{"id":5519,"date":"2012-12-31T05:00:15","date_gmt":"2012-12-31T12:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/?p=5519"},"modified":"2020-12-29T13:47:42","modified_gmt":"2020-12-29T05:47:42","slug":"best-photos-of-2012-the-photographic-year-in-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/best-photos-of-2012-the-photographic-year-in-review.html","title":{"rendered":"Best Photos of 2012 &#8211; My Photography Year in Review"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column_text]<strong>Best Photos of 2012 &#8211; My Photography Year in Review<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It is time to post my annual &#8220;Favorite Photos of the Year&#8221;, as I have since 2007. This year I added fewer than 1000 new images to my stock photography collection, but included in that paltry number are some real gems with which I am quite happy and proud. I managed to get out on the ocean a few times and see a few whales with one of my oldest photographer pals, made a fantastic flight over southern San Diego County with a pilot friend, learned more about landscape astrophotography through trial and error with a night photography buddy, got back in the surf with a new rig after a two year hiatus and tried to keep up the young guys, managed to sneak in one fantastic trip to Paris and London with Tracy, not to mention the 50+ volleyball matches I photographed this year (my daughters are a wrecking crew on the court). So without further ado, here are my Favorite Photographs of 2012. Note: if you like these feel free to check out previous years&#8217; favorites as well: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/best-photos-of-2011.html\">2011<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/best-photos-of-2010.html\">2010<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/best-photos-of-2009.html\">2009<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/best-photos-of-2008.html\">2008<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/best-photos-of-2007.html\">2007<\/a>. Thanks for looking, and cheers!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27614\" title=\"Oceanside Pier at sunset, clouds with a brilliant sky at dus...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/oceanside-pier-sunset-image-27614-321610.jpg\" alt=\"Oceanside Pier at sunset, clouds with a brilliant sky at dusk, the lights on the pier are lit\" title=\"Oceanside Pier at sunset, clouds with a brilliant sky at dusk, the lights on the pier are lit\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Oceanside Pier at sunset, clouds with a brilliant sky at dusk, the lights on the pier are lit.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27614\">27614<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?location=oceanside_pier&#038;city=oceanside&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">Oceanside Pier<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27622\" title=\"Mobius Arch at sunrise, framing snow dusted Lone Pine Peak a...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/mobius-arch-sunrise-image-27622-891120.jpg\" alt=\"Mobius Arch at sunrise, framing snow dusted Lone Pine Peak and the Sierra Nevada Range in the background. Also known as Galen's Arch, Mobius Arch is found in the Alabama Hills Recreational Area near Lone Pine\" title=\"Mobius Arch at sunrise, framing snow dusted Lone Pine Peak and the Sierra Nevada Range in the background. Also known as Galen's Arch, Mobius Arch is found in the Alabama Hills Recreational Area near Lone Pine\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Mobius Arch at sunrise, framing snow dusted Lone Pine Peak and the Sierra Nevada Range in the background. Also known as Galen&#8217;s Arch, Mobius Arch is found in the Alabama Hills Recreational Area near Lone Pine.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27622\">27622<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?location=alabama_hills_recreational_area&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">Alabama Hills Recreational Area<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27630\" title=\"Alabama Hills and Sierra Nevada, Lone Pine Peak and Mount Wh...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/alabama-hills-sierra-nevada-image-27630-560631.jpg\" alt=\"Alabama Hills and Sierra Nevada, Lone Pine Peak and Mount Whitney, sunrise, Alabama Hills Recreational Area\" title=\"Alabama Hills and Sierra Nevada, Lone Pine Peak and Mount Whitney, sunrise, Alabama Hills Recreational Area\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Alabama Hills and Sierra Nevada, Lone Pine Peak and Mount Whitney, sunrise.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27630\">27630<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?location=alabama_hills_recreational_area&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">Alabama Hills Recreational Area<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27660\" title=\"Rainbow and clearing storm clouds, sunrise light on Manly Be...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/rainbow-clearing-storm-clouds-photo-27660-446296.jpg\" alt=\"Rainbow and clearing storm clouds, sunrise light on Manly Beacon, Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California\" title=\"Rainbow and clearing storm clouds, sunrise light on Manly Beacon, Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Rainbow and clearing storm clouds, sunrise light on Manly Beacon, Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27660\">27660<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?location=zabriskie_point&#038;city=death_valley_national_park&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">Zabriskie Point<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=death_valley_national_park&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">Death Valley National Park<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27689\" title=\"Sailing stone on the Racetrack Playa. The sliding rocks, or ...