NOTE: Five new images have been added at the bottom of this post after the initial upload. The Impressions of Light images were taken during the last light of 2018.
Greetings from the Sierra Nevada. It is that time of year again when we all look back at the events of last year and look forward to the year ahead. Many photographers have developed the good habit of editing a collection of their favorite images for the year. The process of self-assessment is a vital part of artistic growth. In the day-to-day rush of life, we don’t often stop to see trends in our own image-making. By turning back the clock, we can see if we’re stuck in a rut or are hopefully making great progress.
I have included capture details and presented the images in chronological order. I hope you will visit my blog and add your comments or favorites at the bottom of the page.
May 2019 brings you joy, peace, and exciting photographic opportunities.
Cheers to a happy and healthy New Year! Bill
Best of 2014
Best of 2015
Best of 2016
Stones, Ahwahnee, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, 90mm F2.8,
1/3 second at f/13, ISO 80
Mule’s Ears Leaves, Ahwahnee, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, 90mm F2.8,
1/2 second at f/16, ISO 100
Ice Patterns, Ahwahnee, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, 90mm F2.8,
1/6 second at f/13, ISO 100
Oak Branches, Ahwahnee, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, 16-35mm F2.8 G SSM II,
1/4 second at f/16, ISO 400
Pine Branches, Ahwahnee, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, 70-200mm F2.8 G SSM,
1.60 second at f/25, ISO 100
Pine Branches and Cones, Ahwahnee, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, 70-200mm F2.8 G SSM,
1.60 second at f/25, ISO 100
Pear tree in bloom, Fresno, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, 16-35mm F2.8 G SSM II,
1/100 second at f/13, ISO 640
Purple Plum Blossoms #2, 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, 90mm F2.8,
1/1 second at f/22, ISO 100
Oaks and Fog, Ahwahnee, California
SonyILCE-7RM2, 70-200mm F2.8 G SSM,
1/2 second at f/32, ISO 100
Pine and Sunbeams, Ahwahnee, Calfornia 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, 70-200mm F2.8 G SSM,
1/1600 second at f/22, ISO 100
Plum Blossoms #5
Sony ILCE-7RM2, 70-200mm F2.8 G SSM,
1/40 second at f/20, ISO 400
Orchid
Sony ILCE-7RM2, 90mm F2.8,
1.60 second at f/22, ISO 100
Day Lily
Sony ILCE-7RM2, 90mm F2.8,
1.30 second at f/25, ISO 100
Spring Oak, Ahwahnee, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM,
1/200 second at f/16, ISO 800
Sunrise over Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, EF70-200/2.8L USM,
1/125 second at f/16, ISO 100
Ponderosa Pine and Incense Cedar trees, Yosemite National Park, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, EF70-200/2.8L USM,
1 second at f/16, ISO 100
Sunrise over Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM,
1/160 second at f/16, ISO 100
Upper Yosemite Fall, Yosemite National Park, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS,
1/1000 second at f/5.6, ISO 800
Cascade Falls, Yosemite National Park, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS,
1/8 second at f/40, ISO 100
Salsify, Ahwahnee, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, #10 50/2.4,
1/750 second at f/2.4, ISO 1000
Peacock Feather, Ahwahnee, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, #127 90/2.8,
1/2 second at f/29, ISO 100
Mushrooms, Ahwahnee, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, #127 90/2.8,
1/2 second at f/20, ISO 100
Mushroom, Ahwahnee, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, #10 50/2.4,
1/1 second at f/16, ISO 100
Stone, 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, #10 50/2.4,
1/8 second at f/32, ISO 100
Ammonite Fossil, 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, #127 90/2.8,
1/5 second at f/22, ISO 100
Salt Crystals 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, #127 90/2.8,
1/3 second at f/18, ISO 100
Succulent, Ahwahnee, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, #127 90/2.8,
13 second at f/25, ISO 100
Merced River Reflections, autumn, Yosemite National Park, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS,
3.20 second at f/29, ISO 100
Ripples, Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS,
1/80 second at f/16, ISO 800
Backlit Elm Branches, autumn, Yosemite National Park, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, EF24-105/4L IS USM,
1/10 second at f/22, ISO 400
Blackberry Leaves, Ahwahnee, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, #127 90/2.8,
1/2 second at f/13, ISO 100
Grasses and Ice, Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS,
1/6 second at f/32, ISO 100
Dogwood and Forest, autumn, Yosemite National Park, California 2018
SonyILCE-7RM2, EF24-105/4L IS USM,
1/6 second at f/16, ISO 400
California Quail feathers, Ahwahnee, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, #10 50/2.4,
1/1 second at f/16, ISO 100
Bougainvillea petals, La Quinta, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, #127 90/2.8,
1/125 second at f/16, ISO 800
Thank you for viewing my photographs. I hope you will leave your comments below.
