There is a lot to say about 2021, both good and bad. The pandemic continued and introduced new versions for all to deal with (the bad); however, vaccines have helped most areas “open up” (good news). Domestic travel increased, but international travel is still a challenge. All of this meant that Vermont had a bunch of visitors in 2021.
Vermont is still the four-season photographer playground that it always has. As a part-time resident for the last 20 years, I am lucky enough to spend a bunch of time in the state in all four seasons. The mountains and the lakes and streams offer unlimited photo opportunities. Vermont’s trees are its most iconic attraction; they are the green in the Green Mountain State. Late Spring and early summer are a brilliant green; early Spring provides a pallet of pastel colors, and Autumn is when they get to show off. When Autumn is in full swing, it is the fourth of July in October. Even in the winter, the leafless trees make for great landscape models. My favorite winter composition is a lone tree in a field while snowing.
Last year was a significant equipment change for me, as I fulfilled my 30-year desire to own a medium format digital camera. Starting in the film days, I have always been drawn to great landscape photographers using large format cameras. The detail and impact of their images always had a little extra punch – to me. However, I am aware that new equipment will not make me a better photographer; only practice will accomplish that. Cameras and lenses have always been a separate hobby to me. I love to collect vintage cameras, and I love to use new cameras. The Fujifilm GFX medium format camera was not my only new camera in 2021. Last year marked my 40th year owning a Nikon camera which started with a Nikon FG in 1982 and continues with the mirrorless Z7 II in 2021. The Nikon Z cameras serve up excellent image quality for any landscape photographer. The reduced size and weight make them a perfect choice for me when the medium format is too much. I even got to fool around with a small drone in 2021 doe the first time. It is fun but will take some time to get used to being a remote control pilot. I learned that Vermont is just as beautiful from the air as it is from the ground. Anyone that has been to the top of Mount Manfield already knows that.
Each year I like to look back at all my photos and pick a dozen favorites to share here. As each year begins, I have no master plan for how I want the year to go. My goals are always the same initially – get to Vermont as many times as possible, get out in the woods often, and hope for favorable conditions to make impactful images. It works out every once in a while, but most of the time, I am trying to make lemonade out of lemons when it comes to weather. I make no claims that any of the ten photos below are epic photos, or even ones for that matter. They represent my favorites. I like pictures for many different reasons. Some I like because it brings back fond memories of the moment, or it means a new task tried with a successful outcome. Some I like the composition. Not all of my favorites are a product of design; a few made the list against my better efforts in the field. I find I am drawn to simple images. They are non-descriptive when it comes to revealing a location. Epic photographs can be achieved in Vermont, but unique photos rest in the nooks and crannies of the deep woods or the spacious landscape.
Visit my other site to view my 2021 general photography favorites here
Reading 
Marshfield 
North Pomfret 
North Pomfret 
Warren 
Granville 
Groton 
Groton 
Bridgewater 
Killington 
Killington 
Killington