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/sailing-stone-racetrack-playa-picture-27689-485772.jpg\" alt=\"Sailing stone on the Racetrack Playa. The sliding rocks, or sailing stones, move across the mud flats of the Racetrack Playa, leaving trails behind in the mud. The explanation for their movement is not known with certainty, but many believe wind pushes the rocks over wet and perhaps icy mud in winter, Death Valley National Park, California\" title=\"Sailing stone on the Racetrack Playa. The sliding rocks, or sailing stones, move across the mud flats of the Racetrack Playa, leaving trails behind in the mud. The explanation for their movement is not known with certainty, but many believe wind pushes the rocks over wet and perhaps icy mud in winter, Death Valley National Park, California\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Sailing stone on the Racetrack Playa. The sliding rocks, or sailing stones, move across the mud flats of the Racetrack Playa, leaving trails behind in the mud. The explanation for their movement is not known with certainty, but many believe wind pushes the rocks over wet and perhaps icy mud in winter.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27689\">27689<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?location=racetrack_playa&#038;city=death_valley_national_park&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">Racetrack Playa<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=death_valley_national_park&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">Death Valley National Park<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27703\" title=\"San Diego Coronado Bridge, linking San Diego to the island c...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/san-diego-coronado-bridge-photograph-27703-132416.jpg\" alt=\"San Diego Coronado Bridge, linking San Diego to the island community of Coronado, spans San Diego Bay. Dawn, lavender sky\" title=\"San Diego Coronado Bridge, linking San Diego to the island community of Coronado, spans San Diego Bay. Dawn, lavender sky\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">San Diego Coronado Bridge, linking San Diego to the island community of Coronado, spans San Diego Bay.  Dawn, lavender sky.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27703\">27703<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=san_diego&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">San Diego<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27725\" title=\"Downtown Los Angeles at night, street lights, buildings ligh...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/downtown-los-angeles-night-picture-27725-348570.jpg\" alt=\"Downtown Los Angeles at night, street lights, buildings light up the night\" title=\"Downtown Los Angeles at night, street lights, buildings light up the night\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Downtown Los Angeles at night, street lights, buildings light up the night.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27725\">27725<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=los_angeles&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">Los Angeles<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27733\" title=\"Yosemite Falls and star trails, at night, viewed from Cook's...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/yosemite-falls-star-trails-picture-27733-918080.jpg\" alt=\"Yosemite Falls and star trails, at night, viewed from Cook's Meadow, illuminated by the light of the full moon, Yosemite National Park, California\" title=\"Yosemite Falls and star trails, at night, viewed from Cook's Meadow, illuminated by the light of the full moon, Yosemite National Park, California\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Yosemite Falls and star trails, at night, viewed from Cook&#8217;s Meadow, illuminated by the light of the full moon.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27733\">27733<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?location=yosemite_falls&#038;city=yosemite_national_park&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">Yosemite Falls<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=yosemite_national_park&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">Yosemite National Park<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27742\" title=\"Yosemite Falls and rainbow, Half Dome in distance, viewed fr...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/yosemite-falls-rainbow-image-27742-433781.jpg\" alt=\"Yosemite Falls and rainbow, Half Dome in distance, viewed from the Yosemite Falls trail, spring, Yosemite National Park, California\" title=\"Yosemite Falls and rainbow, Half Dome in distance, viewed from the Yosemite Falls trail, spring, Yosemite National Park, California\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Yosemite Falls and rainbow, Half Dome in distance, viewed from the Yosemite Falls trail, spring.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27742\">27742<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?location=yosemite_falls&#038;city=yosemite_national_park&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">Yosemite Falls<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=yosemite_national_park&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">Yosemite National Park<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27772\" title=\"Stars and the Milky Way rise above ancient bristlecone pine ...