While exploring Kona’s Hapuna Beach in 2019, I was looking for a scene that really inspired me. It wasn’t until I reached the end of the beach, and found this spot where it transitioned back to natural rock and trees, that I found what I was looking for. I loved the meeting of sand, rock, trees, ocean, and sky with the moon setting on the horizon. And yet I have also long struggled with this photo and feeling like it was not ready for sharing.

Sometimes you find a great photo you didn’t expect in a wonderful location. While visiting family in Pagosa Springs in 2015, I had an idea to take sunset photos on Piedra Road north of town. On one evening in particular, I raced out after the conclusion of a family event and arrived just in time to see the sun had already set. Despite the missed opportunity, I was able to capture a different kind of beauty – an ethereal blue hour shot.

Sometimes the best photos are the ones that you have to wait for. That was certainly the case when I took this shot at Blueberry Lake in Vermont. I had visited this spot before and liked it, but I had trouble finding the right composition for sunset. On this particular visit, I decided to wait and see what the sky would do once the sun had set.

On a stormy evening in Atlantic City, NC, a striking image emerged amidst the churning waves and brooding clouds. A long pier reaches out into the ocean, dividing the tempestuous sky and water below and creating sense of symmetry and calm that contrasts with the surrounding chaos.

Hacklebarney State Park is one of New Jersey’s most beautiful natural areas, and fall is one of the best times to visit. The Riverside Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park and features many beautiful spots, including this beautiful footbridge over a waterfall. I took this photo last year before the drought, when the water still flowed over large stones and created a natural cascade that was simply stunning. But the real highlight was the foliage – creating a beautiful fall landscape with gorgeous yellow hues.