Here are my first two entries into my “best photo moments of 2020.” I decided on that title as they’re not really my “best” photos necessarily, and “best” is rather subjective, but they instead represent some of the best moments from the past year. And how better to start than with winter bison. Both of these images were from January and the bison were on a rather chilly morning with the temperature in single digits. Given the cold temperature and the nearby geysers and hot springs, the bison were coated in frost though the morning sun was quickly melting it away. Even though I was with a snow coach tour with other photographers, we were the only group there so it was a peaceful quiet moment which, with the beautiful light and frosty bison, certainly contributed to this being such a serene and memorable moment.

Also taken in January, and while again, it might not be a “best” photo, this one rates high as a memorable moment because of the subject. Steamboat Geyser has stayed in a very active phase for a couple of years now, erupting every 7 to 10 days, give or take. Considering this geyser is the largest active geyser in the world and can go decades between eruptions, that’s pretty special. But even with such an “active” phase still on-going, catching an eruption of the geyser requires some luck. Again, on a snow coach tour into Yellowstone, we were fortunate enough to arrive while the giant geyser was still in it’s water phase. While it wasn’t near it’s maximum height, it was still erupting hundreds of feet into the air and the roar from the eruption made it difficult to hear people talking, even if they were right next to me. I did see Steamboat erupt a couple of times, but on this day, the clear skies and low angle of the sun made it the prettiest eruption I had the chance to witness (and photograph).