My Favorite Images of 2014: Part 1

Posted on December 13, 2014 by Andy Porter

I shot many images in 2014. As I review them there are some that capture my imagination. Here are the first 11 images:

Spider Meadows, Glacier Peak Wilderness

Skagit County Barn: Early Morning

Mount Adams and Split Rock, along the Pacific Crest Trail in the Goat Rocks Wilderness

Padilla Bay

Crystal Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Skagit Valley

Liberty Bell and the North Cascades Highway

Samish River

In the Subway, Zion National Park, Utah

Stormy Skies at Maple Pass, North Cascades

Skagit River Bridge

Colchuck Lake, Enchantments, Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Prusik Peak: Which version is best?

Posted on December 12, 2014 by Andy Porter

This image of Prusik Peak and Gnome Tarn (Tarn = snow melt pond) I captured this October in the Enchantments, part of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, in Washington State.

Here is the original. Not too bad…this view gives a wide perspective and includes the bottom of the tarn.

Prusik Peak, Enchantments, Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Here is the first crop, cutting out part of both top and bottom, creating a panorama of sorts.

Prusik Peak, Enchantments, Alpine Lakes Wilderness

And here is the close crop, focusing in on the peak and reflection.

Prusik Peak, Enchantments, Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Do you prefer one over the others?

Please let me know your thoughts!

Thank you,

Andy

Desolation Peak

Posted on December 8, 2014 by Andy Porter

Desolation Peak is located on the east side of Ross Lake, along the border with the Pasayten Wilderness. There is a lookout tower atop Desolation, which is still manned by the park service. actually the lookout is a historical site, having been the inspiration to numerous authors, including Jack Kerouac and his book, “Desolation Angels”.
The hike from the lake shore to the summit is 4,500 feet gain in 4.5 miles and there is an official camp near the summit.

Desolation Peak from Ross Lake

Desolation Peak Lookout

Ross Lake from Desolation Peak, Sunrise

Ross Lake from Desolation Peak

Ross Lake Sunset

Images from Zion

Posted on December 3, 2014 by Andy Porter

Here are three images of iconic views in Zion National Park.

First is the view of Zion Canyon from atop Angel’s landing.

Zion Canyon from atop Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park, Utah

Here is a view of the Subway, part of the like along Left Fork Canyon.

In the Subway, Zion National Park, Utah

And lastly this shot was captured on the highway bridge over the Virgin River.

Virgin River at Night, Zion National Park, Utah

Deception Pass at Night

Posted on November 30, 2014 by Andy Porter

Last night I returned and captured images from close under and down below the bridge. I will be back!

Deception Pass State Park Bridge

Deception Pass State Park

Posted on November 30, 2014 by Andy Porter

The bridge connecting Whidbey Island to the mainland at Deception Pass is one of the photographic icons of this area. Wooded slopes and sheer cliffs towering over a deep fast channel make it dramatic. The span itself lends to being photographed.

I visited on Thanksgiving to get air and scout for spots to photograph at night. The light was warm and inviting. Here are a few shots.

Deception Pass State Park Bridge

Deception Pass State Park Water

Deception Pass State Park Trail

Deception Pass State Park Throwing

Deception Pass State Park Viewpoint

Deception Pass State Park Trees

North Cascades Lookout

Posted on November 27, 2014 by Andy Porter

The Park Butte Fire Lookout sits on a jagged cliff jutting from the side of Mount Baker.

Twilight

Park Butte Lookout

View from inside

When the sun sets the stars spill out.

Mount Baker and the Park Butte Lookout

The Sisters, Bellingham and the Big Dipper from the Park Butte Lookout

A riot of Stars

Mount Baker and Stars

Above Bellingham

Tulips in Skagit Valley

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Andy Porter

I have captured many images of tulips here in Skagit Valley. I generally make more than a dozen trips each year to the tulip fields in April.
This is one of my favorite images.