2012
It’s time again for our (eighth) annual digital Year in Pictures. We hope our greetings find you well as 2012 comes to a close. Kaweah is now officially waaaay over the hill, so we have been spending more quality time with her and letting Kaweah do what makes her little puppy self happy. Our fondness for Colorado grows each year as does our list of places to explore by foot or by ski within the state.
Here are some of our favorite photos from 2012.
Feel free to leave a comment at the bottom and visit previous years listed in the sidebar.
We spent New Year’s Day ski touring with Kaweah in the Indian Peaks Wilderness of Colorado.
Tandem. Sandhill crane migration in Monte Vista, Colorado (March).
Ducks take flight with the Sangre de Cristos as backdrop (Monte Vista, Colorado).
Sandhill cranes at dawn after waiting for hours in the freezing cold for sunrise (Monte Vista, Colorado).
Jeremy makes the most of a lean snow year, backcountry skiing in April (Indian Peaks Wilderness, Colorado).
Jeremy and I started a week-long trip in California with a backpack to Cloud’s Rest in Yosemite National Park (May).
My mom and aunts pay their respects on the one-year anniversary of my grandmother’s passing (California).
We took Mom and Dad on a day trip to California wine country.
Two days later, Jeremy and I were on Sandia Crest in New Mexico to photograph the annular solar eclipse with a jillion other eclipse watchers! Here is my setup at the eclipse maximum (500mm f4 Nikkor w solar filter, lens courtesy of Pro Photo Rental).
A composite of the annular eclipse as the sun set over the Rio Grande Rift Valley.
After the eclipse, I dropped Jeremy off in Socorro for a meeting and I continued south to White Sands National Monument. It’s white (and hot)!
Sunset and relief from the heat.
Jeremy held the second annual Boulder Extragalactic Astrophysics Retreat in June, hosting the final day at our mountain home. SCIENCE!
Colorado suffered severe drought and devastating wildfires before summer even started. The wildflowers bloomed early when the rains finally arrived in early July. Blue columbines in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Bees find shelter from the rain under a teasel bloom.
We welcomed the wondrous rain storms and light shows.
…and mushrooms. My friend (a professional forager) taught me how to forage for porcinis in the mountains. Boletus Edulis in situ (undisclosed location).
August brought the Perseids meteor shower. A meteor and the Milky Way from our deck.
On the summit of Mount Democrat, the first of three fourteeners we hiked one windy summer morning.
I spent the last week of August getting a tour of the food scene in Portland, Maine and then hopping aboard the historic schooner J&E Riggin for a four-day cruise with Chef Annie Mahle and crew.
When in Maine…
Watching the sun go down from the water.
Fall colors came early to Colorado this year, and they were spectacular! Aspens, mottled light, and reflections above Ouray (September).
A golden stand near Crested Butte, one of our favorite places in Colorado.
Rainbow and clearing storm over Mount Crested Butte at sunset.
Clouds lift on a low sun over the Sneffels Range (Colorado).
A bull elk greets the first rays of morning, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
I returned to California in October with my shooting partner, Jason, to photograph a lovely wedding on an organic farm.
Kaweah celebrated her 14th birthday in December (om nom nom). Happy birthday, baby puppy!
Wishing you all a healthy, happy new year!
with love,
Jen, Jeremy, and Kaweah
In loving memory of my dear Barbara Harris.
There’s more over on The 2012 Cutting Room Floor.
December 20th, 2012 at 9:55 pm
Happy New Year to you guys!! Your Kaweah pics are awesome. Do you know how hard it is for a photograph to capture the “dog soul”?? We have had mixed luck with the professionals we’ve picked. So if you’re ever in Seattle, and up for a gig, our guys are getting old, and we’d love some pics with the girls since likely one or both of the girls will be too young to remember the pups :(
but on a happier note, love the pics of you guys in the snow. you really look happy :)
December 20th, 2012 at 10:04 pm
Happy New Year to you, Jeremy and Kaweah! As always, your pictures are outstanding. I loved every one of them, even the ones that didn’t make the cut to this page. Health, happiness, success and joy to you all! Hugs!
December 20th, 2012 at 10:13 pm
What a lovely collection (as always!). Didn’t see you nearly enough in 2012. Here’s to seeing you in 2013! Hugs to you and Jeremy and extra skritches for Kaweah.
December 20th, 2012 at 10:46 pm
Bubbles – I love seeing what you’ve been up to through your beautiful photographs. Truly amazing. I wish you, Jeremy, Kaweah and your family love, peace and joy in the new year!
December 21st, 2012 at 3:30 am
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and Jeremy (and K!). I hope 2013 brings you plenty of snow to ski, great scenery to capture, and, above all, happiness (which generally flows from the first two, I think).
