Karapiro Dam
This photo - one of two drone photos in this year's list - shows the dam that forms Lake Karapiro, over the Waikato River in New Zealand's North Island. (January 8, 2018. DJI Mavic Pro, 1/1681s @ f/2.2, 4.73 mm, ISO 100.)
Cheeky Kea
The kea - the world's only alpine parrot - is found in the mountains of New Zealand's South Island. Very intelligent and mischievous, these birds are notorious for attacking plastic and rubber fixtures on parked vehicles. This young kea is nibbling on the antenna of my rental car. (February 21, 2018. Nikon D7200, 1/1000s @ f/5, 46 mm, ISO 720.)
'Rules are made to be broken'
'Keep the Sun behind you' is one of the first rules you learn when you start taking photos. But sometimes this rule can be broken, as in this photo taken on New Zealand's famed Tongariro Alpine Crossing. (This was also one of the rare times when I was awake early enough to photograph the sunrise!) On the right is the volcano Mount Ngauruhoe (which served as 'Mount Doom' in 'The Lord of the Rings' movies). (April 6, 2018. Nikon D7200, 1/200s @ f/8, 16 mm, ISO 100.)
'Pale Ale'
This bobcat - nicknamed 'Pale Ale' by local rangers - is frequently seen in the Hunting Hollow area of Henry Coe State Park, California. This time I was lucky enough to have my telephoto lens on hand. (April 23, 2018. Nikon D7200, 1/500s @ f/14, 300 mm, ISO 9000.)
High Bridge of Kentucky
This railway bridge - built in 1876 - was the first cantilever bridge in the U.S. This drone photo shows the bridge, its shadow, and its reflection in the Kentucky River. (May 18, 2018. DJI Mavic Pro, 1/1048s @ f/2.2, 4.73 mm, ISO 100.)
Reflected Heron
This heron - wading in a wetland pool in the outer suburbs of Indianapolis - seems to be completely unaware that it is standing on the point where 40 Degrees North meets 86 Degrees West. (May 24, 2018. Nikon D7200, 1/500s @ f/13, 300 mm, ISO 500.)
'Arrival'
Resembling a scene from a science fiction movie, the symmetry and shadows of this terminal entrance intrigued me as I arrived at France's Lyon Airport. (July 21, 2018. Apple iPhone 7, 1/313s @ f/1.8, 3.99 mm, ISO 20.)
Butterfly and Bee
While visiting the source of the Seine River in Burgundy, France, I was photographing this butterfly, and by chance also captured an approaching bee. (August 1, 2018. Nikon D7200, 1/500s @ f/14, 300 mm, ISO 1100.)
Abbey of Fontenay
I was struck by the symmetry of the empty halls of this 12th Century former Cistercian abbey in France. (August 1, 2018. Nikon D7200, 1/50s @ f/6.3, 10 mm, ISO 100.)
'Tour des Antennes'
Visiting the Eiffel Tower, I was able to get this usual close-up view, showing numerous communication antennas festooned along its exterior. (August 6, 2018. Apple iPhone 7, 1/618s @ f/1.8, 3.99 mm, ISO 20.)