Happy New Year!
Here are a few images I’d like to add to the list. The first BW was simply missed during the upload. The impressionistic images were taken after I uploaded, taken during the last light of 2018!
Cathedral Spire and Mists, Yosemite National Park, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS,
1/6000 second at f/5.6, ISO 500
Grasslands at sunset, Madera County, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS,
1/1 second at f/11, ISO 100
Grasslands and sunset, Madera County, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS,
3.20 second at f/5.6, ISO 100
Grasslands at twilight, Madera County, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS,
2.50 second at f/16, ISO 100
Grasslands and hills at twilight, Madera County, California 2018
Sony ILCE-7RM2, FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS,
2 second at f/5.6, ISO 100
March 29, 2019 at 9:35 AM
another quick question for you bill. do you ever feel when creating an image in the field that you are leaving something on the table by not using medium format digital, because when i compare your work with those who use mf i see no discernible difference. i love my d850 and spending enough to buy a new truck just seems like money not well spent. hope to see you during the oakhurst art festival in october.
March 29, 2019 at 11:26 AM
Yes, I do a little bit but it’s not practical for me so I don’t sweat it much. Only going beyond 20×30 or so would it be very visible. That said, when Sony comes up with a high MP camera, like 70MP, I’ll buy in!
Hope you can make it:
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 4th through October 6th, 2019
https://sierraarttrails.org/
March 28, 2019 at 5:39 PM
I had a really hard time picking a favorite! I guess I will have to pick the water polished stones. I love the colors.
I have been inspired by your photographs ever since I went on a Photographic group workshop with you many years ago. The work shop was in the Great Smoky Mountains; based in Gatlinburg Tennesee.
March 29, 2019 at 11:17 AM
Thanks Jim for your feedback! Wow, that Smokies was a long time ago. Glad the inspiration has not worn off!
March 27, 2019 at 8:10 AM
Thanks for your feedback! I still have some of those Cibachromes! I even printed some of them in Ansel’s darkroom.
The “perfect” way to take a “perfect” photo is to use the “perfect” aperture. At most print sizes I make up 20×24, whether I use f/11 or f/22 doesn’t matter much. Apparent sharpness throughout the image, front to back, is more important to me. My approach dates back to my view camera days and before focus bracketing was easily available. I had a student recently using a Fuji camera that had autofocus bracketing built in. That’s what I want in my Sony! Quick and easy, so as not to inhibit my image-making.
New show in November:
William Neill
November 17th – January 4th
March 26, 2019 at 7:49 PM
sunrise over yosemite valley #1, Cathedral Spire and Mists, Grasslands and sunset #2. i may have told you this before but i did a workshop with you, jeff nixon and lewis kemper, when we both had our natural hair color. i really loved your cibachrome prints at that workshop. question: on the web there is much discussion of the effects of diffraction caused by small f stops. since you seem to have no problem using smaller f stops, do you see in your prints a real loss of sharpness. if i know a print is going to be a palladium print i don’t hesitate to use smaller f stops but i resort to focus stacking so i can stay at f8 at the most for prints that will be made in color or b&w. also when will you have your prints shown again at the ansel adams gallery? your work continues to excel and when i need a kick in the pants i come to your sight.
February 10, 2019 at 12:52 PM
P.S. All of them are excellent. However, if I had to choose one, it would be: “Grasses and Ice, Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California 2018.”