December 21st, 2012 at 4:11 am
Dear Jen, Jeremy and kaweah,
These photos are so breathtaking… The places you visit and see. I had to look at them in detail. Beautiful.
Merry Christmas and happy 2013. Hope I can see you again in April!
And thank you for remembering Barbara.
Aran
December 21st, 2012 at 4:54 am
Jen, Happy New Year! I hope 2013 has us lifting a glass and catching up. Your photos are beautiful and I love seeing you, Jeremy and Kaweah throughout the year. The sand cranes and golden stand are my favorite nature pics – breathtaking. Thanks for sharing your eye for nature and people you love. xoxo – Julie
December 21st, 2012 at 5:48 am
Thank you so much for sharing, dear Jen, Jeremy, and Kaweah. Each of the pictures tells a different stories, and what an amazing way to remember the journey you’ve traveled. Dean and I enjoyed looking at each photo and noticed how you can’t help but smiling when photos of Kaweah came up. :) We feel so so so fortunate to meet you and have you shoot our wedding, you know, if you notice that last question in FAQ. ;-)
Have a great skiiiiiing season and happy new year! 2013 will rock!
xo,
Selina and Dean
December 21st, 2012 at 5:52 am
Happy New Year! What an adventure filled 2012 for you all. Lots of beautiful places and quality time outdoors- the best kind of year! Hope that 2013 brings more of the same!
December 21st, 2012 at 6:49 am
I like the mushroom. A LOT.
December 21st, 2012 at 7:37 am
I’m just delighted to be included in this delicious feast for the eyes! Just stunning sights and beautiful memories for you and yours… I am so happy to have met you, Jen, and look forward to much more of the world thru Jen’s eyes in the years to come. Here’s to a wonderful 2013!!
December 21st, 2012 at 7:49 am
Thank you for sharing your breathtaking photos. I am so glad 2012 was filled with special memories. Wishing you all a very joyous and blessed New Year! And the mountains of Utah are waiting for you…and so is the little pea:) xo
December 21st, 2012 at 7:50 am
Jen and Jeremy, what amazing photos. I am always inspired by your zest to see and capture all the world has to offer.
I had a sad moment when I got out my cards saved from last year to update addresses and on the very top of the pile was a card from dear Barbara.
xoxo
Kalyn
December 21st, 2012 at 8:22 am
Looks like you had a wonderful 2012, and I wish for you a marvelous 2013.
The photos of the eclipse (and all the other photos, as well) are breathtaking!
December 21st, 2012 at 9:55 am
Jen, there are so many magical moments here and so much beauty. Well done, friend (as always). Thank you for sharing your expertise with us in such a lovely way. Hoping I get an in person hug in 2013!
December 21st, 2012 at 11:41 am
Jen, what gorgeous and moving images. My favorite was the one of hands on your grandmother’s grave, even though all the nature shots are spectacular.
December 21st, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Love you guys! Thanks for sharing all the beautiful photos. I particularly like that first one with the birds.
December 21st, 2012 at 12:51 pm
I love these photos! And love Kaweah’s happy sweet face and smile. Hope you guys have wonderful holidays. I hear there is fantastic photo-taking to be had in Michigan….
December 21st, 2012 at 1:19 pm
Beautiful photographs, of course. It looks like a fabulous year was had. Best wishes to all three of you for a wonderful 2013. :) *hugs from Maine*
December 21st, 2012 at 2:50 pm
The photo of the elk in Rocky Mountain National Park is exceptional. There is such intense beauty in all your images. I think even if I’d never met you I’d know you have a full heart and wise mind about what you shoot. My favorite posts of yours though, might be the ones of your parents – how much care you put into their lives. Thank you for sharing your adventures. ox
December 21st, 2012 at 3:12 pm
yuie!!! i was thrilled to receive your message – had to plan on viewing the photos during a quiet moment alone! done and enjoyed! i especially love your dad, “nosing” his red, and the “Ocean of Wisdom.” i’m so glad to read that kaweah, although now 14, is still enjoying the snow – she’s your baby girl! i looked for pics of kris’ kids – how are they? ben must be 12 or 13? miss you, jeremy, and your folks… when are you coming home? ;-)
December 21st, 2012 at 4:09 pm
Jen … you have an amazing eye for capturing beauty! and sharing it with others :-)
December 21st, 2012 at 7:19 pm
Lovely photos as always! Thank you for including me, glad to see some of the memories and stories from 2012 and hoping the holidays and new year treat you well~
December 21st, 2012 at 8:46 pm
Wish you, Jeremy, and Kaweah a very happy holiday season and a happy, healthy, and adventurous 2013! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful pictures with us. The pictures are awesome in scenery, light, color, and truly artistic expression. Glad to see many pictures of you, Jeremy, and Kaweah, and one of your dad tasting wine! Love the comment of you friend about “dog soul”: brings to mind immediately the soulful pictures of William Wegman. * With much love, Paul & Juliet *
December 22nd, 2012 at 1:31 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your year in photos! Absolutely gorgeous, and makes me hope that we end up in CO for JD’s med school (fingers crossed).
