my 10-stop neutral density filter I was able to achieve a long 30 second exposure despite the bright sunrise which smooths out all of the detail. I dream of waking up to scenes like this and occasionally it does pay off. Year Photographed: 2019 Mendocino Headlands State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/into-the-unknown/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9866_web.jpg Into The Unknown Foggy Morning, Mendocino Headlands State Park, California Awaking an hour before sunrise, I found myself on a narrow trail along the Mendocino Headlands with steep drop-offs on both sides which ended on this promontory overlooking large seastacks in a sea of thick fog. I didn't see any other photographers out there on this morning as they were probably sleeping in. When I see fog I embrace it and try to convey a sense of loneliness. Year Photographed: 2019 Mendocino Headlands State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mendocino/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9864_web.jpg Mendocino Foggy Sunrise, Mendocino, California Mendocino (pop. 894) is a small town located along a headlands on the Northern California Coast about 3 hours north of San Francisco. Much Mendocino's 19th century architecture is protected as a federal historic district. The town resembles a New England village and was featured heavily in the 80's-90's Angela Lansbury drama series, "Murder, She Wrote", which was set in "Cabot Cove, Maine". Year Photographed: 2019 California Coast https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bloom-dill-field/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6561-2_web.jpg Bloom Dill Field Bloom Dill Field at Sunrise, Coachella Valley, California An assignment for a large advertising agency led me to a sunrise photoshoot at this bloom dill field near the Salton Sea. These dill plants are annual flowers so there is a very tight window in which they can be photographed. I had to call and check with the grower in order to get the timing right since this location was about three hours from my home. When I got the word the day before I dropped my plans for the following day and left my home sometime between 1-2 a.m. in order to give myself sufficient time. Having never seen a dill field before I quickly realized that I would have to stand on the roof of my car in order to make this photo. If I were to have done this assignment in the current era, I would have used a drone rather than stand on my rooftop. Year Photographed: 2010 Coachella Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/wildflower-carpet/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9779_web.jpg Wildflower Carpet Desert Brittlebush, Joshua Tree National Park, California The winter of 2018-19 brought about an abundant amount of rainfall which resulted in vast fields of wildflowers in Southern California's desert. Joshua Tree's wildflower bloom was of particular interest to me due to the variety of flowers growing in different areas of the park Year Photographed: 2019 Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/traditional-japanese-house/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7988_web.jpg Traditional Japanese House Interior of Traditional Japanese House Dining Room at The Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California Having visited the Japanese Garden at The Huntington for much of my life, I have Japan high up on my bucket list of vacation destinations to visit. From the rich culture, cuisine and architecture, there's no shortage of inspiration for an artist such as myself. Year Photographed: 2013 The Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/terrace-of-the-jade-mirror/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7204_web.jpg Terrace of the Jade Mirror Terrace of the Jade Mirror in Chinese Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California Having been licensed for a book cover and a number of other uses, this classical-style Chinese garden archway has proven to be a popular photo of mine. Year Photographed: 2011 The Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1087/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/AARP-9-romantic-getaways-anza-borrego.jpg AARP - 9 Romantic Getaways - Anza Borrego Desert https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1086/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/west-jet-magazine-salvation-mountain.jpg West Jet Magazine - Salvation Mountain https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/monterey-cypress-dream/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9858_web.jpg Monterey Cypress Dream Allan Memorial Grove Scenic Overlook, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California My favorite hike on the Central Coast, the Allan Memorial Grove is one of my favorite places to hike in California. There is an indescribable sense of freedom and nostalgia I feel whenever I visit this area. From the wind-swept Monterey cypress trees to the rugged cliffs and salty Pacific ocean air, this is classic California coast scenery. Year Photographed: 2019 Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/vineyard-dreams/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9857_web.jpg Vineyard Dreams Yountville Vineyard Sunset, Napa Valley, California One of the premiere wine regions in the world for Cabernet Sauvignon, Yountville AVA is comprised of 19 vineyards, 8,000+ acres and more than 1,000+ acres of planted wine grapes. Year Photographed: 2019 Awards: 2021 IPA International Photography Awards - Professional, Fine Art, Landscape Category - Honorable Mention Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rhododendron-forest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9851_web.jpg Rhododendron Forest Rhododendon Bloom at Stout Grove, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California Redwood forests are almost exclusively green through much of the year. The one exception is during the months of May and June when rhododendrons bloom and spice up the forest color palette with pinks and reds. Year Photographed: 2019 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/ancient-forest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9853_web.jpg Ancient Forest Simpson-Reed Old-Growth Forest, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California One of the best places to experience old-growth redwoods, the Simpson-Reed Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is a mix of temperate rain forest similar to the Pacific Northwest and large old-growth redwoods. This is one of the more unique areas on the North Coast of California. Year Photographed: 2019 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bryce-canyon-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano109-2_web.jpg Bryce Canyon Panoramic Sunset Point Panoramic, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah Limited Edition of 10 Prints One of the most surreal panoramic landscapes in the world, Bryce Canyon National Park revealed itself during this glorious sunset on my first evening in the park. Year Photographed: 2019Related Photo: Bryce Canyon's Inspiration Point Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1058/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/IMG_9594.jpg https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/1055/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/IMG_9596.jpg https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lady-bird-johnson-grove-trail/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9846_web.jpg Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail Morning Fog, Redwood National Park, California Lady Bird Johnson (1912 - 2007) was a former First Lady of the United States during Lyndon Baines Johnson's (aka. LBJ) presidency (1963 - 1969). Ms. Johnson was known for her conservation efforts so in 1969, President Nixon dedicated a 300-acre old-growth redwood grove in Johnson's honor in what is now named Lady Bird Johnson Grove in Redwood National Park. Year Photographed: 2019 Redwood National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/redwood-national-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9845_web.jpg Redwood National Park Lady Bird Johnson Grove Redwoods in Fog, Redwood National Park, California After years of chasing the seemingly elusive low fog in the North Coast redwood forests, I finally was able to time my visit to catch morning fog at Redwood National Park's Lady Bird Johnson Grove as I was heading on the way back home. I've photographed redwood forests in fog much closer to home in Marin County but the main difference here is that this an old-growth coast redwood forest unlike most in the Bay Area that are second-growth aside from the redwood grove at Muir Woods National Monument. Year Photographed: 2019 Lady Bird Johnson Grove, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/san-jacinto-mountains/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6515_web.jpg San Jacinto Mountains Indian Vista Scenic View from San Jacinto Mountains, San Bernardino National Forest, California San Bernardino National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/yountville/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9808_web.jpg Yountville Silverado Trail Late Winter Sunset, Yountville, California Yountville (pop: 2,924) is a small town located in Napa Valley, California. Despite its small size, Yountville is a world-renowned culinary hotbed of innovative restaurants. Its been said that Yountville has the most Michelin stars per square mile of any city in the world. The crown jewel of the local culinary scene is The French Laundry, a three Michelin star restaurant owned by famed American chef, Thomas Keller. Prior to being known as a world-renowned culinary destination, Yountville earned its reputation for its wine production of which it is still highly regarded for. Year Photographed: 2019 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dr-pierces-medical-discovery-sonoma/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9838_web.jpg Dr. Pierce's Medical Discovery Dr. Pierce's Medical Discovery Barn, Sonoma County, California Dr. Ray Vaughn Pierce (1840-1914) was a 19th and early 20th century pharmacist that was famous for numerous self-concocted medications that he invented. His medicines were marketed to cure female ailments, digestive illness, cancer, fatigue, headache, tumors, menstruation and many more. Dr. Pierce earned a substantial amount of income via mail-order prescriptions. Arguably more entrepreneur than part of the mainstream medical community, Dr. Pierce no doubt left a remarkable legacy that lives on today via numerous old barn advertisements across the country. Year Photographed: 2019 Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/los-carneros-ava/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9837_web.jpg Los Carneros AVA Artesa Vineyards Winter Mustard Bloom / Los Carneros AVA, Napa, California Designated as an official AVA (American Viticultural Area) in 1983, Carneros AVA has a unique climate due to its location on the San Francisco North Bay. The combination of cool, fog, wind and warm weather just to the north in Napa Valley creates its world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Year Photographed: 2018 Napa, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cherry-blossom/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9836_web.jpg Cherry Blossom Cherry Blossom, Calistoga, California Photography is the art of simplification. When looking at cherry blossom trees it can almost overwhelm the senses with a riot of red, pink and white colors. Most photos you see of cherry blossoms feature the whole tree or often a row of trees. I saw a different opportunity to create art here as I chose to isolate a single branch and use a wide open aperture to blur out the surrounding cherry blossom trees which helped formed this smooth pink background for my isolated flower. Year Photographed: 2019 Calistoga, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/valley-of-mustard/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9835_web.jpg Valley of Mustard Winter Vineyard Mustard Bloom / Silverado Trail, Napa Valley, California An ever-present sight in Napa Valley vineyards during the months of February and March, wild mustard blooms help to fertilize the soil which promotes healthy wine grape production. Year Photographed: 2019 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/oakville-crossing-vines/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9834_web.jpg Oakville Crossing Vines Oakville AVA Old Grapevines, Oakville, California Wine grapes and flowers are beautiful subjects to photograph no doubt. The subject I find really interesting however are the grapevines that you see at various vineyards around California's Wine Country. Some grapevines are old and weathered like rheumatoid arthritis while some of the younger vines have a minimal amount of gnarled limbs. There is so much character to these vines. Year Photographed: 2019 Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/red-rock-crossing/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9635-BW_web.jpg Red Rock Crossing Cathedral Rock From Red Rock State Park, Sedona, Arizona Located just outside of the popular resort community of Sedona, Arizona (pop: 10,336), is the crown jewel of Sedona landscape photography, Cathedral Rock. Red Rock State Park is one of the best places to view this magnificent sandstone butte. Year Photographed: 2012 Sedona, Arizona https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hopi-point/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7395-2_web.jpg Hopi Point Hopi Point at South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Hopi Point is one of several scenic overlooks along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, offering panoramic views of the Canyon and the surrounding landscape. The overlook is named after the Hopi tribe, one of the Native American tribes that have lived in the Grand Canyon for thousands of years. At 7,000 feet above sea level, Hopi Point provides clear views of the Canyon, including the Colorado River and the colorful rock formations that make up the Canyon's walls. It is a popular spot for visitors to take in the beauty of the Grand Canyon, especially at sunset when the colors of the Canyon walls change with the angle of the sun. Visitors can reach Hopi Point by taking the Rim Trail, a scenic walkway that winds along the Canyon's rim, or by car via a park road. Yes, that is snow on the lower left corner of the frame. I took my girlfriend at the time, and now wife, to the Grand Canyon in the middle of winter. She was sitting in the car with a front row view of this while I stayed out in below freezing weather for sunset. Year Photographed: 2012 Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/red-rock-canyon/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7381.jpg Red Rock Canyon Red Rock Canyon Scenic Landscape, Nevada Located just outside of the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas and The Strip, Red Rock Canyon feels a worlds away with its multi-colored sandstone landscapes. Year Photographed: 2011 Nevada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/windstone-arch/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7357.jpg Windstone Arch Windstone Arch in Fire Cave, Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada Arguably made famous by the legendary, David Muench, I didn't know where this cave was and accidentally stumbled into it as I was walking around about a decade ago. It's much smaller than it looks as I had to hunch over as I sat near the opening in order to fit in. The indirect reflected light is what creates this intense red glow to the sandstone. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/doc-williams-viewpoint/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1861-2.jpg Doc Williams Viewpoint La Sal Mountains at Sunset from Doc Williams Viewpoint, Arches National Park, Utah While the landscapes surrounding the Moab area get most of the attention, the La Sal Mountains way off in the distance have at least a dozen peaks that tower over the surrounding landscape in excess of 12,000 feet elevation. This provides a nice contrast from the southwest desert foreground in my image. Year Photographed: 2006 Arches National Park, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fire-wave/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7353-2b_web.jpg Fire Wave Fire Wave, Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada One of the more unique geological formations at Valley of Fire, the shape of the Fire Wave leads the eye toward the horizon. When I first visited this location there were no signs pointing this out and you just had to know where to hike off of the main road. These days there are signs so anyone can find it. I personally have mixed feelings about making previously hidden locations too accessible and will always treasure the sense of discovery that I experienced during my first visit. Year Photographed: 2011 Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/frozen-manzanita/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7432.jpg Frozen Manzanita Manzanita Covered in Snow, Flagstaff, Arizona Despite Arizona largely being an arid state, Flagstaff can receive a large amount of precipitation during the winter months due to being located at nearly 7,000 feet elevation. Year Photographed: 2012 Flagstaff, Arizona https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/navajo-tree-of-life/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9786_web.jpg The Navajo Tree of Life Cottonwood Tree, Monument Valley Tribal Park, Arizona My family and I hired a guide to take us into the backcountry of Monument Valley. He explained that since this was a very arid region, cottonwood trees tend to only grow along the few streams in the area. Also mentioned that since the people live off the land that they learned how to cook and make medicines from just about every plant you can find in the desert. It was fascinating to learn about Navajo culture. Year Photographed: 2019 Monument Valley, Arizona https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sunset-point-bryce-canyon/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9787_web.jpg Sunset Point Sunset Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah When my family first arrived at the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater there was massive thunderstorms off in the horizon. I even saw a lightning strike. It started to rain so we headed off to dinner at nearby Bryce Canyon Lodge. That light rain became a torrential downpour during our dinner. Somehow the clear had cleared by the time dinner ended and I had this beautiful sunset to photograph. Year Photographed: 2019 Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bryce-canyon-national-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9789_web.jpg Bryce Canyon National Park Foggy Sunrise, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah Even as I stood before the rim of Bryce Canyon at dawn I no expectation of seeing any fog on this morning as it came into view a bit later. When the fog did blow in it sure did put on a show for me and stuck around during the entire duration of my photoshoot. Year Photographed: 2019 Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/thors-hammer/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9790_web.jpg Thor's Hammer Thor's Hammer Rising Through Sunrise Fog, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah The most iconic hoodoo from Bryce Canyon National Park, Thor's Hammer has a strong resemblance to the weapon of choice from the mythical greek god that bears the same name. Year Photographed: 2019 Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/top-of-the-staircase/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9792_web.jpg Top of the Staircase Fog Rising Through Hoodoos at Sunrise, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah The Grand Staircase is a large geological feature spanning much of the Colorado Plateau area which spans across several southwestern states. Sedimentary rock layers of various ages ranging from hundreds of millions of years old to tens of millions of years old can be seen in this vast desert of the American southwest. Bryce Canyon is located at the top of the Grand Staircase which is called the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The Grand Canyon is located at the bottom of the Grand Staircase which has about 40 layers of sedimentary rock. Just as I was framing up this photo a guy came by to admire this scene. He asked to look through my viewfinder so I obliged after taking a few frames. He remarked that this was "National Geographic level stuff". Year Photographed: 2019 Awards: 2021 IPA International Photography Awards - Professional, Nature, Landscape Category - Honorable Mention Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/silent-city/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9794_web.jpg Silent City Silent City and Moon at Dawn, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah The biggest collection of hoodoos anywhere on earth, Silent City, is arguably the most otherworldly location that I ever seen in my life. Year Photographed: 2019 Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bryce-canyon-inspiration-point/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9798_web.jpg Bryce Canyon's Inspiration Point Inspiration Point at Sunrise, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and have seen my fair share of incredible landscapes covered in low fog. Bryce Canyon National Park on the other hand is on a completely different level when it comes to surreal landscapes. I couldn't have dreamed of better conditions to work with in 32 degree, windy weather. This landscape was photographed during a 17 day road trip through the southwest. My wife and I had planned this trip in order to celebrate our 5th anniversary. We were accompanied by our 2 year-old son. Landscape photography and family life aren't a seamless fit due to the time required to excel in both so I find that my most productive photo shoots while traveling with family tends to be at sunrise while my family sleeps in. Year Photographed: 2019 Awards: 2019 ND Awards - Professional, Nature: Landscapes Category - Honorable Mention Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/canyon-de-chelly-national-monument/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9802_web.jpg Canyon de Chelly National Monument Tsegi Overlook, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona Managed as a joint effort between the U.S. National Park Service and Navajo Nation, Canyon de Chelly is the only National Monument within Navajo-owned lands. Canyon de Chelly is not only a renowned scenic destination but the park was established to protect the cultural history as the canyon has been continuously inhabited by various indigenous groups for 5,000 years. Year Photographed: 2019 Arizona https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/spider-rock/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9804_web.jpg Spider Rock Spider Rock, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona Canyon de Chelly, located in northeastern Arizona, is a sacred location within Navajo lands and home to the iconic Spider Rock. Rising 750 feet above the canyon floor, Spider Rock is a towering sandstone spire that serves as a spiritual and cultural landmark for the Navajo people. The taller of the two rock formations is considered to be the home of the mythical "Spider Grandmother", a powerful and revered figure in Navajo folklore.According to Navajo legend, Spider Grandmother is said to have created the Navajo people and taught them how to weave. She is also said to have protected the Navajo people from their enemies and provided them with guidance and wisdom. The rock formation is considered to be her home, and it is said that her spirit still inhabits the area.Visitors can take guided tours of Canyon de Chelly and see Spider Rock up close. The tours are led by Navajo guides who share their stories and cultural perspectives of the canyon, and the importance of Spider Rock in Navajo history and tradition. However, it's important to note that Canyon de Chelly is considered sacred land and visitors should respect the Navajo Nation's customs and rules. Year Photographed: 2019 Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/yavapai-point-sunrise/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9929_web.jpg Yavapai Point Sunrise Yavapai Point at Sunrise, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The warm glow of the sunrise belies the experience of making this photo. Waking up an hour before sunrise to scout this location in the dark under most conditions wouldn't be that challenging but when the air temperature is hovering around freezing and add in a stiff wind chill it was quite difficult to even make an exposure due to cold hands. The joy in making photographs is not so much in the end result but the journey it takes to get there. Year Photographed: 2019 Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-grand-canyon/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9807_web.jpg The Grand Canyon View Deep Into The Grand Canyon, Arizona At 277 miles in length, 6,093 feet in vertical relief and 18 miles wide at its widest, the massive Grand Canyon is arguably the most awe-inspiring geological region in the world. Year Photographed: 2019 Arizona https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dead-horse-point/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9811_web.jpg Dead Horse Point Sunrise, Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah Located approximately 32 miles from Moab, Utah, Dead Horse Point State Park has one of the most stunning overlooks in the American Southwest. The Colorado River located at the bottom of the canyon has been carving through this sandstone landscape for millions of years. The name, Dead Horse Point, has a curious origin as one might suspect. The Utah state park's name came to be from the cowboys in the 1800's who used the steep topography as a natural corral for horses. Apparently it was worth risking a few horse' lives if it meant being able to corral the majority of them. Year Photographed: 2019 Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/life-and-death/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9815-BW_web.jpg Life and Death Bare Aspen in Snow Black & White Photo, Boulder Mountain, Utah Located in one of the most remote areas of the United States, Boulder Mountain didn't have a paved road leading to it until 1985. Perhaps fitting for this photo, the road that runs through this area is named "Hell's Backbone". Year Photographed: 2019 Boulder Mountain, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/waterpocket-fold/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9818_web.jpg Waterpocket Fold Goosenecks & Waterpocket Fold, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah Resembling a 100 mile spine in the Earth, the Waterpocket Fold is a remarkable geological feature in which 200 million years worth of sedimentary rock layers can be seen on the surface. The types of rock visible include Chinle Formation, Navajo Sandstone and Mancos Shale. Waterpocket Fold is the main feature of Capitol Reef National Park and the reason why the park was established. Year Photographed: 2019 Capitol Reef National Park, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sculpture-of-time/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9820_web.jpg Sculpture of Time Striated Sandstone Abstract Patterns, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah Capitol Reef is a geologist's playground. Years upon years of geological layers can be seen here. I was fascinated by the patterns on this shaded wall so I stopped to photograph here for a bit while my family waited in the car during some fierce winds. Year Photographed: 2019 Capitol Reef National Park, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/desert-oasis-capitol-reef/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9822_web.jpg Desert Oasis Cottonwood Trees & Sandstone, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah Located along the Fremont River in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, cottonwood trees grow in abundance within this thin stretch of desert oasis. Year Photographed: 2019 Capitol Reef National Park, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/double-arch/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9824_web.jpg Double Arch Double Arch, Arches National Park, Utah What I find fascinating about Arches National Park is that the most spectacular arches are generally the ones at highest risk of collapse. Some prominent arches have fallen during my lifetime and I'm sure more will in the coming years. The moral of the story is when you see an arch, photograph it because you may never get another chance to. Year Photographed: 2019 Arches National Park, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/park-avenue/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9825_web.jpg Park Avenue Park Avenue at Sunrise, Arches National Park, Utah The massive canyon walls near the Arches National Park entrance reminded early visitors of Manhattan skyscrapers; hence the name Park Avenue. Year Photographed: 2019 Arches National Park, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tower-of-babel/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9827_web.jpg Tower of Babel Tower of Babel, Arches National Park, Utah The Tower of Babel is named after a myth from The Book of Genesis that explains why there is so much diversity in language around the world. Prior to the Great Flood, all of mankind spoke a single language prior to migrating to the land of Shinar. Settling there, the human race decided to construct a tower where they could reach heaven. God supposedly considered this to be an act of blasphemy so he decided to split up humanity by scattering them about the world with different languages so they couldn't understand each other anymore. Year Photographed: 2019 Arches National Park, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/three-gossips/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9829_web.jpg Three Gossips Three Gossips, Arches National Park, Utah One of the most recognizable entrada sandstone rock formations within Arches National Park, the Three Gossips was named for the shape of the rock which resembles three heads talking amongst themselves. Year Photographed: 2019 Arches National Park, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/monument-valley-mittens/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9831_web.jpg Mittens Monument Valley Tribal Park, Arizona One of the classic iconic western landscape destinations, Monument Valley, has formed the backdrop for many legendary Hollywood movies such as John Wayne's Stagecoach (1939) and advertising campaigns such as the Marlboro cigarette ads. Year Photographed: 2019 Monument Valley, Arizona https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/monument-valley-silhouette/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9832_web.jpg Monument Valley Silhouette Monument Valley Sunrise, Utah Having misinterpreted the park access hours while on a family vacation, I ended up sleeping in but when I saw the sun rising off in the distance I quickly grabbed my camera equipment and set up on the motel balcony right as the sunrise started to light up the sky. With the strong backlighting I knew that it would be difficult to expose for the foreground so I chose to make the iconic Monument Valley mesas a silhouette. Year Photographed: 2019 Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/aerial-san-gabriel-mountains/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9782_web.jpg Aerial Over San Gabriel Mountains One of the most under-looked photography opportunities are commercial airline flights. When it fits my schedule, I try to book flights that depart or arrive around the sunrise and sunset hours. I've spent countless days photographing Southern California and the San Gabriel Mountains but aerial photos have been missing from my image library. Year Photographed: 2019 Angeles National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/angeles-nf-morning-marine-layer/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9784_web.jpg Morning Marine Layer While on the 6 am Southwest flight from Oakland to Ontario, I noticed the marine layer below the mountains so I immediately got my camera out and snapped away until my flight landed. While the main purpose of this flight was to attend my brother's wedding, I'm always looking for opportunities to capture unique images. Year Photographed: 2019 San Gabriel Mountains, Angeles National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/california-desert-super-bloom/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9774.jpg Desert Super Bloom Lupine Bloom, Joshua Tree National Park, California Flowers seem to run in my family. My grandmother has always loved flowers and so has my mom. While I'm more of a photographer who happens to enjoy photographing flowers. When visiting in Southern California recently, my mom and I decided to go explore Joshua Tree and photograph the extensive wildflower bloom. Rather than create another literal interpretation of the 2019 California Super Bloom, I decided to spend time focusing on a small group of lupine in order to create a more personal interpretation of this incredible scene. The challenge with photographing flowers is even the slightest bit of wind leads to blurry photos so I would frequently have to wait out the wind to ensure sharp photos. I shoot many frames of varying compositions, exposure and timing in order to find the perfect frame. Year Photographed: 2019 Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sierra-winter/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9647.jpg Sierra Winter Giant Sequoia Forest Detail in Winter, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California It had just snowed several feet at Calaveras Big Trees so I decided that this would be a good time to introduce my young son to the snow. Despite dressing in many layers, the snow was too much for my son so my wife took him back to the car while I lingered around for a bit to experience this rare winter storm. Year Photographed: 2018 Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/jedediah-smith-redwoods/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8741.jpg Jedediah Smith Redwoods Married Couple Looking at Old-Growth Redwood Trees on Simpson-Reed Trail, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California A magical walk through the woods, Simpson-Reed Trail is one of the most pristine old-growth Coast Redwood forests in the world. If this looks familiar it's because Return of the Jedi was filmed in a nearby location. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/995/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/richard-samantha.jpg Simpson-Reed Trail Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/994/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/richard-samantha-2.jpg Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve Riverside County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/991/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/tyler-yosemite.jpg Toddler With Camera Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/primordial-ocean/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2299-2.jpg Primordial Ocean Tide Pool Wildlife, Laguna Beach, California It's the primal nature of oceans that compels me to photograph them. Life originated in these very waters yet has taken on many shapes and sizes since. Laguna Beach, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/ginkgo-biloba-dream/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7915.jpg Ginkgo Biloba Dream Fall Color in Japanese Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California Though Southern California is not exactly known as a leaf-peeping mecca, the Japanese Garden at The Huntington Botanical Gardens has many ginkgo biloba and Japanese maple trees which feature beautiful autumn leaves in the late fall season. I spent many hours exploring the gardens when I lived in Pasadena in search of unique compositions. The Huntington Botanical Gardens https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/desert-fantasy/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7205.jpg Desert Fantasy Desert Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California What I like most about photographing world-class gardens such as The Huntington Botanical Gardens is the immaculate landscaping. Wilderness landscapes are rarely arranged in a neat manner and generally has a limited amount of variety within a scene unlike a garden where the possibilities are endless. The Huntington Botanical Gardens https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/minnehaha-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2238-2.jpg Minnehaha Falls Ray of Light on Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis, Minnesota Minnehaha Falls is a 53 foot tall waterfall that is located within a city park in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Originating from Lake Minnetonka, Minnehaha Creek flows over the limestone cliffs of Minnehaha Falls and eventually flows into the mighty Mississippi River not far below just outside of the park. Year Photographed: 2006 Minneapolis, Minnesota https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/san-gabriel-moutains-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano031-2_web.jpg San Gabriel Mountains Panoramic Snow-Capped San Gabriel Mountains, Angeles National Forest, California Limited Edition of 10 Prints Nestled in the heart of Southern California, the San Gabriel Mountains stand as a breathtaking testament to the natural beauty that graces the Golden State. This magnificent mountain range, located just northeast of Los Angeles, has captivated nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers for generations. Not only do the San Gabriel Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the bustling metropolis of L.A. and the San Gabriel Valley, but they also offer a sanctuary for wildlife, a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, and a rich tapestry of diverse ecosystems. Recognized as a National Monument, this remarkable landscape is a true treasure of the United States, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its grandeur and discover the wonders it holds within its peaks and valleys. The crown jewel of the San Gabriel's is Mount San Antonio aka. Mount Baldy which stands at 10,066 ft at its peak. This is a familiar sight for me as I saw these mountains from my parent's 2nd floor bedroom everyday as a child.California's San Gabriel Mountains encompass a vast region that stretches across Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. Rising majestically from the surrounding urban sprawl, these mountains offer a serene and refreshing escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Towering peaks, deep canyons, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests characterize this magnificent mountain range, painting a picturesque landscape that attracts nature lovers, hikers, campers, and photographers alike.Designated as the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument in 2014, this protected area spans over 700,000 acres, preserving its unique natural and cultural heritage. The monument encompasses a significant portion of the Angeles National Forest, ensuring the conservation of its diverse ecosystems, rare plant species, and critical habitats for wildlife. It also safeguards numerous recreational opportunities, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the splendor of this ecological haven.The San Gabriel Mountains hold great significance not only for their natural beauty but also for their cultural and historical importance. For centuries, these mountains have been home to indigenous peoples, and their presence can still be felt in the sacred sites and ancient artifacts scattered throughout the area. The range also played a pivotal role during the early days of California's settlement, serving as a vital resource for water, timber, and minerals.As one ventures into the San Gabriel Mountains, they are greeted by an array of outdoor activities. Hiking trails crisscross the landscape, leading explorers to stunning vistas, hidden waterfalls, and serene alpine lakes. Popular trails such as the Mount Wilson Trail, Bridge to Nowhere, and the Sturtevant Falls Trail offer opportunities for all skill levels, ensuring that both novice and experienced hikers can find a route that suits their preferences. Mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding are also favored activities, adding to the adventurous spirit of the region.Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the diverse fauna that calls the San Gabriel Mountains home. From black bears and mountain lions to bighorn sheep and California condors, these mountains provide vital habitats for numerous endangered and protected species. Birdwatchers will appreciate the abundance of avian life, including golden eagles, hawks, and the rare spotted owl. Exploring the San Gabriel Mountains offers an unparalleled chance to witness nature's wonders up close and personal. Year Photographed: 2008 Angeles National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sturtevant-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8005.jpg Sturtevant Falls Sturtevant Falls at Big Santa Anita Canyon, Angeles National Forest, California The 60-foot tall Sturtevant Falls is a seasonal waterfall tucked away deep into Big Santa Anita Canyon within the San Gabriel Mountains. Angeles National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/downtown-la-skyline-below-the-clouds/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7973.jpg Downtown LA Skyline Below The Clouds Scenic View of Los Angeles Skyline Rising Above Marine Layer From Mount Wilson Summit, Angeles National Forest, California From ground-level, Los Angeles is an urban jungle. Perhaps the greatest concentration of urban concrete in America but from up above Los Angeles Basin takes on a more traditional landscape appearance. Angeles National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mountain-clouds/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4023-2.jpg Mountain Clouds San Gabriel Mountains Sunset on Mount Baldy, Angeles National Forest, California Having spent my childhood in the shadow of 10,069 ft Mount Baldy, I've enjoyed exploring the mountain with my camera during my adult years. On this evening, I was blessed with some unique weather conditions for Southern California. Angeles National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/morris-reservoir/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1323-2.jpg Morris Reservoir Winter Storm Clouds at Sunset over Morris Reservoir, Angeles National Forest, California Morris Reservoir was created in 1935 when Morris Dam was built along the San Gabriel River in Azusa Canyon. Morris Dam stands about 245 feet in height. This was my "backyard" as a child as I raised in the foothills just below. I'm arguably the first landscape photographer to have put a serious effort into photographing this region of the San Gabriel Mountains. Year Photographed: 2006 Angeles National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/east-fork-san-gabriel-river/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5997.jpg East Fork San Gabriel River East Fork San Gabriel River with Mount Baldy in Background, Angeles National Forest, California The East Fork is the largest headwater of the San Gabriel River. The river originates at the crest of the San Gabriel Mountains in the Angeles National Forest, at the confluence of the Prairie Fork and Vincent Gulch near Mount Baden-Powell. For this photo I precariously balanced myself on a log in the middle of the river while hanging onto my tripod to prevent it from getting washed down the river. My camera was just above the water level and was fortunate to not have much water splash onto the camera. Angeles National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-smoggies/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7975.jpg The Smoggies San Gabriel Mountains at Sunset, Angeles National Forest, California The east coast has the Smokies. Los Angeles has the Smoggies. Angeles National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mountain-ridges/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7974.jpg San Gabriel Mountain Ridges Transpression Ridges in San Gabriel Mountains, Angeles National Forest, California Folds in the mountainside are created by fault activity beneath the earth's surface. I liked how the side-lighting created interplays of light and shadow. Angeles National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/san-gabriel-mountains/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9374.jpg San Gabriel Mountains San Gabriel Mountains at Sunset, California Spanning 68 miles in length and 23 miles in width, the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California are a 970 square mile mountain range at the foot of Los Angeles. I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and am intimately familiar with these mountains perhaps more so than any other landscape photographer as they were practically my backyard for much of my life. It is a real treat to see the San Gabriels during a clean air quality day. Angeles National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/budget-travel-magazine-cover-2/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/Budget-Travel-Cover.jpg Budget Travel Magazine Cover https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/point-joe/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9772.jpg Point Joe 17 Mile Drive Seascape Long Exposure, Pebble Beach, California The origin of the name, Point Joe, has been debated for years. Some historians believe that there was a Chinese man who lived in a driftwood structure here in the early 1900's that sold goods to explorers. It is unclear whether Point Joe was named for the Chinese man or if the man was named after the location. Year Photographed: 2019 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/moonstones/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5538-2_web.jpg Moonstones Moonstones Rock and Ocean Waves at Moonstone Beach, Cambria, California Summer vacation in Cambria at Moonstone Beach was one of my favorite childhood memories. The innocent memories of tossing tiny moonstones into the Pacific Ocean for hours without any stress in life to worry about. Cambria, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mather-point/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7418.jpg Mather Point Looking Down into the Grand Canyon from Mather Point, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona No photograph can truly do justice to the sheer size of the Grand Canyon. I've opted for a different strategy with this composition by doing a tighter crop on the erosion of the canyon caused by the mighty Colorado River. Mather Point is one of the most popular viewing areas in the Grand Canyon. It offers visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the canyon, including the Bright Angel Canyon, the Colorado River, and the North Rim of the canyon. The viewpoint is located on the South Rim of the canyon and is easily accessible by foot or by shuttle bus. The viewpoint is named after Stephen Tyng Mather, the first director of the National Park Service.Mather Point is an ideal spot for visitors to get their first glimpse of the Grand Canyon and to take in the vastness and grandeur of the canyon. The viewpoint is particularly popular during sunset and sunrise, when the colors of the canyon walls are at their most vibrant. Visitors can also see the famous rock formations such as the Vishnu Temple and the Wotans Throne from this viewpoint.The viewpoint also has an overlook with a railing and several benches for visitors to sit and take in the view. It is also a great spot for photography. Visitors can also find a visitor center nearby, which provides information about the park and its geology, culture, and history. Year Photographed: 2012 Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cool-beans/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9271.jpg Cool Beans Pebble Beach Colorful Rocks, Bean Hollow State Beach, California Bean Hollow is a great location to photograph seascapes on the San Mateo Coast but I would argue that the colorful rocks in the tide pool are the main attraction here. Thanks to my friend Gary Crabbe for suggesting we photograph this beach. Bean Hollow State Beach, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rainbow-vista/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7853.jpg Rainbow Vista Rainbow Vista Colorful Sandstone, Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada About an hour's drive for the bright city lights of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park features some of the most intriguing sandstone formations in the southwest. My friend and I spent several days exploring various trails and canyons when I discovered this mini arch. Year Photographed: 2012 Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fiery-furnace/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1867-2.jpg Fiery Furnace Sunset Alpenglow on Fiery Furnace from Panorama Point View, Arches National Park, Utah There was a chill in the air as I stood before this overlook while photographing Fiery Furnace during the late fall season. As I shivered while outfitted with a jacket and beanie, my attention was 100% focused on the developing light off in the distant horizon. I find that the best light commonly occurs during uncomfortable weather conditions. The excitement of photography keeps me going though when most people would have given up. Year Photographed: 2006 Arches National Park, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/surreal-seascape/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1128-2.jpg Surreal Seascape Twilight at Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Beach, California Crystal Cove State Beach is perhaps my favorite beach to photograph in Southern California. When I saw this epic minus tide I imagined what the moon might have looked like if there were water on the surface. Year Photographed: 2005 Crystal Cove State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-lone-cypress/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9770.jpg The Lone Cypress The Lone Cypress Tree Long Exposure, Pebble Beach, California One of the most iconic trees in the world, The Lone Cypress, is popular travel attraction on 17 Mile Drive along the Monterey Bay coastline. It is a Monterey cypress tree (Cupressus macrocarpa) that is believed to date back to 1750 when the region was a Spanish colony. The tree is held up by cables and has withstood 250+ years of countless storms, high wind, and rough waves that have battered the Pacific coastline. It has become a symbol of resilience and strength, and it is revered by many as a natural wonder. The tree was severely damaged by heavy storms that battered the West Coast of the United States in February 2019. One of the major limbs was lost in the destruction. My Lone Cypress photo was one of the last photos made of the iconic shape before the storm damage. Year Photographed: 2019 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bernheim-forest-fall-colors/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4915.jpg Bernheim Forest Fall Colors Bernheim Forest Fall Colors, Bullitt County, Kentucky I lived in Kentucky for six months. I hated it but the trails during fall season were incredible. I have never seen so much colorful foliage in my life. Year Photographed: 2006 Kentucky https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/appalachian-fall-color/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1810.jpg Appalachian Fall Color Fall Colors in Appalachia, Kentucky Covered in deciduous trees, the Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky turn magical shades of red, orange and yellow during October. When one thinks of fall color, New England immediately comes to mind for most people but never have seen I seen more foliage than I did in the Appalachians. Year Photographed: 2006 Related Photos: Bernheim Forest Fall Colors | Red October Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Kentucky https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/boones-playground/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1823-2.jpg Boone's Playground Fall Colors in the Red River Gorge Geological Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky As I was hiking back to the car at the Red River Gorge, I overheard a grandfather telling his grandkids that he was old enough to have known Daniel Boone. The kids seemed enthralled by the story. I hope to have a great relationship like that with my future grandkids. Year Photographed: 2006 Red River Gorge Geological Area, Kentucky https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/red-october/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1825.jpg Red October Sunset Through Fall Foliage on Gray's Arch Trail at the Red River Gorge Geological Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky As I hiked back to my car, I overheard a grandfather telling his grandkids that he was so old that he used to hike with Daniel Boone back in the day. The kids were young enough to believe him. Awesome. Year Photographed: 2006 Red River Gorge Geological Area, Kentucky https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-end-of-fall/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4912.jpg The End of Fall Fallen Yellow Autumn Leaves, Bernheim Forest, Kentucky Trees are justifiably the main attraction here during the fall season but the ground cover can be just as interesting when carpeted with autumn leaves. Year Photographed: 2006 Bernheim Forest, Kentucky https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/liquid-amber-2/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5627.jpg Liquid Amber Fallen Liquid Amber Autumn Leaves, Glendora, California Fall foliage might be the bane of homeowners and gardeners existence but as a photographer I would never want to sweep them up. Glendora, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fallen/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5605.jpg Fallen Fallen Red Leaf of Liquid Amber, Glendora, California I find it fascinating that the most beautiful color in the natural world is also the last step before a leaf dies. Beauty is a fleeting concept. Glendora, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/waikiki-nights/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9307.jpg Waikiki Nights Palm Trees & Sunset at Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii I made this Hawaiian palm tree photo at sunset on the first evening of our 2nd anniversary trip. This photo brings back fond memories for me every time I look at it. Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawaii https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/clifty-falls-state-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1830.jpg Clifty Falls State Park Big Clifty Falls and Fall Foliage, Clifty Falls State Park, Madison, Indiana Clifty Falls State Park is known for its numerous waterfalls but the main attraction here is Big Clifty Falls which is about 60 feet tall. The fall foliage here is absolutely sublime in October. Year Photographed: 2006 Indiana https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/first-winter-storm/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5296.jpg First Winter Storm First Winter Storm, Mammoth Lakes, California One of the snowiest and coldest towns in the United States, Mammoth Lakes can often have snow on the ground into the summer months. The ski resort has one of the longer ski seasons available due the amount of snowfall. While I do not ski at all, I love photographing snow and weather events. Mammoth Lakes, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sierra-wave/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5262.jpg Sierra Wave Sierra Wave over South Tufa Reserve, Mono Lake, California Sierra Wave is an informal name for a type of lenticular cloud that is created by wind reflected off of the high peaks of the Sierra. These lenticular clouds can lead to some spectacular sunsets over the region. Mono Lake, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lembert-dome/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7844.jpg Lembert Dome Lembert Dome and Tuolumne River at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Located at 9,449 feet in elevation, Lembert Dome is an iconic 850 foot granite dome rising above Tuolumne Meadows within Yosemite National Park near the Tioga Pass. Lembert Dome is arguably the most recognizable feature visible from Tuolumne Meadows. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/submerged/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9618-BW.jpg Submerged Abandoned Dock Pilings, Alameda, California Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/944/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/tkactions-panel_blog.jpg https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/943/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/tkactions-basictp_blog.jpg https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/942/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/tkactions-luminosity-mask_blog.jpg https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/gloomy-winter-evening/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9257-BW.jpg Gloomy Winter Evening Gloomy Winter Evening at Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe State Park, Nevada Year Photographed: 2016 Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/birch-tree-bark/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9137.jpg Peeling Away Birch Tree Bark Details, Líisle-aux-Coudres, Quebec, Canada While preparing to go on a 35-mile bike ride with Backroads, I couldn't help but notice simple patterns on these white birch trees. Always keep an eye out for photographic opportunities no matter what you are doing. Year Photographed: 2015Related Photo: Smugglers' Paintbrush Quebec, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/point-pinos-lighthouse/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6457.jpg Point Pinos Lighthouse Point Pinos Lighthouse (Oldest Continuously Operating Lighthouse on the West Coast), Pacific Grove, California Point Pinos Lighthouse, established in 1855, is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States. Its establishment was crucial in ensuring the safety of ships navigating the treacherous waters of the Pacific Ocean. Over the years, the lighthouse has witnessed numerous maritime events and played a key role in guiding countless vessels to safety. Its legacy as a beacon of light has made it an iconic landmark in the maritime history of the region. The Point Pinos Lighthouse boasts a distinct architectural style that reflects the prevailing trends of the mid-19th century. Its Cape Cod design, characterized by its simple elegance and white clapboard exterior, stands as a testament to the period's architectural prowess. Moreover, the lighthouse's engineering features are equally impressive. The strategic placement of the light atop the tower, coupled with its powerful beam, enabled it to effectively guide ships during both day and night. As a navigation aid for ships along the Pacific coast, Point Pinos Lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding vessels through the treacherous waters of Monterey Bay. Its position near the entrance of the bay made it an indispensable resource for mariners seeking safe passage. The lighthouse's beam, which could be seen from miles away, was a beacon of hope for sailors who relied on its guiding light to chart their course and avoid perilous obstacles. Pacific Grove, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rough-seas/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9208.jpg Rough Seas Incoming Tides, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has several nicknames including "The Crown Jewel" of the California State Parks system, and "the greatest meeting of land and water in the world". Though subjective descriptions for sure, I certainly do not disagree with those names either! Point Lobos State Reserve, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/point-lobos/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7479.jpg Point Lobos Monterey Cypress Trees Framing Scenic Vista Along Allan Memorial Grove Trail, Point Lobos State Reserve, California One of my favorite short hikes on the California Coast, this view is one that I never tire of seeing. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/little-corona-del-mar-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2060.jpg Little Corona Del Mar Beach Powerful Waves Splashing on Arch Rock, Little Corona Del Mar Beach, California Corona Del Mar is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Newport Beach which is one of the most affluent cities in the United States. Thanks to the California Coastal Commission the public has access to our coastal beaches where people from all demographic backgrounds can enjoy our beautiful coastline. LIttle Corona Del Mar Beach is especially memorable for the rocky tide pools and seastacks just offshore. Year Photographed: 2006 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/giant-kelp/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2119.jpg Giant Kelp Giant Kelp Splashed by Incoming Tide, Cabrillo National Monument, California Giant kelp is the largest type of algae in the world. This type of kelp is common along the pacific coast which provides food and shelter for a variety of marine life. Cabrillo National Monument, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pink-tulip/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2519.jpg Pink Tulip Tulip at Descanso Garden, California Contrasty lighting conditions like this can be tough to photograph effectively with a wide angle lens but with a telephoto it allows me to selectively choose how I want to use the natural lighting here which illuminated this tulip while the rest of the flower bed was in deep shadow. Descanso Garden, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/last-light/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2216.jpg Last Light Joshua Trees and Last Light on Boulders, Joshua Tree National Park, California Joshua Trees and boulder is quintessential Joshua Tree National Park. If I were asked to describe the park in a few words this is how I would describe the appearance. Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sit-down-relax/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1020.jpg Sit Down & Relax Chairs and Window, Mission San Juan Capistrano, California Mission San Juan Capistrano, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mission-san-juan-capistrano/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2025.jpg Mission San Juan Capistrano Mission San Juan Capistrano, California I like looking at photos of Spanish colonial style architecture so this doorway scene at Mission San Juan Capistrano reminded me of what one might see in some parts of Mexico such as Oaxaca, Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende. Misión San Juan CapistranoEstablished: 1776 California Mission: #7Architectural Style: Spanish/California MissionNational Register of Historic Places: 1971 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/holy-water/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2030.jpg Holy Water Holy Water Signage, Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana, California Established: 1797 California Mission: #17 Holy water is water that has been blessed by a religious figure, usually a priest, prior to use for cleansing purposes. The purpose of holy water is to protect the recipient from evil. Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/red-rock-canyon-state-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2007.jpg Red Rock Canyon State Park Full Moon Over Joshua Trees, Red Rock Canyon State Park, California Located in the middle of California's Mojave Desert (not to be confused with Nevada's Red Rock Canyon), Red Rock Canyon State Park features interesting sandstone formations and Joshua trees. