A Look back at 2022
Perhaps my favorite photo of 2022—two Nature Links participants enjoying a walk in the woods and each others’ company.
It's that time of year again – National Geographic has released their annual "Year in Pictures" feature, showcasing some of the most striking and memorable images from the past year. This year's collection includes photographs from all around the world, capturing a range of emotions and events, from the joy of sporting victories to the devastation of natural disasters.
As expected, the collection also includes a number of breathtaking images of nature. From stunning landscapes to close-up shots of wildlife, these photographs showcase the beauty and diversity of our natural world.
One particularly striking image is a photograph of Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. Photographer Stephen Wilkes shot over 2,000 photographs of the park in 36 hours. In this particular image, Wilkes combined over 40 of those individual shots to create an extraordinary image that includes a full moon, a sunrise, and an alignment of four planets.
Other nature-focused photographs in the collection include a shot of an African elephant’s trunk in Gabon as it searches for disappearing Lope’s tree fruit and a herd of caribou in Kobuk River Valley Alaska. These photographs offer a unique look at the lives of these incredible animals, reminding us of the importance of conservation efforts around the world.
The National Geographic "Year in Pictures" feature offers a poignant and thought-provoking look at the past year's events, reminding us of both the challenges and triumphs that have shaped our world. But the photographs that mark the most memorable moments of our own lives in the past year serve as an important way to reflect personally and collectively on the year.
What three photographs help capture your favorite memories from 2022? Nature Links participants recently answered that question and shared their most beloved photographs from the past year. As nature lovers, it was no surprise that so many of their photographs featured plants and animals. From dolphins cresting over the waves to monarchs hatching to fall foliage outside the window, Nature Links participants spent lots of time enjoying and capturing the beauty of nature. But they also cherished photographs of loved ones, especially after several years of limiting interaction during the pandemic. The following photographs show a glimpse into the lives of Nature Links participants through their favorite images of the year. Enjoy and happy 2023!
A dolphin jumping (photo by Paula Bush)
A monarch emerging (photo by Derian Gatewood)
Finnick the cat, enjoying the fall foliage (photo by Hannah Waldorf)
Sisters (photo by Alison Deschaine)
4th of July bubbles (photo by Zubin Grogg)
Ezra riding (photo submitted by Ezra Halkett)
Florida panther (photo by Paula Bush)
