Almost Heaven
In the late Summer of 2017 I captured this shot while visiting Roughlock Falls in Spearfish Canyon. Sadly in 2018 there was a tornado that ripped through this area destroying many trees throughout the forest.
Spring is Here
The lakes are thawing and the sunshine is warm and invigorating, I'm so happy to get out and photograph nature as plant life begins to renew and regenerate.
Summer Breeze
On this gorgeous Summer morning in the central Black Hills I was about to leave when this cute little sailboat showed up. I am still wondering if this image would be better cropped to create a portrait view as opposed to a landscape view.
Bergamot Serenity
What a tranquil morning it was at this placid lake in the Black Hills where I found an amazing display of wild Bergamot, a prominent wildflower around here in the Summertime.
Rise and Shine
What better way to become energized than witnessing this beautiful scene, a comforting blanket of fresh air and condensation rising up from the reinvigorated forest.
Mist on the Water
It's never too early to go out and explore on a brisk Spring morning. I made it to this quiet little campground in plenty of time to watch the lake mist begin to dissipate while the sunrise bathed the granite rocks with a warm reddish golden color.
Springtime Blues
After the Spring snows have thawed and the icy rivers and streams are free flowing once again, it is a pleasure to explore and create fresh images while finding new places that I have never been before.
Forest Vibes
In my opinion there is no better way to begin a day than in the forest, alone with only bird sounds and perhaps a whitetail fawn calling for its mother somewhere in the distance.
Tranquil Spa
Not even the Canada geese can resist a plunge in the lake on a serene Summer morning in the Black Hills, timing is everything.
Pasque
The petite Pasque flower is the South Dakota state flower which blooms for a brief season during Springtime in the Black Hills.
Wallpaper
A breathtaking Springtime view of this placid lake complete with cattails is one of my favorite places in the Black Hills, so peaceful.
Dynamic
Chasing after a powerful Summer storm is the ultimate adrenaline rush for me. This beauty seemed to be showing off with mammatus clouds, lightning and an overall dynamic beauty while the sun was going down.
Sunflowers for Days
It was a late Summer afternoon while I was driving towards the Black Hills that this beautiful panoramic view of South Dakota prairie lands featuring sunflower fields caught my eye so I pulled over for some pictures!
Contentment
After exploring around the lake I was content to sit back and watch while the sun highlighted this serenely quiet location in the Black Hills.
Backlit Bokeh
It was a late Summer afternoon while I was driving towards the Black Hills that the beautiful South Dakota sunflower fields caught my eye so I pulled over for some pictures and snagged this shot with my 300mm lens.
Placid Beauty
While I do not always get the landscape shot I was hoping for, I cannot complain about a tranquil image from one of many peaceful retreats in the Black Hills.
Stepping Stones
Sometimes you just have to stop and get your feet wet while enjoying your Summertime adventures in Custer State Park.
Morning Joy
I've read that joy comes in the morning and I would have to agree, especially whenever I am out exploring before the rest of the world is awake.
Paha Sapa
Named by the Lakota Sioux tribe, the beautiful Black Hills was and still is the center of their universe and is still considered sacred by the American Indians.
Together Outdoors
What a fantastic landscape photo op with people included to give a sense of scale while they are fishing, hiking and having a wonderful vacation at this placid lake in Custer State Park.
Rugged Beauty
Early last Summer there was an abundance of water in Spearfish Creek as it flowed over the rugged terrain of Roughlock Falls in the Black Hills.
Rural Dawn
Views like this is just one of the rewards of going out before dawn, this particular morning the ground fog created a natural light box that added a creative touch to this image.
Foggy Forest
On this particular Summer morning the temperature was mild and the fog was abundant which is like having a natural soft box when shooting nature landscapes.
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