The Great Parks of America

With many amazing entrees to choose from, it wasn't easy to pick the top 10. This image from Glacier National Park is my favourite though. The low angle of the sun has created some nice warm lighting on the mountain and foreground woodland. With the interesting cloud formations and starburst effect, you couldn't ask for a better shot. A worthy first place finish. Congratulations.

There were many versions of the famous tunnel view at Yosemite. This one caught my eye because it's a little less perfect, with lots of low lying clouds and fog creating a very moody feel. You never know what kind of weather you have to work with when visiting beautiful places like Yosemite, but you've made the best of the conditions and created a great image.

Sometimes simplicity can result in the best photographs. I like the use of negative space to highlight the mysterious moving rock, with the subtle trail leading off to the horizon. A nice simple sky provides a good balance to the image. Nicely done.

There were a lot of great shots of Half Dome. This one was a bit different, and going with black and white was a great decision. It makes the lone hiker stand out against the vast landscape, and emphasizes the contrast between the various rock strata and scattered forests far below. Having stood very near where the photographer is standing and the effort required to make it to the top only makes this image that much more impressive. Well done.

Although it should be, Monument Valley is not part of the US Park system. It is located within the Navajo Nation Reservation and is designated as a Tribal Park. I figured that was close enough to fit the brief. There are many great images of these iconic sandstone buttes. I love the colours you have captured here, with the red/orange sky complimenting the red sandstone monuments. I'm glad you left the lone vehicle in the foreground. It gives a good contrast to the sizes of these impressive rock columns.

The top of Haleakala is a great place for photography because, at an elevation of 10,000 feet, you are literally in the clouds. You managed to make the most of the situation and create a fantastic image with lots of colour. The encroaching clouds adds to the overall feel. Mars indeed!

Who needs blue skies? Sometimes a bit of inclement weather can result in the best shots. This classic view of the Grand Canyon is that much better with the storm clouds and eerie lighting. And to have just a bit of sunlight highlighting the great Colorado River really completes the image.!