Wishing you a wonderful 2013 – may it be filled with love, happiness & adventure!
-Liz
December 22nd, 2012 at 5:42 pm
This is such a beautiful recap! Thank you for sharing. I’m so glad we were able to spend some time together in 2012, you have a great heart and are a wonderful friend. Happy Holidays to you, Jeremy, and Kaweah and I wish you guys the very best for 2013. Love you!! XO
December 23rd, 2012 at 6:13 am
I am always amazed by your pictures. Every year i am waiting for this best of the best selection. Normally at work, i like executive summary, short and sweet to the point, but nor for art, i wish there are more ……………as usual, wonderful and beautiful pictures and the thoughts and time behind them…………simply lovely, thank you for sharing your wealth.
Happy Holidays to you, Jeremy and Kaweah, Love, XOXO……..janilla
December 23rd, 2012 at 6:54 am
Amazing photos! A treat for us each year, Jen. Thanks for sharing them.
December 23rd, 2012 at 9:16 am
A beautiful year…thank you for sharing with us. Hard to pick a favorite. TPH loves the eclipse and the sand cranes. I like the birthday party with Kaweah and the elk.
Wishing you and yours a healthy, happy, snow filled new year.
xoxo…jill and tom
December 23rd, 2012 at 7:39 pm
Gorgeous gorgeous pictures. Wish Barbara was still with us.
Hope you guys have a fabulous Christmas and all the best for the new year.
Much love,
Yc.
December 24th, 2012 at 6:15 am
Such beauty. Thank-you for sharing.
Happy New Year to all three of you and your families.
December 24th, 2012 at 7:26 am
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you!
Happy New Year!
December 24th, 2012 at 5:07 pm
Once again your photographs of nature, people & food lift my spirits with the incredible beauty as seen through your eyes. The shots of sweet Kaweah always make me smile, I don’t think a sweet pup has ever been loved as much as your little girl.
I wish a safe & happy holiday for you 3 & all your loved ones.
December 24th, 2012 at 11:50 pm
Dear Jennifer,
I don’t remember how I found your blog, but I have been honored to follow you for what I believe has been 2 years now. It is such a pleasure to see the love you and Jeremy have for each other and that you both have for your little girl Kaweah! I think of her every time I love on my grand puppy (puppy, ha, she’s almost 6) Rowdy. They love us so purely. I hope your puppy girl has many more birthdays. Your photographs are truly breathtaking! Best wishes for health and happiness in the upcoming year for the three of you and for your parents.
Best, Linda xo
December 26th, 2012 at 7:58 pm
Thanks for sharing these lovely photos, Jennifer & Jeremy. They gave me such a vivid sense of your life, a magical and adventurous 2012! What soulful eyes Kaweah has. Happy New Year to the three of you!
With love,
Frances
December 27th, 2012 at 12:08 am
Unbelievable. Once again, you have stunned me with the beauty of your photographs. Thanks so much – I always so look forward to getting your ‘card’, and hearing your voice through the captions. Glad you and Jeremy (and Kaweah) are doing well, and enjoying life. I look forward to some eventual meeting! Take care, and happy new year!
Love,
Roger
December 27th, 2012 at 8:32 am
Thank you for always sharing your beautiful photos & stories from your sweet life!
Happiest New Year to you, Jeremy & the sweetest Kaweah!
December 27th, 2012 at 1:47 pm
I always think that the year has absolutely blown by so quickly that all of the events blur. But I love to just stop and see moments like these, and remember that there were a lot of really good things that happened along the way. All the best to you and the Mr. and pup in the New Year. I adore you!
December 29th, 2012 at 3:52 pm
Thanks so much for your beautiful photos and food blog. I love it. We vacation every year in the RMNP. Hope 2013 brings much needed rain to your neck of the woods and to ours – KS.
Happy New Year!
December 30th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Happy New Year to the greatest trio. Amazing to think how long we’ve been friends and we’re grateful for blogging that brought us together. Wishing you all the greatest of 2013 and continued to be filled with love, friendship and family!!!
hugs and love to you all!!!
January 3rd, 2013 at 7:51 pm
fantastic shots! Very inspirational!
January 10th, 2013 at 11:58 am
Finally came back and spent some time on this. As usual, your talent takes my breath away, Jen. Thank you for sharing your life and your gorgeous images with us. May 2013 be the best yet!