Gary Randall’s Top Landscape Photos of 2022
Happy New Year! As we welcome 2023, I wanted to take a moment to share my Top landscape photos of 2022. These may not be my most technically perfect images, but they’re the ones that mean the most to me—photos tied to unforgettable experiences and incredible places.
The Stories Behind the Photos
A great photo is often more than just composition and light. It’s about where you were, who you were with, and how it felt to be there. That’s why, as you browse through these images, I hope you can connect to the sense of wonder I experienced when making them.
1. Light and Flight – Caddo Lake, Texas
My trip to Caddo Lake, located on the Texas–Louisiana border, was one of the year’s highlights. Unlike Oregon, this swampy world of bald cypress trees and Spanish moss felt entirely new to me.
While leading a workshop with Alyce Bender, we cruised into a glowing corridor of light. Just then, an egret and a blue heron took flight. Without a doubt, it was one of the most magical moments of the year—and perhaps my favorite photo overall.
2. Pastel Morning at Bandon Beach, Oregon
As always, Bandon Beach delivered. During a workshop with Chris Byrne, we watched the sky light up in soft pastels behind the iconic Howling Dog sea stack.
Meanwhile, our group of photographers was completely in the zone, making the most of the morning light. In the end, it was a peaceful and inspiring shoot.
3. Reflections and Texture – Caddo Lake
Caddo Lake kept offering surprises. In this image, a narrow channel cut through a blanket of giant salvinia, revealing a shimmering reflection. Apparently, a boat had passed through just moments before.
Because of that, I had a perfect leading line into the distant trees. I shot this using my 70–200mm lens.
4. Egret in the Mist – Caddo Lake
Early light filtered through the cypress trees as an egret waded through the mist. Although it looks dreamy, the moment was very real and very still.
Often, these quiet moments make for the best photos—when you take the time to wait and watch.
5. Vine Maple Color – Lost Lake, Oregon
Back in Oregon, I found autumn color in the vine maples around Lost Lake. These trees are among my favorites in the Pacific Northwest.
Especially in Fall, their colors glow against the greens of the surrounding conifers. It’s always worth the drive.
6. Curtain of Water – Latourell Falls
This one required a little creativity. I wanted to capture the soft curtain effect of Latourell Falls while also showing the texture in the stream.
So, I blended two exposures—one at 2 seconds for the creek and another at 1/20 second for the falls. Together, they made an image I like more than either shot alone.
7. Mist and Morning Light – Caddo Lake
Here’s another favorite from Caddo Lake. On our first morning there, Alyce woke me up and told me the mist was perfect. Even though it was cold, we launched the canoe into the glowing forest.
Later, I shared the final image with members of the Nature Photographers Network, and their feedback helped me refine the photo.
👉 Learn more about NPN
8. Dreamlight in the Redwoods
While guiding a workshop with Chris Byrne, we visited the California Redwoods. We weren’t sure if we’d get fog—but luckily, it rolled in at just the right time.
Suddenly, the trees lit up with golden rays. As always, the Redwoods didn’t disappoint.
9. Summer Wildflowers – Mount Hood National Forest
This photo reminds me to experiment. At first, I wasn’t happy with my flower shots. Then, I decided to place the camera right in the flowers—and that changed everything.
Afterward, I checked the screen and knew I had something worth keeping.
10. Steller’s Jay – Brightwood, Oregon
Finally, this Steller’s Jay photo was taken from my front porch. Although it’s not exotic, it represents home. The bird’s vivid blue feathers pop against the natural greens of my Brightwood forest.
Sometimes, the best photos are the simple ones that remind you where you belong.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it—my top landscape photos of 2022. It wasn’t easy to choose just ten, and I have plenty more I love. Still, these are the images that stuck with me the most.
Thank you for all your support this past year. Here’s to great light, grand landscapes, and new adventures in 2023!
👉 Want to see more or purchase a print? Visit gary-randall.com