Best of 2020

Graffiti Junktion, Thornton Park, Orlando

I think we will all agree that this year has been one unlike any we have lived through. It has taken away many of the things that we cherish: our friends, our families, the freedom to travel, and to meet new people. For the last few years my life has revolved around photography and nature. While I did do some work and teaching, my focus has been to photograph the world (101 countries, so far) and share its beauty. But as this pandemic prevented me from teaching, working, and traveling, I still had to photograph. Those who are photographers will understand that primal need to see what the world looks like through a lens.

Delicate Bloom

Creek Landscape, Howard Nature Conservancy

So, while I was limited to venues closer to home, it gives you the opportunity to find inspiration in new places and inspiration around you. I have never been much of a street photographer or intentionally focused on art. But the implementation of a lock-down and curfew, coupled with an exception for exercise, gave me an idea. I could leave the house as soon as the curfew was lifted in the morning and take a walk in many of the urban areas of Orlando that are normally crowded. I had seen many murals and other street art around town, so I decided to seek them out. I discovered that this approach was especially effective on Sunday mornings. Except for the sleeping homeless, the city was empty. This summer, I had the opportunity to try this approach in Baltimore. While not quite as effective, still much less hazardous than outside the pandemic.

Mosquito Lagoon

Feeding Baby Moorhen

But nature has flourished during the pandemic. I was able to find places that were open to visitors, without being crowded, and I was able to continue to do some nature photography.

And so, I present my Best of 2020 collection. It is 100 images taken from my photography in this watershed year.