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/minimalist-landscape/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1160.jpg Minimalist Landscape Foggy Day at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, Calipatria, California The Salton Sea is a vast, inland body of water that on the surface doesn't seem like it supports much in terms of wildlife but the ecosystem is a vital one for the Pacific Flyway bird migration. Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/flying-snow-geese-at-twilight/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1169.jpg Flying Snow Geese at Twilight Flying Snow Geese at Twilight, Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, Westmorland, California A stopping point along the Pacific Flyway, the Salton Sea attracts a large amount of migrating birds during the winter months. I found this flock in a nearby agricultural field. Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cattle-grazing/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1153.jpg Cattle Grazing Cattle Grazing at Sunset, Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, California Landscape photography is not always about grass, mountains and rocks. Sometimes it includes farm animals. Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/frozen/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6690-2.jpg Frozen Heart Lake During Spring Snow Storm, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Heart Lake is a large backcountry lake located at 7,461 ft elevation within Yellowstone National Park. Due to the elevation and low temperatures, the lake was still completely frozen during my May visit. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/crowning-jewel/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1365.jpg Crowning Jewel Bearded Iris Macro Detail One of the more elegant flowers, I used a macro lens to focus on the stamen of this bearded iris. By selectively blurring most of the flower with my aperture I was able to keep parts of the crown in focus which is where I wanted to direct the eye. Bearded Iris Photo https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/double-rainbow/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7254.jpg Double Rainbow Double Rainbow over San Gabriel Mountains, Angeles National Forest, California A double rainbow is a meteorological phenomenon where two concentric arcs of colors appear in the sky, caused by the reflection, refraction, and dispersion of light in water droplets. The primary rainbow forms when sunlight enters a raindrop, reflects off the inside surface, and exits, bending at different angles for each color. A secondary rainbow, which is fainter and has reversed colors, forms from two internal reflections of sunlight within the raindrop. This results in the second arc appearing outside the primary rainbow with its colors inverted. Year Photographed: 2011 Angeles National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/balanced-rock/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1848.jpg Full Moon Balanced on Balanced Rock Full Moon Balanced on Balanced Rock, Arches National Park, Utah In the era before smartphone apps which could predict where celestial events would be located at a specific time, I noticed a full moon rising as I was driving into Arches National Park one morning way before sunrise. This gave me the idea that I would "balance" the full moon on Balanced Rock once it was bright enough outside to do so. Sometimes the best planning app is the human imagination. Year Photographed: 2006 Arches National Park, Utah https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/linger/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8795.jpg Linger Sunrise Fog Over Mt. Tamalpais Watershed, Marin County, California While on my way to an early morning hike and photoshoot on the ever-popular Cataract Falls Trail, I noticed this layer of low fog hovering over the valley below so I pulled out my long lens and photographed this moody scene which unfolded before me. Year Photographed: 2014 Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-shining/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8378.jpg The Shining Sunlight Shining Through Rising Mist at Burney Falls, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, California It is worth noting that I photographed this scene during an extreme drought year. This was in mid-January with zero snow in sight. In fact, nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park was still open for the season! Fortunately Burney Falls has plenty of water year-round. Year Photographed: 2014 McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fade-to-black/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8877.jpg Fade to Black The Wedge Waves Black and White, Newport Beach, California Reports of record-setting waves along Orange County's coastline led me to the famed surf break, The Wedge. Upon arrival I found out that a bodyboarder had died here earlier in the morning as he crashed against the jetty. The waves were very intense to say the least; a few of which came crashing ashore and got my camera wet. Year Photographed: 2009 The Wedge, Newport Beach https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-family-photographer/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7015BW.jpg The Family Photographer Black and White Photo of Monterey Cypress Tree Trunks at Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California My Uncle Peter was the family photographer long before I ever picked up a camera. He was my favorite uncle so I'll always miss him dearly. During his funeral I saw a picture of him and his dog at Carmel Beach near a similar-looking tree. When I visited Carmel Beach months later this scene reminded me of my uncle. Year Photographed: 2010 Carmel-by-the-Sea, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/storm-mountain/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7613-BW.jpg Storm Mountain Storm Mountain, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada The Canadian Rockies will always occupy a special place in my heart as my parents took me on a trip here when I was a young child. Less than a decade later, my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease so the following two decades until my dad's passing was tumultuous to say the least. This photo, Storm Mountain, is dedicated to the memory of my dad. Year Photographed: 2012 Awards: 16th Annual Black & White Spider Awards - Professional, Nature Category (Nominee) Banff National Park, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/foggy-evening/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9301.jpg Foggy Evening Foggy Evening at Arched Rock Beach, Sonoma Coast SB, California The most interesting weather to photograph is often the most uncomfortable. Wet, foggy and windy. If I had a choice between sunny cloudless skies and dreary overcast weather I'd pick overcast almost every time. Year Photographed: 2016 Sonoma Coast, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/doggy-style/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3950.jpg Doggy Style Fallen Oak Tree in San Dimas Experimental Forest, San Gabriel Mountains, California It's probably best that I stay away from Rorshach tests. San Gabriel Mountains, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/white-out/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1880.jpg White Out Aspen Trees in Snowstorm near Maroon Bells, White River National Forest, Colorado I was in the middle of two-week road trip across the country when I stopped in Aspen for a few days. The fall crowds had just cleared out and the first snowfall of the season had just begun. I was on my way to the Maroon Bells at dawn when I was forced to stop due to near white-out conditions. Fortunately I was afforded the opportunity to photograph this beautiful grove of aspen as a result. Year Photographed: 2006 Aspen, Colorado https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-root-of-it-all/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9380.jpg The Root of it All Moss-Covered Tree on Foggy Morning, Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve, California Many photographers tend to gravitate toward obvious landscapes such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Mount Tamalpais but I find as much joy in exploring random forests. You never know what you might encounter such as this impressive tree in a Marin watershed. Year Photographed: 2017 Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/los-osos-oaks/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9395_web.jpg Los Osos Oaks Hiking Trail / Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve, Los Osos, California Oak trees are so fun to photograph. No two ever looks the same and they come in all shapes and sizes. Year Photographed: 2017 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/natures-chaos/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8395.jpg Nature's Chaos Mossy Trees and Lichen in Forest, Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve, California The art of photography is the art of creating order from an inherently chaotic planet. Year Photographed: 2014 Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/autumn-leaves/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1787-2.jpg Autumn Leaves Maple Trees in Fall at the Bernheim Forest, Clermont, Kentucky One of the most beautiful forests that I have ever walked through, the Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest has over 16,000 acres to explore. I largely had the place to myself while visiting in the late fall. Year Photographed: 2006 Bernheim Forest, Kentucky https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/guardians-of-the-forest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8394.jpg Guardians of the Forest Mossy Trees, Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve, California The Sierra Club is an environmental organization that was founded in 1892 by legendary conservationist John Muir in San Francisco. Famous conservation efforts include the campaign against the Hetch Hetchy Dam in Yosemite which eventually led to the creation of the National Park System, and the successful effort to prevent the damming of the Grand Canyon. Without strong conservation principles there would be very little of the natural world left to explore with corporate interests left unchecked. Today, the Sierra Club is the largest such organization in the world. Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/kaleidoscope/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7049.jpg Kaleidoscope Fall Foliage, Angeles National Forest / Glendora, California The most varied amount of colorful foliage I've ever seen in a single composition, I made this photograph shortly after a rainstorm which helped accentuate the color saturation on the leaves in combination with my circular polarizer filter which cuts reflective glare. Year Photographed: 2010 Angeles National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mount-tamalpais-watershed/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8827.jpg Mount Tamalpais Watershed Fall Maples Leaves in Temperate Rainforest at Mount Tamalpais Watershed, Marin County, California Few places in California experience more precipitation and are as lush as the inner forests of Mount Tamalpais during the winter months. This is a wonderful forest to explore on foot and with a camera. Year Photographed: 2014 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tree-attachment/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9379.jpg Tree Attachment Twisted Tree Branches in Fog, Marin County, California My initial plans were to start a ten-mile hike in Marin County before sunrise but the road was closed due to mudslides so I ended up at another trail that I had been to several times over the years. I was initially upset with having to go to Plan B but once I saw these fascinating trees my mood was instantly lifted. Moral of the story: Don't get too fixated on one path. Go with the flow. Year Photographed: 2017 Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hidden-forest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8032.jpg Hidden Forest Foggy Forest, Point Reyes National Seashore, California Hiking up a steep, dirt fire road, I found this grove of weathered trees roaring in the wind. Few people probably see this much less photograph it. I found it to be interesting. Point Reyes National Seashore, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/for-whom-the-bell-tolls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1890-3.jpg For Whom The Bell Tolls Limited Edition of 25 Prints The Maroon Bells are perhaps the most recognizable peaks in Colorado. Comprising of two "fourteeners", Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak stand at 14,163 feet and 14,019 feet respectively. At the base of the mountains, Maroon Lake (9,580') forms a classic American landscape when the water is calm. I had just arrived in Aspen that afternoon and headed up to the iconic Maroon Lake. After some time walking around and photographing the lake, the high altitude took a toll on me as I was suddenly very sleepy. After sleeping in the car for awhile, I woke up very nauseous but managed to keep it together long enough to drive toward town. Halfway down the road, I suddenly felt re-energized and went back to Maroon Lake to photograph the sunset. When I really want something, I block everything else out and just do it. Year Photographed: 2006 Maroon Bells, Colorado https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/maui-morning/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9337.jpg Maui Morning My wife and I decided to visit Maui for our 2nd anniversary. Samantha does not like to wake up early which is perfectly fine by me so it affords me time to pursue photographs such as this Maui palm tree photo. Year Photographed: 2016 Hawaii https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/puddles/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8774_web.jpg Puddles Low Tide Reflections at Robert Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda, California As my artistic vision has evolved over the years, I find myself gravitating toward the less obvious compositions. Anyone can identify a good sunset and point straight at the horizon. It's more difficult to find unconventional compositions that most people would overlook. The subject matter here is not immediately obvious which is part of what drew me to this scene. Year Photographed: 2014 Awards: 2019 IPA International Photography Awards - Professional, Landscape Photography Category - Honorable Mention Robert Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/vanishing-point/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7099.jpg Vanishing Point Limited Edition of 25 Prints The architectural gem of Pasadena, Pasadena City Hall has been a constant presence in my life. My mom and my aunt worked nearly their entire careers at City Hall. I grew up visiting the offices and have met many of the wonderful public service workers over the years. As an adult, I've returned many times not just to photograph but I also took my now-wife there on our first date. Year Photographed: 2011 Pasadena, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/butchart-gardens-cherry-blossoms/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9449.jpg Butchart Gardens Cherry Blossoms Cherry Blossoms at The Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada On previous visits to The Butchart Gardens I had seen the beautiful flowers of mid-summer so it was an interesting change of pace to visit during the early spring which has a different color palette. Year Photographed: 2017 Vancouver Island, British Columbia https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/chinese-garden-waterfall/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8736.jpg Chinese Garden Waterfall Chinese Garden Waterfall at The Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California No sound soothes my soul as much as the sound of a waterfall. There is something calming about the sound of water and it is my favorite subject to photograph. Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/chinese-garden-cherry-blossoms/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7966.jpg Chinese Garden Cherry Blossoms Cherry Blossoms in Chinese Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California Perhaps the most elegant of all flowering trees, cherry blossoms are always a welcome sight for me every year. I wanted to highlight the pastels by contrasting the branches against a white wall. Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/aloe-vera-blooming/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7965.jpg Aloe Vera Blooming Aloe Vera Flowers Blooming in Desert Garden at The Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California A succulent plant with numerous medicinal and agricultural uses, aloe vera blooms with beautiful red flowers. The Huntington features approximately 200 of the world's 300 varieties within the desert garden. Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-huntington-desert-garden/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7964.jpg The Huntington Desert Garden Desert Garden at The Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California The Huntington Desert Garden is a true sanctuary nestled within The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Brimming with stunning flora from arid regions around the world, this botanical gem beckons visitors to enter a realm of abundant beauty and serenity. Spanning over 10 acres, the Huntington Desert Garden stands as one of the largest and oldest outdoor collections of cacti and succulents in the world. This magnificent garden showcases a remarkable variety of plant life adapted to survive in harsh desert conditions. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing landscape, where spiky cacti, vibrant blooms, and sculptural agaves create a captivating tapestry of colors and textures. Located within The Huntington's exquisite grounds in San Marino, California, the Desert Garden offers visitors an opportunity for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As part of the larger Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, it is nestled within a renowned cultural institution that boasts an extensive collection of rare books, exceptional art exhibitions, and impeccably maintained botanical gardens. I have personally spent a lot of time exploring this garden. I recall my mom taking my brother and I to visit The Huntington when we were growing up. We would always visit the Desert Garden and that's what I remembered most. As an adult, I eventually purchased a up just up the street in Pasadena and would visit frequently with my annual membership. San Marino, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/jungle-garden/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7931.jpg Jungle Garden Trail Through Jungle Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California The most exotic part of the Huntington Botanical Gardens, I was transfixed by the appearance of the tree trunks that lined the Jungle Garden. Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bamboo-forest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7927.jpg Bamboo Forest Fall Foliage in Bamboo Forest / Japanese Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California One of the more hidden gardens at The Huntington, I imagined what it would be like to explore the forests of Asia. With this scene I felt at home within the lush jungle-like environment.Related Photo: Bamboo Dreams Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/vibrant-serenity/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7926.jpg Vibrant Serenity Pink Flowers and Trees in Japanese Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California With early access as a member of The Huntington, I enjoyed the quiet solitude in the early morning hours. On this occasion I would blessed with low morning fog which led to this quiet composition. Year Photographed: 2012 Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/huntington-chinese-garden/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7910.jpg Chinese Garden Limited Edition of 25 Prints The newest garden at The Huntington Botanical Gardens, The Garden of Flowing Fragrance, is one of the largest Chinese gardens outside of of China. Year Photographed: 2012 Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/european-hornbeam/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7908.jpg European Hornbeam European Hornbeam Tree Fall Foliage in Japanese Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California As a local resident and annual pass holder, I was able to repeatedly visit the Huntington Botanical Gardens during all seasons and make photos that others walk by without a glance. This European Hornbeam tree is one of my favorites. Year Photographed: 2012 Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/land-of-agave/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7899.jpg Land of Agave Agave Plants in Desert Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California Borrowlenses.com sent me a Canon 24mm Tilt/Shift II lens to review so I decided to explore the local Huntington Gardens with this lens. With this composition I stood above the agave then used the shift feature to get this up-close-and-personal view of the plant as a foreground. This is undoubtedly the most unique lens I have ever used. Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/australian-garden-at-the-huntington/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7898.jpg Australian Garden at The Huntington Blooming Yellow Chi Chi Flowers in Australian Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California Since I was testing out a Canon 24mm Tilt/Shift II lens which was provided by borrowlenses.com, I decided to explore the five-acre Australian Garden at the Huntington which I had never photographed before. I had photographed other parts of the garden numerous times but on this occasion I saw some beautiful blooming flowers for which the tilt/shift lenses would be perfect for as a foreground composition. I used the tilt/shift features to create perfectly straight lines with ensuring an in-focus foreground while having my camera just inches away.Related Photos: Japanese Garden Pond | Huntington's Cherry Blossoms | A Touch of Spring San Marino, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bamboo-dreams/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7897.jpg Bamboo Dreams Bamboo in Japanese Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California The Huntington had recently re-planted this forest of bamboo so I took this opportunity to photograph this forest before the selfish tourists could start carving their initials into the bamboo. It's a sad part of our society here but a selfish minority doesn't respect others' property and would rather deface it than allow others to enjoy it. For this photo I took advantage of the Canon 24mm Tilt/Shift II lens to create straight lines and minimize the parallax distortion that is all-too common within regular lenses. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/japanese-garden-overlook/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7892.jpg Japanese Garden Overlook Japanese Garden Overlook at The Huntington, San Marino, California Mid-day light is the most challenging to make landscapes but I used the shadows to my advantage here as the spotlight happened to be on the foreground bush at this Japanese Garden overlook. The rest of the busy-looking forest faded away into silhouette which allows the eye to go from the foreground straight into the background traditional Japanese Tea House. My Canon 24mm Tilt/Shift II lenses allowed me to get closer to the foreground that I would have been able to otherwise while maintaining focus from front to back of the frame. The shift also allowed me maintain straight lines. Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/shakespeare-garden/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7889.jpg Shakespeare Garden Shakespeare Garden in Fall at Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California As I walked through the Huntington's Shakespeare Garden during this fall morning, I was taken back to the 17th century England where the bard created his master works. This is my 21st century rendition of that era. Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/japanese-garden-pond/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7888.jpg Japanese Garden Pond Pond in Japanese Garden at Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California With the shift feature of the Canon 24mm tilt/shift II lens, I was able to get this foreground bush up-front and center in my composition while maintain straight lines throughout the frame. This lens which was provided by borrowlenses.com can really create some impactful foregrounds which I wouldn't have been able to make with other lenses unless I resorted to post-processing tricks such as focus stacking which I don't do. Getting it right in camera is usually my top priority. Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/yucca-plant-leaves/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7453.jpg Yucca Plant Leaves Yucca Plant Leaves at Desert Garden / The Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California Close-up garden photos are not just about flowers. There are plenty of photogenic plants out there waiting to be photographed as well. Plants like this yucca are often overlooked by photographers but I find a certain beauty to these plants. Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bonsai-shadows/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7409.jpg Bonsai Shadows Bonsai Tree Silhouette at Japanese Garden / The Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California While casually walking around the garden the day prior I noticed that this bonsai was backlit by the setting sun so I returned with my tripod the following afternoon at the same time to make this image. There is a very narrow period of time during the year when this image can be made so I made sure to not squander it. Silhouettes work best with iconic shapes that are widely recognized. Silhouettes minimize distractions and can be powerful when done right. Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/prickly-barrels/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7243.jpg Prickly Barrels Desert Garden Sunset at The Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California One of the perks of the annual membership at The Huntington is being able to visit the gardens during the summer evening events which feature live music among other events. As a photographer, I had little interest in those events as I used this opportunity to photograph the gardens during the "magic hours" around sunset. The low sun allowed afforded me soft light which helped create this halo around the barrel cactus. I didn't have graduated neutral-density filters with me so I used my hand to hold back the sky exposure to prevent overexposure in the sky. If I were to make this image again these days I would probably shoot multiple exposures and blend them with luminosity masks in Photoshop. Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/welcome-to-the-jungle/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7242.jpg Welcome to the Jungle Palm Garden Scene at The Huntington, San Marino, California The Huntington's Palm Garden showcases approximately 90 species of palms native to arid and subtropical regions, forming one of California's most extensive public palm collections. Established under Henry E. Huntington's direction, the garden faced early challenges, including significant losses during the severe winters of 1913 and 1922. Over time, the surviving mature palms created a protective microclimate, enabling the introduction of more delicate species. Notable palms in the collection include the Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis), the Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis), and the California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera), the state's sole native palm. The garden continues to evolve, incorporating new genera and species as they are discovered worldwide. Year Photographed: 2011 Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/desert-garden-agave/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7161.jpg Desert Garden Agave Desert Garden Agave at The Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California What I like most about desert plants is the unusual shapes and patterns. There is an exotic and somewhat intimidating appearance to these types of plants. Agave is one of the more photogenic plants that I've encountered. Year Photographed: 2011 Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/a-touch-of-spring/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7147.jpg A Touch of Spring Spring Garden Flower Blooms and Green Door to the Huntington Art Gallery, San Marino, California When I lived in Pasadena I would try to visit The Huntington several times per month. It was wonderful to see the subtle seasonal changes throughout the garden as the year progressed. While the garden doesn't have a lot of obvious compositions it is very gratifying for me as an artist to explore and find my own compositions. Being challenged as an artist keeps me coming back unlike a places where the compositions are handed to me on a platter.Related Photos: The Huntington Desert Garden | Desert Fantasy | Vibrant Serenity Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/desert-garden-cactus/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7143.jpg Desert Garden Cactus Cactus at The Desert Garden in Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California Backlit rim lighting is one of the most subtle yet beautiful types of light I work with as a photographer. In this instance the sharp cactus needles are illuminated with a golden glow due to the backlighting which puts most of the plant in shadow with the exception of the needles. Photography is the art of simplification and this is a great example of how to use lighting to simplify compositions. Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/shakespearean-tree/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7135.jpg Shakespearean Tree Spring Tree Flower Blossoms and Green Door to The Huntington Art Gallery, San Marino, California The Shakespeare Garden at the Huntington Botanical Gardens features flowers and plants which were described within the bard's plays. Some of the plants were also cultivated in England during Shakespeare's time. Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-art-of-doors/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7076.jpg The Art of Doors Double White Doors with Fall Foliage Ivy at Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art / The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California When it comes to exterior architecture, the "soul" of a building can often be found in the doorways. Each time I visit the Huntington the ivy covers this door to various degrees. Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lake-of-reflected-fragrance/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7071.jpg Lake of Reflected Fragrance Ying Fang Hu / Lake of Reflected Fragrance in Chinese Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California The centerpiece of the classical-style Chinese garden with authentic architecture, plants and landscaping, the Lake of Reflected Fragrance at The Huntington Botanical Gardens is a spectacular location to go for a stroll and photograph. Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/crimson-sunshine/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6205.jpg Crimson Sunshine Japanese Maple Trees Fall Color - Sunken Garden, Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, B.C. Though I spent much of visit photographing the countless blooming flowers, this splash of colorful foliage caught my eye as I walked on a trail about the Sunken Garden. Some of my favorite colors in nature all in one frame! The Butchart Gardens, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/soothing-waters/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6097.jpg Soothing Waters Minter Gardens Waterfall, Chlliwack, British Columbia Like the garden of eden, I found myself in blissful peace photographing this garden waterfall in the rain. The sound of water relaxes me. Minter Gardens, B.C. https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/water-wheels/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6096.jpg Water Wheel Minter Gardens Water Wheel, Chilliwack, B.C. My parents and I visited Minter Gardens when I was a young child during the mid-80's. Many years later I was able to bring my mom back for a trip down memory lane. Minter Gardens ranks up there with The Butchart Gardens as the most beautiful gardens I have ever visited. I was sad to hear that Minter Gardens closed for good in 2013. At least I have photos and memories. Year Photographed: 2009 Minter Gardens, B.C. https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/canadian-maple-leaf/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6080.jpg Canadian Maple Leaf Minter Gardens Canadian Maple Leaf Flag Floral Display, Chilliwack, B.C. A beautiful show garden that I visited as a child in the mid-80's, the Minter Gardens closed in 2013. What I remember most about my childhood vacation was this floral rendition of the Canadian maple leaf flag. The floral design was every bit as beautiful as I had remember when I revisited with my mom in 2009. Minter Gardens, B.C. https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tulip-time/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2517.jpg Tulip Time Tulips Basking in Sunshine at Descanso Garden, La Canada Flintridge, California Flowers generally follow the sunlight so I contorted myself to get underneath the flowers for this unique perspective of the tulips reaching up to the sun. Year Photographed: 2007 Descanso Garden, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-rite-of-spring/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6585.jpg The Rite of Spring Lupine Spring Wildflowers near Arvin, Kern County, California Every spring, the Southern California landscape magically transforms from a arid, barren landscape to a lush carpet of wildflowers as far as the eye can see. Though some years have more impressive displays than others it is almost always possible to find great wildflowers every year. Kern County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/red-rhododendron/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9418.jpg Red Rhododendron Red Rhododendron Bloom at Stanley Park, Vancouver, B.C., Canada In mid-April, much of Canada is still thawing out from the long winter so it's not as colorful as mid-summer but I did find these large red rhododendron blooms while walking around Stanley Park one morning. The diffused morning light and rain from the evening prior helped aid the color saturation of my photo. Year Photographed: 2017 Vancouver, B.C. https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/demure-elegance/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9043.jpg Demure Elegance White Wildflowers, Kootenay National Park, British Columbia, Canada The mottled, diffused lighting here lit up just the right amount of the white wildflowers here to provide the visual interest I needed for this intimate nature scene. Kootenay National Park, B.C. https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/aloe-hill/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8891.jpg Aloe Hill Aloe Hill in Desert Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California Every year this hillside on the upper desert garden at The Huntington comes alive with thousands of blooming aloe vera flowers. Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/vandusen-botanical-garden/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8806.jpg VanDusen Botanical Garden VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver, B.C. A 22-acre public garden opened in 1975, VanDusen Botanical Garden features beautiful landscaping and native plant life. Vancouver, B.C. https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/huntingtons-cherry-blossoms/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7987.jpg Huntington's Cherry Blossoms Cherry Blossoms in Japanese Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California My favorite aspect of photographing large gardens such as The Huntington is there is so much variety. One could travel all over the world to photograph all these specimens during different seasons such as cherry blossoms during the spring time or you could have it all in one place and photograph them week-by-week like I did. San Marino, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pch-poppy/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7522.jpg PCH Poppy Golden Poppy Along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) North of San Simeon, San Luis Obispo, California One doesn't necessarily have to travel to the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve to see golden poppies. They basically grow all over the state and you can find them along the road even. Big Sur, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pride-of-madeira/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9671-3_web.jpg Pride of Madeira Spring Flowers at Sunrise, Pacific Grove, California Pride of Madeira flowers are planted along coastal trail for the benefit of the monarch butterfly habitat within the city, Pacific Grove, California. Year Photographed: 2018 Pacific Grove, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lompoc-flower-fields/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7186.jpg Lompoc Flower Fields Flower Fields, Lompoc, California Many commercially-grown flowers come from Lompoc so I found myself here seeking out some leading lines in the flower beds for my composition. The clouds help provide a nice background in the absence of mountains. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/apricot-nectar-rose/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7133.jpg Apricot Nectar Rose Apricot Nectar Rose (Foribunda) / Rose Garden at The Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California My using my telephoto lens, I chose to isolate the pastel-colored Apricot Nectar Rose against a dark shaded background which helps draw the eye toward the beauty of the flower. A brighter color background would have been distracting. Related Photos: A Touch of Spring | Huntington's Cherry Blossoms | Vibrant Serenity Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rejuvenated/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7124.jpg Rejuvenated Golden Poppies Growing in Burn Area on Figueroa Mountain, Los Padres National Forest, California Figueroa Mountain is a 4,534 foot summit in Santa Barbara County in the U.S. state of California. It is in the San Rafael Mountains, part of the Transverse Ranges group of ranges. The mountain is located in Los Padres National Forest. Figueroa Mountain was named for a member of the well-known southern California family, the most eminent of whom was José Figueroa, governor of Alta California in 1833-35. The Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area has excellent spring wildflower displays after wet winters. Late March brings out the early blooming specimens such as purple shooting stars. Later arrivals on the mountain include chocolate lilies, and the scarlet Indian paintbrush. The open grassland areas support a profusion of annual species including goldfields, sky lupine, and California poppy. Other favorites include hummingbird sage and blue dicks. The plant community here is an inland central oak woodland dominated by valley oak, blue oak, interior live oak, and gray pine. The companion shrub species are manzanita, coffeeberry and redberry and gooseberry and currants. Figueroa Mountain, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/purple-lust/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6636.jpg Purple Lust Bush Lupine, Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area, California There is something alluring and seductive about the color purple. Figueroa Mountain, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/field-of-lupine/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6630.jpg Field of Lupine Lupine Wildflowers, Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area, California Arguably the most beautiful wildflower, lupine is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family Fabaceae. The genus includes over 199 species, with centers of diversity in North and South America. Figueroa Mountain, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/barbaras-bouquet/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6629.jpg Barbara's Bouquet Lupine Wildflowers, Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area, Santa Barbara County, California One of the best displays of lupine I've ever witnessed, Figueroa Mountain is truly a beautiful place to explore while in the Santa Barbara area. Figueroa Mountain, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/yellow-tulip/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6621.jpg Yellow Tulip Yellow Tulip, Descanso Garden, California What I like most about close-up flower and macro photography is selecting which background to pair with my main subject. This tulip photo is mostly about pastels and complementary colors. Descanso Garden, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/descansos-tulip/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6620.jpg Descanso's Tulip Tulip Close-Up, Descanso Garden, California I liked the pink color scheme here and selectively blurred with depth of field to accentuate the pink tulip flower. Year Photographed: 2010 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/spring-fling/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6619.jpg Spring Fling Tulips, Descanso Garden, California Descanso Garden in April features the best tulip blooms in California. There is every color imaginable here. Descanso Garden, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/carrizo-plain/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6610.jpg Carrizo Plain Goldfields, Carrizo Plain National Monument, California The Carrizo Plain across, in southeastern San Luis Obispo County, California, about 100 miles (160 km) northwest of Los Angeles. It contains the 246,812-acre (99,881 ha) Carrizo Plain National Monument, and it is the largest single native grassland remaining in California. Following a winter of abundant rainfall the grasslands come alive with a profusion of wildflowers. This is one of the most remote locations I've visited in California. I haven't experienced quiet the way I did in Carrizo Plain. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lake-elsinore-wildflowers/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6574.jpg Lake Elsinore Wildflowers Spring Wildflowers in the Hills of Lake Elsinore, California Photographed in the years before Lake Elsinore became "Ground Zero" for the super bloom crowds in Southern California, it was a sleepy hamlet that wildflower diehards knew about and could explore without crowding. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bloom-dill/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6557.jpg Bloom Dill Bloom Dill, Coachella Valley, California Commercially-grown for cooking seasoning, dill plants are commonly used for chicken and seafood recipes. I found myself here early one morning before dusk while on a commercial assignment and had to do all of my scouting with my headlights since it was dark outside when I arrived. This overhead macro photo of the dill bloom is a different view than the more common side-on view of the flower.Related Photo: Bloom Dill Field Coachella Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/morning-embrace/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6324.jpg Morning Embrace Red Flower at Beacon Hill Park Garden, Victoria, Canada A short walk from my hotel in Victoria's Inner Harbour, I explored Beacon Hill Park Garden at dawn on this summer morning. The dim, diffused morning light provided just enough illumination for the two flowers while keeping the background dark enough for the red flowers to pop. Year Photographed: 2009 Victoria, B.C. https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/wild-sunflower/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5985.jpg Wild Sunflower Wild Sunflowers at Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park, Glendora, California Few things in nature bring a smile to my face the way that a sunflower does. There is something cheerful about the flower that I can't quite explain. Glendora, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/golden-poppy/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5847.jpg Golden Poppy Golden Poppy, Fullerton Arboretum, California When possible I like having clean backgrounds as it helps me to keep the attention on the main subject. Backgrounds should accentuate the subject without taking away from it. Fullerton Arboretum, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/daylight-charisma/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5846.jpg Daylight Charisma Yellow Poppy, Fullerton Arboretum, California When shooting macro flower photography, it's all about pairing the flower of the color with a complimentary background. Yellow and green naturally go together. The darker tones of the background ensure that the yellow flower stays front and center visually. Fullerton Arboretum, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hills-of-gold/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5749.jpg Hills of Gold Chino Hills State Park Spring Mustard Flowers, Southern California An invasive weed originally introduced from European vineyards, mustard flower displays can be incredibly beautiful during the best of wildflower years. I liked the simplicity of this scene. Year Photographed: 2009 Chino Hills State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/white-beared-iris/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4911.jpg White Bearded Iris White Bearded Iris One of the more elegant types of flowers that my mom grows in her yard, I always enjoy seeing her bearded iris' bloom. Photo https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/golden-eruption/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4350.jpg Golden Eruption Goldfields and Golden Poppies, Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, California One of the most amazing nature spectacles in California, the annual poppy bloom is truly a sight to behold. The flowers are not big but there are so many of them it's hard to comprehend and they go on for as far as the eye can see. In this photo I decided to focus on a small area to show how much diversity there is within a poppy field. It's not just poppies. Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hay-fever/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4349.jpg Hay Fever Goldfields and Golden Poppies, Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, California Spring wildflowers is both a blessing and a curse for me as I'm severely allergic to pollen. A trip to the wildflower fields can result in a non-stop runny nose, swollen eyes and congestion that takes days to recover from. If I wasn't so in love with photography and wildflowers then I wouldn't do this. Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/goldilocks/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1390.jpg Goldilocks I've only photographed a handful of photos with a specialized macro lens in my career but the few that I have photographed have been among my favorite flower photos. This type of photography is actually much more difficult than it looks because the depth of field is so shallow that it's nearly impossible to get any part of it in focus particularly if there is any sort of movement in the flower either due to wind or other factors. I focused my efforts on the stamen here and was fortunate to get that part in focus. One of the side benefits of a fixed length macro lens is they are among the sharpest type of lens that a photographer can buy. Year Photographed: 2006 California Poppy Macro Photo https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sweet-seduction/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1362.jpg Sweet Seduction Macro detail of Cymbidium Orchid Flower. With a macro lens I was able to get right up on this flower and create some soft lines and colors as a result. I was attracted to the sensual feeling of this particular flower composition. Year Photographed: 2006 Cymbidium Orchid Photo https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/byodo-in-koi/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9335.jpg Byodo-In Koi Limited Edition of 25 Prints My Uncle Peter once owned an extensive koi collection in his backyard. Other than photography, his koi collection was his passion in life. Uncle Peter is no longer with us so when I see koi I think of my favorite uncle. Year Photographed: 2016 O'ahu, Hawaii https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/clifty-creek/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1769.jpg Clifty Creek Waterfall on Clifty Creek, Clifty Falls State Park, Indiana Clifty Falls State Park is located just outside of the historic town of Madison, Indiana. The park's extensive collection of waterfalls are fed by Clifty Creek, which empties into the Ohio River far below the canyon. Clifty Falls State Park, Indiana https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/big-clifty-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1746.jpg Big Clifty Falls Big Clifty Falls, Clifty Falls State Park, Indiana Located within Madison County in Indiana, Clifty Falls State Park features a series of beautiful waterfalls of varying sizes. The most well-known waterfall its' namesake, Big Clifty Falls, a 60 foot waterfall.Related Photos: Clifty Creek | Indiana https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/three-bears/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9346.jpg Three Bears Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears) / Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii Upper Waikana Falls aka. "Three Bears" is a 70 foot triple falls along Maui's famed Road to Hana. I visited this location while celebrating my 2nd anniversary with my pregnant wife. My wife was about to start her 3rd trimester so serious hiking was out of the question. The nice part about the Road to Hana is that many of the best parts can be found a short walk from the car. Year Photographed: 2016 Maui, Hawaii https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-road-to-hana/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9345.jpg The Road to Hana Wailua Falls (Road to Hana), Maui, Hawaii The Road to Hana is a scenic drive located on the Hawaiian island of Maui. The route winds along the northeastern coast of the island and takes drivers through lush rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and along the rugged coastline. The road is approximately 64 miles long, but the journey can take several hours due to the winding nature of the road and numerous stops along the way. The route is known for its breathtaking views, stunning landscapes, and cultural sites. It is a popular tourist destination and a must-do experience for visitors to Maui. Along the way, travelers can visit historic sites, swim in hidden waterfalls, and sample local cuisine. The Road to Hana is a true representation of the natural beauty and rich culture of Hawaii. Arguably Maui's most famous waterfall, Wailua Falls is a 80 foot cascade down a lush tropical rainforest along the Road to Hana. Year Photographed: 2016 Maui, Hawaii https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pua-a-ka-a-waterfall/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9342.jpg Pua'a Ka'a Waterfall Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside Park Waterfall, Maui, Hawaii One of the smaller waterfalls I encountered on the Road to Hana, Pua'a Ka'a made up for its relative lack of size with beauty amidst a heavily-forested tropical rainforest. By getting closer to the falls, I was able to minimize visual effect of the small size and emphasized it's elegance. Year Photographed: 2016 Maui, Hawaii https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-inkwells/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9267.jpg The Inkwells The Inkwells, Lagunitas, California The Lagunitas Inkwells located in rural West Marin County are known for the wild coho salmon runs during winters with sufficient rainfall totals. This salmon run is one of the last remaining locations in the San Francisco Bay Area that hosts a native population. Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/morning-friend/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9260.jpg Morning Friend Foggy Morning at Cataract Falls / Mount Tamalpais Watershed, Marin County, California One of the most popular trails in Marin County, I generally prefer to hike Cataract Falls at dawn before others arrive. Not only is the light softer at that hour but I'm already heading back down the steep trail as others are arriving. I absolutely love photographing this area as this was one of the main reasons why I chose to relocate to the Bay Area after a decade-long absence. Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cataract-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9259.jpg Cataract Falls Cataract Falls in Fog / Mount Tamalpais Watershed, Marin County, California Cataract Falls is one of the Bay Area natural attractions that compelled me to relocated back to the Bay Area for the 2nd time in my adult life. I first visited Cataract Falls in the early 2000's while attending graduate school in San Francisco. The scenery especially in winter could easily be mistaken for a temperate rainforest in the Pacific Northwest rather than Marin County, California. Cataract Falls becomes a trickle or non-existent by the summer time if there is no further precipitation during the season. Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/whispering-waters/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8822.jpg Whispering Waters Limited Edition of 25 Prints I first visited the Mount Shasta region and hiked to McCloud Falls in 2004. Unfortunately for me, I decided to camp in near 100 degree weather during this trip. Despite staying in the shade and going through almost an entire 24 pack of water bottles, I could not keep myself hydrated enough and had to return home after just one day due to severe dehydration. An asian man like myself should not be pale white color. Returning in the spring of 2015, a wiser and now-married man, I was able to thoroughly enjoy my visit to Middle McCloud Falls in more comfortable weather conditions. This is truly an amazing waterfall to experience. Year Photographed: 2015 Shasta-Trinity National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/middle-mccloud-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8412.jpg Middle McCloud Falls Middle McCloud Falls, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, California Located along the McCloud River, Middle McCloud Falls is the 2nd of a series of three waterfalls. At 50 feet tall and 80 feet in wide, Middle Falls is arguably the most photogenic of the three falls. Shasta-Trinity National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cascadia/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8381.jpg Cascadia Burney Falls, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, California Located in the remote northeastern corner of California, Burney Falls is a year-round waterfall that is fed from an underground spring. I visited during January during a severe drought year. You wouldn't have known that by looking at Burney Falls however as the volume remains remarkably consistent throughout the year. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/eighth-wonder-of-the-world/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8377.jpg Eighth Wonder of the World Burney Falls, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, California Burney Falls is a year-round 129 foot waterfall that is fed from an underground spring. The spectacular waterfall was allegedly nicknamed, "The Eighth Wonder of the World" by the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909). Roosevelt is generally considered by most historians to be among the top five presidents in U.S. history. Among his notable achievements was his extensive land conservation record as Roosevelt grew up an avid outdoorsman. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/big-dalton-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6500.jpg Big Dalton Falls Small Waterfall at Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park, California Not every waterfall is a massive one like Yosemite Falls or even one with a name. Small little stream cascades like this can be beautiful in their own right as well.Related Photos: Spring Run-Off | Monrovia Canyon Falls San Dimas, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bridal-veil-falls-bc/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6098-2_web.jpg Bridal Veil Falls Rainy Weather at Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada Standing at 400 feet tall, Bridal Veil Falls was named due to the wide base of rock that the waterfall flows over. My mom and I decided to explore this area during the middle of a heavy rainstorm which helped add to the atmosphere due to the fog. I had to use an umbrella to shield my lens from raindrops. Year Photographed: 2009 British Columbia, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/horsetail-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5259.jpg Horsetail Falls Horsetail Falls, June Lakes, California The largest waterfall along the June Lakes Loop, plunges over the mountainside cliff at a depth of 270 feet. Eastern Sierra, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/monrovia-canyon-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4402.jpg Monrovia Canyon Falls Monrovia Canyon Falls, San Gabriel Mountains, California A 30 foot waterfall within the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Monrovia Canyon Falls is one of a number of seasonal waterfalls located within close proximity of the millions of Los Angeles County residents. Southern California is generally not the first place people associate with waterfalls but they do exist. San Gabriel Mountains, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/san-antonio-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4067-2.jpg San Antonio Falls San Antonio Falls, Angeles National Forest, California With access being a narrow and steep descent along a hillside I carefully considered my options before heading down. On thing that gave me pause was that I saw a bouquet of flowers set on the overlook above the falls. I'm not sure what that signified but I ended up heading down anyway to photograph these wintry conditions from the middle of the creek. Angeles National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-flood/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9742.jpg The Flood Dead Trees at Kent Lake, Marin County, California The largest reservoir in the Marin Municipal Water District, Kent Lake is the most remote lake to access as there are no roads or trails that circumnavigate the lake. I first made the 10-mile roundtrip out and back hike with my wife over New Years with a point and shoot camera. I returned several months later by myself with my camera and tripod. Hiking that long of a distance with a full set of camera gear is not comfortable but no pain, no gain. Year Photographed: 2018 Kent Lake, Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/black-tears/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9308.jpg Black Tears "Black Tears" Oil on Water at USS Arizona Memorial Site / Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii The site of the Pearl Harbor attack, the USS Arizona is still leaking oil to this day. Visiting this location has a very sobering feeling. Year Photographed: 2016 Awards: 2020 IPA International Photography Awards - Professional, Fine Art, Abstract Category - Honorable Mention O'ahu, Hawaii https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/raising-sand/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9240.jpg Raising Sand Sand Pattern Abstracts, Alameda, California I frequently walk the beach in Alameda with my camera. Each time I visit the combination of tides and light is different. The conditions are not always conducive to interesting photos but chance favors the prepared so on this day everything came together shortly before sunset with the warm-colored, side-lit sand contrasted against the cool blue shadows where the tide had receded from shortly before. Year Photographed: 2015 Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sand-patterns/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9019.jpg Sand Patterns Sand Patterns on Beach, Morro Bay, California I was out and about early in the morning in search of typical seascape scenes. The morning was a rather nondescript affair until I was walking back to the car and noticed these sand patterns revealing themselves amidst the high-contrast side lighting. A long telephoto lens helped to extract as much detail as possible from the mini-scene. Year Photographed: 2015 Morro Bay, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dunsmuir-charm/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8476.jpg Dunsmuir Charm Sacramento River, Dunsmuir, California Dunsmuir is best-known in landscape photography circles as the home of Mossbrae Falls; a rather unique waterfall that is probably the most often photographed location in the Mount Shasta region. Access has been illegal for the past several years due to railroad safety concerns so I skipped it on this visit. (Sorry to disappoint but trespassing sets a really bad example.) You can Google for Mossbrae Falls and it is undeniably pretty but it totally shaped my pre-conception of Dunsmuir prior to this visit. I figured that it was probably some semi-ghost town in the middle of nowhere that just happened to have a beautiful waterfall. I'd never seen another photo from this area. I couldn't be more wrong. Samantha and I dined in the historic downtown district where we had the most amazing mahi mahi fish tacos and elk burger. There was live entertainment outside in the patio too. The downtown area was quite walkable; though many shops did appear to be either closed or available for lease, it was very well preserved. To me it felt like what the ideal Main Street is small town America is like. We also found the people up in this area to be extremely friendly. Near more urban areas like San Francisco or L.A., if someone was that friendly you should probably have your guard up. But there we had people laughing with us and asking to take our photo for us when they saw us having a good time. Everyone you pass on the trails says hello. The hotel restaurant doesn't even charge for breakfast when you exceed the allotted amount. I spent part of two days at Dunsmuir City Park and Botanical Gardens. It's more forest than what you would typically think of as a city park. The first time, Samantha and I walked around looking at all the flowers and having fun at the playground. I didn't shoot any photos but made a mental note to return on the way home. So I photographed around the Sacramento River for an hour by myself before the long drive home to the Bay Area while Samantha went off to work. A perfectly relaxing way to end a great trip. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/false-creek/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6142.jpg False Creek False Creek Water Reflection Abstract, Vancouver, B.C. Technically an inlet, False Creek runs through the middle of downtown Vancouver and is one reason why Vancouver is such a beautiful city. Vancouver, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/wind-wolves/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5768.jpg Wind Wolves Impressionistic Photo of Blue Dicks and Sky Lupine Wildflowers at The Wind Wolves Preserve, Kern County, California Named for the ever-present howling wind, this impressionist movement abstract of Wind Wolves seemed to be the appropriate technique to communicate this concept. Year Photographed: 2009 Kern County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/watercolors/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5569.jpg Watercolors Abstract Color Water Reflections, Morro Bay, California As a photographic artist, I feel that seeing abstract shapes and patterns came to me later in my development than landscape and travel photography. It never occurred to me in fact for the first several years of my career. These days however I keep an eye out for these opportunities despite not coming across them too often such as this water abstract from Morro Bay. Morro Bay, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fallen-leaves-in-creek/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3854.jpg Fallen Leaves in Creek Fallen Leaves in Creek, Angeles National Forest, California The San Gabriel Mountains are not exactly known for incredible fall foliage displays but fall color can be found here if one looks hard enough. This slow-moving creek was in deep shadow which afforded me an opportunity to use a slow shutter speed which resulted in these blurred leaves. The contrast between movement and static leaves is what drew me to this composition. Year Photographed: 2007 Angeles National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/san-felipe-neri-church/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1428.jpg San Felipe Neri Church San Felipe Neri Catholic Church at Dusk, Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico Constructed in 1793, San Felipe Neri Church is one of the oldest buildings in Albuquerque and is the only building in Old Town that dates back to the Spanish colonial era. Still in use today, the church is on the National Register of Historic Places. Year Photographed: 2006 Albuquerque, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/old-town-plaza/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1426.jpg Old Town Plaza Cannon at Dusk in Old Town Plaza, Albuquerque, New Mexico Old Town is the historic original town site of Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the provincial kingdom of Santa Fe de Nuevo México, established in 1706 by New Mexico governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdés. It is listed on the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties as the Old Albuquerque Historic District, and is protected by a special historic zoning designation by the city. The present-day district contains ten blocks of historic adobe buildings surrounding Old Town Plaza. On the plaza's north side stands San Felipe de Neri Church, a Spanish colonial church constructed in 1793. At the east end of the plaza is a display of two replica M1835 mountain howitzers. During the Civil War, retreating Confederate forces buried eight howitzers near the plaza in 1862 to prevent them from falling into Union hands. The guns were rediscovered in 1889 with the help of the former Confederate artillery commander, who still remembered their location. Two of the howitzers were put on display in the plaza but were later moved to the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History and replaced with replicas. Year Photographed: 2006 Albuquerque, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/our-lady-of-guadalupe-chapel/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2469.jpg Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel Interior, Albuquerque, New Mexico Year Photographed: 2007 Albuquerque, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/new-mexico-chiles/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2444.jpg New Mexico Chiles Red Chiles Hanging from Wooden Ladder at Old Town Plaza, Albuquerque, New Mexico Red chiles are an ever-present site around New Mexico. Hanging from doorways, ladders, awnings, you name it and you can probably find some hanging somewhere. What I find interesting is that all the restaurants ask if you want "red or green" but I've yet to see any green chiles hanging in public. Year Photographed: 2007 Albuquerque, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/native-spirit/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2451.jpg Native Spirit Navajo Native American Rugs, Santa Fe, New Mexico Though I'm not a Native American nor from the southwest, I felt an instant connection to the culture and artwork when I was first exposed it in the early 2000's while traveling in the southwest. Santa Fe has an abundance of culture which I find exciting to explore with my camera. Year Photographed: 2007 Santa Fe, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/red-hot-chile-peppers/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2457.jpg Red Hot Chile Peppers Red Chiles for Sale on Vendor Stall at the Plaza, Santa Fe, New Mexico Santa Fe Plaza is a colorful square full of hanging chiles, Native American pottery and quilts. I made this image during my first visit and had a great time photographing everything in sight. Year Photographed: 2007 Santa Fe, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/canyon-road/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2488.jpg Canyon Road Wooden Windows Shutters along Canyon Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico Santa Fe is one of the premiere art cities in the United States and Canyon Road is where many of the top galleries are located. No stop to Santa Fe is complete without having explored this street. Year Photographed: 2007 Santa Fe, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/devotion/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2495.jpg Devotion Devotion Candles and Cross at San Miguel Mission, Sante Fe, New Mexico I'm not religious but I find Christian symbolism to be very powerful. This is one of the more common subjects I've photographed over the years. Year Photographed: 2007 Santa Fe, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/san-miguel-mission/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2500.jpg San Miguel Mission San Miguel Mission, Santa Fe, New Mexico San Miguel Mission, also known as San Miguel Chapel, is a Spanish colonial mission church in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Originally built around 1610, it is often referred to as the oldest church in the United States (excluding Puerto Rico). Year Photographed: 2007 Santa Fe, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/native-colors/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3896.jpg Native Colors Navajo Native American Rugs, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA Year Photographed: 2007 Santa Fe, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cross-of-the-martyrs/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2479.jpg Cross of the Martyrs Cross of the Martyrs, Santa Fe, New Mexico Honoring the 21 Franciscan priests killed during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, Cross of the Martyrs stands atop a hillside park overlooking Santa Fe Plaza. Year Photographed: 2007 Santa Fe, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/red-bench/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2445.jpg Red Bench Red Bench Against Adobe Wall at Old Town Plaza, Albuquerque, New Mexico In this scene I found all of my favorite colors all in one frame with the composition built around the beautiful red bench. Year Photographed: 2007 Albuquerque, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/blue-door-ivy/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2446.jpg Blue Door & Ivy Blue Door and Ivy at Old Town Plaza, Albuquerque, New Mexico One of the more elaborate doorways I've encountered, this blue door instantly caught my eye as I walked around Albuquerque's Old Town Plaza. Year Photographed: 2007 Albuquerque, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/senora-de-guadalupe/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5975.jpg Senora de Guadalupe Capilla de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel) Interior at Old Town Plaza, Albuquerque, New Mexico Year Photographed: 2009 Albuquerque, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/47-stars/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5865.jpg 47 Stars U.S. Flag Hanging on Door, Taos Pueblo, New Mexico Admitted to the Union on January 6, 1912, New Mexico was the 47th U.S. state. Year Photographed: 2009 Taos Pueblo, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pair-of-red-chiles/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5873.jpg Pair of Red Chiles Hanging Red Chilis, Taos Pueblo, New Mexico Year Photographed: 2009 Taos, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/christian-cross/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5872.jpg Christian Cross Christian Cross Atop St. Jerome Chapel, Taos Pueblo, New Mexico Year Photographed: 2009 Taos, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/red-doors-ladders/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5859.jpg Red Doors & Ladders Red Doors and Ladders, Taos Pueblo, New Mexico Year Photographed: 2009 Taos, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/taos-pueblo/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5862.jpg Taos Pueblo Blue Window, Door and Ladder, Taos Pueblo, New Mexico Inhabited for approximately 1,000 years, Taos Pueblo still has a number of permanent residents within the community. The pueblo was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. I found the place to not just be interesting from a photography standpoint but I also visited several dwellings and purchased some pottery. As a photographer, we must be careful to not just be a visitor who takes photos but also contributes to the local economy. Purchasing from local citizens is one way to give back. Year Photographed: 2009 New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/welcome-home/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5883.jpg Welcome Home Plant on Turquoise Doorway, Taos, New Mexico I'm drawn to Spanish style doorways as they're often colorful. Contrasted against the adobe buildings the color really stands out. The plant made me feel a sense of home despite being a visitor to Taos. Year Photographed: 2009 Taos, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/chile-business/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5887.jpg Chile Business Red Chili Peppers, Taos Plaza, New Mexico Year Photographed: 2009 Taos, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sangre-de-cristo-mountains/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5924-2.jpg Sangre de Cristo Mountains Sangre de Cristo Mountains Sunrise, Moreno Valley, New Mexico The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are part of the mighty Rocky Mountain range in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. Translated as "Blood of Christ", the mountains were named In 1719 by Spanish explorer Antonio Valverde y Cosio after being impressed by the reddish hue of the snowy peaks at sunrise, alpenglow. Year Photographed: 2009 New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/chiles-hanging-out-to-dry/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5899.jpg Chiles Hanging Out To Dry Hanging Red Chilis, Taos, New Mexico Year Photographed: 2009 Taos, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/new-mexico-state-capitol/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5959.jpg New Mexico State Capitol New Mexico State Capitol, Santa Fe, New Mexico The NM State Capitol building, located in Santa Fe, showcases a unique architectural style and design elements that make it a noteworthy landmark in the state. The Capitol building, which was completed in 1966, was designed by W.C. Kruger and Associates. It follows a modernist architectural style, with clean lines and minimalist features. The state capitol is the only round state capitol in the U.S. The building was designed to resemble the Zia sun symbol when viewed from above, with four entrance wings that protrude from the main cylindrical volume. Architecturally, the Capitol is a blend of New Mexico Territorial Revival style and neoclassical influences. One of the notable design elements of the Capitol building is its circular shape, symbolizing inclusiveness and equality. The circular design also allows for a more efficient flow of movement and communication between different offices and chambers. The Capitol building is also known for its striking façade, which is made of white Georgia marble. This choice of material not only adds to the building's aesthetic appeal but also reflects the natural beauty of the New Mexico landscape. Over the years, the Capitol building has undergone several renovations and additions to meet evolving needs and improve its functionality. One significant renovation took place in the early 1990s when the Capitol Annex was added to the original building. This expansion provided additional office space for legislators and staff, ensuring smooth operations within the Capitol. Another notable addition to the Capitol building is the Roundhouse Rotunda. The Rotunda serves as a gathering space for events, exhibitions, and public hearings. Its architectural design features a soaring glass ceiling, allowing natural light to flood the space and creating a sense of openness. Year Photographed: 2009 Santa Fe, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/st-francis-of-assis/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5951.jpg St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe, New Mexico Saint Francis Cathedral was built by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy between 1869 and 1886 on the site of an older adobe church, La Parroquia (built in 1714-1717). An older church on the same site, built in 1626, was destroyed in the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. The new cathedral was built around La Parroquia, which was dismantled once the new construction was complete. A small chapel on the north side of the cathedral was kept from the old church. Year Photographed: 2009 Santa Fe, New Mexico https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/twin-peaks-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano039.jpg Twin Peaks Panoramic Twin Peaks Scenic Panoramic, San Francisco, California California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/big-clifty-falls-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano012-2_web.jpg Big Clifty Falls Panoramic Big Clifty Falls and Fall Foliage, Clifty Falls State Park, Madison, Indiana Limited Edition of 10 Prints Approximately 60 feet in height, Big Clifty Falls is arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Indiana. This park features some incredibly beautiful fall color during October as well. Year Photographed: 2006 Indiana https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/san-francisco-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano040.jpg San Francisco Panoramic Panoramic of San Francisco, California California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/downtown-san-francisco-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano112_web.jpg Downtown San Francisco Panoramic Downtown San Francisco Panoramic, Treasure Island, California Arguably the tech capital of the world and the financial center of the west, downtown San Francisco has changed significantly over the past 150+ years from a railroad and mining town to what it is today. No matter how many skyscrapers get added, the true icon of San Francisco's skyline will always be the Transamerica Pyramid. My personal connection to Transamerica is that my dad spent most of his career working for the company as a computer programmer. Year Photographed: 2008 Treasure Island, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/san-diego-skyline-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano046.jpg San Diego Skyline Panoramic Downtown San Diego Skyline Scenic Panoramic, California With approximately 1.4 million residents, San Diego is the 8th largest city in the United States and the 2nd largest in California after its neighbor to the north, Los Angeles. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/vancouver-skyline-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano062-2_web.jpg Vancouver Skyline Panoramic Vancouver Skyline Panoramic and False Creek at Night, British Columbia, Canada Limited Edition of 10 Prints With approximately 650,000 residents, Vancouver, is the 3rd largest city in Canada and the largest city in the province of British Columbia. Vancouver is one of the most diverse cities in Canada and all of North America with more than 30% of the population being of Chinese ethnicity. Vancouver is regularly considered to be one of the most livable cities in the world. Year Photographed: 2009 Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/victoria-inner-harbour-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano063-2_web.jpg Victoria Inner Harbour Panoramic Panoramic of Victoria Inner Harbour, British Columbia, Canada Limited Edition of 10 Prints While traveling to Victoria with my mom, we were able to bond and reminisce about our family vacation when I was a child 23 years prior. I always had fond memories of that childhood trip and how my dad took some shaky handheld night photos of this same harbor. That memory inspired me to make my own images years later as an adult; a number of which have been licensed for publication. Year Photographed: 2009 Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/los-angeles-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano066-2_web.jpg Los Angeles Panoramic Los Angeles Panoramic Photo After Winter Storm, California Limited Edition of 10 Prints L.A. is at its finest after a big winter storm. From fresh snow on San Gabriel Mountains to the clean air quality, these moments can be few and far between so as a photographer I made sure to capture this one following a big storm. Year Photographed: 2010 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/180-double-rainbow-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano075-2_web.jpg 180 Degree Double Rainbow Panoramic 180 Degree Double Rainbow over San Gabriel Mountains Panoramic, Angeles National Forest, California Limited Edition of 10 Prints Technically, all rainbows feature double rainbows but the secondary rainbow is often too faint to see. This evening was an exception though as both rainbows were quite intense and obvious to the human eye. San Gabriel Mountains, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cypress-tree-tunnel-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano088-2_web.jpg Cypress Tree Tunnel Panoramic Monterey Cypress Tree Tunnel Panoramic Photo, Point Reyes National Seashore, California A surreal experience as you walk under this cypress tree tunnel as if it were out of a fairytale. My brother chose to propose to his now-wife after seeing this photo on my website. Year Photographed: 2013 Point Reyes National Seashore, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/alameda-beach-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano084-2_web.jpg Alameda Beach Panoramic Panoramic Photo of Robert Crown Memorial State Beach Sunset With Downtown San Francisco Skyline in Background, Alameda, California My home for much of the past decade, Alameda has the largest beach on the San Francisco Bay. I enjoy going for beach walks and occasionally bring my camera along which allows me to capture memorable sunsets like this. Year Photographed: 2013 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/point-reyes-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano089-2_web.jpg Point Reyes Fog Panoramic Summer Fog Rolling in Over Ridge at Sunset, Point Reyes National Seashore, California Coming down off of a hike up a fire road ridge, I noticed the fog off in the distance so I made my way over to another ridge where I encountered my friend, Gary Crabbe, who was teaching a Point Reyes photography workshop. The scene was so beautiful that I stuck around with the workshop group until dusk. Year Photographed: 2013 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/monterey-cypress-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano087-2_web.jpg Monterey Cypress Tree Forest Panoramic Monterey Cypress Tree Forest Panoramic Photo at James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Moss Beach, California A magical place that I explored frequently during my mid-20s I find myself coming back to this Monterey Cypress forest along the San Mateo Coast when I need to relax and clear my mind. Year Photographed: 2013 Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/burney-falls-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano095-2_web.jpg Burney Falls Panoramic Burney Falls Panoramic, MacArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, California Limited Edition of 10 Prints Though not the tallest nor highest volume waterfall, Burney Falls is arguably the most beautiful waterfall in California. There is cascading water of all shapes and sizes coming down the entire wall. Since the water comes from a subterranean source there are year-round flows. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mossy-forest-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano096.jpg Mossy Forest Panoramic Mossy Forest Panoramic Photo, Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve, California California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/chimney-rock-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano101-2_web.jpg Chimney Rock Panoramic Chimney Rock Panoramic at Sunset, Point Reyes National Seashore, California Limited Edition of 10 Prints Point Reyes is a peninsula that juts out 10 miles into the Pacific Ocean from the rest of the mainland. Chimney Rock is the furthest point west within the park and is often besieged with gale-force winds which belies the scenic beauty of the location. Year Photographed: 2015 Point Reyes National Seashore, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fogbow-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano102-3_web.jpg Fogbow Panoramic Fogbow Panoramic at Bodega Head, Sonoma Coast, California More rare than a regular rainbow, fogbows are also more difficult to spot due to their lack of color. Fortunately I had seen them before and knew to photograph this unlike the others who passed me on the trail who didn't seem to realize there was a giant rainbow in front of us. Year Photographed: 2015 Sonoma Coast, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/grand-teton-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano106-2_web.jpg Grand Teton Panoramic Teton Point Sunrise Panoramic, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Limited Edition of 10 Prints The Teton Range is a mountain range of the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming. It extends for approximately 40 miles in a north-south direction through the state of Wyoming, east of the Idaho state line. Teton Point is one of the best places to view the range due to its unobstructed views of the valley below. Year Photographed: 2018 Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/porto-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano105.jpg Porto Panoramic Ribeira Waterfront (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Panoramic, Porto, Portugal Portugal https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hurricane-ridge-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano107-2_web.jpg Hurricane Ridge Panoramic Hurricane Ridge Panoramic, Olympic National Park, Washington Limited Edition of 10 Prints Living up to its namesake, Hurricane Ridge is often under snow well into the summer. During my visit there was still some patches of snow and icy grass around. Thankfully it wasn't extremely windy during my visit however though I made this photo after a chilly morning snowstorm had passed through. Year Photographed: 2018 Olympic National Park, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mount-tam-panoramic/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RWPano108-2_web.jpg Mount Tamalpais Panoramic Foggy Sunset Panoramic, Mount Tamalpais State Park, California One of the foggiest locations on the California coast, "Mount Tam" as locals call it, can be a surreal sight when the conditions are right. More often than not however the fog is either too high or you're right in the middle of it. Year Photographed: 2018 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mount-rainier-aerial/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6393.jpg Mount Rainier Aerial Mount Rainer Aerial Photo, Washington, USA With a peak elevation of 14,411 feet, Mount Rainier is an active stratovolcano that is the most visible mountain peak in the lower 48 states. It is the largest mountain in the Cascade Range and within the state of Washington. Rainier is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world due to the amount of glaciation and its proximity to metropolitan areas Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/resuscitation/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6943.jpg Resuscitation I took an all-day wildlife watching boat tour out to Aialik Glacier which is located deep into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park. The boat ride was rough so I wasn't feeling the best but the stunning sights and sounds of the glacier calving repeatedly was enough to resuscitate me. The size of Aialik Glacier's calving caused some unique water ripples beside the boat so I managed to photograph numerous frames including this one. Year Photographed: 2010 Aialik Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/moon-jellies/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6945-2.jpg Moon Jellies Moon Jellyfish, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska Among the most mysterious and elegant looking of marine creatures, these moon jellies were floating right under our boat during an all-day wildlife watching expedition in Kenai Fjords National Park. I've seen many of them within aquariums but had never seen any in the wild prior to this.About Moon Jellies Moon jellies, also known as Aurelia aurita, are a species of jellyfish that are commonly found in the colder waters of Alaska. These jellyfish are known for their distinctive, umbrella-shaped bell that can reach up to 30 centimeters in diameter. The bell is typically a pale, translucent color and is surrounded by a series of long, delicate tentacles. They have a distinctive, four-lobed oral arms that are used to capture prey.Moon jellies are planktonic creatures, meaning they are not capable of swimming against the current, they drift with the water flow. They are also known for their bioluminescence, which gives them a unique, ghostly appearance when seen at night. They can be found in large numbers in the colder waters of Alaska, particularly in the summer months. They are commonly found in areas such as bays, estuaries and near the shorelines.This species of jellyfish are not harmful to humans and they do not have a stinging mechanism, but their long tentacles can cause an allergic reaction to some people. They are also an important food source for many sea animals such as sea turtles, fish, and sea birds. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/alaskan-summer/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6955-2_web.jpg Alaskan Summer Fireweed Wildflowers Along Seward Highway, Chugach National Forest, Alaska Alaska has a short summer season but the results can be truly stunning for however short-lived.Related Photo: Seward Boat Harbor Chugach National Forest, Alaska https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/grizzly-bear-cub/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6844-2_web.jpg Grizzly Bear Cub Grizzly Bear Cub Eating Grass in Meadow, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska An apex predator in North America, grizzly bears start off looking cute and cuddly though momma bear is never far away watching carefully. The fascinating part of visiting the alaskan brown bears in Lake Clark National Park is that there has never been hunting in the park so the bears do not fear humans which allows unparalleled access to them. In the lower 48 it's hard to get close enough to photograph them in their natural habitat without disturbing them even with a significant lens. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-big-one/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6811.jpg The Big One Grizzly Bear Feeding on Grass, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska When I made this photo I instantly knew that I wanted to hang a print of this in my living room. I've never felt as free in life as I did while sharing this wild land in the presence of Alaska's brown bears. Year Photographed: 2010 Lake Clark National Park, Alaska https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/horned-puffin/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6865.jpg Horned Puffin Horned Puffin Skimming Above Water, Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge near Lake Clark National Park, Alaska While far from being a bird photography expert, I was pleased with a number of the photos I shot at the Alaska Maritime NWR. Puffin are extremely fast yet photogenic so I focused on them and tracked them while in flight. Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/unbearable-headache/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6886.jpg Unbearable Headache Grizzly Bear Cub Covering Face with Paw, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska The most memorable adventure of my life, spending time up close and personal with the resident brown bears at Lake Clark National Park was something I'll never forget. Lake Clark National Park, Alaska https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/resurrection-river/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6952-2_web.jpg Resurrection River Resurrection River Scenic Vista From Exit Glacier Trail, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska A large river on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, the Resurrection River rises near Upper Russian Lake in the Kenai Mountains and flows 22 miles to empty into Resurrection Bay near Seward. I photographed the part of the river that passes through Kenai Fjords National Park on my last morning in Alaska. Year Photographed: 2010 Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/ponytail-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7706.jpg Ponytail Falls Ponytail Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon One of the more interesting easy to access falls in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge, Ponytail Falls is unique in that the trail leads behind the waterfall for a unique perspective. The trail was damaged during the 2017 Eagle Creek fire but Ponytail Falls is now accessible. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/punchbowl-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7713-2_web.jpg Punchbowl Falls Punchbowl Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon Closed since the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, Punchbowl Falls was one of the most scenic waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge which was no small feat considering how many falls are located in this region. I have no idea what the current condition of Punchbowl Falls are like but the Eagle Creek Trail hike was one of the highlights of my trip from 2012. Year Photographed: 2012 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fern/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7716.jpg Fern Fern with Waterdrops in Temperate Rainforest, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon As an artist, I sometimes like to explore more intimate smaller scenes within a scene. My friend was intent on hiking to the waterfalls as quickly as possible while I kept stopping to photograph details like this. Most people tend to just keep walking and never notice the details so that's the joy of photography; seeing something beautiful that someone might have overlooked. Year Photographed: 2012 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/munras-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7721.jpg Munras Falls Munras Falls / Tanner Creek, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon Munras Falls is small, 35 foot tall waterfall along the Wahclella Falls trail. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/crown-point-vista-house/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7741-2_web.jpg Crown Point Vista House Crown Point Vista House, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon Situated on a promontory 733 feet above the Columbia River, Crown Point Vista House was designed by Edgar Lazarus in 1918 to serve as a memorial for Oregon pioneers and as a rest stop for travelers on the Columbia River Highway. A vertical version of this photo was the cover photo of AAA's VIA Magazine, one of the most widely distributed magazines in the western U.S. Year Photographed: 2012 Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/multnomah-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7723-2_web.jpg Multnomah Falls Multnomah Falls - Oregon's Tallest Waterfall, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon Multnomah Falls is a waterfall located in the Columbia River Gorge in the state of Oregon, United States. The falls are a major tourist attraction and one of the most visited natural sites in the Pacific Northwest. The falls are approximately 620 feet (189 meters) tall and are split into two tiers. The upper tier has a height of 542 feet (165 meters) while the lower tier has a height of 69 feet (21 meters). The falls are fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain, and flow year-round, although the volume of water varies depending on the season.The falls are located on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and are easily accessible via the Historic Columbia River Highway. Visitors can view the waterfall from a viewing platform at the base, or take a short hike up to the top of the falls. There is also a trail that leads to a bridge that spans across the falls, offering an incredible view of the falls and the surrounding landscape.The falls have a rich cultural history, and are sacred to the Multnomah tribe who were the original inhabitants of the area. They are a popular spot for visitors and photographers, and are one of the most photographed sites in the state of Oregon. Additionally, The Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925, is located just above the lower falls and offers a gift shop and restaurant. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/elowah-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7730.jpg Elowah Falls Base of Elowah Falls / John B. Yeon State Park, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon A 213 foot waterfall within John B. Yeon State Park, Elowah Falls is also known as McCord Creek Falls. This beautiful waterfall hike has been closed since the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire so I'm fortunate to have photographed it when it was still pristine. Year Photographed: 2012 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/columbia-river-gorge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7733.jpg Columbia River Gorge Columbia River Gorge Scenic Vista, John B. Yeon State Park, Oregon Up to 3,848 feet deep in some places, the Columbia River Gorge extends 80 miles from the Cascade Mountain range to the Pacific Ocean near Astoria, Oregon. The gorge features world-class scenery from countless waterfalls and scenic mountain vistas. Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fairy-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9927_web.jpg Fairy Falls Fairy Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon A tributary of Wahkeena Creek within Oregon's incredibly scenic Columbia River Gorge, Fairy Falls is a small 20 foot waterfall that is one the prettiest waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/simple-elegance/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7740.jpg Simple Elegance Fairy Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon Fairy Falls is a 20 foot tall waterfall located within Oregon's Columbia River Gorge. One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon, Fairy Falls is neither the tallest nor widest by far but as for overall elegance there is no comparison. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mount-adams/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7769-2.jpg Mount Adams Scenic View of Mount Adams at Sunset, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Standing at 12,281 ft tall, Mount Adams is located in Washington and the 2nd tallest mountain in the state. Considered to be an active stratovolcano, Mt. Adams has not erupted in more than 1,000 years. The peak is named after President John Adams. Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mount-st-helens/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9636.jpg 1980 Mount St. Helens at Sunset from Larch Mountain, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Currently standing at 8,366 ft in elevation, Mount Saint Helens stood at 9,677 ft prior to May 18, 1980 when the peak erupted. The volcanic eruption was the most destructive eruption in U.S. history. These days, crater still has steam coming out of it but it's much more peaceful and beautiful mountain. Year Photographed: 2012 Mount St Helens https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mount-hood-moonrise/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7779.jpg Mount Hood Moonrise Full Moon Rising from Behind Mount Hood, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon As I was about to call it a night after sunset, some local hikers recommended that I should stick around as the full moon was scheduled to rise from behind Mount Hood. I followed their advice and was treated to this memorable scene over Oregon's iconic peak. Hiking back down the mountain in the dark without a flashlight through a forest was not fun however. Year Photographed: 2012 Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/ecola-state-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7811.jpg Ecola State Park Ecola State Park, Oregon Located on the northern Oregon coast, I was entranced by the beautiful coastline of Ecola State Park which was dotted with large seastacks. Given this was my first visit to the Oregon coast I hope to explore much more in the future. Year Photographed: 2012 Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cannon-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7817-2_web.jpg Cannon Beach Cannon Beach Seastacks at Sunset, Ecola State Park, Oregon Nestled along the breathtaking Oregon coastline, Cannon Beach boasts miles of sandy shores, dramatic cliffs, and stunning rock formations. The serene atmosphere, with its crashing waves and gentle sea breeze, creates a tranquil setting that photographers find irresistible. The vibrant sunsets, ever-changing tide pools, and lush coastal forests all contribute to the unique allure of this charming destination. One of the most prominent attractions in Cannon Beach is the magnificent Haystack Rock, a towering monolith that stands proudly along the shoreline. This iconic natural landmark serves as a focal point for photographers, offering endless opportunities to capture its beauty in different lighting and weather conditions. Haystack Rock, standing at a towering 235 feet tall, is a sight to behold. Its distinct shape and rugged texture provide a captivating subject for photographers, whether you're capturing it up close or framing it against a stunning sunset backdrop. This majestic rock formation is also a haven for wildlife, with seabirds and marine creatures making appearances throughout the year. Beyond the iconic Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach is home to a wealth of other remarkable attractions and landmarks. Ecola State Park offers panoramic vistas of the coastline and lush forests, providing a mesmerizing setting for landscape photography. Oregon Coast https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/downtown-portland/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7800.jpg Downtown Portland Downtown Portland with Mount Hood in Background at Sunset, Portland, Oregon When spending time in an urban jungle like Portland it can be easy to lose sight of the fact that there is a large, iconic 11,000+ ft peak (Mount Hood) looming over the background just an hour away. Year Photographed: 2012 Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mount-constitution/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8527.jpg Mount Constitution View from Mount Constitution, Orcas Island, Washington As the highest point in the San Juan Islands, Mount Constitution boasts panoramic views that are simply awe-inspiring. Rising 2,398 feet above sea level, this majestic peak provides a bird's eye perspective of the island's lush forests, serene lakes, and the vast expanse of the Salish Sea. With its strategic location, Mount Constitution offers unparalleled vantage points for watching vibrant sunrises, sunsets, and even catching glimpses of whales or other marine life frolicking in the surrounding waters. Mount Constitution is an integral part of Moran State Park, a 5,424-acre natural haven that offers a myriad of recreational opportunities. Hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, and picnicking are just a few of the activities that await visitors in this picturesque paradise. The park's diverse ecosystems, including old-growth forests and pristine lakes, ensure that every visitor can find their own slice of tranquility and adventure. I hiked to the top from the bottom of the mountain and it was a nice workout. Seeing the panoramic views was totally worth it in my opinion! Year Photographed: 2015 Orcas Island, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lavender/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8548.jpg Lavender Lavender and Water Fountain at Rosario, Orcas Island, Washington After spending a peaceful night camping along a lake on the slopes of Mount Constitution, I headed down to the dock and saw this beautiful lavender scene while awaiting my ferry ride to Lopez Island. The San Juan Islands are definitely a hidden gem. Year Photographed: 2015 Orcas Island, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/spencer-spit/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8568.jpg Spencer Spit Sunset at Spencer Spit State Park, Lopez Island, Washington Right before this camping trip I drove from Vancouver to Anacortes but had an incident with the border patrol where the agent was screaming in my face. His first question was where I was headed to. "The San Juan Islands". Agent's face turned red and he asked me to repeat myself. Then proceeded to scream at me repeatedly "The San Juan Islands are not all THAT!!". Initially I thought he was joking but clearly he wasn't. Finally he let me go after staring me down for a minute. He stepped out of the booth as I drove off to scream at me some more. My final assessment is "The San Juan Islands are all that and more." Year Photographed: 2014 Lopez Island, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lakedale-resort/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8613.jpg Lakedale Resort Dream Lake Sunset Reflection at Lakedale Resort Campground, San Juan Island, Washington San Juan Island, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dream-lake/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8621.jpg Dream Lake Foggy Sunrise at Dream Lake, San Juan Island, Washington While setting up camp the evening prior, one of my travel companions told me that there was a beautiful layer of fog on the lake every morning and that I would be in for a treat if I woke up early. I was planning to wake up before dawn anyway but I had no trouble waking up on this morning with the added motivation. Year Photographed: 2015 San Juan Island, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pike-place-market/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8516.jpg Pike Place Market Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington In operation since 1907, Seattle's Pike Place Market is one of the longest running farmers markets in the country. As one of the city's top attractions, famous sights include the fish market where tourists pick their fish and the butchers casually toss the fish over the counter for their colleagues to catch. The original Starbucks Coffee location is also located across the street from Pike Place Market. For the travel photographer, the iconic neon sign really caught my attention. The only time one can photograph this without people in the scene is in the early morning hours before sunrise. Year Photographed: 2015 Seattle, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sol-duc-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9725.jpg Sol Duc Falls Sol Duc Falls, Olympic National Park, Washington Located deep within Sol Duc Valley on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, Sol Duc Falls is a 48 foot triple waterfall down a steep canyon. A pedestrian bridge allows visitors to view this iconic waterfall. I first visited Sol Duc Falls while on a family vacation in 2000. I was not a serious photographer yet at that time so my pictures were predictably mediocre. It was until 2018 when I had another chance to capture the photo that I wished I had years ago. Year Photographed: 2018 Olympic National Park, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/snow-ridge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9729.jpg Snow Ridge Snow Storm on Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park, Washington Olympic National Park is one of the wettest locations in the world but I was still surprised to encounter snow up on Hurricane Ridge in June. What was rain down in Port Angeles was a blustery snow storm several thousand feet above town. Year Photographed: 2018 Olympic National Park, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hurricane-ridge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9731.jpg Hurricane Ridge Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park, Washington Located at 5,242 feet in elevation about 18 miles from the town of Port Angeles, Hurricane Ridge is one of the most popular locations within Olympic National Park. These area features arguably the best views of the park. Hurricane Ridge is named for the extreme wind and precipitation. Year Photographed: 2018 Olympic National Park, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/emerald-forest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9735.jpg Emerald Forest Temperate Rainforest, Olympic National Park, Washington The rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula are among the rainiest locations in the world. Some of these forests within Olympic National Park receive more than 140 inches of rain annually. The persistent rain creates wonderfully lush conditions to photograph. While it was pouring rain outside as I was photographing this forest, the dense forest provided me with some cover at least to not completely drown my camera. Year Photographed: 2018 Olympic National Park, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/oregon-trees/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7780.jpg Trees Trees, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon As I stood on this mountain top vista I was in awe of the vast sea of trees that stand beneath me. I stayed a bit too long after sunset however and was in a borderline panic as I tried to navigate my way down the trail in near-darkness. Cellphone flashlights are basically useless in dark conditions like that. Year Photographed: 2012 Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/temperate-rainforest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7710-2_web.jpg Temperate Rainforest Temperate Rainforest in Eagle Creek, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon Oregon rainforests are one of the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest, featuring lush vegetation, abundant wildlife, and stunning waterfalls. The state is home to several rainforests, including the Siskiyou National Forest, the Umpqua National Forest, and the Columbia River Gorge.The rainforests of Oregon are characterized by their mild temperatures, high levels of precipitation, and fertile soil. These conditions provide ideal growing conditions for a variety of plant species, including ferns, mosses, and towering trees such as Douglas fir, Western hemlock, and Sitka spruce. In fact, the Douglas fir, which can grow up to 330 feet tall, is one of the dominant tree species in Oregon rainforests.Oregon's temperate rainforests are also home to a wide range of wildlife, including black bears, elk, cougars, and bald eagles. The rivers and streams that flow through the forests provide important habitats for salmon and steelhead, which are important for both the ecosystem and the local fishing industry.One of the most popular destinations for visitors to Oregon rainforests is the Columbia River Gorge, which is home to over 90 waterfalls, including the iconic Multnomah Falls. The falls are surrounded by dense vegetation, including ferns and wildflowers, and offer a range of hiking trails that provide access to stunning viewpoints. Year Photographed: 2012 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/metlako-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7711.jpg Metlako Falls Metlako Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon Another one of the legendary Columbia River Gorge waterfalls that have been closed off since the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, Metlako Falls lies within a dramatic narrow canyon that was once viewed from a narrow overlook. I have no idea what the current conditions are like but am glad to have photographed this amazing waterfall in 2012! Year Photographed: 2012 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/portland-japanese-garden-maple-tree/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9769.jpg Japanese Garden Maple Tree The Portland Japanese Garden Maple Tree, also known as the Momiji Maple Tree, is a beautiful and iconic feature of the Portland Japanese Garden located in Portland, Oregon. This tree is a symbol of the garden and the Japanese culture it represents, and is a source of inspiration and wonder for visitors. The Portland Japanese Garden Maple Tree is a cultivar of the Japanese maple tree, known for its delicate leaves, vibrant colors and intricate branching patterns. The tree is a sight to behold during the fall, when its leaves change to a range of colors, from bright orange to deep red. This is known as "momiji" in Japanese, which literally means "red leaves," and it's a traditional symbol of autumn in Japan.

 The tree is a focal point of the garden's Strolling Pond Garden, which is one of the garden's five main areas. The tree's location, surrounded by a pond and a stone pathway, allows visitors to fully appreciate the tree's beauty and the natural setting.

 This maple tree is not only a beautiful feature of the garden but also holds a significant cultural and symbolic meaning. The tree is an embodiment of the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which values the beauty of imperfection, transience, and the natural cycle of growth and decay. The tree's delicate leaves and vibrant colors represent the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the present moment. Year Photographed: 2012 Portland, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sol-duc-valley/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9726.jpg Sol Duc Valley Temperate Rainforest / Sol Duc Valley, Olympic National Park, Washington One of the most unique ecosystems in the world, the temperate rainforests of Washington's Olympic Peninsula have some of the highest annual precipitation totals anywhere. A photographer can spend hours wandering these forests to take in all of the potential compositions. Year Photographed: 2018 Olympic National Park, Washington https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tanner-creek/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7718-2_web.jpg Tanner Creek Tanner Creek, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon Located deep within Oregon's Columbia River Gorge, Tanner Creek is a small tributary of the Willamette River. This trail has been closed since the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. Year Photographed: 2012 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/winner-creek-gorge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6906-2_web.jpg Winner Creek Gorge Winner Creek Gorge, Chugach National Forest, Alaska I hiked the Winner Creek Trail on my first evening in Alaska and it was quite the adjustment to be walking around in daylight at 9 or 10 pm. I didn't realize how tired I was until I got back to the car and had to drive back to Anchorage where I was spending the night. This lush forest hike was a great way to get introduced to Alaska though. Chugach National Forest, Alaska https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/trevi-fountain/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8422.jpg Trevi Fountain Fontana di Trevi at Night, Rome, Italy Completed in 1762, Trevi Fountain was designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini after Salvi's death in 1751. The fountain measures in at an awe-inspiring 86 ft × 161.3 ft. I'm sure there are even larger fountains than this but this is undoubtably the most famous and finest fountain in the world. Year Photographed: 2014 Rome, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fontana-dell-acqua-felice/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8650.jpg Fontana dell'Acqua Felice Fontana dell'Acqua Felice, Rome, Italy Also known as the Fountain of Moses, Fontana dell'Acqua Felice was completed by Domenico Fontana in 1588. Located within the Quirinale District of Rome, the fountain is historically significant as it marked the terminus of the Acqua Felice aqueduct restored by Pope Sixtus V. Rome is a bustling city during the day and early evening hours so making an image like this would have been impossible during those hours. I woke up before dawn on this morning when very few people were out and about in order to make this image. Year Photographed: 2014 Rome, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/church-of-saint-susanna/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8423.jpg Church of Saint Susanna First Light on Church of Saint Susanna at the Baths of Diocletian, Roma, Italy The current version of Chiesa di Santa Susanna alle Terme di Diocleziano was designed by Carlo Maderno and completed in 1603 though it's believed that a church has existed at this location since A.D. 280. In either case, these churches are very old! Year Photographed: 2014 Rome, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-smoking-man/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8654.jpg The Smoking Man Smoking Man Walking Through Piazza San Pietro in Citta del Vaticano, Roma, Italia Photography is the art of light so the long shadows created by the Vatican columns led me to focus my attention here. The man with the red jacket provided me with the focal point and color contrast necessary to make this image unique. Year Photographed: 2014 Vatican City https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/st-peters-basilica/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8428.jpg St. Peter's Basilica Basilica di San Pietro Interior in Citta del Vaticano, Roma, Italy Completed in 1626, St. Peter's Basilica was designed by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The basilica is the most famous example of Renaissance architecture and the largest church in the world. No single photo can truly capture what the interior is like however as there is no square inch of this place that isn't a work of art. Buildings are simply not created like this anymore. Year Photographed: 2014 Vatican City https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8453.jpg Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, Roma, Italy A World War I memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located under the statue of the goddess Roma at the Victor Emmanuel II Monument. Guarded around the clock by Italian soldiers, this is the centerpiece of the enormous monument building which can be seen from miles away. The Italian government takes great pride is maintaining the monument as security routinely scolds people for sitting on the steps. While that may seem like over-policing to most people I do respect their commitment to keeping a certain standard of conduct here. Year Photographed: 2014 Rome, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/palatino/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8442.jpg Palatino The Picturesque Palatino Looms Over Roman Forum, Rome, Italy Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome. Dating back at least 2,000 years, imperial palaces were established here by Augustus, the first Roman emperor. The grounds currently serve as an open air museum. It was the mix of ancient architecture, Renaissance architecture and Italian culture that compelled my wife to honeymoon in Rome. Our initial destination was going to be Bora Bora but in the end, the variety of experiences afforded by Rome won out. Year Photographed: 2014 Rome, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/piazza-della-rotonda/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8682.jpg Piazza della Rotonda Fontana del Pantheon at Piazza della Rotonda, Rome, Italy Piazza della Rotonda is a historical and cultural gem nestled in the heart of Rome, Italy. This iconic square is famed for its magnificent central monument, the Pantheon - a true architectural marvel dating back to Ancient Rome. Piazza della Rotonda, also known as the "Square of the Pantheon," is not only a vibrant hub buzzing with activity, but it is also a testament to the rich history that Rome holds. Surrounded by picturesque buildings and charming cafes, this square has been a gathering place for locals and visitors alike for centuries. As you step foot onto the cobblestone paths of Piazza della Rotonda, you can't help but feel the weight of history in the air. This captivating site has witnessed countless significant events, from the days of the Roman Empire to the present day. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power and influence of Rome throughout the ages. In addition to its historical significance, Piazza della Rotonda is a vibrant cultural center, hosting various events and performances throughout the year. Street musicians serenade passersby, local artists display their masterpieces, and visitors can indulge in a plethora of delicious Roman-Italian cuisine and gelato. Located in the heart of Rome, Piazza della Rotonda is easily accessible and serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the city's other iconic landmarks. From here, you can navigate your way to the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Roman history and culture. Located directly in front of the Pantheon, Fontana del Pantheon was commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII and designed by Giacomo Della Porta in 1575. My fondest memories of our Rome honeymoon was at Piazza della Rotonda. My wife and I sat on the steps of the ancient Pantheon for hours listening to a street musician with guitar god-like skills and people-watching while eating blood orange gelato. Year Photographed: 2014 Rome, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/easter/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8672.jpg Easter St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City Photographed during Easter week, St. Peter's Basilica was set up for the big annual event. I didn't get a chance to see Pope Francis during this week but his presence was definitely felt on the street. There's a certain energy to the Vatican City and Rome in general that's hard to describe unless you've been there. Year Photographed: 2014 Vatican City https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cobblestone/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8679.jpg Cobblestone Cobblestone at Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy One of the most bustling public square in Rome, Piazza Navona is lined with cobblestone streets. As a photographer I saw a beautiful opportunity to portray the weathering of time. Year Photographed: 2014 Rome, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/gondola-ride-in-grand-canal/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8960.jpg Gondola Ride in Grand Canal Gondola Ride in the Grand Canal, Venice, Italy My wife and I traveled to Venice for our 1st anniversary. On our first full day we took a gondola ride from San Marco and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the ride. Regretfully, I told the gondolier at the beginning that we wanted to be dropped off at Rialto Market as opposed to doing the entire roundtrip. Being a first-time visitor to Venice I didn't know any better and treated this as a taxi ride as opposed to just slowing down and enjoying the moment. Year Photographed: 2015 Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/gondola-ride-in-small-canal/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8954.jpg Gondola Ride in Small Canal Gondola Ride in Small Canal in San Marco, Venice, Italy If you find yourself in Venice, I highly recommend taking a gondola ride. Trust me. It's worth every penny. They aren't cheap but it's such a beautiful experience and relaxing way to see the town. Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/santa-maria-della-salute/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8922.jpg Santa Maria Della Salute Grand Canal at Sunrise With Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute in Background, Venice, Italy Completed in 1687, the baroque-style Santa Maria della Salute is the most iconic building seen on the Dorsoduro side of the Accademia Bridge. I awoke at dawn while my wife slept in and walked down several canals to reach the bridge in order to make this image at sunrise. Photographing at sunrise is the most enjoyable time to make images in Venice as very few people are out and about in the early morning hours. Year Photographed: 2015 Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/venetian-memories/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8934.jpg Venetian Memories Colorful Building Water Reflection Abstract, Venice, Italy This photo of a Venice canal is a visual metaphor inspired by Salvador Dali's classic masterpiece, "The Persistence of Memory". I visualized Dali's distorted clocks when I saw these door and window reflections distorted by moving water. Year Photographed: 2015 Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/colorful-buildings/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8930.jpg Colorful Buildings Colorful Buildings Along Canal, Venice, Italy I walked past this scene multiple times each day during my weeklong anniversary in Venice since my hotel was located along the same canal. The diffused lighting here allowed me to capture all of the colors of the building without any harsh shadows. Year Photographed: 2015 Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/timeless/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8925.jpg Timeless Gondola in Small Canal, Venice, Italy While Piazza San Marco attracts the majority of visitors to Venice, there are still plenty of other areas that offer peace and quiet. The Dorsoduro area is more for locals and a much different change of pace. It is along these canals that the authentic Venice starts to reveal itself. Gondolas have traditionally been used as an important means of transportation within Venice prior to the advent of motorized boats. The first documented use of gondolas dates back to 1094. They were much more prevalent in the 17th and 18th centuries with thousands of in operation but there are only several hundred still in use today in the 21st century as the main purpose now is tourism. Year Photographed: 2015 Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/venetian-masks/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9010.jpg Venetian Masks Venetian Masks, Venice, Italy Carnevale is annual event which draws up to 3 million people per year. While the current incarnation of this event dates back to 1979, the very first Carnival of Venice is believed to have occurred in 1162 after a military victory by the Venetian Republic. Regardless of how Carnevale came to be, there's no doubt that venetian masks can be quite elaborate and a work of art unto itself. Year Photographed: 2015 Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/accademia-bridge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8917.jpg Accademia Bridge Gondolas at Sunset From Accademia Bridge, Venice, Italy Originally constructed as a steel bridge in 1854, Accademia Bridge is one of only four major bridges to cross the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. Also known as Ponte dell'Accademia, the Accademia Bridge is currently a wooden bridge that is supported by metal arches for stability and preservation of the structure. Accademia Bridge is one of the best people-watching and scenic locations to make photos in Venice.Related Photos: Grand Canal Sunset Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-grand-canal/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8915.jpg The Grand Canal The Grand Canal at Sunset From Accademia Bridge, Venice, Italy My wife and I had honeymooned in Rome the year prior. We enjoyed Italy so much that we decided to come back and visit Venice for our first anniversary. Though photography wasn't the main purpose of this trip, I simply could not pass up photographing this classic Venetian landscape in such beautiful light. My wife was not thrilled at having to wait for dinner but I'm sure she has forgiven me by this point. Year Photographed: 2015 About The Grand Canal in Venice Venice, renowned for its unparalleled beauty and enchanting charm, has captivated the hearts of millions of visitors worldwide. This iconic city, nestled in the serene waters of the Venetian Lagoon, is famed for its intricate network of canals that weave through its picturesque streets. As you wander through the enchanting alleys and delightful bridges, one highlight that truly embodies the essence of Venice is the renowned Grand Canal, often regarded as the heartbeat of the city. With its majestic palaces, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere, the Grand Canal is an unrivaled spectacle that proudly showcases the magnificence of this floating city. Exploring the Grand Canal Location and Importance The Grand Canal is undeniably the centerpiece of Venice, located right in the heart of the city. It stretches across the entire historic center, dividing it into two parts. The canal's central location makes it a crucial transportation artery, connecting various neighborhoods and landmarks in Venice. History and Importance in Venetian Culture The Grand Canal not only boasts a vibrant past but also holds significant cultural importance for the Venetian people. Dating back to the 13th to 18th centuries, this iconic waterway has played a vital role in the city's history, culture, and commerce. For centuries, the Grand Canal served as a major trade route for goods arriving from the East. It enabled Venice to establish itself as a dominant maritime power, facilitating lucrative trade and establishing the city as a wealthy hub of commerce. Moreover, the canal's influence on architectural masterpieces cannot be overstated. Palaces, mansions, and stunning buildings line the canal, showcasing the wealth and grandeur of Venice's aristocracy. The distinctive Venetian Gothic and Renaissance styles are beautifully displayed in these architectural gems. Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), a symbol of the Venetian Republic's political power.Ca' Rezzonico, an elegant palace showcasing the city's Baroque architecture.Rialto Bridge, a magnificent example of engineering and a bustling hub of activity. Exploring the Grand Canal is not just a sightseeing experience; it allows you to immerse yourself in the rich history and evolution of Venetian culture. Grand Canal Architecture and Landmarks Venice's Grand Canal is not only a breathtaking waterway that winds its way through the city, but it is also home to some of the most impressive architectural wonders and landmarks in the world. From magnificent palaces to an iconic bridge, the Grand Canal is a feast for the eyes. Venetian Palaces As you cruise along the Grand Canal, you'll be captivated by the grandeur of the Venetian palaces that line its shores. These palaces are a testament to the wealth and power of the noble families that once ruled Venice. The architectural styles of these palaces vary from Byzantine and Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque, showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of the city. Each palace has its own unique features, such as intricate carvings, beautiful frescoes, and elegant courtyards. Many of these palaces have played significant roles in Venetian history and have been witness to countless political and social events. Some notable palaces along the Grand Canal include Ca' d'Oro, Palazzo Dario, and Ca' Rezzonico. These palaces are a true reflection of the opulence and artistic excellence that Venice is known for. Rialto Bridge Standing proudly over the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice. This magnificent bridge not only serves as a crossing point between the two sides of the canal but also as a symbol of the city's rich history and architectural brilliance. Constructed in the late 16th century, the Rialto Bridge is an architectural marvel. Its arched design and intricate stone work make it a true masterpiece. For centuries, the bridge has been a bustling hub of activity, with shops and market stalls lining its sides. The Rialto Bridge holds great historical significance, as it was the only bridge that spanned the Grand Canal for centuries. It has served as a vital link between the commercial and residential areas of Venice, facilitating trade and transportation. Today, the Rialto Bridge continues to attract tourists from all around the world who marvel at its beauty and admire the panoramic views it offers. It truly is a must-see landmark for anyone visiting the Grand Canal. Grand Canal Experience Discover the enchanting charm of the Grand Canal through its unique transportation options that will take you on a romantic journey through Venice's mesmerizing waterways. Gondolas and Water Taxis Experience the true essence of Venice by going on a traditional gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Gondolas have been an iconic symbol of the city for centuries, and they continue to serve as one of the primary modes of transportation along these captivating waterways. This was one of the highlights of my weeklong 1st anniversary trip. As you glide along the canal, you will be immersed in the magical atmosphere of Venice. With each stroke of the gondolier's oar, you will be transported to a world of elegance and romance. The gondola ride offers a unique perspective of the city, allowing you to witness the splendid architecture and charming bridges that adorn the canal's edges. Whether you choose to take a serene solo voyage or choose a romantic ride with a loved one, a gondola journey along the Grand Canal is an experience that will stay with you forever. Venetian Water Buses For those seeking a more affordable means of exploring the Grand Canal, Venetian water buses, known as vaporettos, are an excellent option. These water buses provide a convenient and efficient mode of transportation, allowing you to tour the canal at your own leisure. The vaporetto system operates along several routes, with stops strategically placed along the Grand Canal. Hop aboard one of these water buses and witness the stunning views of the city's most renowned landmarks, including the Rialto Bridge, the Ca' d'Oro, and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Whether you wish to visit the charming neighborhoods lining the canal or explore the various islands scattered along its path, the vaporettos offer a fantastic way to experience the bustling life and vibrant energy that thrives along the Grand Canal. Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/grand-canal-sunset/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8916.jpg Grand Canal Sunset Grand Canal Sunset, Venice, Italy Venice is unique in that the city consists of 100 small islands that are interconnected by countless bridges, alleys and canals. The main attraction is the Grand Canal which is at the heart of economic activity and transportation within this floating city which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Year Photographed: 2015 Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/old-town-bologna/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8985.jpg Old Market Bologna Meat Market in Old Town Bologna, Italy Bologna is the 7th most populated city in Italy and has the world's oldest university (The University of Bologna) which was established in A.D. 1080. The heart of the legendary Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, the old market at the Quadrilatero is at the historic city centre of Bologna. I enjoyed walking amongst the vendors stalls and shops within the old market while tasting food the entire time with my wife. Language was a challenge since no one there really spoke English to any degree unlike Venice which is largely geared toward tourists but the language barrier added to the authenticity of our experience. This day trip was one of the highlights of our visit to Northern Italy. Year Photographed: 2015 Emilia-Romagna, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rialto-bridge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8968-2_web.jpg Rialto Bridge Rialto Bridge View at Dusk, Venice, Italy The view from the legendary Rialto Bridge. The atmosphere was buzzing as I stood on the bridge and watched gondolas float by and people dining at the canal-side restaurants. The bridge was under construction during my visit so I was a bit restricted in what I could see but this is definitely where the action is in Venice. Year Photographed: 2015 Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/st-marks-square/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8947.jpg St. Mark's Square Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) / St. Mark's Square at Dawn, Venice, Italy Located within Piazza San Marco aka. St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace is a Venetian Gothic style palace that opened in 1340. Palazzo Ducale is one of the most famous buildings in Venice and the inspiration for many architects. I left the hotel more than an hour before sunrise in order to explore San Marco without having to contend with tourists walking through my photos. This is truly the best time of day to make Venetian architecture photos as the lights are still on and the streets shimmer from getting washed down. Year Photographed: 2015 Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/servizio-gondole/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8944.jpg Servizio Gondole Servizio Gondole in San Marco, Venice, Italy Photographing during one of my early morning walks in Venice. My objective was to capture the iconic gondolas with some local architectural element which was the lamppost. While I could have captioned this photo with the English translation I feel the original Venetian version sounds better. Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-bridge-of-sighs/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8953.jpg The Bridge of Sighs The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), Venice, Italy A white limestone bridge built in 1600, The Bridge of Sighs connects the interrogation rooms in Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) to the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove). This is one of the most popular viewpoints in Venice. Year Photographed: 2015 Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/servizio-gondole-sunrise/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8975.jpg Servizio Gondole Sunrise Servizio Gondole Sunrise at Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy I've stood before many world-class scenic landscapes and city views but few compare to this classic scene from Venice. From the timeless appeal of gondolas to beautiful architecture, this scene conjures up so many memories and emotions for me. This was the perfect place to go for my first anniversary. Year Photographed: 2015 Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/campanile-di-san-marco/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8948.jpg Campanile di San Marco Campanile di San Marco, Venice, Italy Also known as St Mark's Campanile, this bell tower is 323 feet tall and is the tallest building in Venice. The structure is one of the most iconic pieces of architecture in the city. Year Photographed: 2015 Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/venetian-gondola/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8994.jpg Venetian Gondola Gondola Ride Motion Blur, Venice, Italy Venice is constantly in motion from people walking along the canals to motorized boats to gondoliers. I had made plenty of static images during my visit so on this occasion I decided to experiment with some long exposure motion blurs to convey a sense of motion. Gondolas are undoubtedly heavy but the gondoliers paddle surprisingly fast. Year Photographed: 2015 Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dorsoduro/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8923.jpg Dorsoduro Small Canal and Bridge, Venice, Italy Having walked through every sestieri and crossed dozens if not hundreds of bridges, I found this quiet canal to be the Venice that I had been seeking out. This part of the city that has not been changed due to tourism is pure Venice. Year Photographed: 2015 Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/jewish-ghetto/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8996.jpg Jewish Ghetto Venetian Jewish Ghetto (Ghetto Vecchio), Venice, Italy Established in 1516, the Venetian Ghetto was a segregated part of Venice where Jews were forced to live by the Venetian Republic. At it's peak there were nearly 1,000 residents located here. Since my wife and I spent a week in Venice for our first anniversary, we took the time to explore each part of Venice. This was one of the more obscure locations that we explored which I found fascinating from a cultural standpoint. As a minority resident of the United States, I don't understand why humans have chosen to persecute certain groups throughout history such as Jews and Blacks. Each culture offers their own unique contributions to this world so we should cherish our differences rather than try to make others conform to our own. Year Photographed: 2015 Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/foggy-morning-on-grand-canal/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8993.jpg Foggy Morning on Grand Canal Foggy Morning on Grand Canal From Accademia Bridge, Venice, Italy If I had to choose between photographing at dawn or dusk in Venice I would choose dawn every time. There's no clutter to deal with at dawn. Few boats nor people are out and about in the morning which is a rare occurrence during the daylight hours. Year Photographed: 2015 Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/piazza-san-marco/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8991.jpg Piazza San Marco Foggy Morning in Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy While celebrating my first anniversary in Venice, I work up before dawn every morning to wander the canals with my camera. I seem to enjoy cold and foggy weather more than most people as this melancholy scene really spoke to me personally. Year Photographed: 2015 Venice, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-spanish-steps/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8656.jpg The Spanish Steps People Walking The Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy The famous fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps was under constructed and covered with scaffolds during my honeymoon so I was unable to make the classic composition but I still wanted to make an image that conveyed the Spanish Steps. So why not look down at the steps themselves with feet scurrying about? Year Photographed: 2014 Rome, Italy https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mormon-row-barn/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9717-BW.jpg Mormon Row Barn Mormon Row Barn Stormy Sunrise Black & White, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Stormy mornings have a way of deterring all but the most determined of photographers. I was the only photographer at this world-famous location on this morning. That was the only time I experienced solitude at this location. Year Photographed: 2018 The Historical Significance of Mormon Row Mormon Row is a unique and significant landmark that holds great historical importance. Located within Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, Mormon Row is a stretch of land that was settled by Mormon pioneers in the late 19th century. This iconic area is a testament to the perseverance and resourcefulness of the early Mormon settlers who transformed the western frontier into a thriving agricultural community. The remnants of their homesteads, barns, and other structures still stand today, offering a glimpse into the past and the challenges these pioneers faced. Visiting Mormon Row provides an opportunity to step back in time and admire the incredible craftsmanship and ingenuity of these settlers. Walking along the gravel road, surrounded by the picturesque Tetons, you can envision the daily lives of those who tirelessly worked the land. The Role of Mormon Row in Preserving History Mormon Row has played a pivotal role in preserving the rich history of the early Mormon settlers in the Jackson Hole area. Through its historic buildings and structures, it provides a glimpse into the past and allows visitors to appreciate the challenges and triumphs of the Mormon pioneers.Historic Buildings and Structures Barns: On Mormon Row, the barns hold a significant place in the history of the area. These iconic structures stood as a testament to the hard work and perseverance of the early settlers. Exploring the barns allows one to truly grasp the agricultural lifestyle of the Mormon pioneers. These barns were not just ordinary structures. They were carefully designed and constructed to withstand the harsh Wyoming winters and serve multiple purposes. The architectural features of these barns, such as their sturdy log construction and unique roof designs, reflect the practicality and resourcefulness of the Mormon settlers. Aside from providing shelter for livestock, the barns also served as storage for grain, hay, and agricultural equipment. They were the heart and soul of the farming operations, ensuring the survival and prosperity of the settlers. Other Historic Buildings: Besides the barns, Mormon Row boasts a variety of other historic buildings that contribute to its preservation of history. These structures, ranging from houses to outbuildings, showcase the architectural style and purpose of the Mormon settlers. Each building tells a unique story. Some houses reflect the simpler, functional design of the early pioneers, while others exhibit more elaborate styles with intricate details. Walking through these buildings, visitors can transport themselves back in time and imagine the lives of the families who called Mormon Row home.Historical BackgroundMormon Pioneers and Settlements in Wyoming The Mormon pioneers played a significant role in the settlement of Wyoming. These religious migrants, also known as the Latter-day Saints, embarked on a challenging journey to find a place where they could practice their beliefs freely. In the mid-19th century, they ventured across the plains and mountains to escape persecution and create their own communities. The appeal of Wyoming's vast and untouched landscapes drew the attention of the Mormon pioneers. The Jackson Hole area, nestled in the western part of the state, caught their eye specifically. Its fertile soil and abundant wildlife promised a prosperous future for those willing to embrace the challenges of frontier life.Homesteading and Mormon Settlements As the Mormon pioneers sought to establish their presence in Wyoming, they utilized the homesteading system. Homesteading allowed individuals to claim and cultivate parcels of land for themselves. This system served as a catalyst for the development of Mormon Row, as it attracted Mormon settlers looking to build a life and community in Jackson Hole. Mormon farming communities quickly took root, with settlers working tirelessly to transform the rugged landscape into productive farmland. They built homes, barns, and other essential structures, creating a cohesive and self-sufficient community that supported one another in their shared endeavor. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/teton-point/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9716.jpg Teton Point Teton Point Sunrise, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Year Photographed: 2018 Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/ansels-playground/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9680.jpg Ansel's Playground Snake River Overlook at Sunrise, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Limited Edition of 25 Prints Ansel Adams (1902 - 1984) popularized this location with his "The Tetons and the Snake River" photo in 1942. On this late spring morning 76 years later, I was blessed with some fleeting magical lighting conditions. I own a copy of Adams' print in my office for inspiration but to be honest I prefer my own at this point. I hope you do too. Year Photographed: 2018 Awards: 2020 IPA International Photography Awards - Professional, Nature, Landscape Category - Honorable Mention Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sawmill-geyser/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6650.jpg Sawmill Geyser Sawmill Geyser Eruption in Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming With water spouts up to 35 feet in the air, Sawmill Geyser erupts approximately every 1 to 3 hours and lasts between 30 to 50 minutes per event. The backlit sunlight here helped me to accentuate the power of the geothermal energy. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/primordial/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6655-2_web.jpg Primordial Snowing at Sunset Along Firehole River (Upper Geyser Basin), Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming What I enjoyed about visiting Yellowstone prior to Memorial Day was that it was a time of seasonal transition from spring to summer. Given the high elevation, spring can often have winter-like conditions such as what I experienced. Though the sunset here was relatively clear, there was actually a great deal of snow blowing sideways at me while I was framing up this photo along the Firehole River. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/morning-glory-pool/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6652-2_web.jpg Morning Glory Pool Morning Glory Pool in Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming One of the most colorful of geothermal pools within Yellowstone, the Morning Glory Pool averages about 157 degrees in temperature and can reach depths of 23 feet. The unusual colors are the result of bacteria within the water. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/grotto-geyser/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6654.jpg Grotto Geyser Grotto Geyser in Upper Geyser Basin at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming A fountain geyser, Grotto Geyser's eruptions reach about 10 feet in height. The unusual shape of the geyser fountain is what attracted me to this scene. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/porcelain-basin/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6667.jpg Porcelain Basin Colloidal Pool in Porcelain Basin at Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest geothermal area within Yellowstone National Park. While Upper Geyser Basin and Midway Geyser Basin attract many more visitors, Norris Geyser Basin is more interesting to geologists. The intense blue color of the water is the result of the extremely hot temperatures. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/minerva-terrace/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6658.jpg Minerva Terrace Mammoth Hot Springs Minerva Terrace, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Mammoth Hot Springs is comprised of numerous hot springs set on a travertine hillside. This unique ecosystem has been created over thousands of years due to calcium carbonate deposits. The hot springs are definitely one of the most unique looking features within Yellowstone. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mountain-blue-bird/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6798.jpg Mountain Bluebird Mountain Bluebird, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming One of the most striking birds I've seen in the wild, mountain bluebirds (Sialia currucoides) is a medium-sized bird weighing about 1 oz. with a length from 6 to 8 in. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/ice-bubbles/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6686.jpg Ice Bubbles Ice Bubble Patterns on Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Due to the high elevation and harsh winter weather, Yellowstone Lake can remain frozen til the late spring and early summer months. I found these ice bubbles to be a fascinating photo subject. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mothers-day/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6795.jpg Mother's Day Baby Bison Calf Showing Affection to Mother, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming As the snowy winter gives way to spring, there is an abundant amount of wildlife offspring that can be found within Yellowstone. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/baby-bison-calves/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6792.jpg Baby Bison Calves Pair of Baby Bison Calves Grazing, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Bison can eventually grow to become more than 8 ft tall and weigh in excess of 3,500 pounds.Related Photo: Mother's Day Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/stripes/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6700.jpg Stripes Grand Prismatic Spring Bacterial Mat Patterns, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most visited and photographed sites in Yellowstone National Park. I opted for a different twist on a well-known location. By focusing on abstract details rather than colorful sweeping landscapes, the composition invites more questions than it answers. Year Photographed: 2010 Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dissolution/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6704.jpg Dissolution Grand Prismatic Spring Bacterial Mat Patterns, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Created by boiling acidic water, Grand Prismatic Spring's bacterial mat is one of the most unique ecosystems that I have ever encountered. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/madison-river/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6739.jpg Madison River Madison River at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming With it's beautiful and calming waters, the Madison River greets visitors on Yellowstone's western entrance. The river is a headwater tributary of the Missouri River, approximately 183 miles long, located within Wyoming and Montana. Its confluence with the Jefferson and Gallatin rivers near Three Forks, Montana forms the Missouri River. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/americas-best-idea/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7948.jpg America's Best Idea Old Faithful Geyser, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The first time I visited Old Faithful was back in 2001 while on a cross-country road trip with my older cousin, Herbert. I wasn't a serious photographer yet at the time but Herbert was. At the time all I knew is that he wanted to us to wake up early from our tents way before sunrise and see Old Faithful. I remember being frustrated by the high contrast light at that hour not really understanding how to use the light in my favor. My photos from that photoshoot were mediocre. It wasn't until a decade later when I came back for sunrise with more experience under my belt which allowed me to do the scene justice. I'll always think of Herbert when I see Old Faithful and see this photo. Herbert passed away in 2007 following a short battle with pancreatic cancer. This is for you cousin. I never told you directly but I learned a lot from you in those early years.Related Photos: Black & White America's Best Idea Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/biscuit-basin/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6720.jpg Biscuit Basin Bison and Birds Along the Firehole River at Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The action of the birds flying overhead is what attracted me to this scene. I felt this was symbolic of Yellowstone's ecosystem which is intense and chaotic with geothermal activity underground and abundant wildlife. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/opalescent-pool/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6747.jpg Opalescent Pool Opalescent Pool Water Reflections at Black Sand Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming While geysers get most of the attention from visitors and rightfully so, I also enjoy looking at other geothermal features such as the Opalescent Pool which is a shallow, multi-colored pool of hot water. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/giant-geyser/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6764.jpg Giant Geyser Giant Geyser (Upper Geyser Basin), Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Giant Geyser immediately stands out for its distinct cone-like shape. The geyser doesn't erupt very often but cold air in addition to the subterranean heat here created a fair amount of steam. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lower-yellowstone-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6772.jpg Lower Yellowstone Falls Lower Yellowstone Falls in Snow Storm at North Rim, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The most iconic waterfall in Yellowstone, Lower Yellowstone Falls has a drop in excess of 300 feet. A spring snowstorm happened to be taking place as I was walking along the rim. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/spring-coat/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6780.jpg Spring Coat Bison Grazing in Spring Snow Storm Near Canyon Junction, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming When I saw this lone bison grazing in the snow, I immediately imagined how frontier life might have been before Yellowstone became a national park. The bison was at peace out in the wild despite what I felt was cold weather. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/morning-mirror/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9704.jpg Morning Mirror Grass in Pond / Madison River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunrise wasn't amounting to be much so I decided to focus my attention downward to the smaller scenes. To me this image is about lines and shapes as opposed to water and grass. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/artist-point/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6779.jpg Artist Point Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Scenic View from Artist Point with Lower Yellowstone Falls in Distance, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Artist Point is one of the oldest and most iconic scenic viewpoints in the west. Every time I see this vista I am reminded of Thomas Moran and William Henry Jackson's artwork from the Hayden Expedition on behalf of the United States Geological Survey to document Yellowstone in the 1870s which led to the creation of the world's first national park.Related Photos: Iron Spring Creek | Mammoth Hot Springs | Minerva Terrace Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/grand-prismatic-spring/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9702.jpg Grand Prismatic Spring Grand Prismatic Spring / Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The 3rd largest hot spring in the world, Grand Prismatic Spring is located within the Midway Geyser Basin area of Yellowstone National Park. The hot spring is famous for its large colorful bacterial mat which visitors can walk over via catwalks. It resembles a large eyeball which viewed from above. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/castle-geyser/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9673.jpg Castle Geyser Castle Geyser at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming A large cone geyser, Castle Geyser is one of the most recognizable geothermal landmarks in the Upper Geyser Basin. The geyser erupts about every 14 hours for 20 minutes at a height of 75 feet. I like photographing this geyser as it seemingly is always steaming regardless of whether its erupting or not. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/upper-geyser-basin/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9672.jpg Upper Geyser Basin Upper Geyser Basin Stormy Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The Upper Geyser Basin is home to the largest concentration of geysers in the world, including Old Faithful, which is one of the most famous and predictable geysers in the park. The area is also home to other notable geysers such as Castle Geyser, Grotto Geyser, and Riverside Geyser. The basin covers an area of approximately two square miles and is characterized by its colorful thermal features, including hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and bears. Visitors can take boardwalk trails to view the geysers and thermal features, and ranger-led tours are also available. While on family vacation in Yellowstone, I went back out for sunset after dinner while my family retreated back to a comfortable bed at Old Faithful Inn. It started to rain right around sunset when I noticed color about the burst out of the dreary sky. I managed to get a few photos before the light faded while wiping the rain drops off of my lens. Year Photographed: 2018 Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/grand-geyser/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9676.jpg Grand Geyser Grand Geyser Eruption at Sunrise, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The world's largest predictable geyser with eruptions exceeding 200 feet, Grand Geyser typically only erupts once or twice per day. Fortunately for me this eruption was expected to coincide with sunrise so I made a point to arrive in time for this eruption. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/iron-spring-creek/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9699.jpg Iron Spring Creek Iron Spring Creek at Black Sand Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming As an artist I'm always drive to S-curves as this is not a pattern that I see every day. The rising steam on the other side of the creek hints on the power that lies beneath the surface. After all, Yellowstone National Park does sit on top of a super volcano called the Yellowstone Caldera. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/heart-spring/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9693.jpg Heart Spring Heart Spring at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Resembling a human heart, Heart Spring made for a fitting foreground during this intense sunset at Yellowstone's Upper Geyser Basin. My heart was beating quite intensely as I witnessed all of these geothermal forces backlit by the setting sun. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mammatus-clouds/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9768.jpg Mammatus Clouds Mammatus Clouds at Sunset / Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming With dark thunderstorm clouds over head I was a bit nervous but since there appeared to be a promising sunset ahead I stuck around and was rewarded with a display of mammatus clouds which I had not seen before. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/chinese-spring/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9696.jpg Chinese Spring Chinese Spring & Firehole River at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Named after a Chinese person who washed their laundry in the hot spring during the 1850's, there is no doubt that the boiling waters of Chinese Spring would kill off any germs from the clothing. I personally wouldn't recommend it though as hot springs are not just hot but they can be very acidic as well. Either way, I found this to be an interesting foreground to pair with the clouds in the background at sunset. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/last-rays/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9695.jpg Last Rays Chinese Spring & Firehole River at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/old-faithful/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9682.jpg Old Faithful Limited Edition of 25 Prints The iconic Old Faithful Geyser is one of the most famous natural landscapes scenes in the world. Though not the tallest nor the biggest geyser, it is named Old Faithful because it is the most predictable geyser in the world as it has been erupting approximately every 90 minutes for the past 30 years. Year Photographed: 2018 Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/shield-spring/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9683.jpg Shield Spring Shield Spring Full Moon at Dawn, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming What I like most about exploring Yellowstone in the early morning hours is not the cold weather but the solitude that it affords. Upper Geyser Basin is the most popular location within the National Park but hardly anyone is out and about before dawn except for the most dedicated of joggers. That's the way I prefer it. Year Photographed: 2018 Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/firehole-river/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9690.jpg Firehole River Firehole River at Dawn, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The Firehole River derives its name for the numerous geysers and steam vents along its' banks. The river is one of two tributaries of the Madison River and flows through the famed Upper and Midway Geyser Basins. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/moon-over-upper-geyser-basin/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9681.jpg Moon Over Upper Geyser Basin Upper Geyser Basin Sunrise & Full Moon, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming With more than 150 geysers within one square mile, Upper Geyser Basin is the premiere place in the world to witness geysers. Yellowstone National Park as a whole has more than half of the world's geysers. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/smoldering/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9689.jpg Smoldering Firehole River at Sunrise, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming There are few natural landmarks as appropriately named as the Firehole River. The amount of geothermal activity surrounding this river is incredible. This area is best viewed during the early morning hours when the air is cold. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/samantha-sleeps/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9707.jpg Samantha Sleeps Madison River at Sunrise, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming As a husband and father of young children I don't have the flexibility to photograph whenever I want anymore but the early morning hours are always available to me since my wife likes to sleep in. That was the case here as I was able to explore the Madison River in the dawn hours before heading back to West Yellowstone to have breakfast with my family. The other benefit to early mornings is that very few if any tourists are out and about at that time so the infamous Yellowstone wildlife traffic jams are non-existent at this time. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/river-runs-through/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9709.jpg River Runs Through Madison River at Sunrise, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming One early morning I was heading back to West Yellowstone in Montana when I was stopped in my tracks by the fog rising above an S-curve in the Madison River. It might be a bit hard to see on the internet but there is a large deer feeding in the mid-ground within the fog which was icing on the cake for me. Year Photographed: 2018 Awards: 2022 IPA International Photography Awards - Professional, Nature, Landscape - Official Selection Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mammoth-hot-springs/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9712.jpg Mammoth Hot Springs Mammoth Hot Springs at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Comprised of a large limestone terrace, Mammoth Hot Springs is arguably the most interesting looking geological formation in Yellowstone. I've never seen anything else like this place. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/earth-shadow/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8104.jpg Earth Shadow Earth Shadow Over San Francisco, Mount Tamalpais State Park, California Earth Shadow is one of the most beautiful natural light phenomena you can see on a semi-regular basis as the day gives way to the soft pastels of dusk. Mount Tamalpais State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/stinson-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9578.jpg Stinson Beach Sunset Over Stinson Beach, Mount Tamalpais State Park, California With its long sandy beach, Stinson Beach is a popular weekend excursion for Bay Area locals. Make no mistake however, this is a Northern California beach which means that its frequently under fog. On this evening I was fortunate to see an incredible sunset that I paired with a foreground that complemented the shape of the clouds. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/weathered/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9128.jpg Weathered Bodega Head Seastacks in Fog, Sonoma Coast, California There is something about foggy weather that makes me feel reinvigorated. I believe it stems back to my childhood as it reminds me of our summer family trips along the Central and Northern California coast. It was foggy during these trips more often than not. Fog takes me back to a simpler and more innocent time in life. Year Photographed: 2015 Bodega Bay, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/point-reyes-national-seashore/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9119.jpg Point Reyes National Seashore Coastal Cliffs at Sunset, Point Reyes National Seashore, California One of the just ten National Seashores in the United States, Point Reyes is the only National Seashore on the west coast. Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dance-of-the-clouds/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8035.jpg Dance of the Clouds Fog Rolling in Over a Coastal Ridge at Sunset, Point Reyes National Seashore, California When most photographers see clouds they think of colorful sunset light. While that is a noble objective and a phenomenon that I enjoy photographing, I feel that there is more to photographing clouds than just being relegated to an after-thought. I like to build my compositions around clouds with clouds being the main subject as opposed to window dressing. Point Reyes National Seashore, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fogbow/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9614.jpg Fogbow Fogbow at Bodega Head, Sonoma Coast, California Also known as white rainbows, fogbows share similarities with their more vibrant counterpart, the classic rainbow. However, their appearance is distinct and stunning in its own right. So, what exactly are fogbows? Fogbows are created when light refracts off water droplets present in fog or mist. Unlike typical rainbows that arise from rain, fogbows are generated from much smaller droplets. As a result, their colors appear softer and more diffused, often displaying a delicate blend of pale pastels. Usually appearing as a ghostly white arch, fogbows lack the vivid hues commonly associated with rainbows. Instead, they exhibit a muted palette, with faint shades of blue and yellow occasionally visible towards the edges. The inner region of the fogbow can appear colorless or slightly tinged with red. Observing a fogbow can be a truly enchanting experience. Due to its formation in fog or mist, the backdrop against which these ethereal halos materialize can create an otherworldly atmosphere, evoking a sense of mystery and tranquility. To catch a glimpse of a fogbow is to witness a moment of ephemeral beauty, a testament to the wonder of the natural world. What amazed me about this fogbow was not the mere sight of it but the fact that numerous other hikers walked past on the trail without even noticing it. They are a relatively rare phenomenon so most people may not even be aware of their existence. Year Photographed: 2015 Bodega Bay, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/morning-silence/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9627.jpg Morning Silence Bodega Head Sunrise Long Exposure, Sonoma Coast, California On the morning of my 1st Father's Day, I decided to wake up before dawn and explore Bodega Head while my wife and son slept in at a nearby hotel. As a family man, I relish whatever little alone time I can these days. Life as a single photographer was definitely a lot different than my current lifestyle. Year Photographed: 2017 Bodega Bay, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bodega/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9274.jpg Birds Saint Teresa of Avila Church, Bodega, California Afred Hitchcock's 1963 classic thriller film, Birds, was set in Bodega Bay, California. St. Teresa Church was featured in the film along with the schoolhouse located behind the property.Related Photos: Weathered | Pacific Dream Bodega, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/heritage-house/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9624.jpg I Do. The Heritage House is one of the most popular locations for weddings and wedding photography on the Mendocino Coast. It's easy to see why with such a stunning coastline surrounding the gazebo. For the ultimate wedding gift, consider purchasing a TruLife Acrylic Face Mount print of this piece. Year Photographed: 2018 Heritage House Resort, Mendocino Coast, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bodega-head/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9459.jpg Bodega Head Bodega Head Long Exposure at Sunrise, Sonoma Coast, California Bodega Head is a small promontory that juts out into the Pacific Ocean several miles from Bodega Bay. This is one of my favorite locations on the Northern California coast. Year Photographed: 2017 Related Photo: Morning Silence Bodega Bay, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bean-hollow-state-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9617.jpg Bean Hollow Bean Hollow State Beach, Pescadero, California I was shooting seascapes alongside my friend, Gary Crabbe, but to be honest I was more concerned with not getting swept out to sea than anything else. The wave action in this photo was a composite of several exposures.Related Photos: Cool Beans | California Beach Summer Pescadero, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pacific-dream/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9132.jpg Pacific Dream Bodega Head Foggy Sunset, Sonoma Coast, California Growing up in a suburban town on the outskirts of the San Gabriel Valley in Southern California, I had always dreamed of leaving the region behind for the coast. It took me longer than I had wanted to but I'm blessed to call the San Francisco Bay Area my home now. I'm truly living my Pacific Dream. Bodega Bay, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/trinidad-state-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4774-2_web.jpg Wild Coast Trinidad State Beach, California While not the most colorful sunset I've ever seen, the wave motion around these tide pool rocks added a strong sense of dynamicism to this scene. Year Photographed: 2008 Trinidad State Beach, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/arched-rock-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9298.jpg Arched Rock Beach Arched Rock Beach, Sonoma Coast SB, California The nearly 20-mile long Sonoma Coast State Beach is full of interesting seastacks for much of the coastline. Arched Rock Beach is one of the more photogenic stretches of the Sonoma Coast State Beach.Related Photos: Pacific Dream | Bodega Harbor Sonoma Coast, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/camping-under-the-stars/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8142.jpg Camping Under The Stars Backroads Camping Trip Tents Under the Milky Way Night Sky at Chanslor Ranch, Bodega Bay, California I was walking back to my tent after an evening of food and music at Chanslor Ranch when I noticed the galactic core of the Milky Way from over the Pacific Ocean. The Sonoma Coast is about 90 minutes north of San Francisco and rather sparsely populated so it results in dark night skies which are ideal for seeing the Milky Way during the summer and fall season. The one challenge however is that the Sonoma Coast is almost always fogged in during the summer so fall season is more reliable as the Bay Area tends to have less fog during the fall months of September and October. Year Photographed: 2013 Bodega Bay, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fitzgeralds-marine-reserve/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9283.jpg Fitzgerald's Tide My friend, Gary Crabbe, and I decided to photograph the San Mateo Coast several winters ago. We had photographed Bean Hollow at his suggestion a few weeks prior. This time I suggested Fitzgerald Marine Reserve since it coincided with a minus tide. I liked how this particular stretch of the beach looked as the tide receded. Year Photographed: 2016 San Mateo Coast, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bodega-harbor/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9629.jpg Bodega Harbor Bodega Harbor at Sunrise, Bodega Bay, California Bodega Harbor is a shallow natural harbor that is often too shallow to kayak in depending on the tides. Located on the south end of the rugged Sonoma Coast, I think this is one of the most beautiful and underrated regions of California. Year Photographed: 2017Related Photos: Bodega Head | Pacific Dreams Bodega Bay, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-past-present-and-future/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9414-1.jpg The Past, Present & Future Spring Flowers, Pacifica, California This area of Pacifica was one of the local areas I used to frequent a decade and a half ago when I was a young photographer in grad school with little money in the bank account. At the time I looked at my photography of local places as "practice" for bigger and better things when I could afford to do so. Interesting as time goes on I find myself going back to these "practice" places from my past to see them through my eyes in the present. I choose to go now because I want to. I also want to show my wife and my son what led me to them; why I am the way I am now. You can search your whole life for bigger and better things but maybe you've already got the best life for you. I'm someone that has always been chronically malcontent with status quo but now that I have a family, life is different. I have other priorities in life. Photography is still one of them but not #1. What isn't apparent in this pretty landscape is that my wife was in the car feeding my son after an evening hike when I noticed the sunset starting to heat up. After asking if I could shoot the sunset, I found a spot about ten feet from my car where I hastily set up my equipment and shot photos until the color disappeared. Most of my day was spent on family time but just for a few minutes I had to relive my past life. Despite not being 100% focused on photography, I'm happy with the end result. Year Photographed: 2017 Pacifica, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/enlightened-trees/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8034.jpg Enlightened Trees Trees and Foggy Sunset, Point Reyes National Seashore, California While seeking a sunset location I stumbled into my friend, Gary Crabbe, while he was leading a workshop at Point Reyes National Seashore. Everyone stuck around for this incredible sunset. Point Reyes is the windiest location on the west coast and the 2nd windiest place in the United States. The hardy trees and plants that survive in this environment are adapted to handle these harsh conditions. Point Reyes National Seashore, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sonoma-coast-waterfall/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9304.jpg Edge of the Continent Double Waterfall, Sonoma Coast, California A small seasonal waterfall along a remote section of the Sonoma Coast, this double waterfall is a delight to see. Sonoma Coast, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mendocino-headlands/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8073.jpg Mendocino Headlands Sunrise at Mendocino Headlands State Park, Mendocino, California The quiant village of Mendocino is surrounded by the wild, seaside bluffs of 347-acre Mendocino Headlands. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/point-reyes-deer/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8102.jpg Point Reyes Deer Limantour Spit at Sunset, Point Reyes National Seashore, California Hiding amidst the coastal brush of Limantour Spit are a resident herd of deer. I made this image while on a Panoramic Photography workshop taught by my friend, Gary Crabbe. The rest of the group was up on the bluff overlooking Limantour Beach but when the sunset clouds started turning color I saw an opportunity to make a more compelling photograph that was outside of the scope of this workshop. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/samoa-dunes/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4596-2_web.jpg Samoa Dunes Bush Lupine at Sunset, Samoa Dunes Recreation Area, California I'm fortunate to have caught this sunset at the Samoa Dunes as I was torn between watching my beloved Los Angeles Lakers play against the Boston Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals. By the time I left the room the Lakers were up by a significant amount so I figured the outcome had been settled. I was wrong. After the sun had set I turned the radio on to find out that the Lakers had blown it to go down 3-2 in the series from which they couldn't recover from. At least I came away with this photo to drown out my sorrow. Year Photographed: 2008 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/crab-pots/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9276.jpg Crab Pots Crab Pot Traps, Bodega Bay, California While not a fisherman at all, I find that crab traps make for an interesting abstract sort of photo subject. Something about cool, salty ocean breeze creates a sense of nostalgia for me so it compels me to create photography. Year Photographed: 2015 Bodega Bay, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cypress-tree-tunnel/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8031-2_web.jpg Cypress Tree Tunnel Monterey Cypress Tree Tunnel, Point Reyes National Seashore, California Point Reyes is located on an often wind-swept peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean by ten miles from the mainland. The Monterey cypress trees here as a result bear the brunt of these heavy winds which results in heavily-twisted tree trunks and limbs. Point Reyes https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/woodley-island-marina/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4708.jpg Woodley Island Marina Crab Pots and Fishing Nets at Woodley Island Marina, Eureka, California Located within the town of Eureka, Woodley Island Marina is the largest marina on Humboldt Bay. I was attracted the contrast in color between the turquoise fishing nets, colorful buoys and patterns of the crab pots. Eureka, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/a-walk-in-the-woods/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7999.jpg A Walk In The Woods Monterey Cypress Tree Forest at James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Moss Beach, California A favorite location of mine when I was a grad school student a decade ago, I feel a sense of calm and relaxation when walking through this cypress tree forest. Year Photographed: 2013 Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/jalama-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2818-2.jpg Jalama Beach Sunset Fog Rolling Over Santa Ynez Mountains at Jalama Beach County Park, Lompoc, California A remote beach located between Santa Barbara and Lompoc, Jalama Beach County Park is miles from the Pacific Coast Highway. The summer fog rolling in aided me in showing the wild character of this beautiful stretch of California coastline. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/point-piedras-blancas/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9029.jpg Point Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Colony, Point Piedras Blancas, California The Point Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery was first colonized about 30 years ago. This is a prime breeding grounds for the elephant seals. Peak season for viewing these large marine mammals is typically around late-January through Valentine's Day. Northern Elephant Seals are known for having the longest migration of any mammal in the world as they travel up to 13,000 miles annually. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/morro-rock/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5579.jpg Morro Rock Sunrise Light on Morro Rock, Morro Bay, California Instantly recognizable from miles away, Morro Rock is a dormant volcano that currently stands at 581 feet tall. Morro Rock is now a protected bird rookery. Morro Bay, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/spooners-cove/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5474.jpg Spooner's Cove Spooner's Cove, Montana de Oro State Park, California The most accessible beach within Montana de Oro State Park, Spooner's Cove has some interesting tide pools to explore. The beach is covered with colorful rocks. Montana de Oro State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/morro-strand/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9047.jpg Morro Strand Morro Rock Reflection in Tide, Morro Bay, California My parents used to take me to Morro Bay for summer vacation. I have fond memories of this quaint, seaside town and still try to visit when possible. Morro Bay, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mcway-cove/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9028.jpg McWay Cove McWay Falls Scenic Overlook, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, California A classic California Coast icon, McWay Falls is a highlight of every road trip along PCH. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bluff-trail/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7211-2_web.jpg Bluff Trail Bluff Trail Seascape, Montana de Oro State Park, California Located just south of the popular Central Coast town of Morro Bay, Montana de Oro State Park features 8,000 acres of beaches and hiking trails for visitors to explore. I first visited Montana de Oro in 2002 and have been back several times over the years. This is arguably the most beautiful stretch of coastline in that part of California. Related Photo: Spooner's Cove Montana de Oro State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/moonstone-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7215-2_web2.jpg Moonstone Beach Moonstone Beach Coastline, Cambria, California Known for the beautiful boardwalk stroll across the beachside bluffs, Moonstone Beach is a location where I have fond childhood memories. What I long for is the simplicity of my childhood where the only thing I had to worry about was finding a rock to toss into the ocean water. Year Photographed: 2011 Cambria, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/17-mile-drive-coastal-wildflowers/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3225.jpg 17 Mile Drive Coastal Wildflowers 17 Mile Drive Coastal Wildflowers, Pebble Beach, California Often overshadowed by the famous Lone Cypress and world-class golf courses, the coastal wildflowers along 17 Mile Drive seascape can be quite pretty during the spring and summer months. Pebble Beach, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mcway-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9945_web.jpg McWay Falls McWay Falls at Dusk, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, California McWay Falls is one of the most famous locations on the Big Sur Coast. With its mesmerizing turquoise waters cascading down a picturesque 80-foot waterfall onto a pristine sandy beach, this iconic landscape has captivated the hearts of nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. What sets McWay Falls apart from other waterfalls is its unique feature - the rare phenomenon of a "tidefall." Unlike other waterfalls that cascade into rivers or lakes, McWay Falls drops directly into the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean. A similar photo from this photoshoot was a featured cover photo on Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine Year Photographed: 2009 Big Sur, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/daydreaming/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7026.jpg Daydreaming Elephant Seal Pups, Point Piedras Blancas, California One would be hard-pressed to find anyone who thinks adult elephant seals are cute but the pups are a different story. They are absolutely adorable. Elephant seal pups are typically born during the winter months and rapidly gain in size within months. Point Piedras Blancas, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/los-osos-watershed/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7221.jpg Los Osos Watershed Los Osos Creek Running Through Los Osos Watershed, Morro Bay, California Originating in the Clark Valley along the Irish Hills, Los Osos Creek meanders through Los Osos Valley and drains into Morro Bay. I found this view after hiking to the top of a nearby hill. The patterns and lines compelled me to create this composition. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-boys-of-summer/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8284.jpg The Boys of Summer Two Kids Playing in Water at Robert Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda, California The largest beach along the San Francisco East Bay, Robert Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda attracts visitors from all over the East Bay during warm summer days. Though Alameda gets its fair share of sunshine it can often be 20 degrees cooler along the shoreline than just a few miles inland and beyond. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/summer-romance/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2978.jpg Summer Romance Couple About to Share a Romantic Kiss Next to Lifeguard Tower at Huntington State Beach, Huntington Beach, California The mythical O.C., Orange County, has a certain romance that attracts millions of beachgoers from around the world annually. The combination of 300 days of sun, surfing community, bikini bodies and affluence is unrivaled by anywhere else in America. Huntington Beach, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/wave-break/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5653.jpg Run! On Shore Wave Break at Victoria Beach, Laguna Beach, California There were some explosive wave breaks at the Victoria Beach tide pools during my visit. Right after I made this frame, the waves flew over my head and drenched me and my camera. I made sure to back off after this... California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/castle-turret/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5651.jpg Castle Castle Turret at Victoria Beach, Laguna Beach, California This 60-foot castle tower on Laguna Beach's Victoria Beach was built in 1926 by William E. Brown, a local politician. The purpose of the castle turret was to allow people from the house above to easily access the beach below. While a structure like this would not likely be approved today, it has stood the test of time and is a popular attraction for beachgoers. Laguna Beach, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dana-point-harbor/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5622.jpg Dana Point Harbor Aloe Vera Flowers and Dana Point Harbor Scenic Vista, Orange County, California Dana Point Harbor is a picturesque harbor located in the city of Dana Point in Orange County, California. The harbor is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a range of recreational activities and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. A romantic hike along the bluffs is enhanced by beautiful aloe vera flowers.The harbor was officially dedicated on July 31, 1971 and has since become a hub for boating and water sports. It features two marinas, the East Basin Marina and the West Basin Marina, with a combined total of over 2,500 slips for boats of all sizes. The harbor is also home to the Dana Point Yacht Club. