The Photographer - love this silhouette of an unknown fellow photographer enjoying the beauty of Stokksnes / Vestrahorn in Iceland at sunset. This image is from April 2, 2025. Was it you? It would be fun to find the photographer :)

“The beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!” | Iceland | April 3, 2025

So far the first two episodes of a Knight of the Seven Kingdoms have been fantastic. Let's hope they keep the tone and focus. Couldn't be bothered to even finish House of the Dragon. So this is a very welcome change.

Really nailed the focus on this northern lights photo from last night.

One more - just a quick adjustment in the phone after WiFi transferring it from my Sony. Copenhagen under the Aurora tonight :)

Copenhagen Aurora this evening - perhaps a bit a novel take on a iconic view :)

Nordic light dancing across the Icelandic countryside … somewhere in the eastern fjords. #iceland #sonyalpha

Back to the regularly scheduled programming - this late afternoon image is from the far east of Iceland - golden afternoon light on the mountains, while the valley and waterfalls slowly receded into blue shadows. #iceland #longexposure

I’ve now returned from my incredible trip in China and Taiwan. Which means I will revert to my normal posting. Here’s one final image quickly exported to my phone for editing from my Sony. Huangshan Mountain, China | December 2025.

As we say goodbye to 2025, I would just like to take a moment to say thank you all so much for all of the fantastic interactions. You inspire me, you make me laugh, you offer support, and your constant feedback helps inspire me to continue my creative journey. Happy New Year!

Since I edit chronologically, it will be a number of months before my 2025 images are ready. However, I recently posted my top 100 color images from 2024. If you’re looking for a little end of your wrap up, please check them out: virtualwayfarer.com/2024-a-year-...

A bend in the valley … a setting sun … a sentinel to share the last light with. #huangshan #china

This is the very essence of Twitter under Musk. Did you know that the biggest Medicare fraudster in Minnesota—Philip Esformes—is a well known MAGA activist who was pardoned by Trump? He then moved to Florida, where he was arrested again for fraud activities. Medicare fraudsters should be prosecuted

You can almost feel the crisp mountain air through this image, right? A slight chill down your spine, the sweet smell of fresh snow in your nostrils, and the bright morning light reflected off fresh snow. Zero edit on this one. #huangshan #china

First light | Mount Huangshan, China

A bit of fire and ice - it won’t do this one justice but I cannot wait to get home and edit it in full resolution. On the peak of the mountain there are shadows cast by the tees. The contrast between the morning light and the chill snowy ridge still bathed in shadow has so much subtle beauty to it.

This was the sunset I was hoping for. It was so special to be back up here on mount Huangshan once again. The weather was challenging - as it always is this time of year - but the snow was stunning and views worth every stair climbed. Can you see the rabbit ears in this photo? Sharing the view…

Was treated to the most delightful sunset tonight. The crisp sub-zero air (C) with a frosty breeze and evening light reflecting off the fresh snow and dangling icicles covering the trees. And above it all - this fun opportunity for a playful composition. #huangshan #china #sonyalpha #sunset

As the rain begins to turn to snow, the landscape transforms. The small clumps of snow gathering to highlight or outline shapes that would otherwise merge into the complex layered landscape. Waves of fog rolling through, mingling with the snow, as the landscape dons its winter garb. Huangshan, China

The subtle clink of prayer locks brushing against chain link railing as the wind blows. The scent of damp pine leaves and the crisp humid breeze heavily laden with fog. Is it a moment of tranquility? Eeriness? Something else all together? #huangshan #china

Perched on the mountain top covered by a heavy blanket of fog I waited…and waited…until the wind picked up slightly clearing the fog from the mountains. As frustrating as waiting for 40 minutes for a window of 3 can be - that fleeting chase adds to the delight. #huangshan #china #sonyalpha

Looking down into the void | Tianmen mountain | China

Happy winter solstice everyone! Wishing you light and joy and happiness! Here’s a late sunrise from two days ago deep in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. (Forgive the lens spot - it’s a quick phone preview since I’m still on the road).

