Cathedral Spires Alight

While waiting for the fog to lift this late Spring morning at the Needles Highway in the Black Hills, I hiked around looking for the best spot to set up my tripod. Upon returning to this spot a break in the clouds allowed the sun to light up the Cathedral Spires, making for a stunning photo opportunity!

Relaxing Ripples

As the sun was about to peak over the ridge to my left, it then began to enhance the colors and textures of the hills and water with its quiet light. It was a real pleasure to arrive at the lake before dawn just to enjoy this relaxing view from the shoreline of Pactola lake in the South Dakota Black Hills.

Enchanting Light

There's nothing quite like an unplanned trip into the Black Hills to catch the sunset at the last minute. I made it to Pactola lake just in time to set up my tripod and camera, also used my intervalometer to capture multiple images for my timelapse video project.

Phenomenal Sunrise

The reward of waking up and getting out hours before sunrise, no filter was needed for this stunning image of Bear Butte at sunrise.

Mesmerizing Blues

My getaway for Memorial Day Weekend was at Pactola lake in the South Dakota Black Hills. For me there's just something about the way the water looks while the sun is low on the horizon, not to mention I really adore that little touch of sidelight on the taller hills in the distance.

Rock Solid Tranquility

Over Memorial Day Weekend in the South Dakota Black Hills I captured several images over a one hour time span. What caught my interest most is how rocks look when they're surrounded by water, the smoother the water the better. Pactola lake is a large reservoir so the water is usually somewhat choppy, however I smoothed it out a little with a slightly longer exposure time on my camera.

The Art of Peace

This peaceful sunset image was captured last Summer at one of my favorite lakes in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This lake is larger so it's not always easy to catch a glassy reflection, which makes this landscape photo very special indeed.

Perambulate

Nothing is better than a stroll around Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park.

Sunset Glow

Winter solitude and delicate hues at a frozen lake in the Black Hills.

Just Beautiful

Last Spring I had the privilege of photographing this thawing lake in the Southern Black Hills which gave me a huge dose of tranquility. This serene image is a re-edit with a slight crop.

Alpenglow Reflection

A calm stillness collides with a lovely sunset at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park in the Black Hills.

New Day

It is most definitely worth the hike in the dark to watch the sunrise from this rim and to witness the sun peaking over the horizon, spilling it's quiet light first and foremost over the highest peaks of the Black Hills. Black Elk Peak formerly known as Harney Peak is just visible in the distance.

Splendid Transformation

This indeed is nature therapy and the rewards of waiting for that right light while photographing a thawing lake in the Black Hills.

Pretty Reflections

A peaceful morning at a Pactola lake gulch nestled deep in the central Black Hills of South Dakota. Along with the Spring thaw comes nesting water fowl such as Canada Geese, Loon and Crested Grebe.

Dreamy Reflections

I am never disappointed whenever I visit any lake in the Black Hills, especially loved this gorgeous Summer evening in Custer State Park.

Line of Fire panorama

This panoramic view of a thawing lake captures the afterglow of a late Winter sunset.

Sublime Beauty

A mostly cloudy sky is my personal preference for landscape photography, however this vivid blue sky reflecting off the placid water along with the quiet solitude is forever priceless.

Mirror Mirror

It can't get much better than this calm, peaceful and soothing tranquility.

Dakota Sunset

A rural South Dakota sunset featuring the Black Hills in the distance.

Atmosphere

This is a cropped and re-edited shot of this beautiful lake In Custer State Park South Dakota.

A Place for Rest

Aspen bark brightened by the late afternoon sun and what a stunning view of the Black Hills Custer State Park area!