Nature Photography: My 11 Favorite Images

Written by Robert Lowdon

Robert Lowdon is an internationally published commercial photographer based out of Toronto, Canada. He spends his time photographing architecture and industrial projects for the most part.

Published May 11, 2022

antelope canyon

Nature photography is many things to many people. For some it is animals, for some it is landscapes, for me nature photography is everything. Everything exists in nature one way or another, but for the sake of this list, our definition of nature photography will be the photography of the natural environment.

The nature photography images below represent some of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Importantly, they all represent great experiences. There are certain moments in our lives that change us. Each one of these images did that to me as a nature photographer.

I’ll get this started below with one of the most vibrant nature photography images I have ever taken. But first, you might be wondering:

What is Nature Photography?

Nature photography is a type of photography takes focuses on the outdoor natural environment. Nature photography includes landscapes, wildlife, plants, and natural features – mountains, oceans, and deserts for example. Landscape photography and wildlife photography are the two major components of nature photography.

11 Nature Photography Images that Show How Beautiful the World Truly Is


Monument Valley, Utah

Monument Valley is one of the most popular destinations for nature photography in Utah. The beautiful red cliffs and mesas make for stunning photographs and there are plenty of places to get a great view. Photography isn’t always easy in Monument Valley, as the light can be harsh and the wind can be a bit tricky to manage. If you’re patient and prepared, you can get some truly stunning shots. Monument Valley is a great place to practice your nature photography skills and to get some great shots for your portfolio.

In the landscape photography below, I was lucky to capture one of the best sunsets I have ever witnessed. The glowing pink sky illuminated the snow-covered desert of Monument Valley in the distance. Usually, for landscape photos, it is a whole lot of waiting around for the perfect light that sometimes never comes. In this particular case, the timing was everything.

Monument valley sunset
Monument valley glows pink late on a winter day.

Big Bend, Arizona

Big Bend, Arizona is a photographer’s paradise. With its sprawling deserts, towering mountains, and winding river, the landscape is truly breathtaking. There is no shortage of subject matter, from stately saguaros to fluttering hummingbirds to rich landscapes. However, it should be noted that Big Bend is more than just a pretty place; it is also a place of great history and culture.

The area was once home to indigenous tribes and today it is a popular destination for hikers and campers. Whether you’re looking to see the beauty of nature or the essence of the American Southwest, Big Bend is sure to provide ample opportunities for stunning nature photography.

This image of Horseshoe Bend was taken late in the day at sunset. The colors of the red rocks seemed to glow in the early evening light. You get an eerie feeling when you walk to the edge of Big Bend, almost a desire to lean into it in a strange way. It’s odd, gigantic and beautiful.

Toronto photographer robert lowdon
Horseshoe bend late in the day is really the only time to get a great nature photography shots without shadows.

The Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Every year, millions of people come to see the majestic canyon and many of them take photographs.

Taking a good photograph of the Grand Canyon can be challenging. The vast size of the canyon can make it difficult to capture its grandeur in a single frame and the bright sun can create harsh shadows. Nevertheless, with a little effort, it is possible to take stunning photos of the Grand Canyon. The key is to find a vantage point that allows you to capture as much of the canyon as possible and to use a filter to reduce the glare of the sun. With a little patience and creativity, beautiful photographs of this natural wonder can be achieved.

This is my most favorite image of the Grand Canyon that I have taken. This Grand Canyon sunset was one of those unique times the landscape changes you as a photographer.

Grand canyon
A grand view of the grand canyon at sunset

Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Antelope Canyon in Arizona is one of the most popular nature photography locations in the world. It’s no wonder why with the natural sandstone formations that create a unique and otherworldly landscape, unlike anywhere else on Earth. Getting the perfect shot in Antelope Canyon requires a certain amount of expertise to achieve the desired results.

The canyon is notoriously difficult to photograph due to the narrow walls and low light levels. But for those who are willing to put in the effort, the rewards are more than worth it. With a little patience and a lot of luck, you can capture some truly magnificent images in this remarkable place.

The glowing orange rock of the slot canyon creates a magical feeling. There is something about the smooth walls and curves that make antelope canyon truly memorable. This image I took reminds me of the photographs I used to see as a child in National Geographic magazines, but is personally rewarding because I used my own artistic spin resulting in the dramatic image you see below.

Everything exists in nature one way or another, but for the sake of this list our definition of nature photography will be photography of the natural environment.
The spectacular glowing orange rock in antelope canyon.

Bryce Canyon, Utah

Any photographer worth their salt knows that the best time to take photos is during the golden hour, when the sun is low in the sky and casts a warm glowing light. However, this can be tricky to do in Bryce Canyon, as the sun rises and sets relatively early. Nevertheless, it’s well worth getting up early to photograph the canyon at dawn or staying out late to capture its beauty in the twilight hours. The colors of the rock formations are especially stunning during these times of day, making Bryce Canyon a traveler’s paradise.

When attempting to describe Bryce Canyon, I am at a loss for words. It is stunning, though I’m not sure it’s earth. I took this example of nature photography just after sunset. My goal was to minimize the shadows to achieve a dynamic image. The sheer scale and detail of Bryce Canyon are just simply epic.