I’m so excited about how these turned out. Cannot wait to get them up on the PC for a proper edit. This is a quick on-phone edit after pulling a preview from my A7RV. From #Zhangjiajie, #China yesterday evening.

A prayer, a thought, a message of good intention left for other travelers? Who can say for sure. But we can surely hope. #china #zhangjiajie

Spent the day taking it easy, waiting for the light, and hoping the weather would hold. Sure enough, luck chose to favor me. The clouds stayed clear, the smoke added ambiance, and the vantage I’d chosen worked out beautifully. Could not have asked for a better end to the day. #china #sonyalpha

The delicate beauty of winter on the mountain top | Zhangjiajie National Park, China

Blessings in the wind | Zhangjiajie, China

My aspiration in returning to Zhangjiajie was to photograph these spires in snow. Instead it’s +6C above normal with clear skies. This afternoon couldn’t have been better. I’m only a few hours in but it’s already made my visit.

Always consult the local expert. #chongqing #China

A nice cluster of Cladonia #lichen spp...plus the remains of what was a cloudberry flower. #fungi #fungifriends #wildflower

The sci-fi vibes of this city really do live up to the hype. Chongqing’s mix of skyscrapers, lights, and interconnected walkways is a powerful combo. But what also sets it off is how these structures have the river creating a buffer and giving you an unobstructed view. #china #chongqing #scifi

No hotpot (I’m just not a fan, and also they can’t be done easily as a solo traveler). But lots of fun local eats here in Chongqing. I had to get all mine very light on the chili but you can see this used to be part of Sichuan 🌶️.

A fun challenge when visiting an iconic spot, especially in a city as heavily photographed as Chongqing, is finding some sort of slightly novel composition. Particularly without any scouting and limited to what I stumble onto as I read the lay of the land, and wander - eyes scanning.

The beauty of this grand old gate gave me serious Angkor vibes. The result is quite beautiful and a fascinating contrast to the neon-skyline behind. #chongqing #china #sonyalpha

Exploring Chongqing at night is definitely a unique experience. The whole city is lit in a wild array of light and color. #china #chongqing

Fun to be back in China - I’ve arrived in Chongqing which is a first time visit for me. This city is something else. The architecture, the lights, the food, the history and everything also that goes with a city of 22 million people. First day was a lot of jet lag and a nice wander. Stories on IG.

Touchdown!

Due to a recent lack of rain the water was flowing at a leisurely pace. That meant that the giant bowl which is normally covered by a curtain during high water, was fully exposed and transformed into a small amphitheater where I could take photos while humming to myself in delight. Iceland.

Buried by the wind - sand and sea - Iceland. April, 2025.

Makes me think of the light of the Star of Eärendil. Radiant and magical deep within a crack in the earth. Iceland , April, 2025.

Tonight's edit - some nice black and white magic from north eastern Iceland.

Heading back to China for around 3 weeks this Saturday. Any other photographers going to be running around? No fixed agenda, but Huangshan and revisiting Zhangjiajie are high on the list. Throwback to 5 years ago on Mt Huangshan: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLlB...

Wow. When they came out the Hobbit trilogy felt incredibly disappointing. I've just been watching this two part on deleted scenes and plot changes and....wow. It explains so much. So many interesting insights. www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP0b... youtu.be/KQzLbJv1gDw?...

The wild dramatic beauty of Icelandic waves after a stroll had rolled through | April 2025

It'll probably another 6 months until my Top images of 2025 are ready - after all I kick off 3 weeks in China and Taiwan on Saturday. BUT, my recently finished Top 100 from 24 are available and I'd love if you'd take a look and let me know if any really touch you. virtualwayfarer.com/2024-a-year-...

Winding deeper and deeper into the depths of the slot canyon | April 2025.

A fun challenge: how do you get a somewhat novel image of one of the most photographed spots in Iceland? (While still sticking to legal and acceptable paths). What do you think? Did I manage it? Iceland April 2025.

Rutroh’ cloudflare outage round two? LinkedIn and a few others down at the moment.

Democratic politicians need to stop accepting Trump’s white nationalist premise that immigration is bad and proudly and loudly make a positive case for why America’s identity and history as a nation of immigrants is so important.