I am fortunate to live within an easy drive of some of New England’s most beautiful places, and continue to make a commitment to capturing them in dramatic light and atmosphere. I had many mornings and evenings of beautiful light, and saw some amazing natural features and events. What I cannot capture on film, the sounds and smells, and the people whom I shared them with, are still motivating factors to me, and in many cases the reason I am out there shooting.

Also this year however, I had many times where the elements failed to come together, and when it became difficult to bring home shots to share. I’ve gained perspective on the fact that magic happens, and sometimes, I’ll be there to capture it. I have many plans to revisit many great locations and share more in 2010. I hope you continue to join me on the journey!

In chronological order…My top 9 of ‘09…

#1 Below Zero in Portsmouth Harbor…
I had been scouting this location in southern Maine a few times, waiting for the right conditions. On a morning that dawned -9F at my house, I figured I’d either get sea smoke, or some fun tide ice. This was beyond my expectation…

Sunrise at Ethan Pond…
A nice sky, a still pond and a mountain spotlight greeted me after dawn on the spring outing club trip I ran for the high school.  Hard to shoot on these trips…but there’s some time to sneak away…

Grass Pink Orchid in June…
I’ve been after these for a few years.  Just an amazing flower that grows in tough to shoot places.  I found this one at one of my favorite new places to visit this year…Ponemah Bog in Milford, NH

Morning Mist in Sugar Hill…
Self explanatory…

September Frost at Ponemah Bog…
A third trip to the bog this year…a chilly morning pumped lots of moisture into the air, and great light effects abounded!

Tye-Dyed Hippie Plant…
I know I’m not alone on this forum with my affinity for hobblebush…this was one of the best leaf pairings I’ve found.  Humerously, I found it because I was being ‘that guy’, taking a phone call in the woods near a waterfall, and moving away from the falls to hear I found this one!

Stillness and Storm, Little Cherry Pond, Jefferson…
On a hike with Ryan for a sunset at Big Cherry Pond, we realized the light wasn’t going to happen on the mountains, so we went over to little cherry pond.  This place is a gem in itself, but a thunderstorm to the NW, and not a breath of air really made this scene, and whole experience, pretty amazing…

Waiting For Snow…
I was helping a friend move in North Conway for the weekend, and stole away at dawn to a spot I’ve been meaning to hit for a while.  Conditions really came together well!

First Snowfall of the Winter Season…
Close to home…I often overlook the opportunities right in my neighborhood.  This is right down the street…after the first snowfall…

Hoping for better light while at elevation this coming year…but I shouldn’t complain, as any day out is a good day!!!

All of these will soon be prominently integrated into http://www.jimsalge.com