A Year in Review - 2024 (+ 2025 Plans!)
Image: Late elk bull One-Eye in June, feeding on a lush field of grass and wildflowers.
Wow, what a year this has been!
From being chased off of newborn calves by angry elk mamas to exploring the high elevation boreal forests of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in search of salamanders, 2024 has been a year of adventure, improvement, and enlightenment. Plus, it’s the year that I began this website - which has been far more successful than I imagined, so thank you, dear reader, for following along on the journey!
One of my goals going into 2024 was to diversify my photography portfolio. I have, for many years, focused almost exclusively on elk. Truthfully, they are one of those animals that I don’t think I could ever tire of. But my goal is to be a wildlife photographer, not just an elk photographer. While there is room for improvement, I do believe that I have fulfilled this resolution (as you will soon see).
I took over 20,000 images this year, and believe me when I say that it was difficult to chose my favorites, much less try to rank them in a top 10 format! Thus, the list below is certainly not in any order. And, if you ask me about it in a week, I may give you a completely different list. However, I tried to rank these images based on the story, quality, and uniqueness of each and every photo. Before diving into that, here are some other images that didn’t quite make the cut!
No. 10 - Chippy in the Oconaluftee
This was one of those images that I have been dreaming about for years; a big bull, preferably Chippy (don’t tell the others, but he’s my favorite), chest-deep in the Oconaluftee River with a sprinkling of fall colors. All of that miraculously came together one October evening.
It had been overcast, creating great conditions for wildlife photography. Despite my best efforts, the elk had decided to take the day off, and they were nowhere to be found. That is the joy of being a wildlife photographer; when the wildlife show up, it’s great, but you are often met with more empty fields and failures than successes. However, in all my stubborness and determination, I decided to take a drive down some backroads that I knew Chippy spent time along during the winter season. Large, dominant bulls like him will leave the park as soon as the rut ends to spend their winter, spring, and summer months away from the rest of the herd. This way, they can hog resources for themself and grow the largest antlers possible!
As I was driving down one road that winds along the Oconaluftee River, I saw Chippy standing with his two front legs already in the water. I pulled safely off the road, hopped out of my car, and braved the thorns and poison ivy to make my way down to the water’s edge. Chippy eyed me closely the whole time, but at this point, I think he is used to my antics.
The sun was setting fast behind a cloak of grey clouds, and while I was happy to get any images of Chippy in the water with strokes of fall colors in the background, I was crossing my fingers in hopes that he would decide to cross the river before nightfall. I waited, and waited, and waited, pushing my ISO to its limits as the light faded. Then, just when I was about to leave, he made the plunge into the cool waters.
While this image is not the best as far as quality or sharpness is concerned, this moment alone made it a top moment of 2024!
No. 9 - Summer Kiss
Though I see white-tailed deer often in my travels in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park, they are one of those species that I found difficult to photograph.
Unlike their larger cousins, white-tails are skittish and far less comfortable in human presence. They are a little more relaxed around vehicles, but even then all it takes is a tire snapping over a twig to send them fleeing into the forest.
Throughout the summer, I tried time and time again to photograph a small group of half a dozen deer. Most of them were does, but there was one buck whom they tolerated. I found this to be interesting, given that male cervids are not usually welcomed by females outside of their mating season.
I saw this group often, but the encounters were either too short or too distant for good photos. With enough patience and persistence, this moment finally lined up - a doe showing some tenderness with her on-and-off again boyfriend! I often wonder if this relationship lasted once November rolled around…
No. 8 - The Thunder Rolls
As mentioned earlier, I love photographing wildlife in cloudy, rainy conditions. There was one evening in June where I observed large, dark clouds rolling in over the Balsams. I drove towards Bryson City, looping around the backroads and open fields where the Boys (the nickname I have given a group of half a dozen of the Oconaluftee bulls), hoping to find some bulls in their usual feeding grounds.
It didn’t take long to spot Chippy and a smaller male in a sprawling, lush field of grass, wildflowers, and shrubs. I pulled up and began taking pictures, including the one above. After only ten or so minutes, the skies opened up and the rain began to pour.
I went home soaking wet, but it was absolutely worth it!
No. 7 - Clash of Seasons
Snow in the Smokies is magical. Rarely, however, do you get the chance to enjoy the higher elevations of the National Park when the temperatures drop and the snow settles due to dangerous driving conditions.
That is why this image, taken in October just under the tallest peak in the Park, is so special.
A dusting of snow had swept through the mountains, but the temperatures managed to tread just above freezing. Because of this, the NPS made the decision to open 441 over Newfound Gap AND the road up to Kuwohi (formerly Clingman’s Dome). This road closes completely over the winter, and so it was a treat to visit when there was snow on the ground and ice on the rocks!
As if this wasn’t magical enough, many trees were still clinging to their fall colors, and the combination of white snow and gold, orange, and red leaves made each image especially memorable. This was my favorite of the day, and probably my favorite landscape image to date!
No. 6 - Golden Boy
Before Hurricane Helene flooded and destroyed the main road through Cataloochee Valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I had spent a significant amount of time up there as the elk rut began. Every day, once my college classes ended, I would drive an hour to reach one of my favorite places in the entire world - Cataloochee is truly a peaceful, gorgeous place, in part because of the abundant wildflowers that grow there.
Goldenrod is common throughout the Smokies, but it is especially bounteous in the valley. Even better, it remains throughout September and some of October, meaning that you have an opportunity to photograph elk and other wildlife in a sea of gold.
This bull, Eros, appeared from the high elevation forest just before sundown. As he made his way to a lone cow, he paused at the sound of a rival’s bugle on the other side of the field. This split second moment gave me just enough time to capture him in all his regality, accentuated by patches of bright goldenrod!