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/san-diego-skyline/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4957.jpg San Diego Skyline San Diego City Skyline at Dusk, Coronado Island, California With more than 1.4 million residents, San Diego, is the 2nd largest city in California and the 8th largest in the United States. Unlike the cities above San Diego on the list, San Diego enjoys abundant sunshine and a higher quality life than most. It is both an international travel destination for its world-class attractions at Balboa Park and a thriving tech hub with a number of biotech companies. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/huntington-beach-pier/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2984.jpg Huntington Beach Pier Surfer Riding Wave at Sunset Next to Huntington Beach Pier, California Originally built in 1902, the 1,850 foot long Huntington Beach Pier is one of the longest piers on the west coast. The Huntington Beach Pier was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/surf-city/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW2980.jpg Surf City Surfer Running into Surf at Sunset Under Huntington Beach Pier, California About a decade ago, both Huntington Beach and Santa Cruz claimed ownership of the slogan, "Surf City USA". This played out in the courts with Huntington Beach being rewarded with the trademark. In all honesty, both cities have a great surfing culture. I'm just happy to have had all the stars aligned when I captured this dramatic surfing photo. Huntington Beach, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/crystal-cove/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1122-2.jpg Crystal Cove Sunset at Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Beach, California Though Laguna Beach might be known today for the mansions dotting the coastline, the soul of the town is in its vibrant arts community. Laguna has always been an arts community first. The beaches are some of the most photogenic beaches in all of Southern California. A perfect town to create art in. "Crystal Cove" was one of the first fine art photography prints I made that I was really happy with. This print was well-received by others as well as it was displayed at my dad's care facility (Parkinson's Disease) for a number of years. I've since refined my interpretation of this print based on life experience which has evolved my personal vision. Year Photographed: 2005 Laguna Beach, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/yellow-along-the-river/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9763.jpg Yellow Along The River Big Leaf Maple Fall Colors Along Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California The warm days and cool nights of October typically bring about a swift change in color for deciduous trees in Yosemite Valley including the big leaf maple which line the Merced River. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/october-dreams/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9762.jpg October Dreams Big Leaf Maple Fall Colors Along Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California My wife asked me how I wanted to celebrate my October birthday. I suggested Yosemite so my wife booked a room at the Yosemite Falls Lodge. We had a wonderful time along with our two-year-old son introducing him to fall color and all of the world-class scenery in Yosemite Valley. What I like about fall is not just the color but the Merced River is incredibly still in most places which allow for mirror-like reflections of the surrounding landscapes. Year Photographed: 2018 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sentinel-bridge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9760.jpg Sentinel Bridge Sentinel Bridge & Merced River Fall Colors, Yosemite National Park, California Not only is Sentinel Bridge one of the most places to view Half Dome from Yosemite Valley but the bridge is also the oldest bridge which crosses the Merced River. Year Photographed: 2018 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/peak-color/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9757.jpg Peak Color The Eastern Sierra is renowned for fall colors. Yosemite Valley on the other hand despite all of its worldwide popularity flies under the radar when it comes to the fall color leaf-peeping circuit in California. I personally think Yosemite's fall color rivals anywhere else in California. Wouldn't you agree after seeing this photo? Year Photographed: 2018 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bierstadts-playground/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9750.jpg Bierstadt's Playground Fall Sunrise at Sentinel Bridge With Half Dome in Background, Yosemite National Park, California Albert Bierstadt (1830 - 1902) was a famous 19th century artist known for his dramatic depictions of the American West. Bierstadt along with Thomas Moran pioneered a genre of art called "The Hudson River School". My landscape photography is a post-modern variation of the Hudson River School of art. Year Photographed: 2018 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/morning-fog-on-the-merced/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9364.jpg Morning Fog on the Merced Morning Fog on Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California My favorite time to photograph Yosemite Valley is early dawn before sunrise. The combination of warm valley floor conditions such as grass combined with the cold mountain air creates for a wonderful low fog atmosphere during the morning. The transition from night to morning is also the quietest time to experience solitude in Yosemite Valley. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/spring-morning/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9363.jpg Spring Morning Yosemite Falls Spring Morning Reflection in Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California At 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world. The water flow can vary greatly depending on how much snowpack the Sierra Nevada had the previous winter. On a good year, the spring season can bring thunderous water and flooded meadows. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/family/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9300.jpg Family Limited Edition of 25 Prints With my wife due with our son in a few months, this Yosemite trip was my last solo trip before becoming a father. In the morning on my way out of Yosemite Valley I noticed these three trees covered by a low layer of fog which helped to create contrast between the trees and dark background. A fitting way to foreshadow my future life. Year Photographed: 2016 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/two-coyotes/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9248.jpg Staring Contest Two Coyotes in December Snowstorm at Cooks Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California A canine, closely related to the gray wolf, coyotes are a native species to North America. Male coyotes range from 18 to 44 lbs while female coyotes range from 15 to 40 lbs in weight. Primarily a carnivore, coyotes prey on everything from small reptiles to large mammals such as deer. Small prey can be hunted by a solo coyote but larger prey requires a team effort from multiple coyotes. Coyotes are not known for attacking humans but it is illegal and not recommended to feed them. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-last-days/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9247.jpg The Last Days Black Oak in Late Fall Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California Holding onto the last remnants of fall season, a late season snowstorm created an interesting contrast of colors here from the pastel whites of the snow to the brown foliage on the trees. It's moments like this that fuel my desire to create nature photography artwork. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/frozen-in-time/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9239.jpg Frozen In Time Snow-Covered Trees Above Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Located at an average of about 4,000 ft elevation, Yosemite Valley averages 36 inches of snowfall per year. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/december-storm/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10137_web.jpg December Storm Tunnel View Storm, Yosemite National Park, California Standing in an incoming snowstorm for several hours until dusk, I was ill-prepared for the weather with my non-waterproof down jacket which soaked through like a wet Kleenex. It took some mental stamina to endure the cold and I was relieved once I was able to enjoy a hot meal for dinner later that evening in Merced before heading home. This classic Tunnel View never gets old though no matter the weather conditions. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/el-capitan-reflection/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9236.jpg El Capitan Reflection El Capitan Reflection in Merced River at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California El Capitan is a world-famous granite monolith located within Yosemite Valley. El Capitan is known for its near-vertical rock wall that rises about 3,000 vertical feet above the valley floor. This iconic rock is arguably the most popular rock climbing destination in the world with thousands of climbers testing their skill here annually. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cold-waters/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9235.jpg Cold Waters Merced River Foggy Afternoon in Late Fall, Yosemite National Park, California Photographing in the snow isn't exactly comfortable but witnessing the pristine conditions of a frozen landscape is an incomparable experience. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hidden-monolith/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9229.jpg Hidden Monolith Half Dome and Late Fall Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California When it comes to photographing iconic landscapes like Half Dome, I prefer to photograph these scenes in inclement weather. In this case, this was the first snowfall of the season. Year Photographed: 2015 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/trapped-under-ice/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9228-2.jpg Trapped Under Ice Frozen Ice Patterns in Yosemite Creek, Yosemite National Park, California Since California winters over the past decade have been largely devoid of snow, I haven't had many opportunities to photograph ice. I found a fresh patch of ice on Yosemite Creek that initially did not look very photogenic so I caused it to crack by placing my tripod on the ice. The cracks gave the ice the patterns that I had pre-visualized. Year Photographed: 2015 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/seasonal-transition/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9226.jpg Seasonal Transition Dogwood in Fall After Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California With an early season snow storm, I was able to photograph the rare juxtaposition of fall foliage and snow. Year Photographed: 2015 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/yosemite-falls-merced-river/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8898.jpg Yosemite Falls & Merced River Yosemite Falls and Merced River at Sunrise From Swinging Bridge, Yosemite National Park, California With a cumulative height of 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. A three-tiered set of falls, Upper Yosemite Falls is the tallest portion at 1,430 feet. Year Photographed: 2015 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/elm-tree/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8498.jpg Elm Tree Elm Tree After Spring Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California A popular subject for scores of nature photographers over the years, the elm tree of Yosemite Valley stands out amidst a sea of morning tule fog after a snow storm. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rise-and-shine/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8496.jpg Rise and Shine Foggy Spring Morning After Snowstorm in Cook's Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California Nicknamed, "The Range of Light", by John Muir, the Sierra Nevada Mountains is legendary for the swift changing light conditions. I've yet to see another morning quite like this one in Yosemite. Year Photographed: 2014 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/yosemite-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8484.jpg Yosemite Falls Yosemite Falls on Foggy Spring Morning at Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California Snow can be a fleeting condition at 4,000 feet elevation where Yosemite Valley lies. My friend and I were fortunate on this morning to wake up to a foggy sunrise the morning after an overnight snowstorm. Just enough snow the cover everything yet able to reveal all of nature's glorious details. Year Photographed: 2014 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/morning-dream/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8411.jpg Morning Dream Yosemite Falls After Spring Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California The legendary Yosemite Falls in the morning light of my dreams. Fresh snowfall typically only sticks to the trees for a few fleeting hours in the morning before thawing out as the sun shines through. Year Photographed: 2014 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/unbridled-light/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8410.jpg Unbridled Light Foggy Sunrise at Cook's Meadow After Spring Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California I photograph Cook's Meadow every time I visit Yosemite Valley and yet this place surprises me all the time with the light and magical conditions. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/two-icons/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8409.jpg Two Icons Elm Tree and Half Dome in Fog After Spring Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California The most famous tree of Yosemite Valley and the most famous rock formation in Yosemite National Park simplified by fog and juxtaposed in the same composition. There are few places in this world where one can photograph a natural landscape with two icons in the same photo. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/iconic-elm-tree/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8407.jpg Iconic Elm Tree Elm Tree in Fog After Spring Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California The famous elm tree from Yosemite Valley has been photographed by everyone from Ansel Adams to William Neill to myself. What makes this particular image stand out is the thick fog surrounding the snow-covered tree which simplifies this scene. Most photos of this tree tend to show Half Dome in the background but at this moment it wasn't visible so I fully took advantage of this unique moment. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/magical-morning/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8405.jpg Magical Morning Black Oak Trees in Fog After Spring Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California My favorite photo from Yosemite, this magical morning was perhaps the most productive sunrise photoshoot I have ever had. These trees have been photographed over the years by masters including Ansel Adams but few photos have had the ambience and atmosphere that mine does. Year Photographed: 2014 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-quiet-landscape/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8404.jpg The Quiet Landscape Black Oak After Spring Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California Having been influenced by renowned photographers such as Eliot Porter and William Neill, trees have become a favorite of mine in recent years. This spring snowstorm provided an ideal atmosphere and contrast for this study in tree branch details. Year Photographed: 2014 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/perseverance/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8391.jpg Perseverance Pair of Young Trees in Cookís Meadow After Spring Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California When I saw this scene two concepts came to mind; abandonment and perseverance. Anything is possible if you work hard enough at it. Year Photographed: 2014 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mirror-lake/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7341.jpg Mirror Lake Trees Reflected in Mirror Lake, Yosemite National Park, California Mirror Lake is a seasonal lake located within Yosemite Valley. During years with extreme drought Mirror Lake can resemble a meadow more than a lake so much so that scientists at one point thought that Mirror Lake was in transition and evolving out of being a lake. That theory has since been debunked. Regardless of its' scientific classification, Mirror Lake is highly photogenic when there is water with its mirror-like reflections. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/camouflage-nature/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7338.jpg Camouflage Nature Granite and Tree, Yosemite National Park, California Trees and granite are a common photography subject within Yosemite Valley. That much is obvious. What appealed to me about this scene was the tree trunks almost appeared to be camouflaged against the granite rocks behind it. Year Photographed: 2011 Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cooks-meadow-oak-trees/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7303.jpg Cook's Meadow Oak Trees Cook's Meadow Oak Trees in Fall, Yosemite National Park, California Having walked through this landscape numerous times and photographed the oaks in several seasons, the color of fall certainly leaves a lasting impression. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/half-dome-sunset/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7291.jpg Half Dome Sunset Half Dome Sunset from Cook's Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California Located within Yosemite National Park, California, at 8,839 feet in altitude Half Dome was carved out over millions of years due to glacial activity within the present-day Yosemite Valley. The name, "Half Dome", is a misnomer as the dome itself is more like a 3/4 dome just that the iconic face from certain angles appears to be sliced in half. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cooks-meadow/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7288.jpg Cook's Meadow Sunset Alpenglow on Half Dome from Cook's Meadow During Fall Season, Yosemite National Park, California One of the most scenic meadows in Yosemite National Park, Cook's Meadow affords visitors the ability to see magnificent natural landmarks such as Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. On this evening, I waited around until almost darkness to see the alpenglow on Half Dome's face. I witnessed the colors changing from yellow to golden orange to red to a deep purple before fading for the evening. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/in-the-shadows/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7281.jpg In The Shadows Illuminated Cottonwood Trees with Yosemite Falls in Shadow at Cook's Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California Catching the late afternoon sun but dipping below the canyon walls, this image is a study in contrasts from warm to cool tones and from bright to dark highlights. For added touch, Yosemite Falls rarely has any visible water flow by mid-October which we were to catch due to an unexpected rainstorm the day prior to our visit. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bridalveil-fall-rainbow/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7275.jpg Bridalveil Fall Rainbow Bridalveil Fall Rainbow, Yosemite National Park, California With a 617 foot drop, Yosemite National Park's Bridalveil Fall is one of the most instantly recognizable waterfalls in the world as it is one of the first major waterfalls upon entering Yosemite Valley. During certain times of year rainbows can be seen on the waterfall during the late afternoon.Related Photos: Spring Morning | Yosemite Falls & Merced River Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tunnel-view/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7267.jpg Tunnel View Yosemite Tunnel View at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California The famous Yosemite Tunnel View. This is often the first view that visitors see of Yosemite Valley when coming from the south. And what a magnificent vista this is. Tunnel View is arguably one of the top 5 most iconic landscape destinations in the world. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/walk-the-line/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9766.jpg Walk The Line A Grove of Aspen Trees in Fall Along June Lakes Loop, Eastern Sierra, California If some aspen trees look symmetrical its because they are. A tree within an aspen grove shares the same root system so they are essentially symbiotic twins. Eastern Sierra, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/june-lakes-loop/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9765.jpg June Lakes Loop June Lakes Loop Aspen Fall Color With Carson Peak in Background, Eastern Sierra, California Located above 7,000 feet elevation, June Lakes Loop features several lakes and aspen groves which are popular with fall leaf peepers. This off-the-beaten-path resort area is located between the more well-known towns of Lee Vining and Mammoth Lakes. Eastern Sierra, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/inyo-colors/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9754.jpg Inyo Colors Convict Lake Fall Colors, Inyo National Forest, California Photographing Eastern Sierra fall color in Inyo & Mono Counties is almost a rite of passage for all California nature photographers. I've explored many of the canyons during fall season but this visit to Convict Lake was a first for me. Something about the cold breeze of fall and colorful leaves never ceases to stir the emotions within me. Year Photographed: 2018 Convict Lake, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/convict-lake/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9753.jpg Convict Lake Convict Lake at Dawn, Eastern Sierra, California Convict Lake has an interesting story to go along with the name. In 1871, a group of convicts escaped from prison and went to hide at what is now known as Convict Lake. Most of the convicts were killed in a shootout while the remaining members were eventually caught and hung to death. The 1800s were truly a rough and tumble era! In 2018, I escaped the urban life with my family for a few days to explore the Eastern Sierra. That's wild enough for me. Year Photographed: 2018 Eastern Sierra, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/winter-giant/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9648.jpg Winter Giant Giant Sequoia Trees After Winter Snowstorm, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California One of the most easily accessible giant sequoia groves in the world, Calaveras Big Trees can see heavy snowfall during the winter months. The roads are not plowed after a certain point so explore at your own risk. I personally find nature to be at its most beautiful following a fresh snow storm. Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/emerald-bay/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9625.jpg Emerald Bay Emerald Bay State Park Sunrise, Lake Tahoe, California The classic view from one of California's most iconic locations. Lake Tahoe has been delighting visitors and photographers alike for years. This is my homage to this icon. Year Photographed: 2017 Lake Tahoe, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rustic-barn/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9622.jpg Rustic Barn Barn and Fall Color, Hope Valley, California Just east of the Carson Pass and south of Lake Tahoe, Hope Valley features open meadows and bountiful aspen trees that turn hues of gold and orange during the fall season. Hope Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hope-valley/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9611.jpg Hope Valley Hope Valley Aspen Tree Canopy In Fall Season, El Dorado National Forest, California Located at about 7,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada Mountains south of Lake Tahoe, Hope Valley is one of the premiere locations to photograph fall foliage in the state. I found this beautiful aspen grove about a half-mile from the road then I gazed up into the canopy until my neck hurt. Not being one to read instruction manuals, I accidentally realized that my camera had a detachable LCD screen that allowed me to point the camera straight up without having to strain my neck. Year Photographed: 2017 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tuolumne-wildflowers/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9313.jpg Tuolumne Wildflowers Lupine Spring Wildflowers, Tuolumne County, California While Yosemite's waterfalls and granite peaks attract international acclaim and rightfully so, the small scenes such as spring wildflowers shouldn't go unnoticed. After a long winter of snowfall, the hillsides in the Yosemite region are often carpeted with wildflowers including lupine. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/winter-crossing/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9287.jpg Winter Crossing Aerial Photo of Sierra Nevada Mountains in Winter, California The Sierra Nevada Mountains is a 400 mile long and up to 70 mile wide mountain range located in California. The north end of the mountain range begins near the Feather River and the southern end is located just outside of Bakersfield at the foot of the Tehachapi Pass. The western edge is along California's Central Valley and the eastern edge includes the highest peak in the lower 48 states, Mount Whitney (elev. 14,505 feet). and the Great Basin Desert. The Sierra Nevada often receives abundant snowfall during the winter totaling in the hundreds of inches. The highest elevation passes can remain under snow into July and have a short travel season. The winters are notoriously harsh as the Donner Party is the most famous example of what can happen. Sierra Nevada Mountains, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/north-grove/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9196.jpg North Grove North Grove Trail, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California The smaller of two Sequoia tree groves within Calaveras Big Trees State Park, North Grove became famous in the 1850's for being the first widely-known Sequoia grove. North Grove is accessible to most and a beautiful place to witness some of Earth's largest living organisms. Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/calaveras-big-trees/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9192.jpg Calaveras Big Trees Giant Sequoia Trees, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California The world's largest living organisms, giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), can grow in excess of 300 ft in height and 30 feet in diameter. Giant Sequoia only grow within a narrow geographic range within the western side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/blue-blush/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8730.jpg Blue Blush Lupine and Poppies Near Yosemite NP, Tuolumne County, California The higher elevations of Yosemite National Park can experience a heavy snowpack during some winters. Once the snow thaws it can result in beautiful hillsides of wildflowers. Year Photographed: 2014 Tuolumne County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/south-lake-tahoe/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8645.jpg South Lake Tahoe South Lake Tahoe at Sunset, California My wife treated me out for the weekend to celebrate my birthday at Lake Tahoe. Neither of us had been to Tahoe prior to this so we splurged on a lakefront hotel room where I photographed this from my balcony at sunset. We went for a nice seafood dinner after this. Year Photographed: 2014 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/kokanee-salmon-spawn/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8641.jpg Kokanee Salmon Spawn Kokanee Salmon Spawn at Taylor Creek, South Lake Tahoe, California Every fall the kokanee salmon spawn at Taylor Creek which feeds into Lake Tahoe. I've never seen so many wild salmon at one location before including all of my travels along the west coast. Lake Tahoe, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dogwood-in-fall/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8299.jpg Dogwood in Fall Dogwood Fall Color, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California While the Eastern Sierra attracts most of the California leaf peepers, Calaveras Big Trees State Park has its own spectacular fall color show with the dogwood leaves. Photographing giant sequoia trees effectively can be quite difficult so having the visual interest of fall foliage to aid in the scene really helps. Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tahoe-sunrise/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8287.jpg Tahoe Sunrise Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe, California Located at 6,225 feet in elevation straddling the border of California & Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. Lake Tahoe is also the 6th largest lake by volume just after the five Great Lakes. With a maximum depth of 1,645 feet, Lake Tahoe only trails Crater Lake for the deepest lake in the United States. Tahoe is perhaps best known for the deep blue color of the water. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-land-of-the-giants/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8156.jpg The Land of the Giants Giant Sequoia and Dogwood Fall Foliage, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California Giant Sequoia trees have long been thought of as the world's largest trees by volume. These big trees are neither the tallest nor have the widest circumference but their combined volume of height and width makes them the largest known trees in the world. Their close relatives, the coast redwood, are the world's tallest trees. I was camping here with my wife when I woke up before dawn to hit the trail. There was heavy rainfall the prior afternoon so that resulted in the lush conditions I had to work with here. With the wet leaves and fog in the background, I used my circular polarizer to cut reflections which resulted in these vibrant colors. Year Photographed: 2013 Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lake-mary/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7845.jpg Lake Mary Lake Mary at Sunrise, Mono County, California Located at 8,967 feet elevation, Lake Mary is the largest lake in the Mammoth Lakes region. Lake Mary is a popular destination for a variety of outdoor activities including camping, hiking, paddling, sailing and fishing. I took my now-wife on her first camping trip in 2012 and we camped near Lake Mary. My wife enjoyed the experience and we've since had numerous other camping experiences in the years since. On this Lake Mary camping trip however, I was experiencing altitude sickness as I went to bed for the evening as I felt very nauseous. Somehow I managed to keep it together and felt fine enough the next morning to photograph this scene at sunrise. Year Photographed: 2012 Mammoth Lakes, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/devils-postpile/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7842.jpg Devils Postpile Columnar Basalt at Devils Postpile National Monument, California Established as a National Monument in 1911, Devils Postpile is an unusual rock formation consisting of columnar basalt. The columnar basalt was the result of a lava event that took place within the past 100,000 years. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mount-whitney/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6420.jpg Mount Whitney Mount Whitney, California Standing at 14,505 feet elevation, California's Mount Whitney is the tallest peak in the lower 48 states. Lone Pine, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hot-and-cold/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6399.jpg Hot & Cold North Lake Fall Color Water Reflection Ripples, Inyo National Forest, California I like photographing warm colors such as peak fall foliage but I sometimes enjoy employing some color contrast within my photography by contrasting the warm color against cool colors such as blue. Inyo National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/owens-valley-overlook/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5329.jpg Owens Valley Overlook Owens Valley Overlook from U.S. Highway 395, Eastern Sierra, California One of the most dramatic mountain ranges in the United States, the Sierra Nevada Mountains rise thousands of feet from the Owens Valley floor. The Eastern Sierra is truly a photographer's paradise. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lost/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5279.jpg Lost Tufa Silhouette and Crescent Moon, Mono Lake, California Pre-visualizing this scene prior to dusk, I waited for the sun to set for long enough to photograph the silhouetted tufa with rising moon. The downside to this was I was not prepared to walk the trail back to my car in near pitch-black conditions. Fortunately I did eventually make it back though I did almost suffer a nervous-breakdown in the process. Year Photographed: 2008 Mono Lake, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hot-creek/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW10174_web.jpg Hot Creek Hot Creek Geologic Site at Sunrise, Inyo National Forest, California Hot Creek is an active geothermal site within the Long Valley Caldera of the Eastern Sierra. Hot Creek was once a popular location for swimming and taking a dip but it is no longer legal nor safe to do so due to increased water temperatures. Thankfully the view is beautiful from up on top there shouldn't be any temptation to enter the water! Year Photographed: 2025 Long Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/south-fork-bishop-creek/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5244.jpg South Fork Bishop Creek South Fork Bishop Creek and Aspen Trees in Fall, Inyo National Forest, California One of three forks of Bishop Creek Canyon, South Fork leads to South Lake. Some spectacular displays of aspen fall foliage can be seen along this route. The other three forks are Middle Fork and North Fork which lead to Lake Sabrina and North Lake respectively. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/owens-river-sunrise/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5227.jpg Owens River Sunrise Owens River Sunrise, Owens Valley, California The 183 mile-long Owens River plays an important role in the ecology of the Eastern Sierra region. Long subject to controversial water rights rulings between the city of Los Angeles, environmental groups and local residents, the Owens River is in much better shape now than it had been for nearly a century prior. This spot has been a favorite of mine over the years as I imagine myself following in the footsteps of my photography idol, Galen Rowell, in exploring the Owens Valley. "Owens River Sunrise" was a featured cover photo for Sierra Heritage Magazine. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/solitary-morning/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5223-2.jpg Solitary Morning Owens River Sunrise, Owens Valley, California While I enjoy seeing iconic scenic vistas like most people, nothing really compares to experiencing magical lighting alone with no one else around. My main motivation for nature photography is to get away from it all and this solitary morning allowed me to recharge my batteries. Owens Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/north-lake/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5168.jpg North Lake North Lake Reflection, Eastern Sierra, California Located in excess of 9,000 feet elevation, North Lake is the highest elevation lake within Bishop Creek Canyon. As a result of the elevation, fall foliage often peaks much earlier at North Lake and more vibrantly than Lake Sabrina and South Lake which are located at slightly lower elevations. Eastern Sierra, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/calm-before-the-storm/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5161.jpg Calm Before The Storm North Lake Fall Color Water Reflection Abstract, Eastern Sierra, California One of the most beautiful fall foliage locations in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, North Lake's shoreline is surrounded by beautiful aspen trees. One of the higher elevation lakes where aspen thrive, North Lake tends to turn color earlier in the season than nearby Lake Sabrina and South Lake. Eastern Sierra, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lakeside-mirror/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5159-2.jpg Lakeside Mirror North Lake Fall Color Reflections, Inyo National Forest, California One of the most beautiful displays in nature is seeing a perfectly still water reflection. The fact that this is the preeminent location for Eastern Sierra fall color display puts this one over the top. Inyo National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-golden-road/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5157-2.jpg The Golden Road Dirt Road Winding Through Aspen Forest near North Lake, Eastern Sierra, California Quaking aspen, Populus tremuloides, is a deciduous tree that typically grows in the mountain regions of western North America. Each grove shares the same root system so an entire grove often turns fall color at the same time. The North Fork of Bishop Creek Canyon is especially famous for the vibrant aspen foliage as visitors can see a large swath of orange and yellow, sometimes even red fall foliage in late September through early & mid-October. Year Photographed: 2008 Eastern Sierra, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/north-lake-aspen/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5154-2.jpg North Lake Aspen Aspen Trees at North Lake, Eastern Sierra, California The most common color of aspen foliage you'll see in the fall is yellow. In a few locations and depending on weather conditions, one can see orange and the occasional red. North Lake is one such location where the fall color runs the gamut. Eastern Sierra, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/light-show/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5146-2.jpg Light Show North Lake Sunset, Eastern Sierra, California Sunrise is by-far the most common time of day to photograph North Lake as evidenced by the large crowds every fall morning. Sunsets on the other hand get minimal foot traffic due to the sun setting behind the mountains. On this special evening I managed to beams of light erupting from behind the clouds and mountain peaks. Year Photographed: 2008 Eastern Sierra, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bishops-aspen/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5133.jpg Bishop's Aspen Yellow Aspen Fall Foliage Along Bishop Creek, Inyo National Forest, California Bishop Creek Canyon is arguably the premiere location in the Sierra Nevada to photograph fall color. The fall foliage typically occurs during late-September through the 2nd week of October. The changes can often happen overnight depending on weather patterns. Inyo National Forest, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/grizzly-peak-2/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9021.jpg Grizzly Peak San Francisco in Fog From Grizzly Peak, Berkeley Hills, California Though requiring a long telephoto lens to photograph, the best views of the San Francisco skyline are arguably from Berkeley's Grizzly Peak. Berkeley Hills, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rolling-fog/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8910.jpg Rolling Fog Long Exposure of Fog Rolling Over San Francisco, California Photographing a place as windy and foggy as the Bay Area can both be a blessing and a curse. Fog is really beautiful but it's cold and the wind makes it hard to get sharp exposures so as a photographer I make sure to shoot many frames and try to time my exposures in-between wind gusts. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/san-francisco-seascape/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8900.jpg San Francisco Seascape Fort Funston Beach Pilings in Rain Storm, San Francisco, California One of my favorite artistic techniques is to create long exposures with water. An overcast and dreary morning proved to be ideal for a long exposure of the dock piling and receding tide. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/japanese-fusion/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8789.jpg Japanese Fusion Stow Lake at Golden Gate Park Fall Abstract, San Francisco, California Having visited the Japanese Garden at Golden Gate Park earlier in the morning, I was struck by the "japanese garden" feeling of this scene at Stow Lake. The nice thing about art is that visualization is what you make of it. Year Photographed: 2014 San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/old-pier/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8481.jpg Old Pier Remnants of Old Pier Pilings at Ocean Beach near Fort Funston, San Francisco, California The beach located below Fort Funston is a mostly featureless beach with the exception of the old pier pilings that jut out from the water and sand during low tide. I'm not sure of the history of this other than Fort Funston is a former military installation that was decommissioned in 1963. San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hayes-valley/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8364.jpg Hayes Valley French Bakery Chairs and Tables on Sidewalk in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, California Hayes Valley is a neighborhood located in the Western Addition of San Francisco. The history of the area can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when it was mostly rural land used for farming and ranching. The neighborhood began to develop in the 1850s and 1860s, when the city of San Francisco expanded westward and began to fill in the open spaces between the original city center and the Pacific Ocean. The area was named for Thomas Hayes, who was one of the first settlers in the area and owned a large ranch that covered much of the present-day neighborhood. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hayes Valley underwent a period of rapid development. Victorian and Edwardian-style homes were built, many of which still stand today and are considered some of the city's most beautiful and historic buildings. Additionally, several important civic institutions were established in the neighborhood, including the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Opera. During the 20th century, Hayes Valley faced a number of challenges. In the 1950s and 1960s, the neighborhood was heavily impacted by the construction of the Central Freeway, which cut through the heart of the community and separated it from the rest of the city. This led to a decline in property values and a decline in the overall quality of life in the area. In the aftermath of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the Central Freeway was severely damaged and ultimately demolished in the 1990s. This opened up new opportunities for redevelopment in the area, and the neighborhood has undergone a period of revitalization in recent years. Today, Hayes Valley is considered one of San Francisco's most vibrant and desirable neighborhoods, known for its charming architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and diverse community which is home to a wide variety of independent shops and boutiques, as well as some of the city's best restaurants and cafes. From trendy clothing stores and home decor shops to artisanal coffee shops and farm-to-table restaurants, Hayes Valley has something for everyone. San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/ferry-building-clock-tower/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8115.jpg Ferry Building Clock Tower Ferry Building Clock Tower, San Francisco, California San Francisco's iconic Ferry Building is located at the beginning of Market Street and the hub of Bay Area public transportation from the ferry system to BART and MUNI. Within the building is a renowned collection of farm-to-table food purveyors including a cheese market and mushroom vendor. The weekly farmers market takes place just outside. San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-city-by-the-bay/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8062.jpg The City By The Bay Downtown San Francisco Scenic View From Grizzly Peak Blvd., Berkeley Hills, California Surrounded on three sides by water, San Francisco is one of the most scenic big cities in the world. The iconic city skyline can be viewed from many places in the east bay such as Grizzly Peak high up in the Berkeley Hills. Berkeley Hills, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/crissy-field/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8042.jpg Crissy Field Monterey Cypress Trees Silhouetted in Pre-Dawn Light at Crissy Field Marsh, San Francisco, California I made this image in 2013 shortly after relocating to the Bay Area. Crissy Field might be busy and arguably over-crowded during the daytime but there's hardly enough out and about at sunrise. San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/skyline-across-the-bay/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8014.jpg Skyline Across The Bay Stormy Sunset Over San Francisco, California One of the joys of living in Alameda is being able to see the San Francisco city skyline in all types of lighting conditions. While Alameda does gets its fair share of fog, one can almost always see San Francisco from across the bay. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/crown-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8013.jpg Crown Beach Crown Memorial Beach Sunset With Downtown San Francisco Skyline in Background, Alameda, California Alameda's 2.5 mile long Crown Memorial State Beach is the largest stretch of beach located on the San Francisco Bay. On clear days, panoramic views of the San Francisco city skyline can be seen from Alameda. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-cliff-house/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7956.jpg The Cliff House The Cliff House, San Francisco, California Perched majestically on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, the Cliff House has become an emblem of San Francisco's identity since originally opening in 1863. Its storied past tells tales of luxury, resilience, and transformation. Countless admirers have flocked here over the years, drawn by its magnificent views and profound connection to the city's history. The Cliff House is located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, providing visitors with a unique and stunning connection to nature. With its prime location, the Cliff House offers breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco's Ocean Beach, making it a popular discussion topic among locals and tourists alike. The mesmerizing vistas and awe-inspiring sunsets create an unforgettable experience. Just a short distance away from the Cliff House lies the iconic Sutro Baths. Once a thriving public saltwater swimming pool complex, it is now in ruins, adding an air of mystery and history to the area. Adjacent to the Sutro Baths is the enchanting Sutro Heights Park, featuring beautiful gardens and providing visitors with easy access to the ocean. This tranquil oasis offers a peaceful retreat away from the bustling city. For nature enthusiasts, the Cliff House also offers views of Seal Rocks, offshore rock formations that further enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings. Observing the seals lounging on these rocky outcrops is a sight to behold and a unique experience. The most recent concessionaire closed on December 31, 2020 and the National Park Service has been seeking to fill the historic building with a new tenant since. Year Photographed: 2012 San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/green-roof/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6977.jpg Green Roof Green Roof Vegetation on California Academy of Sciences Building / Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California The Living Roof at the California Academy of Sciences is an incredible 2.5 acre rooftop with solar panels and 50,000 porous, biodegradable vegetation trays made from tree sap and coconut husks. San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cliff-house-seal-rocks/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6972.jpg Cliff House & Seal Rocks Cliff House and Seal Rocks at Night, San Francisco, California Lands End is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and includes the Sutro Baths & Seal Rocks just offshore. I used to explore this area frequently in the early 2000's on the way home from grad school and work when it was more under the radar. The area has gotten a lot more popular over the years in part due to the Lands End Lookout Visitor Center which was built in 2012. San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/postcard-row/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4653.jpg Postcard Row Downtown Scenic View From Alamo Square Postcard Row, San Francisco, California Perhaps the most famous Victorian homes in the world, "Painted Ladies" of Alamo Square form the perfect backdrop for the San Francisco skyline. Also known as Postcard Row, this scene was the setting for the opening credits of 80's & 90's sitcom, "Full House". San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sutro-baths/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4615.jpg Sutro Baths Sutro Baths and Cliff House, San Francisco, California San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/treasure-island/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4612.jpg Treasure Island Downtown City Skyline, San Francisco, California San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/twin-peaks/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4584.jpg Twin Peaks Twin Peaks Scenic View of Downtown, San Francisco, California Twin Peaks is a pair of hills located in the central part of San Francisco, California. The two peaks, named East Twin Peak and West Twin Peak, rise to an elevation of 922 feet (281 meters) and offer spectacular views of the city and the surrounding Bay Area.From the top of Twin Peaks, visitors can see a panoramic view of San Francisco and the San Francisco Bay. To the west, you can see the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands. To the east, you can see the Bay Bridge, the Transamerica Pyramid, and the downtown skyline. To the south, you can see the neighborhoods of the Mission District and Potrero Hill, and to the north, you can see the neighborhoods of Bernal Heights and Noe Valley.On a clear day, visitors can see as far as Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, Mount Diablo in the East Bay, and Mount Hamilton in the Santa Clara Valley. It's especially stunning during sunset and nighttime, the city lights and the Bay Bridge lights are a sight to behold.Twin Peaks also offers several hiking trails, where visitors can explore the natural beauty of the area. The Twin Peaks Summit Trail is a popular hike that leads to the top of the peaks and offers some of the best views of the city. The trail is moderately steep, but the hike is worth it for the stunning views from the top. San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fort-point/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3333.jpg Fort Point Golden Gate Bridge and Fort Point, San Francisco, California San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/chinese-lanterns/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3319.jpg Chinese Lanterns Chinese Lanterns in Chinatown, San Francisco, California San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/alcatraz/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3170.jpg Alcatraz Alcatraz Island Sunrise, San Francisco, California Located 1.25 miles offshore from San Francisco, Alcatraz Island was federal prison from 1934 to 1963. Notorious criminals include Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. Given it's location surrounded by rough 50 degree waters, it's said that no prisoner successfully escaped the prison without recapture or death.Related Photos: Treasure Island | Fort Point Pier San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/palace-of-fine-arts/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3145.jpg Palace of Fine Arts Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco, California San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/twilight-fog/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3102.jpg Twilight Fog Golden Gate Bridge Twilight Fog, Marin Headlands, California Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Marin Headlands, are an incredibly beautiful series of hills along the southern tip of Marin County just north of the urban metropolis of San Francisco. So close yet so far away. San Francisco, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lonesome-cypress-tree/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8461.jpg Lonesome Cypress Tree Living around the San Francisco Bay, wind is a common fact of life. Since wind is invisible we're left with photographing the result of the wind; gnarled tree limbs in this instance. Year Photographed: 2014 Awards: 2019 ND Awards - Professional, Nature: Trees Category - Honorable Mention Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/summer-breeze/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9644.jpg Summer Breeze Foggy Sunset in Spring, Mount Tamalpais State Park, California When one typically thinks of summer it's usually of warm sunny days and fun at the beach. That is usually not the case in the San Francisco Bay Area as summer is more likely to be fogged in with a low marine layer and have gusty winds. Though not idea for bikinis and swim trunks, the San Francisco summer fog is a surreal sight to witness and photograph when dressed appropriately. Mount Tamalpais State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/grizzly-peak/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9407.jpg Grizzly Peak Fog in Grizzly Peak, Berkeley Hills, California Located directly across the San Francisco Bay from notoriously foggy Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean, Berkeley often gets the same low fog later in the day. "Karl The Fog" is frequently low enough to drive above the clouds and look down from the Berkeley Hills. Berkeley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/east-bay-light/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9406.jpg East Bay Light Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary Sunset, Alameda, California Located across the San Francisco Bay southeast of San Francisco is the island city of Alameda. Alameda and the surroundings cities of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties are part of a region referred to as the "East Bay". Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/left-leaning/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9381.jpg Left Leaning Tree-Lined Hiking Trail, Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve, Marin County, California Marin County is located directly north of San Francisco just across the Golden Gate Bridge. More than 50% of the 828 square mile Marin County consists of protected open space preserves. Year Photographed: 2017 Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tilden/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9370.jpg Tilden San Pablo Reservoir Overlook from Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley Hills, California My friend, Phil, and I had initially planned on visiting Point Reyes National Seashore to photograph the Milky Way but a last minute change of plans led us to the Berkeley Hills. About a 45 minute hike in, I noticed the clouds were blowing past us at an usually fast speed. I had never seen a display quite like this. The exposure speed was 0.5 seconds which is not that long of an exposure but the speed of the clouds were still rendered as streaks. This was quite the chilly evening! Year Photographed: 2016 Berkeley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/webcam-view/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9365.jpg Webcam View Foggy Sunrise at Lawrence Hall of Sciences, UC Berkeley, California One of my go-to sources for evaluating weather conditions is the Lawrence Hall of Sciences webcam. On most days I'm refreshing my browser constantly to see what the Bay looks like. This morning was a unique one in that I had a newborn son that had just been born the week prior. I couldn't sleep well for obvious reasons and found myself wide awake at 4 am in the morning. I happened to check the Lawrence Hall Webcam out of curiosity and noticed that there was potential to photograph low fog at sunrise. With my wife's blessing I headed out into the dark and sure enough the conditions held up as anticipated. Berkeley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/golden-gate-bridge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9354.jpg Golden Gate Bridge Golden Gate Bridge Foggy Sunset From Hawk Hill, Marin Headlands, California This photo was 14 years in the making. I first visited the Marin Headlands in 2002 right after relocating to San Francisco. It was midday and it was my experience with San Francisco's infamous low fog. Such a magical experience. I had since been wanting to photograph the same conditions in better light. Everything finally came together for me in 2016. Year Photographed: 2016 Marin Headlands, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/marin-headlands/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9353.jpg Marin Headlands Golden Gate National Recreation Area Sunset, Marin Headlands, California The first time I visited the Marin Headlands was in 2002 and it was a magical experience due to the fog covering San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge below. Though always a popular tourist spot, social media didn't exist back then and digital photography was in its infancy so I hadn't seen any bay fog photos at the time. That memory stuck with me for many years until this evening when I saw similar conditions at sunset. Though I did photograph the city scenes, I preferred this view looking back toward Mount Tamalpais. Year Photographed: 2016 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/alameda-point/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9333.jpg Alameda Point Alameda Point Navy Ships at Sunset, Alameda, California Alameda Point is the site of the former Naval Air Station in Alameda. The Navy base was closed in 1997 and the city has been debating what to do with the land ever since. As it currently stands, Alameda Point has a number of distilleries and wineries on the grounds in addition to the U.S.S. Hornet which is a popular tourist attraction.Related Photo: Incomplete Symphony Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/east-bay-spring/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9303.jpg East Bay Spring East Bay Spring Sunset, Alameda, California With blooms beginning later in the spring season, seasonal blooms run through well into the summers in the cooler, sometimes foggy San Francisco Bay. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/god-beams/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9294.jpg God Beams Beach Sunset God Beams, Alameda, California Having witnessed and photographed countless sunrises and sunsets during my photography career, I never tire of seeing "god beams" aka. crepuscular rays. God beams are most often seen during heavy cloud cover when an opening occurs near the golden light hours around sunrise and sunset. The scattering of atmospheric particles aids in the visual intensity of this optical phenomenon. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/shoreline-park-alameda/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9288.jpg Shoreline Park Shoreline Park Sunset, Alameda, California Arguably the most beautiful city on the shores of the San Francisco East Bay, Alameda has multi-use recreational trails circling most of the island. The trails are revered by bikers, hikers, joggers and walkers from all walks of life. I personally enjoy photographing around the perimeter of Alameda as there are limitless unobstructed views of the sunset over the Pacific when it isn't completely fogged over. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cataract-creek/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9266.jpg Cataract Creek Cataract Creek Under Thick Forest in Mount Tamalpais Watershed, Marin County, California A seasonal waterfall, Cataract Falls can be roaring during the winter and be reduced to a trickle if even that during the arid summer months. Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/wet-brush/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9252.jpg Wet Brush Foggy Forest in Berkeley Hills, Berkeley, California Located directly across the bay facing the Golden Gate Bridge which opens out into the Pacific Ocean, the Berkeley Hills are often socked in with fog and cold gusts of air. Berkeley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/asian-garden-uc-berkeley/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9250.jpg Asian Garden Asian Garden at UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, Berkeley, California UC Berkeley Botanical Garden is a 34-acre botanical garden that is managed by the University of California system. This compact garden features an incredible amount of biodiversity within its boundaries including an absolutely stunning Asian Garden. The UC Berkeley Asian Garden features horticultural specimens from much of the Asian continent including approximately 450 varieties of Japanese plants. The Asian Garden at UC Berkeley Botanical Garden is particularly beautiful for photography during the late fall / early winter season as the foliage turns a variety of crimson red and yellow colors. Year Photographed: 2015 Berkeley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/elsie-roemer-bird-sanctuary/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9232.jpg Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, Alameda, California One of the last remaining salt marshes in the San Francisco Bay, Alameda's Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary was dedicated to the memory of a local conservationist, Elsie Roemer (1892-1991). Roemer's efforts thwarted plans to develop over this vital bird habitat. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/east-bay-shore-alameda/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9126.jpg East Bay Shore Harbor Bay Rising Tide, Alameda, California This waves in this photo was a blend of multiple different exposures in order to create added drama. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/incomplete-symphony/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9124.jpg Incomplete Symphony Wooden Pilings at Alameda Point, Alameda, California Remnants of a former Naval Air Station, Alameda Point is full of discarded and forgotten structures that would tempt anyone with a thirst for urban exploration. Alameda Point was closed in 1997 and has been mired in a perpetual start and stop state of development plans by the City of Alameda. If you want something done efficiently, don't rely on government for the answer. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-awakening/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9115.jpg The Awakening Sunset Over San Francisco Bay, Alameda, California Many of the best sunsets in the San Francisco Bay Area can be viewed from the shoreline of Alameda, an island city on the East Bay adjacent to Oakland. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tree-in-sea-of-fog/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9023.jpg Tree in a Sea of Fog Tree in a Sea of Fog at Sunset, Berkeley, California The Berkeley Hills is one of the best places in the Bay Area and this world for that matter when it comes to fog viewing. I chose to isolate this single tree amidst a sea of fog because I feel an emotional connection to trees that I don't get from other nature subjects. There is something about trees that lend themselves to visual storytelling. Berkeley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/metallic-sky/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8906.jpg Metallic Sky Robert Crown Memorial State Beach at Low Tide, Alameda, California A huge fan of Metallica since my high school days, I felt this scene from Alameda's Robert Crown Memorial State Beach had a "heavy metal" vibe to it when I saw it so I immediately felt a sense of nostalgia as I was creating my photography. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/uc-berkeley/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8894.jpg UC Berkeley UC Berkeley at Dusk, Berkeley, California A top-tier research university with more than 40,000 enrolled students, UC Berkeley has one of the lowest acceptance rates in the University of California system and has a reputation for left-wing liberal activist politics. UC Berkeley came of age in the 60's during the drug-fueled hippie days and Vietnam War protests. Berkeley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/east-bay-regional-parks/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8838.jpg East Bay Regional Parks Rolling Hills in the East Bay Regional Parks, California Covering approximately 120,000 acres with 65 parks and over 1,200 miles of multi-use trails, the East Bay Regional Park District is one of the crown jewels of California's conservation movement for protecting green spaces from urban development. Berkeley Hills, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/san-francisco-bay/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8818.jpg San Francisco Bay San Francisco Bay Sunset Reflections in Low Tide, Alameda, California Several times per week, Alameda's low tides expose a wide expanse of tidal mudflats that reflect the beautiful sunsets from over the Pacific. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/strength-in-numbers/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8720.jpg Strength In Numbers Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary at Sunset, Alameda, California Migratory birds congregate and migrate in large numbers to maximize the odds of species' survival. Individual birds of this size would struggle to survive on their own however as a group they often thrive as no predator can prey on a single bird. I'm not particularly interested in bird photography except for when large flocks of birds occur. Few spectacles in wildlife photography compare with the thrill of capturing a large flock of birds take off and fly around at fast speeds. Their flight patterns are also compelling to photograph as they can form distinct shapes and formations as they fly across the air. Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary in Alameda, California, is one of best birding locations on the shores of the San Francisco Bay. I consider myself fortunate to live nearby and regularly get to see these migratory birds during the winter months. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fog-waterfall/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8579.jpg Fog Waterfall Fog Rolling Over Bolinas Ridge, Mount Tamalpais State Park, California This scene is the true definition of ephemeral light. It was completely clouded in with fog when for just a few seconds the fog cleared up as it rolled over the ridge below me. Then just like my window of opportunity closed for the night. Year Photographed: 2014 Awards: 2022 PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris, Professional, Nature, Sunrise/Sunset Category - Honorable Mention Mount Tamalpais State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/twisted/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8462.jpg Twisted Wind-Gnarled Trees Along the Shoreline of San Francisco's East Bay, Alameda, California One of the pleasant things about living near the San Francisco Bay is the natural air conditioning effect we get from the ever-present offshore breeze so most homes don't require any air conditioning for the majority of the year. The same offshore breeze also takes a toll on the trees however so most have gnarled limbs and branches that point in the direction of the wind. I personally find trees like this to be very photogenic as they appear full of character. Artists can really tell a visual story through trees. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/harbor-bay-alameda/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8403.jpg Harbor Bay Pride of Madeira Sunset at Harbor Bay, Alameda, California Bay Farm Island is actually part of the mainland unlike Alameda Island. Both of which are comprise the city of Alameda in addition to Coast Guard Island which is accessed by land via Oakland rather than Alameda proper. Bay Farm Island is sometimes referred to as "Harbor Bay Isle" which was actually coined by the main real estate developer of the area. In addition to top-rated schools, Bay Farm Island features two 18-hole golf courses (Corica Park), the Oakland Raiders Headquarters and the North Face Headquarters. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/robert-crown-memorial-beach-alameda/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8392.jpg Robert Crown Memorial Beach Robert Crown Memorial State Beach at Sunset, Alameda, California Robert W. Crown (1922 - 1973) was a California Democrat known for his progressive views during his era. Robert Crown Memorial State Beach was named in his honor due to his campaigning to preserve the area as a public park. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sweeney-ridge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8390.jpg Sweeney Ridge Sunset Clouds on Sweeney Ridge, San Mateo County, California Sweeney Ridge is a rugged area of ridges and ravines between San Bruno and Pacifica, about a 25-minute drive south from San Francisco. The ridge's 1,200-foot-high summit, covered with coastal scrub and grassland, slopes down to the bay on one side and to the Pacific on the other. On this evening, I saw some sidelight sunset clouds hovering over the ridge so I decided to focus in on the most interesting part of the landscape. I call photos like this "cloud portraits" or "cloudscapes". San Mateo County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/alameda-south-shore-lagoon/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8367.jpg South Shore Lagoon South Shore Lagoon Sunset, Alameda, California Alameda (pop: 79,177) is city located on the San Francisco Bay southeast of San Francisco and across the Oakland Estuary from the much-larger city of Oakland. Nicknamed, "The Island City", Alameda comprises two official islands (Alameda Island & Coast Guard Island) and part of the mainland near Oakland International Park. The non-island part of Alameda ironically is named Bay Farm Island and sometimes referred to as "Harbor Bay Isle".Related Photos: South Shore Beach | Shoreline Park Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/alameda-south-shore-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8320.jpg South Shore Beach South Shore Beach at Dusk, Alameda, California I lived across the street from South Shore Beach in Alameda at one point. My favorite aspect of living at the beach was being able to go for evening strolls anytime I wanted. Sometimes I'd go just to walk and other times I would bring a camera and tripod. Chance favors the prepared and sometimes conditions would all align like they have here with the low tide, moon reflection and earth shadow converging at once.Related Photos: South Shore Lagoon | Shoreline Park Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/peaceful-disruption/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8318.jpg Peaceful Disruption Thousands of Shorebirds Flying at Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, Alameda, California I've spent hours sitting along Alameda's shoreline watching the migrating birds at Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary. The majority of the time the scene is quite peaceful until out of nowhere the entire flock takes off and flies in a variety of formations. I'm not sure what triggers this most of the time aside from a physical disruption but this is one of nature's greatest spectacles in my opinion. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/devilish-swirl/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8295.jpg Devilish Swirl South Shore Beach Sunset Alpenglow at Low Tide, Alameda, California I distinctly recall being very ill with the flu on this day. I didn't even bother leaving my apartment for two days at this point but since I lived across the street I could easily keep track of potential sunset conditions. These sunset clouds were too tempting to resist so I dragged my flu-ridden self out of bed for long enough to photograph some unique sunset clouds at the beach. Alameda, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/diablo-vista/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8099.jpg Diablo Vista Scenic Vista of San Francisco Bay With Mount Diablo Looming in Background, Mount Tamalpais State Park, California I read a lot of articles and comments about how photographers should always strive for lofty art goals. I do my fair share of rants about the current state of landscape photography as well but at the end of the day none of that matters. Who cares what others think? My point is that photography should be fun. If you aren't enjoying yourself then why are you doing it? As for myself, I had a great afternoon on the trail at Mount Tamalpais State Park. I passed by a flock of wild turkeys doing their thing. It was about 80 degrees out and I had a world-class 360 degree view of the entire Bay Area all to myself with fog on one side and summer monsoon clouds on the other. Living the dream. I made photos. Is it art? Is it just another sunset? It's all in the eye of the beholder. Mount Tamalpais State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pablos-fog/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8092.jpg Pablo's Fog View of Sunset Fog Above San Pablo Reservoir From Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley Hills, California With a maximum capacity of 38,600 acre feet, San Pablo Reservoir is a vital source of freshwater that is operated by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). On this evening, my wife and I hiked along the trail at Tilden Regional Park and stopped at a scenic vista to admire the low fog rolling in over the hills above San Pablo Reservoir. Berkeley Hills, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/vollmer-peak/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8089.jpg Vollmer Peak Vollmer Peak Scenic View of Bay Area Fog at Sunset With Mount Tamalpais in Background, Tilden Regional Park, California With a summit of 1,905 feet elevation, Vollmer Peak is the highest point in Tilden Regional Park and the Berkeley Hills. From the summit I was able to admire the view of Mount Tamalpais from across the bay in Marin County. Mount Tamalpais at 2,572 feet in height is the tallest peak in Marin County. Berkeley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/baylands-nature-preserve/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8061.jpg Baylands Nature Preserve Baylands Nature Preserve at Sunset, Palo Alto, California The Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve is the largest remaining marshland in the San Francisco Bay Area. Home to many migratory birds, I've spent a handful of evenings over the years photographing this unique ecosystem. Palo Alto, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/photographers-paradise/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8060.jpg Photographer's Paradise Fog Rising Up Slopes of Bolinas Ridge at Sunset, Mount Tamalpais State Park, California Having lived in San Francisco a decade prior, I had long wanted to relocate back to the Bay Area to spend more time photographing Mount Tamalpais aka Mount Tam. In 2013 I finally relocated back to the bay and captured the photo of my dreams shortly after. Year Photographed: 2013 Mount Tamalpais State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/summer-fog/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8054.jpg Summer Fog Summer Fog Rolling into Bolinas Ridge at Sunset, Mount Tamalpais State Park, California I first photographed the fog of Mount Tamalpais way back in 2003. That magical experience left a lasting impression on me. The fog here appear to take on a life of its own as the conditions change rapidly. A decade later I experienced another epic fog show where the fog appeared to be dancing before me putting on a show. Armed with a decade more of photography experience I was better able to capture my experience. Year Photographed: 2013 Mount Tamalpais State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/summer-skirt/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8020.jpg Summer Skirt Fog Rolling into Marin County, Mount Tamalpais State Park, California Perhaps best known for the unusual and surreal displays of summer fog, Mount Tamalpais is an incredible place to photograph as long as you are dressed for the weather. Mount Tamalpais State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/san-francisco-bay-area/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7991.jpg San Francisco Bay Area San Francisco Bay Area Scenic View from Berkeley Hills, Berkeley, California The "City By The Bay", San Francisco is the 13th most populated city in the United States and the 4th most populated city in California. With 883,305 residents and its' status as a famous international travel destination, San Francisco often feels much larger than the actual size of the city. With only 47 square miles, there is a vibrant street culture here that isn't apparent in most American cities. One of the best scenic places to view San Francisco is actually located directly east across the San Francisco Bay in the Berkeley Hills from Grizzly Peak Boulevard. Berkeley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/la-nights/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7986-2_web.jpg L.A. Nights View of Los Angeles at Night from Mount Wilson Observatory, Angeles National Forest, California When viewed from Mount Wilson Observatory at 5,700+ feet in elevation, the Los Angeles Basin appears to be a wonderful tapestry of lights during the evening hours. Year Photographed: 2013 Los Angeles, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/santa-monica/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7918-2.jpg Santa Monica My friend and fellow photographer, Rob Tilley, was in town for the week and I happened to be writing a Canon lens review for a lens rental company that week so we decided to visit Santa Monica Beach on one of those days. Santa Monica Pier is always fun and an iconic attraction but my favorite photo of the day was the last one I took. This one. Year Photographed: 2012 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/gehrys-masterpiece/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7905.jpg Gehry's Masterpiece Limited Edition of 25 Prints Frank Gehry (born: 1929) is one of the most influential architects of all-time. His deconstructivism style of post-modern architecture is apparent in many of his famous works including the Walt Disney Concert Hall in L.A. Year Photographed: 2012 Los Angeles, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/walt-disney-concert-hall/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7903.jpg Walt Disney Concert Hall Walt Disney Concert Hall Entrance, Los Angeles, California Opened in 2003, the Walt Disney Concert Hall exterior is made out of stainless steel. This architectural masterpiece was designed by famed architect, Frank Gehry, at an estimated cost of $130 million. Los Angeles, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/department-of-water-and-power/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7532.jpg Department of Water & Power LADWP Water Fountain and Downtown Skyline at Night, Los Angeles, California The largest public utility in the country, the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power facility has several water fountains which are lit up each evening with the downtown Los Angeles skyscrapers forming a scenic backdrop. Los Angeles, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/west-la/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7468.jpg West L.A. West L.A. Skyrises at Sunset from Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California West Los Angeles is a haven for celebrities and failed actors alike. Many people move to L.A. in search of a greater future. Some find fame while others never find fame but stay as the lure of 300 sunny days per year and limitless entertainment proves irresistible. Los Angeles, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/santa-monica-mountains/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7440-3_web.jpg Santa Monica Mountains Sunset, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, California Measuring it at 156,671 acres, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is the largest urban National Park in not only the U.S. but the entire world. Unfortunately, this particular view might never been seen in this form again due to the Woolsey Fire in 2018 which burned 83% of the land within the Santa Monica Mountains NRA. Year Photographed: 2012 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/elysian-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7151.jpg Elysian Park Downtown L.A. Skyline View from Elysian Park, Los Angeles, California Bordering the legendary, Dodgers Stadium, this view of downtown Los Angeles from Elysian Park cuts a familiar sight for the hundreds of thousands of daily commuters in this area. Year Photographed: 2011 Los Angeles, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/arroyo-seco-parkway/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7149.jpg Arroyo Seco Parkway Arroyo Seco Parkway (CA Route 110) Leading to Downtown Los Angeles, California Opened in 1940, the Arroyo Seco Parkway aka. the 110 Freeway was the first freeway to open in the United States. This historic route is characterized by narrow lanes, tunnels and sharp curves. Year Photographed: 2011 Los Angeles, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mulholland-drive/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7096.jpg Mulholland Drive Mulholland Drive Scenic Overlook View of Highway 101 and Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, California One of my most published photos, Mulholland Drive is one of the classic Los Angeles drives. This part of Los Angeles is featured in countless movies and is home to many celebrities. The 21 mile Mulholland Drive extends from the Cahuenga Pass off of Highway 101 just north of downtown L.A. to Highway 101 in Woodland Hills. Los Angeles, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dia-de-los-muertos/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7034.jpg Dia de Los Muertos Dia de Los Muertos Novenaria (Day of the Dead Procession) at Olvera Street, Los Angeles, California Observed from October 31 to November 2nd, Dia de Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday to honor deceased loved ones. People who observe Dia de Los Muertos typically pray to help their dearly departed to help them on their spiritual journey beyond their physical form on Earth. During this time, Olvera Street in Downtown Los Angeles has an annual Dia de Los Muertos processional through the narrow streets and alleyways of Olvera Street filled with costumes and music. Year Photographed: 2010 Los Angeles, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mulholland-overlook/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6526-2_web.jpg Mulholland Scenic Overlook Mulholland Drive Scenic Overlook, Los Angeles, California Year Photographed: 2010 Los Angeles is a city that's well-known for its glitz and glamour, but there's much more to it than just movie stars and red carpets. If you want to experience the natural beauty of the city, head to Mulholland Scenic Overlook. This stunning location offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains, and it has played an important role in film and Hollywood history.Mulholland Drive is named after William Mulholland, the chief engineer who oversaw the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in the early 1900s. The aqueduct brought water from the Owens Valley to Los Angeles, making it possible for the city to grow into the metropolis it is today. Mulholland Scenic Overlook was built in 1939 and was designed by architect William L. Pereira. The overlook was created to provide a scenic viewpoint of the city and surrounding areas.The iconic vista from one of the classic drives in Los Angeles, Mulholland Scenic Overlook captures the mystique of Hollywood and Los Angeles with Highway 101 leading the eye toward the skyscrapers of Downtown Los Angeles in the background. From here, you can also see iconic landmarks like the Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory. It's no wonder that this location has been used in countless films and TV shows over the years. The area around Mulholland Scenic Overlook has been used as a location for films like Rebel Without a Cause and Chinatown, as well as TV shows like The A-Team and Beverly Hills, 90210. Los Angeles https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/downtown-church/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6525.jpg Downtown Church Limited Edition of 25 Prints A big fan of Patty Griffin, I had purchased her album, Downtown Church, not long prior to coming across this scene of Cross on Cahuenga in the Hollywood Hills. By some strange coincidence, Griffin's album was playing in my car when I saw this scene so I immediately pulled off into the ditch as I saw a special convergence of serendipity at that moment. Year Photographed: 2010 Los Angeles, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/los-angeles-skyline/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6523-2_web.jpg Los Angeles Skyline Winter Storm Sunset, Los Angeles, California Rarely does Los Angeles look more beautiful than after a big winter storm. Here I have the iconic downtown L.A. skyline framed by the 10,000+ ft Mount Baldy in the background. The Los Angeles skyline is a tapestry of different architectural styles and iconic buildings. The U.S. Bank Tower, Eastern Columbia Building, Wilshire Grand Center and the Salesforce Tower all contribute to the skyline, showcasing the city's past and present. The skyline is constantly evolving as new developments and renovations take place, making it a reflection of the ever-changing nature of Los Angeles. Overall, it is a visual representation of the diversity and dynamism of the city. Year Photographed: 2010 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mount-baldy/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6520.jpg Mount Baldy L.A. Skyline with Sunset Alpenglow on Snowy Mount Baldy Peak in Background, Southern California With a rare, snow-capped Mount Baldy, I utilized telephoto lenses to compress the distance between downtown Los Angeles and the iconic peak of the San Gabriel Mountains. I had been working this scene for some time but it wasn't until the fresh snow and reasonably good air quality happened that everything came together for me. This is not a perspective someone would see with their naked eyes and made possible only through a camera lens. At the time I made this photo this scene was not widely-photographed. As with all things in today's social media age, as soon as you put it out there it's going to get copied. Year Photographed: 2010 Los Angeles, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/downtown-los-angeles-winter/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6516.jpg Downtown Los Angeles Winter Los Angeles Skyline with Snowy Mount Baldy in Background, California A rarely viewed scene, downtown Los Angeles with a snow-capped Mount Baldy looming large some 40 miles off in the distance. Year Photographed: 2010 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-intersection/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6008.jpg The Intersection Downtown Los Angeles at Night, California Los Angeles has many iconic features; one of which is the ever-present freeway traffic. In this case the Harbor Freeway which runs alongside downtown Los Angeles. Los Angeles, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/downtown-la-110/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6006.jpg Downtown LA & 110 Freeway Downtown Los Angeles Skyline and 110 Harbor Freeway, California This section of California Highway 110 in downtown Los Angeles is one of the busiest stretches of highway in the United States. I wanted to capture this energy in all of its glory so I utilized the taillights from the bridge I was standing on to create another leading line that bisects the main freeway traffic. Year Photographed: 2009 Los Angeles, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/santa-monica-pier/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5070.jpg Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica Pier at Dusk, Southern California Delighting millions of visitors for more than 100 years, Santa Monica Pier was opened in 1909 and is one of the most famous piers in the world. Santa Monica Pier is also home to an amusement park named, Pacific Park. Santa Monica, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/santa-monica-nights/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5067.jpg Santa Monica Nights Santa Monica Pier Neon Sign Entrance, California Originally constructed in 1909, the Santa Monica Pier is one of the most famous attractions in Southern California. The westernmost terminus of cross-country Interstate Highway 10 starts at the Santa Monica Pier and extends to downtown Jacksonville, Florida some 2,400 miles to the east. Year Photographed: 2008 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hollywood-hills/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5029.jpg Hollywood Hills Hollywood Hills Scenic Landscape from Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California The legendary Hollywood Hills is a famous neighborhood in Los Angeles where many celebrities have called home through the years. My dad's parents also lived and worked around the area so when I think of the Hollywood Hills I don't think of celebrities, I think of my childhood. Los Angeles, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/griffith-observatory-planetarium/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5024.jpg Griffith Observatory Planetarium Griffith Observatory Planetarium, Los Angeles, California Located on Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory has been one of the most famous attractions in Los Angeles since opening in 1935. The Observatory is a world-renowned facility that offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors. The planetarium features a state-of-the-art projection system that displays the stars, planets, and other celestial objects in stunning detail. The shows in the planetarium are presented by knowledgeable guides who take visitors on a journey through the cosmos, exploring the latest scientific discoveries and theories about the universe. The distinctive design, with its Art Deco style and copper-domed roof, also adds to the overall experience.The Griffith Observatory's planetarium is home to the famous Zeiss star projector, a mechanical projector that displays the night sky on the planetarium's dome with great accuracy. The shows are always updated with the latest information and technology, which makes it an ideal place for both adults and children to learn about astronomy and space science. The planetarium also offers other features like the Hall of the Eye, a permanent exhibition that explores the history of telescopes and the human quest to understand the universe. There is also a telescope that is open to the public to observe the night sky. Every time I see Griffith Observatory it brings back memories of my childhood when my parents would take my brother and I for weekend day trips. Los Angeles, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/leo-carrillo-state-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5003.jpg Leo Carrillo State Beach Leo Carrillo State Beach Coastline, Malibu, California While Malibu is stereotyped for its sunny, sandy beaches filled with fit bikini bodies, I found myself enjoying this rocky coastline with explosive waves and blowholes erupting before me. This goes to show that nature's wonders can be found anywhere including the glamorous Malibu. Malibu, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/baywatch/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4546-2.jpg Baywatch Venice Beach is best known for its beach counterculture. Though I've photographed the Venice street culture in the past I actually prefer quieter moments like this as day fades into the evening hours. Year Photographed: 2008 Venice, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/olvera-street/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4204.jpg Olvera Street Mexican Dresses Hanging on Window Sill at Olvera Street, Los Angeles, California One of the oldest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Olvera Street's history dates back to late 1700s and early 1800s. The area was settled by Spanish settlers aka. pobladores. The neighborhood has a strong Mexican heritage. Los Angeles, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/los-angeles-skyrises/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4199.jpg Los Angeles Skyrises Downtown Los Angeles Skyrise Buildings, L.A., California While working at the Los Angeles Times, I had access to their parking garage which provided an excellent view of the nearby downtown L.A. skyscrapers. City skylines are always changing due to the boom or bust nature of the construction industry so photos like mine are quite rare. If I were to access this same location today there is almost no chance of this same view being available. Year Photographed: 2008 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/foggy-fall-morning/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7922.jpg Foggy Fall Morning Foggy Fall Morning in the Japanese Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California My favorite time of the day to explore the Huntington is early in the morning at 8 am before the garden opens to the public. The light is much softer in the morning and ideal for revealing the beauty of a garden. Early admission is available to members so I've made the most of this special access. This is from the overlook at their famous Japanese Garden. Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/beckman-institute/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7902.jpg Beckman Institute Beckman Institute and Pond at CalTech, Pasadena, California One of the world's top ten universities, CalTech (California Institute of Technology) is a private research university that is located in Pasadena, California. The Beckman Institute was established in 1990 and focuses on biological and chemical sciences.Related Photo: Garfield Avenue | Jet Propulsion Laboratory CalTech, Pasadena, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/italian-renaissance-dome/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7872.jpg Italian Renaissance Dome Sunrise Alpenglow on Italian Renaissance-style Dome of Pasadena City Hall, California Pasadena's iconic City Hall is truly an architectural masterpiece. American architecture lacks the detail and ornate vision that characterizes European architecture but Pasadena's City Hall is one of the rare exceptions. Pasadena, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rose-garden-sunrise/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7864.jpg Rose Garden Sunrise Sunrise in Rose Garden at City Hall, Pasadena, California Most photos of Pasadena's iconic City Hall are made from the Garfield Ave exterior. I made use of the sunrise lighting to photograph the Rose Garden from inside of the courtyard instead. Sunset photos of Pasadena City Hall are common but sunrise not so much. Pasadena, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pasadena-city-hall/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7847.jpg Pasadena City Hall Pasadena City Hall at Sunset, California With its distinct european-style architectural facade, Pasadena City Hall has been featured in innumerable movies and wedding photos since opening in 1927. Pasadena, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/city-hall-reflection/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7836.jpg City Hall Reflection Pasadena City Hall Dome Reflection in Pond, Pasadena, California The iconic views of Pasadena City Hall are from the Garfield Avenue side of the building. Despite getting overlooked by most photographers, the other side of City Hall can be just as beautiful too as I found this pond reflection from across the street. Pasadena, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rainbow-over-pasadena-city-hall/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7834-2.jpg Rainbow Over Pasadena City Hall Rainbow Over Pasadena City Hall, California Bringing pride to the citizens of Pasadena since 1927, Pasadena City Hall features an intricate style of Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture that is more common in Europe than the United States. Pasadena, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sunset-ridge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7255.jpg Sunset Ridge Sunset Ridge in San Gabriel Mountains Above Altadena, Angeles National Forest, California Some photographers travel all over the world to capture a landscape photo yet overlook all the opportunities close to home. Sunset Ridge was just several miles from my home near the foothills in Pasadena. A local photo yet one of the more memorable photo shoots I've had in all my years in Southern California. Angeles National Forest https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/somewhere-over-the-rainbow/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7253.jpg Somewhere Over The Rainbow Double Rainbow from Sunset Ridge, Angeles National Forest, California While rainbows are a rather common natural light phenomena during a storm, I never get tired of them. Every one of them is a jaw-dropper and gives me a sense of wonder as if it were the first one I've ever seen. Angeles National Forest https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sick-cloudscape/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7252.jpg Sick Cloudscape Scenic Vista of Pasadena from Sunset Ridge, Angeles National Forest, California One of the joys of having lived in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains is having convenient access to the mountains during special moments of natural light such as this summer evening. This summer thunderstorm definitely ranks among the top ten sunsets I've ever witnessed. Angeles National Forest https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/euclid-avenue/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7206.jpg Euclid Avenue Euclid Avenue Sunrise View of Pasadena City Hall, Pasadena, California As an artist I'm always looking for different angles to photograph familiar sights. Almost everyone photographs the other side more famous side of Pasadena City Hall at sunset. I haven't seen many sunrise photos much less any with a water reflection. This style of composition is not much different than how I would have photographed a mountain peak at sunrise under a calm lake reflection. Pasadena, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/avenue-of-eternity/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7173_web.jpg Avenue of Eternity Couple Walking Down Tree-Lined Road Toward Mausoleum at The Huntington, San Marino, California The Huntington LIbrary, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens was founded in 1919 by Henry E. Huntington (1850 - 1927) & Arabella Huntington (1851 - 1924). Huntington was a railroad magnate who was the nephew of Collis P. Huntington, one of the "Big Four", who established the transcontinental railroad system in the mid 19th century.Related Photos: A Touch of Spring | Jungle Garden | The Huntington Desert Garden Huntington Botanical Gardens, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pasadena-architecture/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7098.jpg Pasadena Architecture Pasadena City Hall Architecture, California Despite having visited Pasadena City Hall since I was a child, I'm amazed by how I'm always finding new angles and ways to photograph the iconic dome. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/valley-pond/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7090-2_web.jpg Valley Pond San Gabriel Mountains Sunset Alpenglow Reflection in Pond, San Gabriel Valley, California The arid San Gabriel Valley averages approximately 15 inches of annual precipitation. Naturally some outlier years can have in excess of 40 inches while the drought years can have single-digits. Which makes this water reflection in my photo a rare occurrence. I've never seen a similar photo opportunity in my years of living in the area. San Gabriel Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rustic-amber/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7077.jpg Rustic Amber Liquid Amber at Peak Fall Color in Glendora Centennial Heritage Park, Glendora, California Fall has always been my favorite season. Though many photographers enjoy peak fall foliage, I actually like foliage that is past peak because there is almost no green left on the trees and the ground is covered with colorful leaves. This scene reminded me of my childhood. A fitting way to photograph my hometown. Glendora, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/san-gabriel-river/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6550.jpg San Gabriel River San Gabriel River Water Reflection, San Gabriel Valley, California Originating from high within the San Gabriel Mountains, the San Gabriel River is a 58-mile long river that eventually drains into the urban jungle of Los Angeles County. The water flow varies greatly depending on how much snow pack the San Gabriel Mountains received during the winter. During drought years the San Gabriel River can be reduced to a trickle or dry stream bed while it can be roaring during years with abundant precipitation. San Gabriel Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/south-hills-wilderness-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6490.jpg South Hills Wilderness Park South Hills Wilderness Park, Glendora, California My old stomping grounds. I grew up in the surrounding neighborhood and have hiked the South Hills Wilderness Park of Glendora countless times. Hiking destinations like this should be preserved for future generations because urban sprawl has gotten out of hand. There are fewer and fewer locations to enjoy nature within cities and suburban towns nowadays. Once land has been developed over it almost never gets returned back to its former natural state. Glendora, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hands-off/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5995.jpg Hands Off Oak Tree Forest and Poison Oak Leaves, Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park, Glendora, California Poison oak is so beautiful yet so treacherous. Some beauty is best admired from afar. Year Photographed: 2009 Glendora, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/spring-run-off/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5990.jpg Spring Run-Off Small Waterfalls at Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park, Glendora, California Some of the most interesting waterfalls to experience are the ones that aren't listed on a map and only appear seasonally after a rain. One of the joys of nature is the act of discovery. I like to explore and discover more than merely follow a map. Glendora, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/poison-oak-forest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5988.jpg Poison Oak Forest Poison Oak Foliage at Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park, Glendora, California Ever so dangerous to touch, poison oak has some of the most beautiful foliage to photograph. The leaves are often colorful for much of the year in fact. Year Photographed: 2009 Glendora, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/secret-oaks/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5935.jpg Secret Oaks Oak Tree Forest, Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park, Glendora, California There are few immersive landscapes that I enjoy getting lost in as much as oak tree forests. Oak trees are full of character and no tree is alike. Glendora, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/jet-propulsion-laboratory/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5689.jpg Jet Propulsion Laboratory Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at Sunset, Pasadena, California Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is an important research facility for space exploration. Funded by the federal government, many NASA missions have originated from JPL. The legendary Voyager program, Mars & Jupiter missions have all been attributed to JPL. I recall visiting Jet Propulsion Laboratory several times as a kid during their open houses and learning about the various space exploration missions. JPL is a fascinating institution. Pasadena, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/liquid-amber/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5620.jpg Liquid Amber Liquid Amber Autumn Leaves, Glendora Centennial Heritage Park, California I can't think of any type of nature scene that is more beautiful to photograph than fall foliage. From the warm yellow to orange and red colors, fall foliage is a true feast for the eyes. I'm just glad that I don't have any liquid amber trees at my house so I don't have to worry about sweeping up the leaves. Glendora, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-orange-grove-ufo/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5619.jpg The Orange Grove UFO Lenticular Cloud Over Orange Grove at Centennial Heritage Park, Glendora, California UFOs are more likely to be a lenticular cloud than an actual spacecraft. Here is my UFO photo. Glendora, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hamilton-house/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5615.jpg Hamilton House Hamilton House, Antique Farming Equipment and Liquid Amber Tree in Fall Season / Centennial Heritage Park, Glendora, California The Hamilton House was built in 1880s by Glendora's founder, George Whitcomb. The house was originally located in a different location but relocated to Glendora's Centennial Heritage Park which was created to resemble an 19th & 20th century orange grove. Glendora, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/liquid-fog/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5589.jpg Liquid Fog Liquid Amber Fall Colors in Fog at Gladstone Park, Glendora, California Fall mornings can produce some of the most magical of landscape photo conditions. While thick fog might not be fun to drive in, it is absolutely amazing to hike and photograph in. As a photographer that photographs natural light this is one of the ways to create mood in my landscape artwork. Year Photographed: 2009 Glendora, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/framed-dome/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5018.jpg Framed Dome Pasadena City Hall Italian Renaissance Style Dome Framed by Arch, Pasadena, California When I feel like a need a taste of European architecture, I head to Pasadena City Hall. Not many buildings in the United States are as photogenic as this one. Pasadena, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/labor-day-flag/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5015.jpg Labor Day Flag U.S. Flag Hanging on Lamppost in Front of City Hall for Labor Day, Pasadena, California Despite today's highly polarized political climate I think we have a lot to be grateful for. Grateful for those who serve and fight to protect our freedoms. In many country's people don't have the right to dissent. We should be grateful that we can have a polarizing political climate. Pasadena, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/garfield-avenue/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5010.jpg Garfield Avenue Pasadena City Hall Evening Lights, California Pasadena, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/los-angeles-county-arboretum/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4921.jpg Los Angeles County Arboretum Los Angeles County Arboretum, Arcadia, California Founded in 1947, Los Angeles County Arboretum is a publicly-owned 127 acre arboretum and botantical garden located in Arcadia, California. I have fond memories of the garden while growing up when my mom would take me there occasionally. The garden is famous for the resident peacocks. Arcadia, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/alosta-canyon-trail/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4899.jpg Alosta Canyon Trail South Hills Alosta Canyon Trail, Glendora, CaliforniaRelated Photos: San Gabriel Valley Sunset | Moon Over San Gabriel Valley | Secret Oaks Glendora, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/oak-tree-forest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4851-2_web.jpg Oak Tree Forest Oak Tree Forest, Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park, California I could spend hours wandering through oak tree forests and discover an infinite amount of compositions from the various trees. Many photographers tend to stick with famous locations such as national parks but there is so much more out there to explore with a camera. I enjoy wandering through a local forest about as much as I do Yosemite for example. Glendora, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/moon-over-san-gabriel-valley/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4846.jpg Moon Over San Gabriel Valley San Gabriel Valley Sunset, Glendora, California Glendora, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/valley-sunbeam/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4801.jpg Valley Sunbeam San Gabriel Valley Sunset, Glendora, California California sunsets are on another level of epic compared to some other states I have visited. The combination of low humidity and atmospheric haze can lead to some spectacular sights. When I lived in Kentucky for one year I didn't really see any colorful sunsets and the ones I did see were quite muted due to the thick atmosphere. Glendora, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/experimental-forest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3985.jpg Experimental Forest Oak Tree Forest, San Dimas Experimental Forest, California San Dimas, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/puddingstone-lake/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW1047-2.jpg Puddingstone Lake Puddingstone Lake at Sunset, Frank G. Bonelli County Park, San Dimas, California My family used to picnic at Puddingstone Lake every summer when I was growing up. We stopped this tradition around the time when my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in the mid-90's. I miss those memories so I sought to re-live a brief glimpse my childhood when I captured this photo. Year Photographed: 2005 San Dimas, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/wall-street-mill-car/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8887.jpg Wall Street Mill Car Abandoned Car at Wall Street Mill, Joshua Tree National Park, California Though Joshua Tree National Park is primarily wilderness area there are some traces of mankind in the form of abandoned mills, mines and cars such as this car near Wall Street Mill. Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/joshuas-sky/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8885.jpg Joshua's Sky Joshua Trees and Blue Sky, Joshua Tree National Park, California The name "Joshua Tree" is believed to have been given by a group of Mormon settlers crossing the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century. The tree's role in guiding the Mormons through the desert combined with its unique shape reminded them of a biblical story in which Joshua keeps his hands reached out for an extended period of time to guide the Israelites in their conquest of Canaan (Joshua 8:18-26). Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/prickly/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8788.jpg Prickly Cholla Cactus Garden Earth Shadow at Dusk, Joshua Tree National Park, California One of my favorite aspects to photographing high-elevation deserts is the intense earth shadow during the winter months. The belt of Venus and earth shadow can be seen almost anywhere but nowhere is it as vibrant as the high desert. Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/barkers-trees/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7258.jpg Barker's Trees Joshua Trees at Sunset on Barker Dam Trail, Joshua Tree National Park, California Though the Mojave Desert is a vast, arid landscape, the high altitude desert supports a wide variety of plant life of which the most famous of which are Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia).Related Photo: Foreshadowing Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/foreshadowing/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5412.jpg Foreshadowing Joshua Trees Against Shadowed Mountain, Joshua Tree National Park, California A yucca plant that primarily grows within the Mojave Desert, Joshua Trees are most abundant within California's Joshua Tree National Park. As an artist I enjoy photographing them as no two look exactly alike. They come in all shapes and sizes. Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/desert-sunrise/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5409.jpg Desert Sunrise Joshua Tree National Park Sunrise, California As I shivered in the cold, morning weather, my soul was lit from within as the sun crested the horizon and slowly painted the landscape with warmth. Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/desert-winter/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5406.jpg Desert Winter Winter Sunrise View of Mount San Gorgonio, Joshua Tree National Park, California Looming high on the San Bernardino Mountains, Mount San Gorgonio stands at 11,503 ft in elevation. The peak is visible from nearly 200 miles away at Mount Whitney summit which is longest recorded line of sight in the contiguous United States. Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/earth-shadow-over-mount-san-gorgonio/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5403.jpg Earth Shadow Over Mount San Gorgonio Earth Shadow over Mount San Gorgonio, Joshua Tree National Park, California My objective with this composition was to juxtapose the arid, Joshua Tree landscape against the snow-capped Mount San Gorgonio which stands at 11,503 ft in elevation and is the tallest mountain in Southern California. Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/jumping-chollas/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5400.jpg Jumping Chollas Backlit Jumping Cholla Cactus, Joshua Tree National Park, California Cholla cactus are nicknamed "jumping cholla" because they have a habit of sticking onto any surface without warning. I saw one man get one lodged in him palm and it sounded excruciating to remove it. Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cholla-cactus-garden/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5387.jpg Cholla Cactus Garden Cholla Cactus Garden, Joshua Tree National Park, California Cholla cactus is sometimes referred to as "jumping cholla". This type of cactus really does live up to its name as its known for ending up on boots, clothing and even can sometimes get lodged into people's skin with little warning. While no cactus is pleasant to come into contact with cholla cactus is especially painful. I've witnessed several people struggle to extract the needles firsthand. It's much more beautiful to look at than to come into contact with no doubt! Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cottonwood-spring/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4255.jpg Cottonwood Spring Golden Poppies and Lupines near Cottonwood Entrance, Joshua Tree National Park, California Cottonwood Spring was an important watering hole for prospectors, miners, and teamsters traveling north. Water was necessary for gold processing, so a number of mills were located here. Cottonwood Spring was first mentioned in a gold mine claim filed in 1875, indicating that the trees are native. Fan palms first appear around 1920, perhaps growing from seeds deposited by a bird or coyote. Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/spring-wildflowers/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4251.jpg Spring Wildflowers Spring Wildflowers, Joshua Tree National Park, California Typically an arid landscape with little rainfall, Joshua Tree National Park has impressive displays of wildflowers after above-average rainfall totals during the winter months. This particular season was a legendary one for the books. Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/joshuas-bouquet/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4249.jpg Joshua's Bouquet Golden Poppies and Lupine Spring Wildflowers, Joshua Tree National Park, California I'll admit to having never truly being a desert lover but I am absolutely in love with wildflowers. My favorite subjects in nature are trees, water and wildflowers. Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/desert-gold/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4245.jpg Desert Gold Spring Wildflowers, Joshua Tree National Park, California While the odds of getting rich from gold prospecting is slim to none these days, there is no doubt that wildflowers are the main draw in these parts which brings in the majority of revenue for local businesses. That is the true desert gold. Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sea-of-color/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4237.jpg Sea of Color Spring Wildflowers, Joshua Tree National Park, California A sea of wildflower gold as far as the eye can see, I live for fleeting moments of nature like this. Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/standing-tall/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3053.jpg Standing Tall Barrel Cactus and Joshua Tree National Park, California Contrary to popular belief, Joshua Trees are not actually a type of cactus but a yucca plant. Barrel cactus however is a real cactus and painful to come into contact with. Joshua Tree National Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-salton-sea/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5744.jpg The Salton Sea Dead Oak Trees, Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, California Since the Salton Sea was inadvertently created due to an irrigation disaster the area can often resemble an urban and ecological graveyard. The lack of a natural outlet has increased the salinity of the water to a point where almost nothing can survive the salty water. Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/salvation-mountain/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5739.jpg Salvation Mountain Salvation Mountain, Slab City, California Salvation Mountain is not just any ordinary piece of artwork; it is a vibrant, larger-than-life masterpiece that has captivated visitors from around the world. Constructed entirely by one man, Leonard Knight, over the span of three decades from 1984 until his death in 2014, this vivid masterpiece has become a beloved attraction for those seeking a unique and thought-provoking experience. The overall significance of Salvation Mountain lies not only in its visual appeal but also in the powerful message it conveys. Covered in a labyrinth of vibrant, hand-painted murals and inscriptions, every inch of this magical mountain serves as a testament to the importance of love, unity, and the pursuit of universal salvation. Leonard Knight dedicated over three decades of his life to the creation and maintenance of Salvation Mountain. Born in 1931, Knight grew up in Vermont, where he experienced a spiritual awakening in his twenties. Inspired by his newfound faith, he set off on a mission to spread the message of God's love. After years of traveling across the country, Knight arrived in Slab City, California, a community known for its alternative lifestyle and off-the-grid living. It was in this barren land that Knight began his labor of love, building Salvation Mountain from the ground up. With no formal training in art or engineering, Knight used various materials such as adobe, straw, and thousands of gallons of paint to bring his vision to life. His creativity knew no bounds as he meticulously hand-painted every inch of the mountain with vibrant colors and powerful messages. Leonard Knight's dedication to his art and message is evident in every brushstroke. He spent countless hours under the scorching sun, creating and maintaining his masterpiece. His commitment to spreading the message of God's love attracted visitors from all over the world, who came to witness the awe-inspiring creation nestled in the heart of the desert. Salvation Mountain stands as a testament to Leonard Knight's unwavering faith and his desire to share his message of love, hope, and unity with the world. It serves as a reminder that through passion and dedication, one person can make a profound impact on the lives of many. Slab City, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cracked/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5730.jpg Cracked Dry Mud Cracks, Bombay Beach, California The Salton Sea is an extremely desolate and harsh environment to survive in. When I found this area of dry mud cracks I knew I had found the photo that encapsalates the experience of the Salton Sea. Salton Sea, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rv-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5727-2.jpg RV Park Abandoned RV Trailer Buried in Mud near Salton Sea, Bombay Beach, California The Salton Sea is an utter mess if I'm being honest with remnants of civilization scattered all about. This disaster makes for a compelling photography subject however as you can see nature attempting to reclaim itself through the region. Salton Sea, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/calm-before-the-storm-2/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5726.jpg Calm Before The Storm Stormy Sunset, Salton Sea, California The most interesting light generally comes from the edges of a storm both before and after. Salton Sea, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/winter-migration/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5718.jpg Winter Migration American White Pelicans and Other Migratory Birds in Salton Sea with Mount San Jacinto in the Background, Riverside County, California One of the premiere birding regions in Calfornia, the Salton Sea welcomes thousands of birds annually during the winter months. Salton Sea, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hard-times/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5716.jpg Hard Times Dead Oak Trees, Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, California Due to the Salton Sea having been created by a manmade irrigation disaster, the entire ecosystem has the appearance of death or barely clinging onto life. Salton Sea, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/frenzy/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5714.jpg Frenzy Western Gulls in Agricultural Field, Imperial Valley, California Winter has always been my favorite time of year to photograph most regions of California. The wintering birds of the Pacific Flyway made their way to the Salton Sea region so I enjoyed making images of the birds in flight. Imperial Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/repent/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5713.jpg Repent Religious Symbolism Painted on Truck at Salvation Mountain, Imperial County, California Though not a religious person myself, I find the artwork in religious symbolism to be quite fascinating. Slab City, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/out-to-sea/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5712.jpg Out to Sea Rotted Dock Pilings, Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, California I made the cardinal sin of going on a long-distance day trip without charging my camera batteries. With conservative usage, my batteries lasted until almost the end. My friend, Brian, was generous enough to lend me his Sony camera to photograph this scene. Year Photographed: 2009 Salton Sea, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/spiritual-station-wagon/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5701.jpg Spiritual Station Wagon Spiritual Station Wagon at Salvation Mountain, Imperial County near Niland, California Leonard Knight was an artist who made Salvation Mountain his life's work. The sprawling art installation features dozens of religious messages. His artwork attracted widespread attention after the 2007 movie, Into The Wild was partially set in this area. Salvation Mountain, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fall-of-the-empire/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8792.jpg Fall of the Empire Empire Mine SHP Fall Color Forest Scene, Grass Valley, California The Empire Mine was one of the oldest, richest and deepest gold mines in California dating back to the 19th century. The mine closed in 1950 when gold mining no longer was profitable and became a California State Park in 1974. Empire Mine State Historic Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/red-fall-foliage/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8767.jpg Red Fall Foliage Red Fall Foliage, Nevada City, California One of my favorite California towns to visit during the fall season, Nevada City resembles New England villages with the maple and liquid amber trees. Nevada City, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/nevada-city-fall-colors/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8766.jpg Nevada City Fall Colors Fall Colors in Fog, Nevada City, California Nevada City is the quintessential fall experience in California. From the crisp morning air to red and orange autumn leaves with white picket fences, this small town in the sierra foothills is truly beautiful. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/railtown-1897/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8712.jpg Railtown 1897 Railtown 1897 State Historic Park Trainyard, Jamestown, California As I walked through the train yard at Railtown 1897 with my family I imagined what it must have been like during its heydey 100 years prior with rumbling train tracks and steaming engines. The current day iteration has done a fabulous job with preserving this historic landmark. Jamestown, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/city-hotel/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8283.jpg City Hotel City Hotel at Columbia State Historic Park, Columbia, California Dating back to 1856, City Hotel is a restored 19th century country inn located within the current-day Columbia State Historic Park. Columbia, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/central-pacific-railroad/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3751.jpg Central Pacific Railroad Central Pacific Railroad Company and Huntington & Hopkins Hardware Store, Old Town Sacramento, California The Central Pacific Railroad was the western portion of the first transcontinental railroad. The "Big Four" consisting of Leland Stanford, Collis Huntington, Charles Crocker and Mark Hopkins incorporated in 1861 which marked the beginning of this massive project. With the aid of Chinese laborers working long, arduous hours, the railroad was connected in 1869. Sacramento, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fall-victorian/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3727.jpg Fall Victorian Victorian Home with Fall Foliage, Nevada City, California Nevada City is arguably the most photogenic small town in California in my opinion. From quaint architecture to vibrant fall foliage, what isn't there to love? Nevada City, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/firehouse-number-1/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3723.jpg Firehouse Number 1 Historic Firehouse Number 1 in Fall Season, Nevada City, California Built in 1861, the historic Firehouse No. 1 was officially used by the Nevada Hose Company No. 1 from 1861 until 1938. The building has since been converted to a museum which houses historical artifacts from Nevada County. Nevada City, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/maple-trees-in-fall/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3716.jpg Maple Trees in Fall Maple Trees in Fall, Nevada City, California Imported in via New England during the 19th century, Nevada City and neighboring Grass Valley is lined with old maple trees which turn vibrant shades of red and orange during the fall months of October and November. There might not be a better display of fall color in California. Nevada City, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/golden-vines/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3700.jpg Golden Vines Red Autumn Leaves Against Brick Wall, Empire Mine State Historic Park, Grass Valley, California Bourn Cottage was once owned by legendary entrepreneur, William Bourn. The estate became neglected after the Empire Mine shut down in 1956 until the California State Parks system purchased the property in 1975. California has done a great job at restoring the property to its former glory while leaving the natural landscape intact. Empire Mine State Historic Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/red-autumn-leaves/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3699.jpg Red Autumn Leaves Red Autumn Leaves Against Brick Wall, Empire Mine State Historic Park, Grass Valley, California No matter where I go it's rarely difficult to find nature photography subjects. Cracks in an old brick wall on a historic estate in this instance. Year Photographed: 2007 Empire Mine State Historic Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bourn-cottage/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3694.jpg Bourn Cottage Bourn Cottage Back Porch Doorway, Empire Mine State Historic Park, Grass Valley, California Dating back to 1897, Bourn Cottage was built by Willam Bourn Jr., who owned the Empire Mine from 1879 to 1929. Bourn Cottage was used primarily as a summer vacation home for the Bourn Family as their primary residence was at Filoli which is large estate located just south of San Francisco.Related Photos: Golden Vines | Fall of the Empire | Liquid Gold Empire Mine State Historic Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/liquid-gold/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3691.jpg Liquid Gold Fall Foliage Pond Reflection, Empire Mine State Historic Park, Grass Valley, California Though the gold mines at Empire Mine are no longer active, the real gold is in the stunning fall color on the estate. Grass Valley is gorgeous in late October. Empire Mine State Historic Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/jug-rose-confectionary/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3680.jpg Jug & Rose Confectionary Jug and Rose Confectionery, Volcano, California Volcano, California is a small Mother Lode community of just 115 residents but there is no shortage of quaint and historic architecture to photograph here. October is a beautiful time to visit with the pumpkins on every porch and autumn leaves which turn from green to orange and red. Volcano, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/st-george-hotel/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3677.jpg St. George Hotel Historic St. George Hotel, Volcano, California Built in 1867, the St. George Hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The building is a three-story, brick, hotel with 14 rooms, reflecting Greek Revival influence. Volcano, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/parson-jones-tree/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8780.jpg Parson Jones Tree Parson Jones Tree (Coast Redwood) at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, California Standing at 310 feet in height, the Parson Jones Tree is the largest Coast Redwood in Armstrong Redwoods. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/armstrong-redwoods/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8779.jpg Light In The Forest Crepuscular Rays Shining Through Armstrong Redwoods SNR, Guerneville, California Located in a temperate rainforest just outside of the Sonoma County town of Guerneville, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve features old-growth coast redwood trees including the Parson Jones Tree which tops out at over 310 feet in height. The Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest redwood tree in the park at approximately 1,400 years of age. Originally founded as Armstrong Redwoods State Park, the redwood grove became Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in 1964 in order ensure its protection for years to come. Year Photographed: 2014 Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/big-leaf-maples/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8743.jpg Big Leaf Maples Big Leaf Maples in Fall, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California Redwood forests typically don't have much in the way of foliage but this tree canopy did and helped to add some visual interest to the scene by way of color. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/old-growth-redwoods/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8742.jpg Old-Growth Redwoods Old-Growth Redwoods Along Simpson-Reed Trail, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California One of the most pristine old-growth redwood forests remaining, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is also known for the Smith River which is the only major un-dammed river left in California. Walking through old-growth redwood groves like this provides me with a sense of calm as I realize whatever might me on mind is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. With these trees being 300+ feet tall, I'm just an ant by comparison. Redwood trees will also far outlive any of us, with the oldest specimens reaching 2,000+ years of age. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/foggy-morning/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8735.jpg Foggy Morning Boyes Prairie Foggy Sunrise, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California Waking up before dawn is never easy but scenes like this motivate me to head out of the warm tent at ungodly hours. Fog is most commonly seen in the early morning hours when most other photographers are asleep. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dense-rainforest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8726.jpg Dense Rainforest Dense Temperate Rainforest, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California What I like about redwood tree forests is that no two look exactly alike. Prairie Creek for example looks more like a scene from Washington's temperate rainforests than most of the California redwood forests. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/prairie-creek-redwoods/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8725.jpg Prairie Creek Redwoods Old-Growth Redwood Forest in Fall, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California Prairie Creek Redwoods is a 14,000 acre park that is jointly managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the National Park Service as a part of the Redwood National and State Parks. Prairie Creek is one of the premiere locations in the world to view old-growth Coast Redwood trees. Year Photographed: 2014 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/redwood-road/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8578.jpg Redwood Road Road Through Foggy Redwood Forest, Mount Tamalpais State Park, California Arguably the foggiest location on the California Coast, I liked how moody this stretch of the road on Mount Tam was while leading through a redwood forest. Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mount-tamalpais-redwoods/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8575.jpg Mount Tamalpais Redwoods Redwood Forest in Fog, Mount Tamalpais State Park, California Most people never explore past the most obvious subjects to shoot such as the roadside vistas on Mount Tam with fog. While I enjoy scenes like that as well I also like to explore off-the-beaten-path and see what else makes these landscapes special such as a nondescript grove of redwood trees in fog. As an artist I don't want to limit myself to just what the guidebooks and social media sites highlight. Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/redwoods-in-fog/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8574.jpg Redwoods in Fog Redwood Forest in Fog, Mount Tamalpais State Park, California Most nature photographers tend to favor bright and happy looking type of scenes but I feel most emotionally connected to damp, cool, coastal forests like this. There is so much more depth when faced with a contemplative scene as opposed to one that is easily presented to the viewed such as a run-of-the-mill sunset. Marin County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/burls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8420.jpg My Name is Burl Burls on Old-Growth Coast Redwood Trees, Muir Woods National Monument, California Burls are deformities on trees caused by external factors such as damage, virus or fungus. The shape comes from wood grain that has grown in a deformed manner. Given the age of old-growth coast redwoods which can live for thousands of years it can be somewhat expected to see some burls while walking through the forest. Muir Woods National Monument, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/humboldt-redwoods/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8146.jpg Morning Walk Humboldt Redwoods State Park Near Avenue of the Giants, California The 51,651 acre Humboldt Redwoods State Park is the 3rd largest within the California State Park system. Some of the world's tallest trees are located here. Rockefeller Forest contains the largest remaining contiguous old-growth forest of coast redwoods. This area is one of my favorite places to camp in California. Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/rockefeller-forest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8145.jpg Rockefeller Forest Rockefeller Forest, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California With 10,000 acres of contiguous old-growth coast redwood forest, Rockefeller is the largest in the world. The forest is named after John D. Rockefeller who helped the Save-the-Redwoods-League purchase the land after having toured the area in 1931. Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/founders-grove/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8139.jpg Founder's Grove Founder's Grove Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California The Founder's Grove is located just off of the Avenue of the Giants within Humboldt Redwoods State Park. This particular grove is notable for having several of the world's tallest trees including the Founders Tree (364-ft tall with a 15 ft diameter base) which was considered to be the world's tallest tree from 1931 to 1957. The Dyerville Giant (previously 372-ft tall) was another notable tree as it was the worlds tallest known tree from 1972 until it fell in 1991 however scientists were not aware that it was the tallest tree until they were able to measure it after it collapsed. Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/avenue-of-the-giants/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8112.jpg Avenue of the Giants Avenue of the Giants, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California The Avenue of Giants, located in northern California, is a breathtaking stretch of road that winds through the heart of the magnificent Humboldt Redwoods State Park. This awe-inspiring destination is truly a nature lover's paradise, where towering ancient redwoods stand tall, creating a surreal and enchanting atmosphere. The significance of the Avenue of Giants lies in its status as one of the most iconic and scenic drives in the United States. Spanning 31.59 miles on California State Route 254 adjacent to Highway 101, this unparalleled route takes you on a journey through some of the last remaining groves of old-growth redwood trees in the world. Redwood Trees When it comes to impressive giants, there is nothing quite like the majestic redwood trees found along the Avenue of Giants. The Avenue is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, with the towering redwoods stealing the show. Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) Coast redwoods, scientifically known as Sequoia sempervirens, are truly a sight to behold. Standing as the tallest trees on Earth, these giants reach heights of over 350 feet. It's hard not to feel small in their presence. What makes coast redwoods even more amazing are their unique characteristics and remarkable adaptations to their environment. Their thick bark acts as a protective shield against wildfires, while their needles contain tannins that help deter pests and fungal attacks. While coast redwoods can live for over 2,000 years, they also have the ability to regenerate. When a redwood falls, it creates a nursery log, providing a safe and nurturing environment for new seedlings to grow. The Avenue of Giants owes much of its fame and splendor to these magnificent coast redwoods. In this enchanting forest, visitors can experience the awe-inspiring beauty and peacefulness that only these ancient trees can provide. Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/muir-woods/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8093.jpg Muir Woods Sunbeam in Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Muir Woods National Monument, California Muir Woods is the closest old-growth redwood forest to San Francisco so it naturally attracts more visitors than any other similar forest. The 554-acre forest was declared a National Monument by President Theordore Roosevelt in 1908 and was named after famed conservationist, John Muir. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/logging/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4701.jpg Logs Large Stack of Logs, Eureka, California As our society's perspective on environmental conservation evolves I hope that local economies that traditionally relied on logging find a way to evolve as well so people can stay employed without pillaging the planet for all its worth. Eureka, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/timber/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4675.jpg Timber Stacks of Timber at Pacific Lumber Company Mill (PALCO), Scotia, California The Pacific Lumber Company was founded in 1863 was for many years was one of the largest employers in the region. The company utilized sustainable forestry practices for years until the latter years when the company changed ownership and resorted to clear-cutting out of greed. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2007. Scotia, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/california-state-capitol/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9291.jpg California State Capitol California State Capitol at Sunrise, Sacramento, California Nestled in the heart of Sacramento, the capital city of California, stands a magnificent structure that embodies the essence of the state's governance and history—the California State Capitol Building. This architectural masterpiece serves as the seat of government for the state of California and has witnessed the evolution of California's political landscape since its completion. As a symbol of power, democracy, and progress, the Capitol Building stands as a testament to the state's rich heritage and its commitment to the principles upon which it was founded. Construction The construction of the California State Capitol Building commenced in 1860 and was completed in 1874. Renowned architect Reuben Clark and his team designed the building, blending elements of neoclassical, Italianate, and Romanesque architectural styles. The structure's impressive dome, towering at a height of 210 feet, dominates the Sacramento skyline and captivates visitors with its grandeur. The Capitol Building's construction materials were sourced locally, utilizing sandstone from the nearby Folsom Quarry. The interior showcases exquisite craftsmanship, with polished marble columns, intricate woodwork, and ornate chandeliers that lend an air of elegance and prestige to the building's chambers.Related Photo: Old Sacramento Sacramento https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/old-sacramento/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9149.jpg Old Sacramento Old Sacramento at Sunset, Sacramento, California Old Sacramento is a Gold Rush-era historic district along the waterfront of Sacramento. Many buildings preserved here date back to the 1850's. This historic district also includes Old Sacramento State Historic Park and is a U.S. National Landmark District. Most of the buildings currently house shops and museums that cater to tourists. Sacramento, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-flock/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8852.jpg The Flock Birds in Flight, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California As an individually weak animal, small birds usually fly in large flocks in order to increase their odds of survival. While one bird might not make it most will even when encountering a predator. I personally find the flight formations to be majestic and entrancing to witness. Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/birds-in-flight/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8851.jpg Birds In Flight Birds in Flight, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, CaliforniaRelated Photos: The Flock | Winter Birds | Snow Geese Flying Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/winter-birds/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8849.jpg Winter Birds Winter Birds, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/threes-company/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8847.jpg Three's Company Winter Sunset, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pacific-flyway/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8522.jpg Pacific Flyway Wintering Pacific Flyway Waterfowl, Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, California Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-big-orange/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8332.jpg The Big Orange Sunset in the Central Valley, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/weekend-layover/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8331-2_web.jpg Weekend Layover Marsh at Dusk, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California When my wife was starting off her career in the healthcare field she would have to frequently travel out of town for work. I would sometimes accompany her on these trips and used my time to explore the local areas such as Merced National Wildlife Refuge. Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/shallow/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8330.jpg Shallow Shallow Water Reflection, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/geeese-in-flight/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8328.jpg Geese In Flight Geese in Flight, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/san-joaquin-valley-sunset/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8327.jpg San Joaquin Valley Sunset Winter Sunset, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/merced-national-wildlife-refuge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8325.jpg Merced National Wildlife Refuge Merced National Wildlife Refuge Winter Sunset, California The Merced NWR consists of 10,262 acres of wetlands, native grasslands, vernal pools, and riparian areas in California's Central Valley. The refuge was created in 1951 as a diversion for migrating birds in winter to prevent them from eating farmer's crops. These days, the wildlife refuge attracts hundreds of thousands of birds including geese and sandhill cranes during the late fall and early winter months. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/snow-geese-flying/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8323.jpg Snow Geese Flying Snow Geese Flying, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California Merced National Wildlife Refuge, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/wind-wolves-lupine/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6602.jpg Wind Wolves Lupine Lupine, Wind Wolves Preserve, California Lupine, is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family Fabaceae which is related to peas. One of the most beautiful of native California wildflowers, I cannot resist photographing lupine when I encounter them in the wilderness. Kern County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/owls-clover-lupine/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6596.jpg Owl's Clover & Lupine Wildflowers, Wind Wolves Preserve, California Two of nature's most beautiful wildflowers all in one foreground. What more could a photographer ask for? Kern County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lupine-blue-dicks/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6595.jpg Lupine & Blue Dicks Lupine and Blue Dicks Wildflowers, Wind Wolves Preserve, California Harkening back to a simpler time before tract housing and commercial agriculture operations, I love wide open vistas like this. I feel a sense of calm and soothing when out photographing these scenes. Kern County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/agriculture-tree-blossoms/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5772.jpg Agriculture Tree Blossoms Agricultural Tree Blossoms, San Joaquin Valley, California As one of the top agricultural regions in the world, the San Joaquin Valley aka. Central Valley has many types of blooms through the spring and summer months. The orchards and vineyards are a visual feast with many varieties of colors. San Joaquin Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-wind-wolves-preserve/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW5766.jpg The Wind Wolves Preserve Blue Dicks Spring Wildflowers at The Wind Wolves Preserve, Kern County, California With 93,000 acres of untouched wilderness grasslands at the edge of San Joaquin Valley, the Wind Wolves Preserve, owned by The Wilderness Conservancy, is the largest non-profit reserve in the west. Its vastness is matched only by its commitment to fostering biodiversity and protecting endangered species that call this place home. Winters with abundant precipitation can result in expansive fields of wildflowers as far as the eye can see. With California being one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world, ensuring the conservation of its wildlife is paramount. Wind Wolves Preserve plays a pivotal role in this mission by offering a safe haven for countless species to flourish, including the rare and endangered San Joaquin kit foxes, California condors, and California tarantulas. By providing these creatures with undisturbed habitats and extensive restoration efforts, Wind Wolves Preserve exemplifies the crucial importance of wildlife conservation. Through its various educational programs and research initiatives, it actively engages visitors and researchers alike, raising awareness about the significance of biodiversity preservation and inspiring future generations to protect our natural wonders. A 20-foot rendition of this photo was produced on a sliding glass door overlay inside of bank. I've seen this art installation in person and it was incredible. Let me know if you would like to have a custom art installation like this produced for you. We can make it happen. Kern County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/huntington-hopkins/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3769.jpg Huntington & Hopkins Huntington and Hopkins Hardware Store, Old Sacramento SHP, California Founded by Collis P. Huntington and Mark Hopkins in 1855, the Huntington and Hopkins Hardware Store was the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between the two. Huntington and Hopkins eventually partnerered with Leland Stanford and Charles Crocker, "The Big Four", to establish the Central Pacific Railroad which led to the creation of America's first transcontinental railroad. Many historic sites and landmarks in California have since been named after the members of the Big Four. Sacramento, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-pony-express/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3679.jpg The Pony Express The Pony Express Monument, Old Town Sacramento, California A legendary mail service which ran from April 1860 to October 1861, the Pony Express consisted of a 1,900-mile transcontinental route from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California, of which the terminus was located in the present-day Old Sacramento. The start of the Civil War led to the end of the Pony Express though it was also considered to be a financial failure as it was not profitable. Sacramento, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-paint-pots/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9108.jpg The Paint Pots Paint Pots, Kootenay National Park, British Columbia, Canada The Paint Pots are an interesting site to see as the colorful pools of water are formed by a natural spring system consisting of cold water, ochre and iron oxide. The surrounding mud has a strong resemblance to clay. Kootenay National Park, British Columbia https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/short-summer/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9099.jpg Short Summer Summer Wildflowers at Sunwapta Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada Near the top of Icefields Parkway, Sunwapta Lake is above treeline and a harsh environment for plant life as it's under snow for the much of the year and windswept. Just about all areas in this planet can support life however and here's an example of how hardy these plants are. Jasper National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/medicine-lake/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9095.jpg Medicine Lake Medicine Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada Medicine Lake is a 4.3 mile-long, shallow lake located within Maligne Valley in Jasper National Park, Alberta. Most tourists tend to drive straight by the lake on the way to world-famous Maligne Lake but for photographers with the patience to work the scene can be rewarded with stunning reflections and views of the surrounding mountains. Jasper National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/spirit-island-overlook/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9092.jpg Spirit Island Overlook Spirit Island Overlook at Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada The two ways to get to Spirit Island are either by tour boat or by kayaking 10 miles in on Maligne Lake. My mom, brother and I opted to take the boat and thoroughly enjoyed the ride out to Spirit Island. The views once there are simply world-class. When I think of landscape photography, Spirit Island is one of the few locations that immediately come to mind. Year Photographed: 2015 Jasper National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/maligne-lake/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9087.jpg Maligne Lake Maligne Lake Boat House, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada Located 27 miles (or 44 km) south of the town of Jasper, Alberta, Maligne Lake is a 14 mile (22.5 km) long natural lake located within Jasper National Park. The deepest depths of the lake go down to 318 feet (97m) with an average depth of 115 feet (35m). The most famous view of the lake can be found at the far southern end of the lake at a location named "Spirit Island", the site of a legendary Kodak ad campaign from many years ago. Year Photographed: 2015 Jasper National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mountain-goat-family/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9081.jpg Mountain Goat Family Mountain Goat Mother and Baby Along Icefields Parkway, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada One of the unique, majestic animals that can be found in the Canadian Rockies, mountain goats are often be found in abundance along the Icefields Parkway within Banff & Jasper National Parks. Year Photographed: 2015 Jasper National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tangle-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9079.jpg Tangle Falls Tangle Falls, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada A multi-tiered, 114 foot waterfall, Tangle Falls is located high up near the summit of Icefields Parkway within Canada's Jasper National Park. Year Photographed: 2015 Jasper National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/icefields-parkway-aspen/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9073.jpg Icefields Parkway Aspen Aspen Trees at Lower Waterfowl Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada One of my favorite mountain photography subjects are aspen trees. They're beautiful no matter where I find them from the Sierra Nevada to Utah to the Canadian Rockies. Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/crowfoot-mountain/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9070.jpg Crowfoot Mountain Bow Lake, Crowfoot Mountain and Glacier Overlook, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada With a peak elevation of 10,023 feet, Crowfoot Mountain rises 1,165 feet above the valley floor along Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, Canada. This is one of the first of many iconic landscapes that can be seen along the Icefields Parkway as you drive north from Lake Louise. Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tranquil-shores/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9069.jpg Tranquil Shores Forest Reflection at Herbert Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada The most common and easiest photos to make in the Canadian Rockies are big sweeping landscapes. Look almost any direction and you're surrounded by majestic mountain scenery. The smaller more intimate scenes are much harder to see however and it's a fun creative challenge to look for the scenes within a scene like this. Year Photographed: 2015 Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/emerald-lake/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9068.jpg Emerald Lake Emerald Lake in Summer, Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada The largest lake within Canada's Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake is best known for its emerald green colored water. I remember first visiting Emerald Lake as a six-year old child with my parents. It was beautiful to me then and just as beautiful now to me as an adult. This is one of those places where you just have to experience for yourself as no single photo can do this location justice. Yoho National Park, British Columbia https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lower-johnston-canyon-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9059.jpg Lower Johnston Canyon Falls Lower Johnston Canyon Falls, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada One of the classic hikes within the Canadian Rockies, Lower Johnston Canyon Falls in Banff National Park is a beautiful waterfall nestled within the scenic Johnston Canyon. This 30-foot waterfall is known for its dramatic plunge into a crystal-clear, turquoise pool surrounded by rugged limestone cliffs. Visitors reach it by following a well-maintained trail and series of catwalks that provide a close-up view of the falls as they cascade through the narrow canyon. The surrounding canyon walls are moss-covered and add to the enchanting atmosphere, with the sounds of rushing water echoing in the narrow gorge. It's a popular spot for visitors due to its relatively easy access and stunning natural beauty. Banff National Park, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/patricia-lake/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9040.jpg Patricia Lake Patricia Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada For my mom's 60th birthday I treated her to a vacation in the Canadian Rockies. My parents took me to the Canadian Rockies in the mid-80's when I was a young child so I had always wanted to give my mom another opportunity to visit. My dad is no longer with us unfortunately so this is the least I could do to show my appreciation for the childhood memories. My mom's name also happens to be Patricia. Jasper National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/turquoise-memories/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9038.jpg Turquoise Memories Lake Louise Shoreline, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada The iconic turquoise blue water of Lake Louise comes from a phenomenon called rock flour. Rock flour is caused by glaciers which cause the rock to erode and turn to dust. That dust is what gives Lake Louise its fine turquoise color. Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/natural-bridge/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9034.jpg Natural Bridge Natural Bridge at Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada The Natural Bridge was created by the thunderous power of the Kicking Horse River. Over the years, the gap between the rock has widened and eventually will give way to the forces of nature. I first visited Natural Bridge as a six-year-old child while on a family vacation with my parents. I have fond memories of this place and have since returned two more times. Year Photographed: 2015 Yoho National Park, British Columbia https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/moraine-lake/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9032.jpg Moraine Lake Moraine Lake and the Valley of Ten Peaks in Summer, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada Moraine Lake (Lac Moraine in French), located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is a true gem of Canada. With its awe-inspiring geographical features, stunning colors, and breathtaking natural beauty, Moraine Lake captures the essence of the Canadian wilderness like no other. Nestled amidst the towering Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake sits at an elevation of 1,884 meters (6,181 feet) above sea level. It is situated in the stunning Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. This pristine lake is a result of the melting glaciers that once covered this magnificent landscape. Year Photographed: 2015 Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/spirit-island/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9031.jpg Spirit Island Spirit Island at Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada Spirit Island became famous years ago when this location was featured in a Kodak color film ad. That attracted worldwide attention to this otherwise remote location deep within Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park. Spirit Island is a 17 mile roundtrip from the public access point at Maligne Lake and can be accessed via boat, canoe or kayak. Jasper National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/canadian-rockies-aerial/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9018.jpg Canadian Rockies Aerial Canadian Rockies Aerial, Canada The Canadian Rockies are part of the North American Rocky Mountains mountain range. The Canadian portion of the Rocky Mountains spans approximately 900 miles in length and 93 miles in width across the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. Some of Canada's most popular national parks are located in the Canadian Rockies including Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay. Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/moose-drinking-water/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7683.jpg Moose Drinking Water Female Moose (Alces alces), Kootenay National Park, British Columbia, Canada Standing up to nearly 7 feet tall and weighing as much as 1,500 pounds, moose (Alces alces) is the largest species within the deer family. Though moose can often look awkward and clumsy, appearances are deceiving as moose can outrun humans with a speed of up to 35 miles per hour. As a wildlife photographer I'm very cautious when in the company of a moose as I do not want to disturb them which comes at great risk for the animal as well as myself. In this instance, the moose was on the side of the road and I was able to photographer her from the safety of my rental car during a rainstorm. Kootenay National Park, British Columbia https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/female-bighorn-sheep/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7673.jpg Female Bighorn Sheep Female Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) in Forest, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) are best-known for their horns. The largest rams may have a pair of horns that weigh in excess of 30 pounds while females tend to be a bit smaller. The sheep itself can weigh about 300 pounds when mature. Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/numa-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7659.jpg Numa Falls Numa Falls and Vermillion River, Kootenay National Park, British Columbia, Canada Numa Falls, Canada is a roaring, cascade-like waterfall on the Vermillion River within British Columbia's Kootenay National Park. A pedestrian bridge affords visitors a view straight down the middle of the falls and feel the power of the water beneath. On my visit to Numa Falls, it was raining quite hard outside so I had to wait it out and managed to grab a few frames before my camera got drenched. This waterfall is quite the experience! Kootenay National Park, British Columbia https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/marble-canyon-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7658.jpg Marble Canyon Falls Marble Canyon Falls, Kootenay National Park, British Columbia, Canada Located along Tokkum Creek within a narrow canyon at Marble Canyon, Kootenay National Park, Marble Canyon Falls is a relatively short yet powerful series of waterfalls that visitors can see via a series of boardwalks along the canyon wall. Kootenay National Park, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-aftermath/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7653.jpg The Aftermath Vermillion Peak and Tokumm Creek at Marble Canyon, Kootenay National Park, British Columbia, Canada Caused by a lightning-triggered forest fire in 2003, Kootenay National Park experienced a significant amount of burn area of which it is still recovering from to this day. There is an odd beauty to the stark forest contrasted with the emerald green waters of Tokumm Creek and snow-capped Vermillion Peak in the background. Not all fires are necessarily bad either as it allows vegetation to re-grow and make room for new growth areas. Wildflowers and certain wildlife can thrive in such transitional states. Kootenay National Park, British Columbia https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-vortex/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7641.jpg The Vortex Powerful Rapids of Kicking Horse River About to Flow Through Natural Bridge with Mt. Dennis in Background, Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada The turquoise water of the Kicking Horse River is extremely beautiful but one must approach with heightened awareness of the danger. One slip into the water is all it takes to claim a life. Yoho National Park, British Columbia https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/kicking-horse-river/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7633-2_web.jpg Kicking Horse River Kicking Horse River, Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada The Kicking Horse River is a 50 mile long river that begins at small, Wapta Lake. The river eventually flows into the Columbia River in Golden, B.C. Yoho National Park, British Columbia https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fairmont-banff-hot-springs/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7631.jpg Fairmont Banff Hot Springs Fairmont Banff Hot Springs Resort, Banff, Alberta, Canada Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888, the Banff Springs Hotel (now Fairmont Banff Hot Springs) was one of the first of the historic Canada grand railway hotels. The Fairmont Banff Hot Springs Hotel was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada on its 100th anniversary in 1988. Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/frame-the-scene/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7629.jpg Frame The Scene Small Waterfall Along Johnston Creek in Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada Johnston Canyon is one of the classic day hikes in the Canadian Rockies. Known for its catwalks above Johnston Canyon, hikers can see numerous cascades and waterfalls along the trail. Banff National Park, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/upper-johnston-canyon-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7627.jpg Upper Johnston Canyon Falls Upper Johnston Canyon Falls, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada With its 100 feet drop, Upper Johnston Canyon Falls is the most spectacular sight within Johnston Canyon. It's worth the hike no matter the weather conditions. The most challenging aspect to photographing Upper Johnston Canyon Falls is the persistent mist spray from the thunderous falls. Keeping the lens dry is difficult but with proper pre-visualization and knowledge of the camera then you can get off some frames relatively quickly. Having a chamois cloth on hand would help as well to clean off any water drops. Banff National Park, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bow-valley-parkway-aspen/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7623.jpg Bow Valley Parkway Aspen Aspen Trees Along Bow Valley Parkway, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada Bow Valley is a 48 kilometer long alternate route between Banff and Lake Louise within Alberta's Banff National Park. With an average elevation of approximately 5,000 feet, Bow Valley Parkway has an ideal climate for the numerous stands of aspen trees along the road and mountainsides. Banff National Park, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/go-with-the-flow/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7610.jpg Go With The Flow Bow Falls Water Abstract, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada Seen just above the powerful Bow Falls, this rush of cascading water in the Bow River created just enough lines for me to make an abstract photo. Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bow-falls/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7606-2_web.jpg Bow Falls Bow Falls at Sunset, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada Bow Falls is a stunning waterfall known for its cascading waters and picturesque landscapes. Situated in the heart of Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, it is surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests, creating a truly mesmerizing sight. With only about a 30 foot drop, Bow Falls more than makes up for its lack of height with volume as it's 100 feet wide. One can feel the thunderous roar of the water from quite a distance. Banff National Park, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/saskatchewan-river-crossing/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7600.jpg Saskatchewan River Crossing Saskatchewan River Crossing, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada Saskatchewan River Crossing is at the confluence of the North Saskatchewan River with Howse River and Mistaya River in the Canadian Rockies. Many people use this as a starting point for explorations around Icefields Parkway. The North Saskatchewan River is an 800 mile long, glacier-fed river that flows from the Canadian Rockies continental divide east to central Saskatchewan, where it joins with the South Saskatchewan River to make up the Saskatchewan River. Its water flows eventually into Hudson Bay in the North Atlantic. Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sunwapta-lake/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7590.jpg Sunwapta Lake Sunwapta Lake is Fed by Athabasca Glacier Water, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada Jasper National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/johnson-lake/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7588.jpg Johnson Lake Johnson Lake at Sunset, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada Located within Banff National Park just outside of Banff Town, Johnson Lake is a freshwater alpine lake at 4,678 ft elevation. The lake covers 49 acres. Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/family-swim/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7587.jpg Family Swim Canada Geese Family at Johnson Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada As the father of a young son and daughter, I would do anything for my family. Family time is the most precious thing in my life at the moment. Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/two-jack-lake/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7578.jpg Two Jack Lake Two Jack Lake with Mount Rundle in Background, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada Located within Banff National Park just outside of Banff Town, Two Jack Lake is a freshwater alpine lake at 4,839 ft elevation. The lake covers 52 acres with 9,672 ft Mount Rundle looming overhead in the background. Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/vermillion-lakes/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7572.jpg Vermillion Lakes Vermillion Lakes, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada Nestled in the heart of the Banff National Park, Alberta, lie the Vermilion Lakes - a natural wonder that captivates visitors with their stunning beauty and serene charm. With a total size of about 119 acres, these three lakes, formed in the Bow River valley at the foot of Mount Norquay, offer a picturesque and awe-inspiring experience for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. 9,672 ft Mount Rundle also looms large in the background. The Vermilion Lakes boast a rich ecosystem, surrounded by breathtaking vistas of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, making them an ideal destination for anyone seeking solace in the lap of nature. First Vermilion Lake: A Reflection of Tranquility The First Vermilion Lake is the closest to the town of Banff, making it easily accessible to visitors. Its still, glass-like surface mirrors the surrounding mountains, offering a picture-perfect reflection that mesmerizes photographers and nature enthusiasts. This lake is an excellent spot to witness stunning sunrises and sunsets, where the sky bursts into a symphony of colors, casting a magical spell over the entire landscape.Second Vermilion Lake: Embracing Biodiversity The Second Vermilion Lake is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. As you stroll along its shores, you might encounter various bird species, including majestic bald eagles, graceful blue herons, and vibrant waterfowls. The lake's wetlands provide a sanctuary for these creatures, offering an enchanting glimpse into their natural habitats.Third Vermilion Lake: The Jewel with a Hot Spring The Third Vermilion Lake holds a unique surprise for visitors - a natural hot spring that emerges from the lake's bottom. This phenomenon keeps a portion of the lake ice-free during colder months, attracting a plethora of waterfowl who find refuge in the warmth. The steam rising from the hot spring creates a dreamy atmosphere, especially on chilly mornings, adding an element of mystique to this already breathtaking location. Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/shoulder-season-blues/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7567.jpg Shoulder Season Blues Moraine Lake and The Valley of the Ten Peaks, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada Some locations within the Canadian Rockies such as Moraine Lake can be extremely crowded during the peak travel season months of June - August. Savvy-travelers visit during the shoulder season months (a travel industry term for early spring and late fall) in order to avoid peak tourist visitation. However, due to Banff National Park's latitude and physical location at a relatively high elevation, shoulder season often resembles the winter due to the heavy snowpack and frozen lakes. Though I didn't see the trademark deep blue waters on this visit, I came away with much more unique photos than most visitors as I came during a transitional season with both water and thawing ice / snow. Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/herbert-lake/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7559.jpg Herbert Lake Herbert Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada Located near the junction of Lake Louise and Icefields Parkway, Herbert Lake is a photographer's dream with the perfect water reflections that can be frequently found along the lake shore. There was a slight breeze when I was there so I had to wait out a number of gusts and for the clouds to part just at the right time which illuminated the foreground just below the surface of the water. Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lower-waterfowl-lake/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7554.jpg Lower Waterfowl Lake Mount Patterson and Waputik Range Reflection in Lower Waterfowl Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada On my first drive north on Icefields Parkway, I rounded the corner to see these majestic alpine peaks to my left with a perfect reflection in the lake below. I hadn't looked at many photos of Icefields Parkway prior to this trip and was left breathless by the view before me. Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mount-rundle/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7550.jpg Mount Rundle Mount Rundle Reflection in Vermillion Lakes, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada Reaching an impressive height of 9,672 feet tall, Mount Rundle is an ever-present iconic landscape around Banff (town) and vicinity including the Vermillion Lakes which is right outside of city limits. An intriguing aspect of Mount Rundle is its geological composition. Composed primarily of sedimentary rock, the mountain showcases layers that reveal millions of years of natural history. This unique feature makes it a destination of great geological significance. Moreover, what sets Mount Rundle apart is its iconic shape. With a distinct and recognizable silhouette, it has become a prominent landmark in the region. This mountain's majestic presence adds grandeur to the surrounding landscapes, making it a favorite among photographers and nature enthusiasts. Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/zig-zag/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7546.jpg Zig-Zag Moraine Lake and The Valley of the Ten Peaks During Spring Season, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-valley-of-ten-peaks/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7544-2_web.jpg Valley of The Ten Peaks The Valley of the Ten Peaks, located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, is a scenic valley featuring ten prominent mountain peaks that overlook the pristine Moraine Lake. Originally named by explorer Samuel Allen, who labeled each peak with a number in the Stoney First Nations language, the valley showcases some of the Rocky Mountains' most dramatic landscapes. Over time, most peaks were renamed to honor notable individuals, including Allen himself. The area, accessible via Moraine Lake Road, is part of the Nakoda (Stoney) First Nations' traditional territory and remains a popular destination for hiking and photography. My interest in landscapes began as a child when my parents took me on a summer vacation to the Canadian Rockies. The Canadian Rockies have always been the pinnacle of mountain scenery in my opinion. Year Photographed: 2012 Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lake-louise/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7542-2_web.jpg Lake Louise Lake Louise Partially Frozen During Spring Season With Victoria Glacier in the Background, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada Located at 5,249 feet in elevation, Lake Louise can often remain frozen until early or mid-summer. Once thawed out the lake is renowned for the emerald green water which is the result of glacial rock flour in the snowmelt. Lake Louise is one of those classic landscapes that everyone should visit at least once in their life. I've had the pleasure to visit Lake Louise as a child and photograph it several times as an adult. Banff National Park, Alberta https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/stanley-park-cherry-tree-blossoms/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9451.jpg Stanley Park Cherry Tree Blossoms Stanley Park Cherry Tree Blossoms, Vancouver, B.C., Canada Originally imported from Japan, cherry tree blossoms have taken ahold in many cities around North America during the spring season. One of the best places to experience and view these pink blooming flowers is at Stanley Park, Vancouver. I woke up very early one morning to explore Stanley Park while my family slept at a hotel just across the street. I had scouted these cherry blossoms several days prior and made a note to return. With telephoto lens I was able to compress the trees and cherry blossoms into a tight composition of shapes and pink color. Year Photographed: 2017 Vancouver, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/stanley-park-skyline/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9420.jpg Stanley Park Skyline Downtown Vancouver Skyline Reflection from Stanley Park, Vancouver, B.C., Canada The Vancouver skyline is a breathtaking sight, where towering skyscrapers seamlessly blend with the natural beauty of the mountains, waters and forests. The city's skyline is dominated by the iconic Harbour Centre Tower, standing tall at a height of 147 meters (482 feet), which casts a striking presence in the downtown area. Among the other notable buildings that add to the city's skyline are the sleek and sophisticated Living Shangri-La and the elegant Fairmont Pacific Rim. Vancouver is a true marvel, where nature and urban development come together to create a picturesque and unforgettable panorama. The Stanley Park Seawall is the best place to view the Vancouver skyline as panoramic views can be seen from the trail. I made this photo on the last evening of my most recent trip to Canada in 2017. The tranquil water made for ideal reflections once the sun set. Year Photographed: 2017 Vancouver, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/capilano-river-regional-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9419.jpg Capilano River Regional Park Capilano River Regional Park Hiking Trail, North Vancouver, B.C., Canada Caplino River Regional Park is located across the Burrard Inlet just north of Vancouver. The popular attractions are the Cleveland Dam and Capilano Fish Hatchery. One "hidden gem" is the temperate rain forest trails in the park. Though these emerald green forests are often taken for granted, they make for some very compelling compositions for detail-oriented photographers like myself. I made this photo while hiking with my wife and infant son who was in a stroller. Year Photographed: 2017 North Vancouver, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/vandusen-totems/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8808.jpg VanDusen Totems Totem Poles at VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver, B.C. I've had a lifelong fascination with totem poles. My first exposure to totem poles was as a child when my parents and I visited the totem poles at Stanley Park. My parents purchased a small totem pole as a souvenir that I've owned to this day. Whenever I see totem poles like the ones at VanDusen Botanical Garden it takes me back to a simpler time in my life and it brings back a sense of nostalgia for me. Year Photographed: 2014 Vancouver, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/vandusen-waterfall/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8807.jpg VanDusen Waterfall Waterfall at VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver, B.C. A 55 acre (22 hectare) public garden owned by the City of Vancouver, VanDusen Botanical Garden was developed on the site of an old golf course. VanDusen is known for their extensive variety of annuals, plants and shrubs which are maintained by a small crew of gardeners. Year Photographed: 2014 Vancouver, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dancing-waters/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8517.jpg Dancing Waters Dancing Waters Fountain at Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver, B.C. Located next to Vancouver's popular Bloedel Conservatory, the Dancing Waters Fountain at Queen Elizabeth Park comes alive and dances the night away to a beautiful light show. Vancouver, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/north-quarry-garden/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8512.jpg North Quarry Garden North Quarry Garden at Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver, B.C. Owned and operated by the city of Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park is a 130-acre municipal park that features several beautiful gardens including the North Quarry Garden which often has elaborate displays of flowers in late spring and through the summer months. Queen Elizabeth Park is one of the most beautiful public gardens in North America. My parents took me to visit relatives in Vancouver when I was a six-year-old boy and one of the places we visited as Queen Elizabeth Park. The park left quite an impression on me and I always have a sense of nostalgia when I go back to photograph as an adult. Year Photographed: 2014 Vancouver, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/queen-elizabeth-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8511-2_web.jpg Queen Elizabeth Park Queen Elizabeth Park at Sunset, Vancouver, B.C. As the year progresses to summer in Vancouver, the gray rainy weather of winter and spring gives way to occasional sunshine and plenty of beautiful floral garden blooms in Queen Elizabeth Park. Year Photographed: 2014 Vancouver, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/queen-elizabeths-quarry-garden/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8510.jpg Queen Elizabeth's Quarry Garden Pond Reflections in Quarry Garden at Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver, B.C. While making some nice exposures of this Quarry Garden at Vancouver's Queen Elizabeth Park, some photographer proceeded to give me unsolicited advice that I should use multi-exposure HDR rather than rely on graduated neutral density filters. I politely ignored his advice and went about my business. I never did see the guy make his own exposures. Vancouver, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/coal-harbour-marina/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6389.jpg Coal Harbour Marina Coal Harbor Marina, Vancouver, B.C. A large, protected harbor sandwiched between Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver, Coal Harbour Marina is one of the most beautiful locations to photograph in Vancouver. Year Photographed: 2009 Vancouver, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/on-the-water/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6388.jpg On The Water Coal Harbor Marina, Vancouver, B.C. While Vancouver can be a bustling city, there are plenty of places to catch some peace and quiet as well such as this evening along the Stanley Park Seawall. Vancouver is arguably the most beautiful large city in North America. Vancouver, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/paying-respect/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6380.jpg Paying Respect Burning Incense - International Buddhist Temple, Richmond, British Columbia In Asian and buddhist cultures, burning incense is part of a ritual when paying respects to the deceased. The smoke from the incense is meant to ward off evil spirits. Vancouver, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cleveland-dam/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6356.jpg Cleveland Dam Cleveland Dam, Capilano River Regional Park, North Vancouver, B.C. Opened in 1954, Cleveland Dam is a 91 meter high concrete dam at the head of the Capilano River in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Located within Capilano River Regional Park, the Cleveland Dam forms Capilano Lake which is a reservoir. The dam wasn't designed for generating hydoelectricity but is purely used for storing drinking water. Cleveland Dam is named after engineer Ernest Albert Cleveland who envisioned the need for the proper maintenance of a pristine and efficient water supply as well as sustainable use of water resources. Year Photographed: 2009 North Vancouver, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-lions/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6355.jpg The Lions The Lions Forming a Backdrop over Capilano Lake - Capilano River Regional Park, North Vancouver, B.C. The iconic Lions are a pair of peaks that overlook metropolitan Vancouver. The West Lion stands at 5,400 feet while the East Lion tops out at 5,269 feet elevation. In the foreground is Capilano Lake which was formed by Cleveland Dam which was constructed in 1954. Year Photographed: 2009 North Vancouver, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/downtown-vancouver-skyline/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6159.jpg Vancouver Skyline Downtown Vancouver Skyline at Night, British Columbia, Canada Looking across False Creek, this scenic downtown Vancouver skyline view was born from the remnants of the popular Expo '86. From the Canada Centre to many of the buildings along the creek, the views of Vancouver's skyline never cease to amaze. Year Photographed: 2009 BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/expo-86/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6154.jpg Expo 86 Science World at Dusk, Vancouver, B.C. My first encounter with Vancouver came as a young child during the summer of 1986 when my family vacationed in Canada. One of the main attractions on this trip was the World's Fair in 1986 aka. Expo 86 which occurs every four years in a different city around the world. I brought home a bronze pencil sharpener of the Science World building as a souvenir and still own it to this day. Vancouver, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/granville-island/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6139.jpg Granville Island Granville Island at Night, Vancouver, Canada Granville Island is a 35 acre peninsula and shopping district in Vancouver, B.C. It's located across False Creek from Downtown Vancouver's Yaletown under the south end of the Granville Street Bridge. Browsing the numerous shops, public market and restaurants one of the best ways to spend a day in Vancouver. Vancouver, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/chinatown/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6063.jpg Chinatown Chinese Wind Chimes for Sale in Chinatown, Vancouver, BC Featuring one of the largest Chinatown's in North America, Vancouver has a significant population of Chinese residents from the Canton region of China and Hong Kong. While many of them have since moved to the suburban areas such as Richmond, Vancouver's Chinatown still has numerous shops that sell trinkets and dim sum restaurants. Vancouver, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sunken-garden/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9447.jpg Sunken Garden Sunken Garden - The Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, B.C, Canada The Butchart Gardens is truly a four season attraction to visit. While the summer season gets the most visitors, the color