Utah landscape photography
The many rock formations of bryce canyon national park

White Sands, New Mexico

White Sands New Mexico is a photographer’s dream. The vast expanse of the white sand is like a blank canvas, begging to be captured. The light is simply perfect, whether it’s the soft glow of sunrise or the fiery rays of sunset, this remarkable example of nature photography tells the story of vast stillness. For photographers, White Sands National Park is a true one of a kind experience. It’s not just the landscape that makes this place so special, there’s simply no other place like it.

I loved photographing White Sands, it was a truly magical time for me walking through the dunes. I kept thinking in this moment that I had come across something that was going to fundamentally change the way I looked at the world. With the pure white sand and layer of snow on the top of the dunes that froze the pattern of the sand blowing in the strong winds, I knew I was leaving different.

Landscape-photogaphy-white-sands
Pure white sand blows across white sands national park.

Banff, Alberta

If you’re looking to experience one of the last wild places on earth, Banff, Alberta should be at the top of your list. The Canadian Rocky Mountains outside of the town of Banff is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, showcasing towering mountains, pristine lakes, and meadows full of wildflowers. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a complete novice full of fresh nature photography tips, you’ll find plenty of subject matter to keep yourself busy in Banff.

Taking this nature photo of Banff National Park was such a serene experience. There is something about being alone in such a giant area of wilderness that brings peace. Nature photography does that to you as a photographer, as there is something that is so personal about it. You experience the landscape in a way that is completely different than just visiting. Hands down, one of the best places in Canada to get some beautiful pics of nature.

Alberta nature photography
The serene rocky mountains of banff national park. This is just one of the many places in banff to get beautiful nature pictures.

Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia

Peggy’s Cove is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nova Scotia, and it’s not hard to see why. The quaint fishing village is home to colorful houses, towering cliffs, and of course, the famous Peggy’s Point Lighthouse. Peggy’s Cove is also a photographer’s dream. The rugged coastline and picturesque scenery make it the perfect environment to capture some breathtaking shots. Whether you’re an avid traveler or a photography enthusiast, Peggy’s Cove is definitely worth a visit.

Sunrise at Peggy’s Cove is enthralling. I got out to Peggy’s Cove in the quiet early morning before anyone else and was able to capture this photo. It is my favorite image of the lighthouse.

Peggy's cove
Early morning sunrise at peggy’s cove.

Redwoods National Park, California

Redwoods National Park in California is one of the most popular destinations for nature photography. The park is home to towering redwoods, some of which are over 300 feet tall. The Redwoods are an iconic sight and many visitors come to the park specifically to photograph them. In addition to the Redwoods, Redwoods National Park also offers a variety of other photo opportunities. The park is home to several species of animals, including black bears, elk, and tourists. There are also numerous hiking trails that wind through the forests that offer stunning views of the coastline. Redwoods National Park is a beautiful place to be.

This picture I took of the Pacific Ocean is one of my favorites. The purple and pink colors make the scene tranquil, quiet, and relaxing. It was monumental for me the first time I got to see the ocean and I think this image is a good representation of that.

California landscape photography
Just before sunrise over the pacific ocean in northern california.

Crater Lake, Oregon

Crater Lake is otherworldly. It is a place that is meant to be visited to understand its sheer size and beauty of it. Crater Lake is Oregon’s only national park, and it’s easy to see why. The lake is nearly two thousand feet deep, making it the deepest in the country. Its vibrant blue waters are surrounded by cliffs that rise up more than a thousand feet.

It’s a bit of a hike to get to this vantage point, but as you can see, it is definitely worth it. I wanted to show the grandeur of the lake and how breathtaking it was. I didn’t go as wide with my camera lens choice as you see in most Crater lake nature photography because that would make it look small. It’s not small, it is massive and completely unique.

Oregone landscape photography
After sunset at crater lake national park.

Somewhere in New Mexico

There’s something special about winter in New Mexico. Maybe it’s the way the light hits the landscape, or the way the air feels crisp and clean. Whatever it is, there’s no denying that this state is a wonder to behold. And what better time to explore it than in the winter? The mornings may be chilly, but the days are often bright and sunny. So pack your sense of adventure, and head out into New Mexico’s wild and beautiful winter.

To this day I am not really sure where this is in New Mexico, some say it is ship rock, but I am not quite sure. I was driving in the thick fog in the early morning when after taking a corner, this beautiful scene just seemed to open up out of nowhere. It was serendipitous that the fog parted just enough to capture this image, as the thick fog returned after I left, maybe I was meant to photograph this. I think this image is breathtaking and am proud to share that it’s one of the best images I have taken.

New mexico landscape
Fog rolls across the new mexico desert leaving frost on the vegetation.

I hope you have enjoyed viewing each one of these nature photography images as much as I did creating them. I took the opportunity to link each one to our online nature photography store. Let me know in the comments where your favorite place to capture nature photography is in the world!

As a Toronto photographer, I have been really lucky to be able to travel to so many great places. I hope that you will take the time to visit some of North America’s great National Parks.

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