Another year, another look back.
This year was another one of growth for me. While it has been over 6 years since I picked up my first SLR, I feel like I only began “growth” as a photographic artist in 2010. I have learned so much over the past few years about photographic techniques, artistic tendencies, and probably more important than all, my own self.
That gets to what I find most valuable about my journey in photography. It has given me a tangible medium for me to look at myself. Each photograph says something about me in ways that even I don’t fully understand. But the introspection itself is worth the time and effort I put into the work.
Anyways, on to the shots. Here is what I think is my best of 2012, in no particular order. I would love to hear your comments on my choices, and if you think any others belong or dont:

Mist in the Valley
Mist scatters the cool morning light amongst the cliff edges of the Kalalau Valley.
Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 70-200 F4L IS @75mm, f/11, ISO 50, 2.5 sec

Emergence
Shapes of the sky and sea converge during a gorgeous sunset at Uluwatu Temple, Bali.
Nikon D800, Nikon 14-24mm/2.8, polarizer, f/16, ISO 50, 2 images for dynamic range (HDR) and focus.

Autumn at the U.S. Capitol
Autumn at the U.S. Capitol Panorama
Canon 5D Mark II, Nikon 14-24

Caribbean Calm
A small freshwater stream empties into the calm Caribbean sea, creating beautiful shapes & textures as the water sources delicately ride around and on top of one another in the sunset light.
Canon 5d Mark II, Canon 70-200/F4L @ 144mm, f/16, .6 sec, ISO 50, Tripod

Off to the Races
Mist scatters the cool morning light amongst the cliff edges of the Kalalau Valley.
Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 70-200 F4L IS @75mm, f/11, ISO 50, 2.5 sec

Shenandoah Classic
Fall foliage is abound during a glorious and classic Shenandoah National Park sunrise, with the diffused sun filling orange in the hazy blue rolling hills.
Nikon D800, Nikon 14-24, two exposures at f/11 blended for dynamic range (HDR)

A panorama show the peak bloom of Cherry Blossoms that line the Tidal Basin under a crescent moon, just before sunrise.
Canon 5D Mark II, Nikon 14-24mm/2.8G, 10 shots stitched together

Fantasy Garden
A radiant scene on the east coast of Maui, where the river meets the sea at Oheo Gulch. Maui, Hawaii.
Nikon D800, Nikon 14-24mm @14mm, Fotodiox Filter Holder, 4 stop ND filter; two shot blend at f/22

Sight of Worship
Furious seaside conditions and a view to the setting sun bring reverence to Tanah Lot Temple, Bali
Nikon D800, Nikon 14-24mm/2.8, f/22, 1/15 sec, ISO 50

Lower Senate Park at Night
The fountains of Lower Senate Park at night at the U.S. Capitol.
Nikon D800, 14-24 @ 22mm, f/14, 30 sec, ISO 100, tripod
I hope you enjoyed my shots this year. Here’s to another healthy, happy, and productive year to you and all of your loved ones!
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