My top images from 2025 to

Choosing my favorite photographs of the year is always a little like trying to pick a favorite star in the sky—impossible, and slightly unfair. Each year I make a calendar filled with images I love, but are they my true favorites? Maybe. Maybe not. Family opinions often sneak their way into the selection, and honestly, some of the images closest to my heart aren’t the most technically perfect—or even the ones I think others will love. Those tend to stay quieter, shared less often (especially since I’m admittedly not the best at keeping up with social media).

My Absolute Favorite Image

Still, this first image is my absolute favorite of the year. Taken in Monterey during a trip with my mother to see the calla lilies in bloom, it’s what many would call an “iconic shot.” Countless photographers have captured it—many far better than I ever could—and that doesn’t bother me one bit. Being there in person was pure magic. My mom loved it so much that she told just about everyone we met on that trip all about it. That joy, that shared experience, is what makes this image so special. The entire trip was filled with glowing sunsets and small adventures, making it incredibly hard to choose just a few photographs.

Another place that stole my heart was McWay Falls in Big Sur. Even though the trail was closed, the viewpoint alone felt enchanting.

Favorite Shot Close to Home

Closer to home, I visited Mossbrae Falls in the spring. That trip produced another sunburst image I absolutely adore. We got up early for the short trek, and being the only ones there made it even more magical. It was quiet, peaceful, and completely worth it.

Summer Road Trippin

Summer brought a road trip with one of my newest friends from Wander Outdoors Photography, winding through Utah and Colorado. Arches National Park was a highlight—we were there during a new moon, which should have been perfect for night photography. Unfortunately, many other photographers had the same idea, and the constant headlamps and light painting made things… challenging. Still, this photograph of the Windows made me happy, and that counts for a lot. While in Utah, I also got to visit a dear friend I hadn’t seen in years. She showed us around her corner of the world, and I captured a fiery orange sunset—maybe not technically perfect, but rich in color and mood, and full of feeling.

Hawaii 2025!

Next came Hawaii. My husband and I were lucky enough to take a helicopter tour, and I fell in love with the simple, elegant line where ocean meets sand. There were so many wonderful moments from the air—it was nearly impossible to choose. One standout is the “Jurassic Park waterfall,” also known as Manawaiopuna Falls. Honestly, I could have filled this entire post with Hawaii images alone. Snorkeling with dolphins was another highlight, even if it taught me that underwater focusing is still a skill I need to practice. The experience itself was unforgettable, especially when a “whale dolphin” swam right up to us. I’ll never forget that moment. And then there’s Lanikai Beach—those turquoise waters truly feel unreal.

Glacier National Park

In September, I attended a photography workshop in Glacier National Park with Kristen Ryan Photography. There’s something incredibly special about being surrounded by other women who love photography as much as I do. I’m still working through editing all the images from that trip, but one from Two Medicine Lake stands out. A rainbow appeared, and we all rushed for our cameras. I didn’t have filters, so Photoshop helped coax the rainbow out a bit more than reality—but I took a few liberties, and I love the result. We even got to watch a moose wander by, which felt like pure luck. The dreamy mountains of McDonald Lake quickly became another favorite, as did an image featuring—no surprise here—a sunburst. My love affair with sunbursts carried straight through 2025 with no end in sight.

Road Trippin Again

We wrapped up the year with a fall color road trip through Tahoe, Mono Lake, and onward toward Yosemite via Tioga Pass. One image from Tioga Pass quickly became a favorite—yes, because of the sunburst. We thought the sunset was a lost cause, but just as we were driving back to the hotel, the sky began to blush pink. We pulled over in a hurry and captured the soft pastel glow over Mono Lake. I love that moment—the surprise, the pause, the reminder that magic often waits until you think the day is done.

Finally, there’s this family photo. Every year we take one together in front of the Christmas tree, and getting all my boys willing to participate is no small feat. I take full advantage of their holiday goodwill. I especially love that our animals are always included—and that the wild-eyed puppy (the Aussie on the left) absolutely stole the show with her many expressive faces.

That's a Wrap

And that’s 2025. A year full of light, love, learning, and unexpected beauty. Here’s to 2026—sure to bring new adventures, creative growth, and plenty more moments worth chasing. ✨