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/milky-way-ancient-bristlecone-pine-stars-photo-27772-319446.jpg\" alt=\"Stars and the Milky Way rise above ancient bristlecone pine trees, in the White Mountains at an elevation of 10,000' above sea level. These are some of the oldest trees in the world, reaching 4000 years in age, Pinus longaeva, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest\" title=\"Stars and the Milky Way rise above ancient bristlecone pine trees, in the White Mountains at an elevation of 10,000' above sea level. These are some of the oldest trees in the world, reaching 4000 years in age, Pinus longaeva, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Stars and the Milky Way rise above ancient bristlecone pine trees, in the White Mountains at an elevation of 10,000&#8242; above sea level.  These are some of the oldest trees in the world, reaching 4000 years in age.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27772\">27772<\/a><br \/>Species: <a href=\"\/bristlecone_pine_photo.html\" title=\"Bristlecone Pine photos\">Bristlecone Pine<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?sp=Pinus_longaeva\" title=\"Pinus longaeva photos\"><i>Pinus longaeva<\/i><\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?location=ancient_bristlecone_pine_forest_white_mountains_inyo_national_forest&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27827\" title=\"The Milky Way arching over Mesa Arch at night.\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/mesa-arch-milky-way-night-stars-photograph-27827-859831.jpg\" alt=\"The Milky Way arching over Mesa Arch at night, Canyonlands National Park, Utah\" title=\"The Milky Way arching over Mesa Arch at night, Canyonlands National Park, Utah\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The Milky Way arching over Mesa Arch at night.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27827\">27827<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?location=mesa_arch&#038;city=canyonlands_national_park&#038;state=utah&#038;country=usa\">Mesa Arch<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=canyonlands_national_park&#038;state=utah&#038;country=usa\">Canyonlands National Park<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=utah&#038;country=usa\">Utah<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27835\" title=\"Balanced Rock and Milky Way stars at night.\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/balanced-rock-milky-way-stars-night-photograph-27835-529342.jpg\" alt=\"Balanced Rock and Milky Way stars at night, Arches National Park, Utah\" title=\"Balanced Rock and Milky Way stars at night, Arches National Park, Utah\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Balanced Rock and Milky Way stars at night.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27835\">27835<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?location=balanced_rock&#038;city=arches_national_park&#038;state=utah&#038;country=usa\">Balanced Rock<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=arches_national_park&#038;state=utah&#038;country=usa\">Arches National Park<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=utah&#038;country=usa\">Utah<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27847\" title=\"Stars over the Tower of Babel, starry night, Arches National...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/tower-babel-photograph-27847-483608.jpg\" alt=\"Stars over the Tower of Babel, starry night, Arches National Park, Utah\" title=\"Stars over the Tower of Babel, starry night, Arches National Park, Utah\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Stars over the Tower of Babel, starry night, Arches National Park, Utah.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27847\">27847<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=arches_national_park&#038;state=utah&#038;country=usa\">Arches National Park<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=utah&#038;country=usa\">Utah<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27854\" title=\"Milky Way and Shooting Star over Delicate Arch, as stars cov...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/milky-way-arches-delicate-arch-image-27854-306930.jpg\" alt=\"Milky Way and Shooting Star over Delicate Arch, as stars cover the night sky, Arches National Park, Utah\" title=\"Milky Way and Shooting Star over Delicate Arch, as stars cover the night sky, Arches National Park, Utah\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Milky Way and Shooting Star over Delicate Arch, as stars cover the night sky.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27854\">27854<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=arches_national_park&#038;state=utah&#038;country=usa\">Arches National Park<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=utah&#038;country=usa\">Utah<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27889\" title=\"San Diego city skyline at sunset, showing the buildings of d...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/san-diego-city-skyline-sunset-picture-27889-323539.jpg\" alt=\"San Diego city skyline at sunset, showing the buildings of downtown San Diego rising above San Diego Harbor, viewed from Harbor Island\" title=\"San Diego city skyline at sunset, showing the buildings of downtown San Diego rising above San Diego Harbor, viewed from Harbor Island\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">San Diego city skyline at sunset, showing the buildings of downtown San Diego rising above San Diego Harbor, viewed from Harbor Island.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27889\">27889<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=san_diego&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">San Diego<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27955\" title=\"Humpback whale breaching, pectoral fin and rostrom visible.