I am counting down my favorite 19 images from 2019. Part one had a few photographs from home and a few from adventures away. Part two will be more of the same. I hope you enjoy the images. 

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#13. Hanakapi'ai Beach and the Kalalau Trail, Na Pali Wilderness, Kauai. August 25, 2019

Hanakapi'ai Beach and the Kalalau TrailA look down the Na Pali Coast from along the Kalalau Trail is a view that many of us are the better for having. The little stretch of sand that you see in the middle of the frame is Hanakapi'ai Beach.
Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii Canon 1 DX II, Canon 24-70 @ 24mm, f/5.0 @ 1/160 sec. ISO 125

I like this photograph not so much for the photo itself, but for what it represents: the road to Ha'ena and Ke'e is open! The Kalalau Trail is open! You see, following the historic floods of April 2017 the road beyond Hanalei was closed for repair. And it finally opened summer this year. Finally! This view is iconic Na Pali Coast-- leafy, green, rugged and wild. If you plan on going to Kalalalu or to Ha'ena State Park, even, please get a permit online. You will need a permit to access the park and a permit to park (if you plan on driving). Together we can keep this area verdant and wild and enjoyable for all. 

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#12. A Saltwater Abstract, Centers, Poipu, Kauai. September 1, 2019

A Saltwater AbstractKauai, Hawaii

Canon 1 DX II, Canon 16-35 @ 16mm, f/6.3 @ 1/2000 sec. ISO 640. SPL Waterhousing

Sometimes getting tossed around underneath a wave is totally worth it. This is one of those occasions. Clean, Poipu blue water and a fast shutter can make for interesting abstracts. I like this one because of all the different elements: sky, wave, reef, energy, the tumult of it all. 

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#11. Colors and Curve, Secrets Beach, Kauai. May 30, 2019

Colors and CurveA wave curls and breaks onto an exposed lava shelf and I am standing right there to catch it just before is washes over me.
Secrets Beach, Kauai, Hawaii Canon 1 DX II, Canon 16-35 @ 34mm, f/7.1 @ 1/2000 sec. ISO 100. SPL Waterhousing

A wave rolls onto shore as if it were a ribbon flipped by a child. The colors of sand mixed with water, the curve and loud splash are a aspects of a Secrets wave. This beach is so dynamic. Every time I go it's different. The shore break is heavy and intense. But when the conditions are right the surf break here can be a sweet ride. 

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#10. Kuio Young at Acid Drop, Poipu, Kauai. September 27, 2019

Canon 1 DX II, Canon 70-200 @ 100mm, f/6.3 @ 1/2500 sec. ISO 200

This was an epic day at Acid Drop. The biggest surf that I have ever photographed from the water. And what a day it was! Glassy, ideal swell, BIG waves and a great group of surfers rippin' all morning long. Here, Kuio Young, pumps in front of a draining wave, that looks like it's gonna eat him up. The shades of blue-- especially the turquoise-- contrasts nicely with his yellow board. Such great memories of this day and you'll see another photo from this epic session a little later in the countdown. Stay tuned....

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#9. Tree Hugger, Katmai National Park Alaska. July 8, 2019

Tree HuggerKatmai National Park, Alaska. 2019

Canon 1 DX II, Canon 300 +1.4 ext III @ 420, f/4, 1/1000 ISO 1000

I've always heard that while brown bears can climb trees, they never do. Well, I'm here to tell you they do! Here's a beautiful momma bear climbing a tree to get her two spring cubs down. At first she barked at them from below, but after they refused to come down she decided to go up. This July saw record heat all throughout Alaska and Katmai NP was no exception. Each day seemed hotter than the previous one and the animals (and humans) were suffering. I think that's why this momma bear treed her cubs for such prolonged periods. It was easier to protect them up a tree than have them on the lakeshore with her. This photo was taken just outside the campground at Brooks Camp. Katmai NP is my favorite park and a few more photos from this trip made this list of 19. Absolutely the funnest park ever. 

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#8. Teddy Bear Be Humble, Katmai National Park, Alaska. July 5, 2019

Teddy Bear Be HumbleKatmai National Park, Alaska. 2019

Canon 1 DX II, Canon 300mm, f/4.0 @ 1/1000. ISO 1600

This sweet brown bear cub was so cute! He was always eating in the high grass and cupping his paws as if making a blessing. Humble little bear. Scenes like these keep me dreaming of Katmai NP all year long.

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#7. Shifting Moods, Kilauea, Kauai. February 19, 2019

Shifting MoodsA strong north swell rushes onto the exposed lava shelf and drains into the dried lava tube of Mokolea Point as daybreak splits the Sky.
Kauai, Hawaii

*Shifting Moods was named a National Geographic Editor's Favorite.
**2020 International Color Awards Nominee Professional Landscape Category. Canon 5DS R, Zeis 21mm Milvus, f/11 @ 1.3 sec. ISO 250. LEE graduated ND filters and LEE Polarizer

The long, silky flow of ocean-- like cream -- over an exposed north shore lava shelf in winter. Day break gentle in a divided sky. High risk high return photography can produce some of the best results. This one keeps bringing me back.

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Next up #1 ~ #6. Stay tuned for Part 3...

Aloha,

Lee