As the year comes to a close, it’s fun to look back and remember all the incredible moments. For me personally, I never thought 2021 could beat 2020. After the Pandemic Roadtrip with my brother through four National Parks and endless beautiful mountains, I figured that might have been the apex for a while. However, 2021 came in from the top rope and changed that story.

Before we dive into my photos of the year, I wanted to give a little recap of the year. First, thank you for reading my work and supporting me. Back in April, I was laid off and was at a bit of a crossroads of what to do in life. I had been doing social media, but that wasn’t as interesting anymore. I really fell in love with photography and adventure travel and also leaned into writing more. So far, it’s been profitable, and I’m afloat. Plus, I’m excited to report that this blog reached new heights in 2021. I’ve had 82,000 views on this website through the third week of December. This is more than four times as many views as in 2020.

Since diving full time into the freelance world, it’s given me the ability to travel to locations I never thought possible, as well as build a life doing things I’ve truly passionate about. Yes, I probably took a pay cut for the last eight months, but my mental health and life enjoyment are much greater. Since then, I’ve spent three weeks in Alaska and a week each in the Canadian Rockies, Virginia, and Maui. I’ve also had the ability to make impromptu trips into the California mountains and connect with nature and photography on a deeper level. In August, an outdoors website asked me to write for them.

Originally, I didn’t know how much I’d be able to do – or want to do – but I’ve now been able to do four to five articles a month which has been incredible. In most recent news, I’ll be heading to Denver in late January for one of the largest outdoors retailer shows in the USA to write and meet brands face to face. I hope this will be the launching pad I need to really grow in the space.

Enough of me for the moment. Let’s dive into my ten favorite photos I took in 2021. Enjoy!

Photos of the Year

10: A Whaley Good Time

 

9: Rocky Mountain Skinning

8: A Volcano Sunset

7: Swimming with Sea Turtles in Maui

6: Larch Valley in Banff National Park

5: Firey Sunset in Yosemite National Park

4: Alaskan Range in Denali National Park

3: Rae Lakes in Kings Canyon National Park

2: Coastal Brown Bear in Lake Clark National Park

1: High Above the Canadian Rockies

Again, thank you all for the love and support in 2021. If you’d like to purchase a photo or make a donation for this blog, you can find the links below!

I wish you all Happy Holidays, a Merry Christmas, and good health heading into 2022.

Until next time adventurers, take care and be safe.

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