\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/humpback-whale-breaching-photograph-27955-972001.jpg\" alt=\"Humpback whale breaching, pectoral fin and rostrom visible, Megaptera novaeangliae, San Diego, California\" title=\"Humpback whale breaching, pectoral fin and rostrom visible, Megaptera novaeangliae, San Diego, California\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Humpback whale breaching, pectoral fin and rostrom visible.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27955\">27955<\/a><br \/>Species: <a href=\"\/humpback_whale_photo.html\" title=\"Humpback whale photos\">Humpback whale<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?sp=Megaptera_novaeangliae\" title=\"Megaptera novaeangliae photos\"><i>Megaptera novaeangliae<\/i><\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=san_diego&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">San Diego<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27967\" title=\"Blue whale 80-feet long, full body photograph of an enormous...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/blue-whale-80-feet-long-photograph-27967-926267.jpg\" alt=\"Blue whale 80-feet long, full body photograph of an enormous blue whale showing rostrom head to fluke tail, taken at close range with very wide lens, Balaenoptera musculus, San Diego, California\" title=\"Blue whale 80-feet long, full body photograph of an enormous blue whale showing rostrom head to fluke tail, taken at close range with very wide lens, Balaenoptera musculus, San Diego, California\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Blue whale 80-feet long, full body photograph of an enormous blue whale showing rostrom head to fluke tail, taken at close range with very wide lens.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27967\">27967<\/a><br \/>Species: <a href=\"\/blue_whale_photo.html\" title=\"Blue whale photos\">Blue whale<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?sp=Balaenoptera_musculus\" title=\"Balaenoptera musculus photos\"><i>Balaenoptera musculus<\/i><\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=san_diego&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">San Diego<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27975\" title=\"Breaking wave, Moonlight Beach, Encinitas, morning, barrel s...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/breaking-wave-photograph-27975-595778.jpg\" alt=\"Breaking wave, Moonlight Beach, Encinitas, morning, barrel shaped surf, California\" title=\"Breaking wave, Moonlight Beach, Encinitas, morning, barrel shaped surf, California\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Breaking wave, Moonlight Beach, Encinitas, morning, barrel shaped surf, California.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27975\">27975<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27978\" title=\"Sunrise breaking wave, dawn surf.\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/sunrise-breaking-wave-image-27978-134345.jpg\" alt=\"Sunrise breaking wave, dawn surf, The Wedge, Newport Beach, California\" title=\"Sunrise breaking wave, dawn surf, The Wedge, Newport Beach, California\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Sunrise breaking wave, dawn surf.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=27978\">27978<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?location=the_wedge&#038;city=newport_beach&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">The Wedge<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=newport_beach&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">Newport Beach<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28021\" title=\"Full moon rising over San Diego city skyline, sunset, storm ...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/full-moon-san-diego-city-skyline-picture-28021-720464.jpg\" alt=\"Full moon rising over San Diego city skyline, sunset, storm clouds, viewed from Coronado Island\" title=\"Full moon rising over San Diego city skyline, sunset, storm clouds, viewed from Coronado Island\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Full moon rising over San Diego city skyline, sunset, storm clouds, viewed from Coronado Island.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28021\">28021<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=san_diego&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">San Diego<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28111\" title=\"Leaving the Louvre Museum, evening, Paris.\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/inside-louvre-museum-paris-photograph-28111-377459.jpg\" alt=\"Leaving the Louvre Museum, evening, Paris, Musee du Louvre\" title=\"Leaving the Louvre Museum, evening, Paris, Musee du Louvre\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Leaving the Louvre Museum, evening, Paris.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28111\">28111<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?location=musee_du_louvre&#038;city=paris&#038;country=france\">Musee du Louvre<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=paris&#038;country=france\">Paris<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=france\">France<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28144\" title=\"River Seine, barge and Ile Saint-Louis, sunrise, Paris. Ile ...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/ile-saint-louis-paris-photo-28144-701690.jpg\" alt=\"River Seine, barge and Ile Saint-Louis, sunrise, Paris. Ile Saint-Louis, is one of two natural islands in the Seine river, in Paris, France. The island is named after King Louis IX of France (Saint Louis). The island is connected to the rest of Paris by bridges to both banks of the river and by the Pont Saint Louis to the Ile de la Cite\" title=\"River Seine, barge and Ile Saint-Louis, sunrise, Paris. Ile Saint-Louis, is one of two natural islands in the Seine river, in Paris, France. The island is named after King Louis IX of France (Saint Louis). The island is connected to the rest of Paris by bridges to both banks of the river and by the Pont Saint Louis to the Ile de la Cite\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">River Seine, barge and Ile Saint-Louis, sunrise, Paris. Ile Saint-Louis, is one of two natural islands in the Seine river, in Paris, France. The island is named after King Louis IX of France (Saint Louis). The island is connected to the rest of Paris by bridges to both banks of the river and by the Pont Saint Louis to the Ile de la Cite.