Top Shots for 2012

This post is dedicated to my "Best of 2012" photos.  I've had my digital SLR camera for one year now, and while still an amateur, I have come a long way on the learning curve.  Also, I feel my passion makes up for the limited experience.  Capturing beautiful things in photographs has opened my eyes to all kinds of new opportunities, plus it continuously encourages me to see more and more places.  Who knew this 'hobby' would be so addictive!

As a new photographer, I quickly learned that it's not always easy to put my work up for others to see.  There are times when I worry if my work is good enough, but the only way to know is to put myself out there and try.  So this is it - my best attempt at a new hobby that I have fallen in love with.

Constructive feedback is welcome, and it's my hope that you enjoy this collection of my favorite 2012 photos!

Thanks to Jim M. Goldstein (Landscape, Nature, and Travel Photographer) for collectively hosting a "Best Of" edition of random photographers on his blog. 



Lorain, Ohio Lighthouse at sunset



"Spring" - Asheville, NC



Cooper River Bridge in Charleston, South Carolina



Blue Heron in flight



Fall Color Sunrise - Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, North Carolina

Sun shine in the rain forest - Second Beach, Olympic Peninsula, WA



Sunset sailing - Lake Quinault, WA



Angry Bird - Balsam Mountain Nature Preserve near Waynesville, NC



Harris' Hawk - Balsam Mountain Nature Preserve near Waynesville, NC



Breakfast - East Coast Sunrise - Myrtle Beach, SC



Appalachian Sunset



This shot is special because it's the one that convinced me that I needed a 300mm lens.



Tunnel sunrise - Blue Ridge Parkway at Craggy Gardens near Asheville, NC



Reciprocating Love - love the tenderness of this photo



Swallow sunset - Lake Erie - Huron, Ohio



Wide Angle playtime - Pawley's Island, SC



First Light of Appalachia taken at Max Patch Knob near Asheville, NC