Australian Golden Orbweaver
While visiting the 30 Degrees South, 148 Degrees East “Degree Confluence Point” in rural New South Wales, Australia, I encountered several of these large (but fortunately harmless) Australian Golden Orbweaver spiders. (March 31, 2022. Nikon D7200, 1/125s @ f/20, 85mm, ISO 449.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trichonephila_edulis
Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon State Park - near St. George, Utah - is relatively little-known, especially in comparison to nearby Zion National Park. But it’s an especially beautiful park; well worth a visit if you’re in the area. (May 19, 2022. Nikon D7200, 1/320s @ f/8, 18mm, ISO 100.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_Canyon_State_Park
The Great Salt Lake
The first of three drone photos in this year’s “10 favorites” list, this photo was taken while flying over the shoreline of Utah’s Great Salt Lake. I increased the contrast and color saturation to emphasize the texture of the shoreline. (June 24, 2022. DJI Mini 3 Pro, 1/3200s @ f/1.7, 24mm, ISO 110.)
Manhattan
This iconic view of Manhattan (featuring the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center) from the top of the Rockefeller Center has been photographed many times by others, but it was a special treat for me, as I rarely visit New York City. (July 30, 2022. Apple iPhone 13 Pro, 1/896s @ f/2.8, 77mm, ISO 32.)
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Another photo from my summertime trip to the U.S. East Coast. This butterfly - an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail - is very common in the eastern U.S., but, living in the western U.S., I don’t think I had ever seen one before. (July 31, 2022. Nikon D7200, 1/250s @ f/5, 80mm, ISO 100.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papilio_glaucus
Buffalo
I found something intriguing about the light and shadows inside this building in Buffalo, New York, late on a summer evening. (August 5, 2022. Apple iPhone 13 Pro, 1/46s @ f/2.8, 77mm, ISO 800.)
Fort Niagara, New York
My favorite drone photo this year was this photo of Fort Niagara, at the northwestern tip of New York state, on Lake Ontario. (August 6, 2022. DJI Mini 3 Pro, 1/1600s @ f/1.7, 24mm, ISO 120.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Niagara
Jellyfish, Monterey Bay Aquarium
This year’s list includes three photos from s smartphone - including this serene photo of a jellyfish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. (September 6, 2022. Apple iPhone 13 Pro, 1/60s @ f/2.8, 26mm, ISO 160.)
Mars Base
I’ve often been intrigued by the Monolith Cement Plant (officially, the "Martin Marietta - Tehachapi Cement Terminal”) that you pass while driving along highway 58, near Tehachapi, California. It reminds me of a Mars base from a science fiction movie. This image is exposure blended from three separate photos (taken from a drone), and processed using software to create a harsh, ‘techo’ look. (September 17, 2022. DJI Mini 3 Pro, exposure blending from a 3-shot bracketed exposure @ f/1.7, 24mm, ISO 100.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monolith,_California
Monument Valley
A photo of Monument Valley, Arizona, made it to my “10 favorites” list ten years ago, in 2012. Here’s another view of this beautiful natural landmark, taken from a viewpoint within the park. (September 22, 2022. Nikon D7200, 1/160s @ f/10, 24mm, ISO 100.) My photo from 2012: https://photos.rossfinlayson.com/picture.php?/183/category/31