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28144\">28144<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?location=ile_saint-louis&#038;city=paris&#038;country=france\">Ile Saint-Louis<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=paris&#038;country=france\">Paris<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=france\">France<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28161\" title=\"Les Invalides, officially known as L'Hotel national des Inva...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/les-invalides-picture-28161-786900.jpg\" alt=\"Les Invalides, officially known as L'Hotel national des Invalides (The National Residence of the Invalids), is a complex of buildings in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, France, containing museums and monuments, all relating to the military history of France, as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans, the building's original purpose, Hotel National des Invalides\" title=\"Les Invalides, officially known as L'Hotel national des Invalides (The National Residence of the Invalids), is a complex of buildings in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, France, containing museums and monuments, all relating to the military history of France, as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans, the building's original purpose, Hotel National des Invalides\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Les Invalides, officially known as L&#8217;Hotel national des Invalides (The National Residence of the Invalids), is a complex of buildings in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, France, containing museums and monuments, all relating to the military history of France, as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans, the building&#8217;s original purpose.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28161\">28161<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?location=hotel_national_des_invalides&#038;city=paris&#038;country=france\">Hotel National des Invalides<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=paris&#038;country=france\">Paris<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=france\">France<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28168\" title=\"Eiffel Tower rises over the Trocadero place. The Trocadero, ...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/trocadero-paris-photo-28168-610222.jpg\" alt=\"Eiffel Tower rises over the Trocadero place. The Trocadero, site of the Palais de Chaillot, is an area of Paris, France, in the 16th arrondissement, across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower\" title=\"Eiffel Tower rises over the Trocadero place. The Trocadero, site of the Palais de Chaillot, is an area of Paris, France, in the 16th arrondissement, across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Eiffel Tower rises over the Trocadero place. The Trocadero, site of the Palais de Chaillot, is an area of Paris, France, in the 16th arrondissement, across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28168\">28168<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?location=trocadero&#038;city=paris&#038;country=france\">Trocadero<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=paris&#038;country=france\">Paris<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=france\">France<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28243\" title=\"Notre Dame de Paris. Notre Dame de Paris (\"Our Lady of Paris...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/notre-dame-de-paris-photograph-28243-774385.jpg\" alt=\"Notre Dame de Paris. Notre Dame de Paris (\"Our Lady of Paris\"), also known as Notre Dame Cathedral or simply Notre Dame, is a historic Roman Catholic Marian cathedral on the eastern half of the Ile de la Cite in the fourth arrondissement of Paris, France. Widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and among the largest and most well-known churches in the world ever built, Notre Dame is the cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Paris\" title=\"Notre Dame de Paris. Notre Dame de Paris (\"Our Lady of Paris\"), also known as Notre Dame Cathedral or simply Notre Dame, is a historic Roman Catholic Marian cathedral on the eastern half of the Ile de la Cite in the fourth arrondissement of Paris, France. Widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and among the largest and most well-known churches in the world ever built, Notre Dame is the cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Paris\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Notre Dame de Paris. Notre Dame de Paris (&#8220;Our Lady of Paris&#8221;), also known as Notre Dame Cathedral or simply Notre Dame, is a historic Roman Catholic Marian cathedral on the eastern half of the Ile de la Cite in the fourth arrondissement of Paris, France. Widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and among the largest and most well-known churches in the world ever built, Notre Dame is the cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Paris.