No. 5 - Eastern Newt
Over the summer, I saved up to purchase my first macro lens. This is the perfect setup for smaller animals, such as reptiles, insects, and, of course, amphibians.
Living in the salamander capital of the world, I have always had a fascination and deep appreciation for these little guys. With a new lens to play with, I spent a good portion of August and September tromping through the woods and wading through streams to find salamanders.
Of all of the species I found, this was one I was very excited about - an adult Eastern Newt. These fascinating salamanders are distinguished from most other species in the Smokies because of their toxicity and three-part lifestyle (aquatic larvae, terrestrial eft, and aquatic adult). This individual was found under a log, patiently waiting for his vernal pond to refill in the winter!
No. 4 - Cades Cove King
One of my goals this past year was to photograph mature white-tailed deer bucks during their rut. Though I wasn’t able to see them in November during their peak, I was able to spend a whole day in Cades Cove in December, and it was wonderful!
It was barely above freezing and the sun was hidden behind a solid layer of clouds. The lighting was gorgeous, and the weather was perfect. After weeks of running down does and fighting off rival males, the bucks would be eager to spend time soaking in the cooler temperatures.
It didn’t take long for me to stumble across this guy, nicknamed “Curly” by local photographers. He is one of the largest bucks in the valley and, dare I say, one of the most handsome. I quietly moved into the field with him, maintaining a respectful distance as to not disturb him. He moved about slowly, suffering a slight limp from sore battle-scarred muscles as he picked off small remnants of greenery on the landscape.
It was peaceful, watching him interact with his environment as if I wasn’t even there. These are some of my favorite moments with wildlife - those in which I am but a fly on the wall.
No. 3 - Munchin’ On Cherries
When people ask me for wildlife photography tips, the one I often give is this; understand the wildlife you’re trying to photograph.
For example, every August, nutritious black cherries ripen in the Smokies. This is a favorite food of birds, small mammals, and the iconic black bear. During the first week or two of August, bears will spend nearly every waking hour up in the canopy to feast. It’s a great time to see them if you know where to look!
This was the case with this yearling. He had found himself perched in a cherry tree right above the Cades Cove loop road, much to the excitement of national park visitors and photographers alike. Many don’t realize how agile black bears can be in the trees, and I don’t recall this youngster slipping up even once!
No. 2 - Grass Crown
When you go on a date, chances are that you want to make a good first impression. You may freshen up, pop a breath mint, and pick out a nice outfit. Elk are the same way!
Bull elk like to rake their antlers through patches of grass and shrubbery, catching them in their tines. With their new grass crown, they will prance back to the females to show off their size and impressive outfit. If everything goes according to plan, the ladies will be swept off their feet (or hooves, in this case).
That was Eros’ hope, at least. Despite his best efforts and his incredible crown, none of the cows were that amused. The look he is giving me in this image is one of dejection, but don’t worry! He ended up serenading his ladies later on, and that technique worked much better!
No. 1 - Just Like Mom
To me, this image is representative of all of the research I did this summer.
I spent my days from late May - early July with NPS biologists, working with newborn elk calves. It was an incredible experience, and it really felt like a full circle moment. I have been photographing this herd in the Smokies for five years now, using those images and stories to educate the public on how to safely interact with the natural world. Having the opportunity to work hands-on with the animals I care about so deeply was something truly special.
If this year has taught me anything, it is that I am absolutely in the right field. I feel almost a reinvigorated spark of excitement and determination to make a difference and continue telling the stories of wildlife and wild places across the US and, maybe one day, the globe.
2025 Plans!
Image: An adult Northern Slimy Salamander in leaf litter.
Over the past two months, I have been thinking about what I want my 2025 year to look like. As always, I want adventure, wildlife, and experiences in the outdoor world, but more than anything I want to share these animals and places with others. And, similarly to 2024, I want to continue to grow my portfolio and explore different types of photography in the natural world.
As I write this, I am exploring the salt marshes and sandy shores of Ocracoke Island, off the coast of North Carolina. It is cold and windy, but the conditions are perfect for a host of waterfowl and shorebirds who make this barrier island their home for the winter. This is the first of many adventures I have planned for this year! Some others include;
A weekend trip to Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge at the end of January for sandhill cranes.
A tentative adventure down to Everglades National Park for alligators, crocodiles, anhingas, roseate spoonbills, and more during the dry season in March!
A morning drive up to Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia for wild ponies (yes, in Appalachia) in spring.
A end-of-the-semester trip to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge for the chance to see the only wild population of red wolves, along with black bear, alligators, barred owls, and more reptiles!
I also have many plans and goals for more local photography here in the Smokies, including more black bears, rare salamanders, and landscapes/scenery. Here is a short list of some of the “dream shots” I have in mind!
A long-exposure of the world-famous synchronous fireflies in June.
Astrophotography along Newfound Gap, Kuwohi, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Black bear(s) in fall colors, preferably sometime in mid-October. And while we’re at it, I would love to see tiny cubs in May!
Jordan’s Red-Cheeked Salamander, Weller’s Salamander, Blue Ridge Two-Lined Salamander, and if I get super lucky, a video of a wild Eastern Hellbender.
Bobcats, raccoons, red fox, and any other mid-size but elusive mammal!
I am determined to find more raptors, such as hawks, falcons, and owls!
Overall, 2024 was an incredible year, and I believe that 2025 will be even better. I am excited for what these next twelve months will bring, and I cannot wait to see what stories I will be able to tell and what adventures I will have.
Of course, this is only possible because of the support of my friends, family, mentors, community, and anyone else who takes the time to visit my website and check out my work. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