February 10, 2019 at 12:43 PM
All of them are wonderful . . . and examples of Bill’s exceptional and inspirational photography.
As I concluded in a 2017 article:
“While I have always loved Ansel’s photos and those of Mathew Brady taken during the American Civil War, I am more interested in color photography than black-and-white. Indeed, I concluded near the end of our time with Bill—and viewing photos at his Web site—that he had actually surpassed the great Ansel, and was his logical successor and photographic heir.”
Bill is a very special person.
January 13, 2019 at 8:11 PM
This is a beautiful and varied collection, Bill. Your Yosemite images always define the many moods of the Valley for me, but I’m really enjoying your new intimate high key series are well. Wishing you all the best in 2019!
Cheers,
Russ
January 14, 2019 at 11:10 AM
Thanks so much Russ! Working hard to keep it fresh, explore new directions.
January 5, 2019 at 12:35 PM
It’s very, very hard to pick one. You have such a diverse selection of stunning images; there’s so much to admire and to learn from.
In the end, the one that impressed me the most was “Pine and Sunbeams”.
Obviously I can’t not mention “Ripples, Merced River” as a quite special one.
Keep on with your inspiring work, I can hardly wait to see what you’ll come up with in 2019!
January 6, 2019 at 9:57 AM
Hi Carlos, Happy New Year! Thanks for your feedback and support. We certainly had a blast making those ripple images!!
January 4, 2019 at 11:08 AM
Beautiful work – full of insight and discovery. Wishing you a creative and healthy 2019 Bill.
January 3, 2019 at 3:03 PM
Hi Bill,
My favorites are: ripples, upper Yosemite, cascade falls, and ponderosa pine. A special mention to the salt picture for vision and creativity. Happy new year and best regards. Looking forward to seeing what 2019 brings!
Brad
January 6, 2019 at 9:58 AM
Thanks Brad. Good to have the feedback!
January 2, 2019 at 4:25 PM
Hi Bill,
Thanks for sharing your inspirational work. You certainly raised the bar! I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite as I was impressed with them all!
Happy 2019
January 2, 2019 at 6:08 PM
Thanks. I will keep on truckin, trying to get to the next level!!
January 2, 2019 at 2:10 PM
Hi Bill,
Happy New Year. I like the following:
Stones: I like the play of colors and wonderful reflections
Pine Branches: It just works and I like the textures
Oak and Fog: A magical time in the foothills
Mushrooms: I used to know my mushrooms. I like the natural history look.
Dogwood and Forest: Finding order in complete disorder.
Take care,
Hugh Sakols
January 2, 2019 at 6:10 PM
Hi Hugh. Happy New Year. Maybe our paths will cross this year!
Thanks for your list. Love those mushrooms too, but don’t know the species…
January 2, 2019 at 9:17 AM
Happy New Year. You made so many interesting images with the light box this year – thank you for sharing and inspiring.
My favorite is the quail feathers – I just want to gaze at that pattern all day. Next favorites are the salsify, the rocks and the colorful impressionist series at the end.
January 2, 2019 at 6:12 PM
Hi Beth, Thanks for the feedback. Hope all goes well for you.
Happy New Year.
January 2, 2019 at 5:34 AM
Hi William
Inspiring images, all of them, and good to see a couple from our foray in November.
For me:
1. Ripples; I can’t look past water
2. Stones: such a strong image with great colours
3. Salsify: the light!
Have a great 2019; I have your images as my guide.
January 2, 2019 at 6:14 PM
Thanks, Bryan, for your feedback and hiring me to work with you in Yosemite.
January 1, 2019 at 11:58 AM
So many great choices! My current favorites from your 2018:
Merced River Reflections
Dogwood and Forest
Grasses and Ice
But then there are the leaf and floral photos – love them all !
January 1, 2019 at 12:13 PM
Thanks so much for your feedback!
January 1, 2019 at 9:39 AM
Beautiful images! My favorites are:
– Sunrise over Yosemite Valley (both)
– Upper Yosemite Falls
– Cascade Falls
– Merced River Reflections
– Stones
– California Quail feathers
– Ripples, Merced River
January 1, 2019 at 12:12 PM
Wow, so many! Thanks!