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28243\">28243<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?location=notre_dame_de_paris&#038;city=paris&#038;country=france\">Notre Dame de Paris<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=france\">France<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28346\" title=\"Brown pelican in flight, softly lit by flash against pink pr...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/brown-pelican-pink-predawn-sky-image-28346-231835.jpg\" alt=\"Brown pelican in flight, softly lit by flash against pink predawn sky, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla, California\" title=\"Brown pelican in flight, softly lit by flash against pink predawn sky, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla, California\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Brown pelican in flight, softly lit by flash against pink predawn sky.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28346\">28346<\/a><br \/>Species: <a href=\"\/brown_pelican_photo.html\" title=\"Brown Pelican photos\">Brown Pelican<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?sp=Pelecanus_occidentalis\" title=\"Pelecanus occidentalis photos\"><i>Pelecanus occidentalis<\/i><\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?sp=Pelecanus_occidentalis_californicus\" title=\"Pelecanus occidentalis californicus photos\"><i>Pelecanus occidentalis californicus<\/i><\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=la_jolla&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">La Jolla<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28347\" title=\"California Brown Pelican head throw, stretching its throat t...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/brown-pelican-head-throw-photograph-28347-978023.jpg\" alt=\"California Brown Pelican head throw, stretching its throat to keep it flexible and healthy, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla\" title=\"California Brown Pelican head throw, stretching its throat to keep it flexible and healthy, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">California Brown Pelican head throw, stretching its throat to keep it flexible and healthy.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28347\">28347<\/a><br \/>Species: <a href=\"\/brown_pelican_photo.html\" title=\"Brown Pelican photos\">Brown Pelican<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?sp=Pelecanus_occidentalis\" title=\"Pelecanus occidentalis photos\"><i>Pelecanus occidentalis<\/i><\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?sp=Pelecanus_occidentalis_californicus\" title=\"Pelecanus occidentalis californicus photos\"><i>Pelecanus occidentalis californicus<\/i><\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=la_jolla&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">La Jolla<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28800\" title=\"The Milky Way at Night over Sky Rock. Sky Rock petroglyphs ...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/sky-rock-petroglyphs-milky-way-night-photo-28800-601564.jpg\" alt=\"The Milky Way at Night over Sky Rock. Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them\" title=\"The Milky Way at Night over Sky Rock. Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The Milky Way at Night over Sky Rock.  Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28800\">28800<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=bishop&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">Bishop<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28816\" title=\"350-foot long sea serpent, a work of art in Borrego Springs ...\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/stock-photo\/galleta-meadows-sculpture-night-photo-28816-840585.jpg\" alt=\"350-foot long sea serpent, a work of art in Borrego Springs by Ricardo Breceda, sunset, Galleta Meadows\" title=\"350-foot long sea serpent, a work of art in Borrego Springs by Ricardo Breceda, sunset, Galleta Meadows\" class=\"aligncenter\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">350-foot long sea serpent, a work of art in Borrego Springs by Ricardo Breceda, sunset, Galleta Meadows.<br \/>Image ID: <a href=\"\/spotlight.php?img=28816\">28816<\/a><br \/>Location: <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?city=borrego_springs&#038;state=california&#038;country=usa\">Borrego Springs<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?state=california&#038;country=usa\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/lightbox.php?country=usa\">USA<\/a><\/p>\n<p>See also:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/best-photos-of-2011.html\">Best Photos of 2011<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/best-photos-of-2010.html\">Best Photos of 2010<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/best-photos-of-2009.html\">Best Photos of 2009<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/best-photos-of-2008.html\">Best Photos of 2008<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/best-photos-of-2007.html\">Best Photos of 2007<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column_text]Best Photos of 2012 &#8211; My Photography Year in Review It is time to post my annual&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9113,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[147],"tags":[211],"class_list":{"0":"post-5519","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-the-years-best-photography","8":"tag-best-photos-of-the-year"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5519","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5519"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5519\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9113"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5519"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5519"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oceanlight.com\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5519"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}