palette of the floral garden is unique during the spring with pastel colors. Year Photographed: 2017 The Butchart Gardens, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/ross-fountain-spring/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9446.jpg Ross Fountain Spring Ross Fountain at The Butchart Gardens in Spring, Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada Ross Fountain was built in 1964 in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Butchart Gardens. The dancing water fountain has remained a favorite of visitors ever since. Year Photographed: 2017 Vancouver Island, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/butcharts-tulips/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9423.jpg Butchart's Tulips Tulips in Bloom at The Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, B.C, Canada WIth more than 300,000 flower bulbs in bloom during the spring season, The Butchart Gardens is one of the premiere floral gardens in the world. It is certainly the most photogenic garden that I have ever visited. Tulips are one of many varieties that are grown within the garden. Year Photographed: 2017 Vancouver Island, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/garden-fountains/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6328.jpg Garden Fountains Beacon Hill Park - Garden Water Fountains, Victoria, British Columbia Water is one of my favorite subjects to photograph. I generally like to utilize longer exposure times to smooth out the water which creates a nice dreamy effect. Year Photographed: 2009 Victoria, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/beacon-hill-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6321.jpg Beacon Hill Park Beacon Hill Park at Sunrise, Victoria, B.C. Located along the Juan de Fuca Strait, Beacon Hill Park is a 200 acre public park within the city of Victoria, British Columbia. I visited one morning prior to sunrise to capture the soft lighting featured here. Year Photographed: 2009Related Photos: Garden Fountains | Morning Embrace Victoria, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/victoria-inner-harbour/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6316.jpg Victoria Inner Harbour Inner Harbour, Victoria, British Columbia Victoria, B.C., (pop: 85,792) is a coastal town on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Canada. Popular with tourists, the main draw is the beautiful Inner Harbour with the B.C. Parliament Building forming an iconic backdrop. Year Photographed: 2009 British Columbia, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/bc-parliament/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6292.jpg Parliament Parliament Building at Night, Victoria, British Columbia The construction of the Victoria Parliament Building commenced in 1893 and was completed in 1897. The remarkable structure showcases a harmonious blend of architectural styles, primarily influenced by the Neo-baroque architectural movement. The intricate details, grandeur, and meticulous craftsmanship make the building a true architectural gem. The Victoria Parliament Building boasts several distinctive features that make it truly remarkable. Its iconic central dome, supported by elegant columns, is the focal point of the building's facade. The intricate stonework, ornate carvings, and graceful arches further accentuate its beauty. Inside, the building boasts stunning marble interiors, intricate ceiling details, and beautifully crafted woodwork. One of the most beautiful buildings in Victoria, the Parliament Building is lit up each night with thousands of lightbulbs. The building is beautiful during the day and absolutely sublime in the evening hours. Year Photographed: 2009Related Photos: Victoria Inner Harbour | Inner Harbour at Dawn Victoria, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-empress/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6288.jpg The Empress Empress Hotel at Night, Victoria, BC Constructed in 1908, The Empress Hotel (now the Fairmont Empress), is based on the distinctly-unique Canadian chateaux architecture style. The Empress is considered to be one of Canada's Grand Railway Hotels. The facade of the hotel is one of the most iconic sites in Victoria and the afternoon Tea Time is a popular event to participate in. Year Photographed: 2009 Victoria, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/thunderbird-park/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6250.jpg Thunderbird Park Totem Pole and Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl) Longhouse in Thunderbird Park, Victoria, B.C. Totem poles are an important part of First Nations and Native American culture within the Pacific Northwest. There are all sorts of meanings behind the totems ranging from ceremonial use to decoration. I've had a lifelong fascination with totem poles dating back to a childhood trip to Vancouver when my parents and I visited the Totem Pole park at Stanley Park. Year Photographed: 2009 Victoria, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/butchart-japanese-garden/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6237.jpg Japanese Gardens Entrance to Japanese Garden at Night - The Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, B.C. Torii gates are traditional Japanese gates that mark the entrance to something significant such as a shrine or in this case a spectacular garden located just outside of Victoria, B.C. Year Photographed: 2009 The Butchart Gardens https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/butchart-italian-garden/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6229.jpg Butchart Italian Garden Italian Garden and Dining Room Restaurant at The Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay, B.C. Originally named "Benvenuto", the Butchart Gardens had tennis courts on the estate at one time. The courts were eventually replaced with this classic Italian Garden. Year Photographed: 2009 Vancouver Island, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/greenhouse-waterfall/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6228.jpg Greenhouse Waterfall Show Greenhouse Waterfall at the Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, B.C. There are botanical gardens and there are show gardens. The Butchart Gardens is definitely a show garden in every sense of the word. You haven't seen what a garden can be like until you've seen the Butchart Gardens. Year Photographed: 2009 The Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/ross-fountain-at-night/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6215.jpg Ross Fountain at Night Ross Fountain Night View at The Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, B.C. The best time to visit The Butchart Gardens is during the summer in my opinion. One of the reasons why is because of the evening light show that goes on every night during the summer months. The garden is world-class no doubt then when you add in special lighting effects it really puts the experience over the top. Year Photographed: 2009 Vancouver Island, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/ross-fountain/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6213.jpg Ross Fountain Ross Fountain at The Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, B.C. One of the most stunning garden overlooks in the world, the Ross Fountain has to be seen to be believed. I was transfixed on the fountain for about two hours total on this day throughout various times of the day. Year Photographed: 2009 The Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sunken-garden-pond/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6209.jpg Sunken Garden Pond Sunken Garden Pond - Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay, B.C. Robert Pim Butchart (1856-1943) began manufacturing Portland cement in 1888 near his birthplace of Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada. He and his wife Jennie Butchart (1866-1950) came to the west coast of Canada because of rich limestone deposits necessary for cement production. In 1904, they established their home near his quarry on Tod Inlet at the base of the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island. In 1907, sixty-five-year-old garden designer Isaburo Kishida of Yokohama came to Victoria, at the request of his son, to build a tea garden for Esquimalt Gorge Park. This garden was wildly popular and a place to be seen. Several prominent citizens, Ms. Butchart among them, commissioned Japanese gardens from Mr. Kishida for their estates. He returned to Japan in 1912. In 1909, when the limestone quarry was exhausted, Ms. Butchart set about turning it into the Sunken Garden, which was completed in 1921. The current-day Sunken Garden features 5 acres of gardens, 151 flower beds and 65,000 bulbs are planted for spring. Year Photographed: 2009 The Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-butchart-gardens-at-night/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6203.jpg The Butchart Gardens at Night Sunken Garden Overlook Night View at the Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay, Vancouver Island, B.C. Originally a limestone quarry, Jennie Butchart decided to replace it with a beautiful flower garden. The Sunken Garden is now one of the iconic floral gardens in the world. Seeing the Sunken Garden at night is truly a remarkable sight. Year Photographed: 2009 Vancouver Island, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-butchart-gardens/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6200.jpg The Butchart Gardens Sunken Garden Overlook at the Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay, Vancouver Island, B.C. In a world brimming with natural wonders, Butchart Gardens stands as a horticultural gem that leaves visitors spellbound. Nestled on Vancouver Island, Canada, these enchanting gardens have captured the hearts of millions with their exquisite beauty and meticulous design. From vibrant flower displays to serene landscapes, Butchart Gardens invites more than one million visitors per year to immerse themselves in a tapestry of colors and scents. Featuring 55 acres of floral show gardens, the Butchart Gardens was designed a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004. The Garden itself was originally designed in the early 1900's by Jennie Butchart, who transformed an abandoned limestone quarry into a living masterpiece. Each of the carefully curated gardens within the complex showcases unique themes and botanical wonders, captivating visitors with their sheer magnificence. From the enchanting Sunken Garden, with its cascading terraces and vibrant blooms, to the tranquil Japanese Garden, adorned with delicate cherry blossoms and serene ponds, every corner of Butchart Gardens is a source of inspiration. The Butchart Gardens is a living work of art that evolves with the seasons. The skilled gardeners and horticulturists behind its creation meticulously plan and execute the displays, ensuring a seamless transition from the vibrant hues of spring to the lush greenery of summer and the fiery foliage of autumn. The gardens are a symphony of colors, textures, and fragrances, showcasing the diversity of flora that thrives in the region. At the heart of Butchart Gardens lies a breathtaking collection of flowers, each one vying for attention with its resplendent beauty. From delicate roses in an array of hues to vibrant dahlias, elegant tulips, and enchanting orchids, the garden is a tapestry of floral wonders. I first visited the Butchart Gardens as a six-year-old child with my parents. The beauty struck a deep chord within me and left a lasting impression. I've since returned on two other occasions as an adult to photograph the gardens. When I think of beautiful gardens the list begins and ends with The Butchart Gardens. Year Photographed: 2009 Vancouver Island, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/inner-harbour-at-dawn/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6191.jpg Inner Harbour at Dawn Inner Harbour at Dawn, Victoria, BC Victoria's Inner Harbour is often bustling with people during the summer months but the early morning hours can offer a brief respite. Year Photographed: 2009 Victoria, BC https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/saint-roch/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9211.jpg Saint-Roch Devotion Candles Inside Eglise Saint-Roch Church, Quebec City, QC, Canada Quebec City, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-plains-of-abraham/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9201.jpg The Plains of Abraham Plains of Abraham Scenic View at Sunset, Quebec City, QC, Canada The Plains of Abraham is arguably the most historically significant location in Canadian history. On September 13, 1759, the British defeated the french army during the Battle of the Plains of Abraham which led to the french troops' surrender. This photo was featured in a National Geographic article about Quebec City Quebec City, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/quiet-contemplation/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9170.jpg Quiet Contemplation Baie-Saint-Paul Church Interior, Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/charlevois-farmlands/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9167.jpg Charlevoix Farmlands Baie-Saint-Paul Farmlands at Sunrise, Quebec, Canada I woke up early one morning and photographed this sunrise from the balcony of my room at Le Germain Charlevoix in Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec. Le Germain Charlevoix is a former farm that was converted into a charming boutique hotel resort. Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/ill-d-orleans/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9159.jpg Ile d'Orleans Rural Road on Ile d'Orleans, Quebec, Canada I biked approximately 50 km on this day while photographing an adventure tour. Somewhere along the way I got caught up in the middle of a training session for the Quebec cycling race. I was only able to keep pace with the professional cyclists for a short distance. All I could think about after a certain point was getting back into the van. Quebec https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/go-to-church/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9156.jpg Wake Up & Go To Church Baie-Saint-Paul Church at Dawn, Quebec, Canada Founded in 1714, Église de Baie-Saint-Paul is a Roman-Catholic church located in the small arts community of Baie-Saint-Paul. Quebec https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/chapelle-de-tadoussac/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9153.jpg Chapelle de Tadoussac Chapelle de Tadoussac at Sunrise, Quebec, Canada Constructed in 1747, Chapelle de Tadoussac is the oldest remaining wooden church in North America. Tadoussac, the town itself, remarkably predates this church by nearly 150 years. Quebec https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/basse-ville/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9147.jpg Basse-Ville Lower Town Quebec City (Basse-Ville), Quebec, Canada Founded in 1608, Quebec City is best known for being the last remaining fortified city in North America. Lower Town Quebec (Basse-Ville) is separated from Upper Town Quebec (Haute-Ville) by large stone walls. One can access Upper Town by either taking the Funicular tram up the hill or by walking a series of steep stairs.Related Photo: Notre Dame Des Victoires Quebec City, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/quebec-city/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9145.jpg Quebec City Rue Sous le Fort and Le Funiculaire at Dawn, Lower Town Quebec City (Basse-Ville), QC, Canada The only fortified city remaining in North America, Quebec City, has some of the most unique architecture in Canada. Old Quebec more closely resembles small European towns than it does North American towns. Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/notre-dame-des-victoires/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9144.jpg Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Eglise Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church at Dawn, Lower Town Quebec City (Basse-Ville), QC, Canada Founded in 1687, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church was named after the Battle of Quebec in 1690, during which the French successfully warded off the English expedition. Quebec City, Canada https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/answered-prayers/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9142.jpg Answered Prayers Devotion Candles at Baie-Saint-Paul Church, Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec, CanadaRelated Photos: Saint Roch | Quiet Contemplation | Go To Church Quebec https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/baie-saint-paul/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9141.jpg Baie-Saint-Paul Baie-Saint-Paul Sunset, Quebec, Canada Baie-Saint-Paul is a charming small town nestled on the northern shore of the majestic Saint Lawrence River in the scenic province of Quebec, Canada. With its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and cultural vibrancy, Baie-Saint-Paul is truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Situated in the renowned Charlevoix region, Baie-Saint-Paul boasts a unique geographical location, characterized by rolling hills, lush valleys, and breathtaking views of the river. This idyllic setting serves as a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering various activities such as hiking, skiing, and even whale watching. Not only does Baie-Saint-Paul captivate visitors with its natural beauty, but it also exudes an artistic spirit. Recognized as the birthplace of the internationally acclaimed Cirque du Soleil, this town has fostered a thriving arts scene with numerous galleries, workshops, and exhibitions showcasing the talent of local artisans and craftsmen. About an hour north of Quebec City, the charming main street features a number of art galleries featuring local Québécois artists. I spent a week exploring the Quebec province and Baie-Saint-Paul was by-far my favorite location that I visited on this trip. Baie-Saint-Paul is also the county seat of Charlevoix County.Related Photo: Charlevoix Farmlands Quebec https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/baie-saint-paul-church/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9140.jpg Baie-Saint-Paul Church Baie-Saint-Paul Church Long Exposure Sunset, Quebec, Canada Église de Baie-Saint-Paul is a Roman-Catholic church that was founded in 1714.Related Photos: Quiet Contemplation | Baie-Saint-Paul | Answered Prayers Quebec https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tadoussac/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9136.jpg Tadoussac Beach Sunrise, Tadoussac, Quebec, Canada Founded in 1599, Tadoussac is famous for being the site of the first Canadian trading post. Tadoussac is located in the Côte-Nord region of Quebec Province on the Saint Lawrence River at the confluence of the Saguenay River. The village is perhaps best known today for its excellent whale watching opportunities including the rare beluga whales. Quebec https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/hotel-tadoussac/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9135.jpg Hotel Tadoussac Hotel Tadoussac, Quebec, Canada Founded in 1864, Hotel Tadoussac is a historic landmark hotel located within Tadoussac, a historic whaling village that is the oldest remaining French settlement in Canada. Hotel Tadoussac sits on a hill overlooking the scenic Baie de Tadoussac at the confluence of the Saguenay and St. Lawrence Rivers. Quebec https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/christian-cross-atop-doorway/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7190.jpg Christian Cross Atop Doorway Christian Cross Atop Doorway at La Purisima State Historic Park, Lompoc, California Established: 1787 California Mission: #11 Mission La Purisima, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mission-la-purisima-chapel/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7189.jpg Mission La Purisima Chapel Mission La Purisima Chapel, Lompoc, California Built in 1787, Mission La Purisima Concepción was the 11th of 21 California Missions. It remains the only surviving example of a complete California MIssion complex. It is interesting to note that as part of the La Purisma Mission State Historic Park, it is one of only two missions that are not under direct control of the Catholic Church. Mission La Purisima, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/worship-candles/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7004.jpg Worship Candles Worship Candles in Serra Chapel, Mission San Juan Capistrano, California Constructed in 1782, Serra Chapel is the oldest standing building in California. The chapel is especially notable for being the only surviving building in which Father Junipero Serra officiated over. It is no wonder why the ambience of this church is unrivaled. Mission San Juan Capistrano, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/guadalupe-chapel-door/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7001.jpg Guadalupe Chapel Door Guadalupe Chapel Door at Mission San Miguel Arcangel, San Miguel, California Mission San Miguel Arcangel, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-shortest-straw/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7000.jpg The Shortest Straw Christian Cross Made of Straw on Chapel Wall with Original Munras Murals at Mission San Miguel Arcangel, San Miguel, California Mission San Miguel Arcangel, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/original-munras-mural/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6999.jpg Original Munras Mural Original Munras Mural Inside Chapel at Mission San Miguel Arcangel, San Miguel, California The 21 California Missions feature a vast collection of artwork. One of the most unique displays of art amongst the California Missions can be found at Mission San Miguel Arcangel. The chapel is famous for its original Munras Murals by 19th century Spanish artist, Esteban Munras. Not much info is available about Munras but I believe that Mission San Miguel Arcangel was the only significant art project of his career which makes it all the more unique. Mission San Miguel Arcangel, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/munras-mural-detail/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6998.jpg Munras Mural Detail Original Munras Mural Detail at Mission San Miguel Arcangel, San Miguel, California Esteban Munras (1798 - 1850) was a Spanish artist who painted the frescoes within the chapel at Mission San Miguel Arcangel. These original murals can still be seen today though the chapel has narrowly escaped total ruin many times through the years due to earthquakes. Mission San Miguel Arcangel, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mission-san-miguel-arcangel/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6995.jpg Mission San Miguel Arcangel Mission San Miguel Arcangel Chapel Famous for Original Munras Murals on the Walls, San Miguel, California Mission San Miguel Arcangel is the only place in the world where you can see original Munras mural art by 19th century Spanish artist, Esteban Munras. The chapel has sustained earthquake damage through the years but fortunately the murals are still mostly intact. La Misión del Gloriosísimo Príncipe Arcángel, Señor San MiguelEstablished: 1797 California Mission: #16Architectural Style: Spanish/California MissionNational Register of Historic Places: 1971 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/nerds/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6994.jpg Nerds Anthropomorphized Face in Garden at Mission San Antonio de Padua, Monterey County, California Mission San Antonio de Padua, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/native/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6993.jpg Native Native American Mural Above Doorway at Mission San Antonio de Padua, Monterey County, California Mission San Antonio de Padua, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/padres-garden/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6990.jpg Padre's Garden Padre's Garden at Mission San Antonio de Padua, Monterey County, California Mission San Antonio de Padua, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mission-san-antonio-de-padua/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6988.jpg Mission San Antonio de Padua Mission San Antonio de Padua Hallway, Monterey County, California Mission San Antonio de Padua was founded in 1771 and was the 3rd of 21 Spanish Missions in California. This mission is unique in that it is the most remote to access and affords a sense of solitude that some of the present-day urban missions lack. Mission San Antonio de Padua, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mission-san-antonio-de-padua-chapel/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6985.jpg Mission San Antonio de Padua Chapel Mission San Antonio de Padua Chapel Interior, Monterey County, California Founded in 1771, Mission San Antonio de Padua was the 3rd of 21 California Missions. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fray-junipero-serra/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6984.jpg Saint Junipero Serra Saint Junipero Serra Statue in Front of Mission San Antonio De Padua, California The founder of the 18th century Alta California Missions, Saint Junipero Serra (1713-1784) was canonised by Pope Francis in 2015. The modern narrative is a bit more complex however due to his treatment of Native Americans. Mission San Antonio de Padua, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-road-to-salvation/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6983.jpg The Road to Salvation Road to Mission San Antonio de Padua, Monterey County, California I had photographed 20 of the 21 California Missions over the course of a decade before visiting Mission San Antonio de Padua. The reason for saving Mission San Antonio de Padua for last was because it is the most remote California Mission. This mission is located nearly 25 miles off of Highway 101 via rural roads. The remoteness is palpable as there is a unique pastoral quality here that isn't present at the missions located within urban areas. Mission San Antonio de Padua, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/cross-in-cemetery/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6970.jpg Cross in Cemetery Christian Cross in Cemetery at Mission San Jose, Fremont, California Mission San Jose, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mission-san-jose-chapel/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6969.jpg Mission San Jose Chapel Mission San Jose Chapel, Fremont, California Established: 1797 California Mission: #14 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/sonoma-mission-chapel/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6962.jpg Sonoma Mission Chapel Sonoma Mission (San Francisco Solano) Chapel, Sonoma, California Established: 1823 California Mission: #21 of 21 Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma is notable for several reasons. Sonoma Mission was the only mission founded during the Alta California era and not under Spanish rule. The other notable fact was that the mission was only active for about a decade before disbanding due to the Mexican secularization act of 1833. Among the 21 missions established, Mission San Francisco Solano holds a special place as it was the only mission founded during the Alta California era and not under Spanish rule. Located in Sonoma, California, this mission was founded on July 4, 1823, by Father Jose Altimira. The establishment of Mission San Francisco Solano marked the end of an era, symbolizing the conclusion of the Spanish colonization and the beginning of the Mexican Republic period in California. Also known as "Mission Sonoma", it was only active for about a decade before disbanding due to the Mexican secularization act of 1833. During the Mexican Republic period, the mission continued to play an important role in the region. It served as a refuge for European settlers during conflicts and provided essential services such as medical care, education, and agricultural development. The architecture and design of Mission San Francisco Solano reflect the blend of Spanish and Mexican influences. The mission's adobe structure, with its thick walls and sturdy buttresses, stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the time. Today, Mission San Francisco Solano is an essential part of Native American history and culture. It serves as a reminder of the impact of colonization on indigenous peoples and their subsequent resilience and adaptation. Mission San Francisco Solano, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mission-architecture/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6611.jpg MIssion Architecture Mission Architecture Columns, Mission San Juan Capistrano, California Mission San Juan Capistrano, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/green-hallway/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6444.jpg Green Hallway Hallway, Mission San Miguel Arcangel, California La Misión del Gloriosísimo Príncipe Arcángel, Señor San MiguelEstablished: 1797 California Mission: #16Architectural Style: Spanish/California MissionNational Register of Historic Places: 1971 Mission San Miguel Arcangel, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mission-bells/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6439.jpg Mission Bells Mission San Miguel Arcangel, California San Miguel, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mission-san-buenaventura-garden/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4931.jpg Mission San Buenaventura Garden Mission San Buenaventura Garden Courtyard, Ventura, California The California Mission churches get most of the attention from visitors for good reason but the gardens frequently get overlooked which is a shame. Many of these gardens are quite beautiful in their own right. Established: 1782 California Mission: #9 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mission-santa-barbara/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3659.jpg Mission Santa Barbara Mission Santa Barbara Hallway Corridor, California Established: 1782 California Mission: #10 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/santa-clara-mission/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3394.jpg Santa Clara Mission Yellow Chapel Door, Santa Clara Mission, California Located on the present-day Santa Clara University, Mission Santa Clara de Asís was founded in 1777 and was the 8th of 21 Spanish Missions in California. California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/mission-san-juan-bautista/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3303.jpg Mission San Juan Bautista Main Altar, Mission San Juan Bautista, California La Misión del Glorios Precursor de Jesu Cristo, Nuestro Señor San Juan BautistaEstablished: 1797 California Mission: #15Architectural Style: Spanish/California MissionNational Register of Historic Places: 1969 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/chapel-interior/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3240.jpg Chapel Interior Carmel Mission Chapel Interior, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Carmel Mission, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/carmel-mission/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3237.jpg Carmel Mission Carmel Mission Church, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California The Carmel Mission, officially known as Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Río Carmelo, is of immense importance in California history. Founded in 1770, it was the second mission established by the Franciscan order under the leadership of Father Junipero Serra. The mission played a crucial role in the expansion of Roman Catholicism within California, serving as a center for both religious and societal development. With the goal of spreading Roman Catholicism, Serra embarked on a journey to establish missions throughout California. The Carmel Mission was his second endeavor, after founding the Mission San Diego de Alcalá. Upon arriving in Carmel, Serra chose a site near the pristine Carmel River, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Here, he envisioned a mission that would not only serve as a religious center but also assist in the conversion and education of the local indigenous population. The Carmel Mission showcases stunning Spanish colonial architecture, which played a crucial role in its construction. Serra and his fellow Franciscan friars enlisted the help of Native American artisans and craftsmen to bring their architectural vision to life. The mission's design heavily reflects the Spanish colonial style, characterized by thick adobe walls, red-tiled roofs, and graceful arches. These architectural elements not only provided structural integrity but also created a sense of tranquility and reverence within the mission's walls. Saint Junipero Serra chose the Carmel Mission as his base of operations and lived there until his death in 1784. Carmel Mission was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. Beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1988, Serra was canonized by Pope Francis in 2015. In recent times however, Serra's reputation has come under fire for his colonization of Native Americans. Ultimately, most history from that era can be assessed in a different light in modern times but there is no doubt that Carmel Mission is a place of historical significance and a beautiful location to visit. La Misión San Carlos Borromeo del Río CarmeloEstablished: 1770 California Mission: #2Architectural Style: Spanish/California MissionNational Register of Historic Places: 1966 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/garden-courtyard/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3236.jpg Garden Courtyard Carmel Mission Garden Courtyard, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California I was inspired to make this image after exploring some local galleries in downtown Carmel and seeing how artists have portrayed Carmel Mission over the years. Much of the architecture there is California Mission-style architecture as well so there's no shortage of inspiration. Carmel Mission, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/carmel-mission-garden-window/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3234.jpg Carmel Mission Garden Window Carmel Mission Garden Window, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Founded in 1770, Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Carmelo aka. Carmel Mission was the 2nd of 21 California Missions. Carmel Mission was the headquarters of the Alta California Missions from 1797 until 1833 when the Mexican government secularized the California Missions. La Misión San Carlos Borromeo del Río CarmeloEstablished: 1770 California Mission: #2Architectural Style: Spanish/California MissionNational Register of Historic Places: 1966 Year Photographed: 2007 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/marine-gardens/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9668.jpg Marine Gardens Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Park at Sunset, California One of the most scenic towns in California, Pacific Grove is surrounded on three sides by water. Monterey Bay features a wealth of marine wildlife as just offshore is the world's deepest underwater canyon. Pacific Grove, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pacific-grove/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9655.jpg Pacific Grove Pacific Grove Sunrise Long Exposure, California Pacific Grove (population: 15,698) is a town on the Monterey Peninsula bordered by Monterey to the east and Pebble Beach to the west. Pacific Grove is known for its victorian architecture and is nicknamed "Butterfly Town USA" for its annual monarch butterfly migration. Year Photographed: 2018 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/asilomar-state-beach/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9366.jpg Asilomar State Beach Asilomar SB Tide Pool at Sunset, Pacific Grove, California Asilomar State Beach is a California State Park on the shoreline of Monterey Bay within the city of Pacific Grove.Related Photo: Childhood Dreams Pacific Grove, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lovers-point/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9191.jpg Lovers Point Sunrise Seascape at Lovers Point Park, Pacific Grove, California For my birthday my wife booked a weekend getaway at a Pacific Grove victorian bed and breakfast. This turned out to be a great location as it was walking distance of the coastline. So I woke up early in the morning before dawn and explored the tide pools at Lovers Point. A fitting description for my birthday getaway. Pacific Grove, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/china-cove/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9859_web.jpg China Cove China Cove, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California One of the most striking features of China Cove is its crystal clear turquoise waters. The water is so clear that you can see straight down to the sandy bottom, and the vibrant hues of the surrounding cliffs and vegetation are reflected in the water's surface.The cove is surrounded by towering cliffs that are covered in lush vegetation, including cypress trees, wildflowers, and other plants. The cliffs are particularly dramatic when viewed from the water, as they rise up steeply from the cove and create a sense of enclosure that makes the cove feel like a hidden oasis.In addition to its natural beauty, China Cove is also known for its wildlife. Visitors can often spot sea otters playing in the water, and seals and sea lions basking on the rocks. The cove is also home to a variety of seabirds, including pelicans, gulls, and cormorants. Year Photographed: 2019 Point Lobos State Reserve, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/red-lace/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7018.jpg Red Lace Red Lace Lichen on Monterey Cypress Tree at Allan Memorial Grove, Point Lobos State Reserve, California Red lace lichen gets its bright red color from the salt spray of the Monterey Bay due to the ever-present wind. The color itself is a form of beta carotene. Point Lobos State Reserve, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dads-ring/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7012.jpg Dad's Ring Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California While on a summer family trip up the California Coast in the early 90's, my dad lost his wedding ring in the fine white sands of Carmel Beach while building sand castles with my brother and I. I can't help but think of lost memories every time I visit this beach. Year Photographed: 2010 Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/agriculture-field/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6498.jpg Agriculture Field Agriculture Field of Lettuce Crops, Salinas, California Nicknamed, "America's Salad Bowl", Salinas Valley is one of the most prominent agricultural regions in California. Salinas is located about 15 miles east of world-famous tourist destination, Monterey. Salinas, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/childhood-dreams/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6461-2_web.jpg Childhood Dreams Asilomar State Beach Sunset, Pacific Grove, California Lined with endless tide pools, Asilomar State Beach is a compact 1 mile stretch of beach along the Pacific Grove coastline. It is adjacent to the famed 17-Mile Drive of Pebble Beach. Year Photographed: 2010 Pacific Grove, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/monterey-bay-sunset/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6450.jpg Monterey Bay Sunset Monterey Bay Sunset, Point Lobos State Reserve, California When I think of my childhood I think of summer vacations to Monterey Bay. The weather was rarely good but that was part of the charm. I love it here and feel a sense of calm every time I visit. Point Lobos State Reserve, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/allan-memorial-grove/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6447.jpg Allan Memorial Grove Allan Memorial Grove - Monterey Cypress Trees, Point Lobos, California One of the greatest concentrations of Monterey cypress trees, the Allan Memorial Grove is my favorite hike at Point Lobos.Related Photos: Monterey Cypress Dream | Cypress Grove Overlook Point Lobos State Reserve, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-light-is-gone/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3285-2.jpg The Light Is Gone Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove, California As it so often happens during the summer, the Monterey coast was dreary in the evening right up until sunset when the sunlight broke through from underneath the cloud cover. Never go home until the light is gone. Year Photographed: 2007 Pacific Grove, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/17-mile-drive-seascape/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW3195-2_web.jpg 17 Mile Drive Seascape 17 Mile Drive Seascape Tides, Pebble Beach, California While 17 Mile Drive is renowned for the world-class golf courses, the beautiful coastline is what draws me in and keeps me returning. This is simply some of the best coastline that California has to offer. Pebble Beach, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/new-years-eve/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6510.jpg New Year's Eve Sunset Alpenglow on Providence Mountains, Mojave National Preserve, California I celebrated the end of the year all alone with a beautiful sunset in the middle of the desert. Talk about the complete opposite of celebrating New Years in Times Square. I much prefer it this way. Mojave Desert, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/providence-mountains/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6506.jpg Providence Mountains Providence Mountains View from Kelso Dunes, Mojave National Preserve, California The high desert elevations seems to consistently yield great sunsets more than any other type of region that I have visited. Mojave Desert, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/arid/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6502.jpg Arid Scenic View of Providence Mountains from Kelso Dunes, Mojave National Preserve, California While the Mojave might be arid and lacking in water, it's certainly not lacking in life nor landscapes to photograph. Mojave Desert, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/kelso-dunes/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6501.jpg Kelso Dunes Kelso Dunes, Mojave National Preserve, California Covering 45 square miles, the Kelso Dunes comprise the largest field of aeolian sand deposits in the Mojave Desert. I was particularly impressed by how tall some of these dunes were; the tallest of which was 650 feet tall. The sand at Kelso Dunes is extremely fine so what appeared to be an easy hike was actually surprisingly difficult and slow going. Mojave Desert, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/amboy-crater/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6489-2_web.jpg Amboy Crater Amboy Crater, Mojave Trails National Monument, California Currently standing 250 feet tall, Amboy Crater is an extinct cinder cone volcano that last erupted about 10,000 years ago. Mojave Desert, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/lava-field/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6488.jpg Lava Field Lava Field in Mojave Desert, Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark, California Lava is a fascinating subject in that it comes out molten hot and extremely destructive yet it eventually reshapes the landscape. There's a certain beauty to old lava fields such as Amboy Crater. Amboy, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/route-66/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6486.jpg Route 66 Route 66, Amboy, California A 2,448 mile route that runs from the shores of Lake Michigan within Chicago to the Pacific in Santa Monica, Route 66 is arguably the quintessential American road trip. One of the most notable nostalgia stops is at Amboy. Amboy, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/roys-motel-and-cafe/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6484.jpg Roy's Motel & Cafe Roy's Motel and Cafe - Route 66, Amboy, California If you're looking for a slice of American nostalgia, look no further than Roy's Motel and Cafe. Nestled along the legendary U.S. Route 66 in California, this iconic establishment embodies the spirit of the mid-20th-century American Dream. Established by Roy Crowl in 1938, Roy's Motel and Cafe quickly became a staple for travelers venturing the historic Route 66. Its vintage signs, famous gas station, and classic Americana aesthetic have made it a beloved landmark. Visiting Roy's Motel and Cafe is like stepping back in time. Amboy, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/nostalgia/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW6480.jpg Nostalgia Route 66 Historic Landmark - Roy's Motel, Amboy, California Few road trips conjure the nostalgia that Route 66 does. Even though this was my first visit to Amboy I felt that this scene was something from my past. Amboy, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tree-of-the-valley/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4378.jpg Tree of the Valley Tree in the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, California A rare, tree found amidst the wide open wildflower-carpeted expanses of Antelope Valley's Poppy Reserve. Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fields-of-gold/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW4374-2_web.jpg Fields of Gold Heavily Wind-Blown Golden Poppies, Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, California The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve is a Mojave Desert Grassland habitat that was established in 1976 to protect the California Poppy, California's official state flower. Located in the western Mojave Desert, the Poppy Reserve can produce impressive displays of spring wildflowers following winters with above-average rainfall. Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/russian-river-ava/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9640.jpg Russian River AVA Russian River AVA Vineyard Fall Color, Sonoma County, California Located in Sonoma County, the Russian River AVA was officially recognized as an American Viticultural Area in 1983. The Russian River region is characterized by cool, breezy climate which is ideal for growing pinot noir and chardonnay. Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-road-less-traveled/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9620.jpg The Road Less Traveled Dry Creek Valley Barn Winter Morning, Sonoma County, California While driving up the Northern California Coast for a family getaway, I noticed thick fog around Healdsburg. Having visited this location several times in the past, I visualized this scene as a moody, mysterious landscape and took a brief detour to make pictures. Luckily I have a patient wife. Year Photographed: 2018 Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/red-vines/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9612.jpg Red Vines Peak Fall Colors in Sonoma County Vineyard, Russian River AVA, California Located on the outskirts of Healdsburg, Russian River AVA vineyards come alive with color in the fall season. For Bay Area fall foliage, this is as good as it gets. This is one of my favorite regions for fall color photography no doubt. Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/napa-vineyards-in-winter/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9393.jpg Napa Vineyards in Winter Vineyards in Winter, Napa Valley, California One of my favorite aspects about making photos of California Wine Country is that there are four distinct seasons in this region. Since much of California has a "Mediterranean climate" the seasons aren't as distinct as say New England. Wine Country vineyards on the other hand due experience the full cycle of four seasons. The winter season is characterized by bare vineyards and mustard flowers which help to fertilize the dirt for the upcoming growing season. Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/winter-mustard-bloom/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9388.jpg Winter Mustard Bloom Winter Mustard Flower Bloom at a Vineyard in Stag's Leap District AVA, Napa Valley, California With every winter comes a brief window of time when the green vineyards come alive with yellow mustard flower blooms. The purpose of growing mustard flowers is to help generate nutrients and fertilize the soil for wine growing season. Wild mustard is not native to the United States however as it was introduced inadvertently by Russian settlers to California in the early 1800's. Wine growers initially did not realize the benefits to growing mustard and sought to have it removed. With modern science that theory no longer holds up and vineyards readily embrace this enchanting yellow flower. Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/vineyardscape/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9361.jpg Vineyardscape MacRostie Winery & Vineyards, Russian River Valley AVA, California Located within the Russian River Valley AVA in Sonoma County, MacRostie Winery & Vineyards is perhaps best known for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This is one of the most scenic vineyards in Sonoma County in my opinion. Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dry-creek-valley-barn/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9359.jpg Dry Creek Valley Barn Dry Creek Valley Barn at Sunset During Fall Season, Healdsburg, California I had scouting this location earlier in the afternoon but went off elsewhere to shoot a stunning sunset since that other location had long been on my list of places to photograph at sunset. I couldn't help but feel attached to this barn scene from earlier in the day however so I cut the sunset photoshoot short and raced down the road back to this location just in time to catch some fading color in the clouds. We can only be in one location at a time so sometimes you have to sacrifice in search of greater opportunity even at the risk of coming home empty-handed. Year Photographed: 2016 Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/boeschen-vineyards/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9219.jpg Boeschen Vineyards Boeschen Vineyards in Fall, St. Helena, California Boeschen Vineyards is a family-owned vineyard and winery located along Napa Valley's legendary Silverado Trail. The winery focuses on creating world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/the-silverado-trail/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW9217.jpg The Silverado Trail Fall Sunset Over Napa Valley, California Year Photographed: 2015 Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Napa Valley, the Silverado Trail beckons wine enthusiasts and nature lovers to go on an unforgettable journey through California's renowned wine country. Stretching over approximately 30 miles, this captivating trail unveils a tapestry of breathtaking vistas, inviting vineyards, and world-class wineries, offering a quintessential taste of Napa Valley's vinicultural heritage. As you traverse this picturesque route, be prepared to immerse yourself in a sensory adventure that celebrates the rich flavors, storied history, and natural splendor that have made the Silverado Trail an iconic destination for wine connoisseurs from around the globe.Napa Valley, a region synonymous with exceptional wines, boasts an idyllic setting that has captivated enthusiasts for centuries. The Silverado Trail, located within this hallowed valley, showcases the very best of what California's wine country has to offer. As you begin this scenic journey, you'll be greeted by rolling hills carpeted with vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see. Each mile traversed along the trail presents an opportunity to explore a multitude of prestigious wineries that have helped establish Napa Valley as a premier wine-producing region.For wine lovers, the Silverado Trail is a veritable paradise. The first official road built in Napa Valley which dates back to 1852, the trail boasts an impressive roster of wineries, each offering its own unique varietals and winemaking techniques. From historic family-owned estates to modern, architecturally striking wineries, there is something to pique the interest of every discerning palate. Go on a tasting journey, sampling the award-winning Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays, and other varietals that have put Napa Valley on the global wine map. Engage with passionate vintners and winemakers, who are eager to share their knowledge, stories, and a sip of their finest creations.California's allure as a wine destination is only enhanced by the Silverado Trail's natural splendor. As you wind your way through the trail, picturesque landscapes unfold before your eyes, adorned with row upon row of meticulously cultivated grapevines. Golden sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a warm glow upon the verdant foliage. With each turn, the trail reveals stunning vistas of vine-covered hills, tranquil lakes, and rolling valleys, offering a feast for both the eyes and the soul. Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/stags-leap-district/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8815.jpg Stag's Leap District Vineyard Fall Colors Along the Silverado Trail in the Stag's Leap District, Napa Valley, California The historic Stag's Leap District AVA is the wine region that put Napa Valley on the global wine scene map. A cabernet sauvignon from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars won the 1976 Judgment of Paris wine competition beating out more well-known french wines. Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/fall-harvest/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8809.jpg Fall Harvest Silverado Trail Scenic Vineyard Landscape During Fall Season, Napa Valley, California Fall harvest season is the time when wine growers decide it's peak time to extract grapes from the wines and begin the process of creating wine. Technically the harvest season in California begins during the summer months and runs through the fall. By the time the vineyard leaves have turned all sorts of wonderful colors most grapes have been collected by this point but some can be found with careful observation. Napa Valley, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/dry-creek-valley-ava/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8784.jpg Dry Creek Valley AVA Dry Creek Valley AVA Vineyard Fall Colors, Healdsburg, California Located in Northern Sonoma County just outside of the town of Healdsburg (pop: 11,840), Dry Creek Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) is a 16 mile long and 2 mile wide wine appellation that is renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel production. This is one of my favorite regions of California's Wine Country that I first discovered in 2013 while photographing an adventure travel tour by bike. Dry Creek Valley is especially beautiful during the late fall months. Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/alexander-valley-ava/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8772.jpg Alexander Valley AVA Field Stone Winery Vineyards, Alexander Valley AVA, California Located just outside of the Sonoma County town of Healdsburg (pop: 11,840), Alexander Valley AVA is a wine growing region spanning the northern reaches of Sonoma County over to near the border of Napa Valley near Calistoga. Alexander Valley is adjacent to Russian River AVA and Knights Valley AVA. This region is characterized by many family-owned wineries and is known for their red wines such as cabernet sauvignon and merlot.Related Photo: Alexander Valley Fall Color Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/spectrum-of-colors/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8322.jpg Spectrum of Colors Spectrum of Fall Colors in Vineyard at Dry Creek Valley, Geyserville, California I first fell in love with Dry Creek Valley during a Wine Country bike tour that I was photographing in 2013. I had never been to this area in Sonoma County prior to that but instantly fell in love with this area so I've been back a handful of times since then for my own personal explorations. Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/clos-pegase/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8313.jpg Clos Pegase Clos Pegase Winery, Calistoga, California A popular Napa Valley winery located in Calistoga, Clos Pegase is perhaps best known for the unique architecture and art collection. Calistoga, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/tubbs-tree/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8305.jpg Tubbs Tree Tree With Fall Foliage, Calistoga, California Starting in mid to late October, fall color in California's Wine Country can last well into December. The fall season starts around harvest season time as the autumn leaves start turning yellow which eventually give way to orange and reds before becoming bare by mid-winter. Calistoga, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/pinor-noir/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8269.jpg Pinot Noir Churchill Cellars Pinot Noir Wine Tasting for Backroads Guests at Olema Campground, California I'm not a serious wine drinker but I participate in wine tastings with my wife. if I had to pick I would almost always go with pinot noir. I also enjoy some cabernet sauvignon. White wines are not my thing. Year Photographed: 2013 California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/potted-flowers/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8237.jpg Potted Flowers Korbel Winery Potted Flowers Against Red Wall, Guerneville, California Located on the outskirts of Guerneville, Sonoma County, Korbel Winery is a Russian River AVA winery that is famous for the champagne. Guerneville, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/in-the-spotlight/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8217.jpg In The Spotlight Joseph Family Vineyards, Healdsburg, California While traveling with Backroads, I biked past this vineyard which was near our campsite for the evening. I stashed the bike back at camp then ran back with my tripod to photograph this rapidly changing light before it went totally in shadow. Year Photographed: 2013 Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/wine-grapes/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8205.jpg Wine Grapes Vineyard Grapes in Fall Season From Alexander Valley, Healdsburg, California Though I've occasionally photographed agriculture in the past and have even photographed a commercial agricultural assignment, vineyard grapes are really the only type of agriculture that excites me. There is something so beautiful about pristine wine grapes hanging on an old vine. Year Photographed: 2013 Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/delorimier-winery/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW8200.jpg deLorimier Winery Rainy Afternoon at deLorimier Winery, Geyserville, California We stopped for lunch at deLorimier Winery during the Backroads Wine Country Bike Tour that I photographed in 2013. It rained pretty hard on this day but it was a fun ride nonetheless. Sonoma County, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/photo/city-hall/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/images/xl/RW7866.jpg City Hall Pasadena City Hall, Pasadena, California Built in 1927, Pasadena City Hall is known for its iconic baroque-style dome. The building itself features a blend of Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture. Year Photographed: 2015 Pasadena, California https://www.rwongphoto.com/product/photography-classes/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/product/from-amateur-to-artist-summit/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/product/portfolio-review/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/product/photography-portfolio-course/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/product/developing-personal-vision-group-lecture/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/product/photoshop-lightroom-tutorial-class/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/product/photoshop-lightroom-training-class-groups/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/product/photo-processing-service/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/news/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/contact/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/antelope_valley_poppy_reserve_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/grand_teton_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/alberta_photos/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/alameda_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/huntington_gardens_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/british_columbia_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/aerial_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/alaska_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/olympic_national_park_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/lake_tahoe_wall_art/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/aspen_tree_photos/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/inland_empire_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/california_mountains/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/arches_national_park_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/arizona_landscape_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/mendocino_photos/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/oregon_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/los_angeles_skyline_photos/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/carmel_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/autumn_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/barn_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/death_valley_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/orange_county_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/bryce_canyon_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/mount_tamalpais_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/beach_landscape_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/pasadena_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/northern_california_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/point_reyes_national_seashore_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/colorado_landscape_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/cherry_blossom_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/hawaii_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/wyoming_nature_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/sacramento_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/southern_california_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/southern_california_mountains_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/tilden_regional_park_photos/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/cypress_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/wind_wolves_preserve_photos/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/forest_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/leaf_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/lighthouse_photos/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/moon_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/mountain_photos/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/oak_tree_photos/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/ocean_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/pier_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/popular_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/rainbow_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/rainforest_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/river_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/rock_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/snow_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/tulip_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/vineyard_pictures/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/water_photography/ https://www.rwongphoto.com/search/winter_photos/