January 1, 2019 at 8:07 AM
I’m inspired by all of these images!
Four of my favorites:
– Merced River Reflections
– Succulent
– Peacock Feather
– Salsify
Thank you for sharing !
January 1, 2019 at 6:39 AM
I love all the images. What comes across to me is simplicity. This includes the color, tone and composition. Following you helps me see the world differently when I venture out with my camera. Thanks!!!
January 1, 2019 at 3:38 AM
Here are my favorites:
-Sunrise Over Yosemite Valley
-Upper Yosemite Fall
-Merced River Reflections
-Dagwood and Forest
-Bougainvillea Petals
I wish you a good deal of the Beauty and Success in your next Image-making.
January 1, 2019 at 12:11 PM
Thanks for your list!
December 31, 2018 at 3:35 PM
Favorites:
Sunrise Over Yosemite Valley (both versions)
Cascade Falls
Merced River Reflections
Dogwood and Forest
Bouganvillea Petals
I also love your new book which I received a few months ago.
January 1, 2019 at 11:55 AM
Thanks for the feedback, and very glad that you enjoy my book.
December 31, 2018 at 2:49 PM
What an enjoyable and great selection from a master. I particularly like salsify #10. Thank you for the continued inspiration.
January 1, 2019 at 11:54 AM
Thank you! Now on to making new images in 2019.
December 31, 2018 at 2:09 PM
So my favorites this year are:
Pear Tree in bloom; Pine branches, Upper Yosemite Falls, Peacock feathers,and Merced River Reflections.
January 1, 2019 at 11:53 AM
Great to learn this. Loved that pear tree!
December 31, 2018 at 2:04 PM
Here are my selections:
Cascade Falls, Yosemite National Park
Ponderosa Pine and Incense Cedar trees
Ice Patterns, Ahwahnee, California
Ripples, Merced River
Sunrise over Yosemite Valley
I’ve been making a year-end list for a while – a nice way to look back, and think about where you want to go creatively.
Tom
January 1, 2019 at 11:50 AM
I greatly appreciate your feedback!
December 31, 2018 at 1:31 PM
I love the Merced River Reflections with the Sunrise over Yosemite a close second. All are absolutely gorgeous. Thank you always for the gorgeous nature shots. Best wishes for the new year!
January 1, 2019 at 11:47 AM
Thanks so much for your kinds words!
December 31, 2018 at 1:24 PM
My favorite images:
– Upper Yosemite Fall, Yosemite National Park, California 2018
– Bougainvillea petals, La Quinta, California 2018
January 1, 2019 at 11:46 AM
Thanks for your comments!
December 31, 2018 at 1:21 PM
Sunrise over Yosemite with falls off to right (1/125 sec). Inspiring! I didn’t know that camera would take Canon lenses.
January 1, 2019 at 11:45 AM
Thanks for your feedback! I use the Canon lenses on the Sony using a Metabones adapter.
December 31, 2018 at 1:17 PM
All good work, but Marcia and I like the rocks the best.
Mike.
January 1, 2019 at 11:43 AM
Thanks very much. Which rocks, the first one?
December 31, 2018 at 1:07 PM
Love the intimate nature of these images. Very expressive! Thanks the continuing inspiration!
January 1, 2019 at 11:28 AM
Thanks so much, Steve!
December 31, 2018 at 1:05 PM
All are so motivating to me to continue to be creative and to look at all that’s around me and not just the big picture. I need to remember to keep an open mind when I have my camera in hand.
Thank you for your visions.
John
January 1, 2019 at 11:28 AM
Hi John, Open mind and open heart!
Thanks for your kinds words!
December 31, 2018 at 12:43 PM
Let me know your favorite images!
December 31, 2018 at 12:53 PM
Stones and Ice Patterns because I look for details like that in my photography.
Also Ammolite Fossil . . . I spent Christmas in Banff and purchased a small Amolite pendant. Learned the story about the gem.
January 1, 2019 at 11:26 AM
Thank you! What story did you learn about ammonites?
January 2, 2019 at 7:11 AM
Oaks and Fog – simply gorgeous in its natural contemplative beauty.