Jan
01
201910 for 18
Here are a few of my favorite images from 2018. These photos are not necessarily the best images I captured this year, but are ones that I like for one reason or another and/or give a good sense of the environments that I explored in the past 12 months.
I recommend viewing the photos on the biggest screen you have — click on an image to see it larger.
Drop me a line and let me know which one(s) you like best.
In no particular order:
1. Leopard
Probably my favorite image from our visit to Kruger National Park. The vantage point of this shot makes it special.
2. Lion
An ominous gaze from a female lion. Click on the image to see it larger and to get a good fright…
3. Wild Dog
My first decent image of a wild dog!
4. White Rhino
Seeing a rhino in the wild is a life-changing event. Click here to see my recent post to learn more about these amazing animals.
5. Anna’s Hummingbird
I spent three weeks this year watching these chicks grow up. Wow. Click here to see the entire story.
6. Black Crake
I found this guy in Kruger NP and shot hundreds of images of him over an hour as he explored every nook and cranny of the river. I had an absolute blast. I am mesmerized by his bold colors. And those feet!!
7. Birdscape
I made a first-time visit to some tulip fields in Washington in 2018 and I had the time of my life creating bold birdscapes like this one. Click here to see a few more.
8. Palouse
I also explored the farmlands of the Palouse in eastern Washington for the first time in 2018. Heaven on earth for landscape photographers…
9. Rufous Hummingbird
My first image of a male Rufous Hummingbird in all his iridescent glory.
10. Pied Kingfisher
My first decent image of a Pied Kingfisher. Nabbed this guy in Kruger, NP.
11. White-fronted Bee-eater
And my first image of this lovely bee-eater. Another gift from Kruger NP.
12. Wood Duck!
I have been trying to get a photo of a wood duck for years. Finally….
Ok, so that was 12 images — hope you don’t mind.
Wishing you a wonderful 2019!
Freddie Mantchombe
8 endless farmland beauty…meditative
12 her double image in water makes you a really pro…capturing both the natural form and abstract
Happy New Year
Michael
Thanks Freddie! I hope that you are doing well!
10 for 18 @ Michael Despines Photography – Wolf's Birding and Bonsai Blog
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Ludovit Tatos
I like them all. 5,8,9 are my favorite.
#9 is not Anna’s Hummingbird but Rufous Hummingbird.
Thanks for sharing Michael.
Ludo
Michael
Yes, Rufous!! Thanks for catching that. Looking forward to shooting with you soon…
George Rupp
The Anna’s Hummingbird story is fabulous. Especially with the background of the whole story, #5 is my favorite of the 12, though I can’t help cheating so as to include #9 as well. While we should certainly not discriminate against the female, we should in the end not turn away from the beautiful male either.
Michael
A wonderful choice — a true highlight of my year getting to witness this wonderful family.
Rosemary Stoner
Absolutely all of them are favorites, especially the birds. But I still like mine best! You know what we miss, though? Looking at your photos with you the first time when you would come home from Africa for a visit. Weird, huh?
Ginger Jones
Michael, it’s always a treat to see your beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing a glimpse into your world. I look forward to our paths crossing one of these days.
Deborah Breuer
Tough decision; I am a bird watcher and they were all marvelous. Ok, I’ll go with Anna’s Hummingbird. The Leopard is my other pick.
Good job Michael!