Auckland Sunset
I began the year back in my hometown of Auckland, New Zealand. In February I caught this photo of the central city, silhouetted by the almost-setting sun. (February 26, 2025. Apple iPhone 16 Pro, 1/990s @ f/2.8, 120mm, ISO 64.)
Norfolk Island Penal Colony
In March I visited Australia’s remote Norfolk Island, and caught this ‘golden hour’ photo of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed former penal colony - said to have been the harshest of all of Australia’s penal colonies. (March 20, 2025. Nikon D7200, 1/100s @ f/7.1, 27mm, ISO 100.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingston_and_Arthur%27s_Vale_Historic_Area
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is so naturally photogenic, it almost feels like cheating to include a Grand Canyon landscape in a ‘best of the year’ list. But here it is. (April 18, 2025. Nikon D7200, 1/400s @ f/5.6, 16mm, ISO 100.)
Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, Spain
During a vacation in southern Spain, I saw several Moorish mosques that were converted to Christian cathedrals following the ‘reconquista’. This one, in Cordoba, is one of Spain's most-visited. I like the contrast of light and shadow here, and the fact that your eyes are naturally drawn to the off-center lantern. (July 26, 2025. Nikon D7200, 1/30s @ f/5, 22mm, ISO 1122.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosque%E2%80%93Cathedral_of_C%C3%B3rdoba
Plaza de España
This famous plaza in Seville, Spain looks old, but is actually is less than 100 years old. It has been used as a filming location for several movies. (July 27, 2025. Nikon D7200, 1/500s @ f/6.3, 24mm, ISO 100.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaza_de_Espa%C3%B1a,_Seville
Barbary Ape
Two photos on this year’s list come from a one-day visit to the UK territory of Gilbraltar. This photo shows one of the hundreds of “Barbary macaques” on the Rock of Gibraltar, with the town of Gibraltar as a backdrop. (August 1, 2025. Nikon D7200, 1/500s @ f/4, 80mm, ISO 100.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbary_macaque
The Rock
This mid-afternoon photo from near the top of the Rock of Gibraltar shows why it is of such strategic importance. (August 1, 2025. Nikon D7200, 1/80s @ f/8, 25mm, ISO 100.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_of_Gibraltar
Alhambra
This famous moorish palace in Granada, Spain is a photographer’s delight. This photo is one of many that capture the Alhambra’s intricate workmanship. (August 7, 2025. Nikon D7200, 1/200s @ f/5.6, 27mm, ISO 100.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alhambra
City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
My vacation in Spain ended with a visit to Valencia’s spectacular "City of Arts and Sciences”. (August 10, 2025. Nikon D7200, 1/640s @ f/6.3, 15mm, ISO 100.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Arts_and_Sciences
Western Cattle Egret
This year’s list of “10 Favorites” ends with a simple iPhone photo of an elegant Western Cattle Egret in Kauai, Hawaii. (November 12, 2025. Apple iPhone 16 Pro, 1/1033s @ f/2.8, 120mm, ISO 64.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_cattle_egret