northern lights and Denali

I have been participating in Jim M. Goldstein’s top photos blog for a few years now. This is my selection for 2011. I included an Iditarod photo and for the first time ever 2 portraits.
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This one was taken in brutal cold of February near Talkeetna, Alaska. The mountain is Denali or Mt. McKinley. The light were only this intense for a very short time.

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Northern Lights

This is Reflection Lake deep within Denali National Park. I spent the night about 40 miles in the park to get to this spot for sunrise. I have some outstanding video of this scene too!

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Denali National Park HDR

I was laying in the snow on a corner in Anchorage photographing the ceremonial start of the 2011 Iditarod. I caught the eye of a Canon film crew who asked if they could video me snapping away with my Canon equipment.

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Wattie McDonald's Lead Dog Iditarod 2011

I was photographing this young bald eagle near Deep Creek, Alaska when he suddenly launched into the air. I like the detail coming off the feet. Not my best eagle shot, but I like it.

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Immature Bald Eagle, Alaska

This fall I was driving to Homer when I spotted this landscape. I hung around for an hour or so for the swans to come into my composition.

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Tern Lake with Swans

The light was wonderful on a hike this winter and took several photos of my wife. Love how this one came out.

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My Lovely Wife on a Winter Hike

Flying a helicopter towards Merrill Pass, we flew over Shamrock Glacier. It is not very often you can see the waters so calm.

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Shamrock Glacier near Merrill Pass, Alaska

This Grizzly loves to pose. He did not disappoint on this trip either. I love stopping and checking on the bears at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

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Grizzly Pose, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Another fall shot of Tern Lake on a rare calm day.

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Tern Lake

A nice backlit portrait. You can really tell she loves her dog Ruger.

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Backlit Winter Portrait

I really appreciate Jim hosting these Top Photos on his blog. It sure has grown over the years. http://www.jmg-galleries.com/blog/2011/12/19/blog-project-your-best-photos-from-2011/

Caught the northern lights in the early morning hours. What a show. Stayed out until 5:30am, but the show was best around midnight. More to follow.
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wpid3643 IMG 6520 Edit Northern Lights and Mt. McKinley

Northern Lights



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wpid3647 IMG 6527 Edit Northern Lights and Mt. McKinley

Northern Lights




wpid3649 IMG 6557 Northern Lights and Mt. McKinley

Northern Lights



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wpid3654 IMG 6526 Northern Lights and Mt. McKinley

Northern Lights


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