On pointA dragonfly (specifically a blue dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis)) rests on the point of an unopened lotus flower.

On a sunny day,

Dragonflies eat mosquitos,

A smile adorns my face.

Blue, Purple, and GreenA blue dragonfly rests on a purple pond flower (pickerel rush (Pontederia codata)), with a lush green background.

Dragonfly HandstandA dragonfly (specifically a blue dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis)) perched on the point of an unopened lotus flower appears to be doing a handstand.

Sunset from Hawksbill SummitA sunset viewed from the summit of Hawksbill Mountain in Shenandoah National Park, featuring a beautiful sky, lush forests, and jagged rocks. Hawksbill summit is the highest point in Shenandoah National Park. The summit of Hawksbill Mountain is the highest point in Shenandoah, with an elevation of 4,050 feet (1,234 meters).

I recently returned to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. It's one of my favorite places and I try to visit often. During my last visit, I climbed to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain. At 4,050 feet (1,234 meters), it's the highest point in Shenandoah and a really great place to shoot a sunset, like the one above.

I also visited South River Falls. There are many waterfalls in Shenandoah. This one isn't the tallest or the most frequently visited, but it is certainly one of the most beautiful. I love the tranquility of the space, enclosed by lush forest. I suspect it would be more frequently visited if the trail were a little less steep and a little less rocky.

Tranquility at South River FallsSouth River Falls in Shenandoah National Park, featuring the waterfall, a tranquil pool, lush vegetation, and moss covered rocks.

I actually took numerous photos of South River Falls. I really like the angle and composition of the first one, but the second one (below) is also quite nice with the sun peeking through the foliage.

Peeking at South River FallsThe late afternoon sun peeks through a lush tree canopy on the South River Falls waterfall, moss covered rocks, and a tranquil pool in Shenandoah National Park.

While in Shenandoah, I also stopped by Big Meadows late at night. It was a mostly clear night without any moon. Those are perfect conditions for astrophotography. The following is a photo of the galactic core of the Milky Way stretching above the meadow.

Big Meadows Milky WayA starry sky over Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park, featuring the galactic core of the Milky Way galaxy.

Sunset on WashingtonThe sun sets on Washington, D.C. Featuring the Washington skyline, the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, the Capitol, and dramatic clouds.

A couple of weeks ago, NASA had scheduled to launch a rocket from the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. I thought it might make for a nice photo to shoot the Washington, D.C., skyline with the rocket rising in the distance. Unfortunately, NASA scrubbed the launch because of high winds. However, while I was waiting around for the launch, I got some great photos of the D.C. skyline at sunset. I've found that planning is an important part of landscape photography. An equally important part is being able to adapt when your plans don't work out.

Clouds Over the Washington SkylineThe Washington skyline shortly before sunset. Featuring the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Capitol, and dramatic clouds.

Sunshine on LincolnThe sun shines a spotlight on the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., as the sun starts to set. Also featuring the Capitol and the Washington skyline.

Last Rays of Light on WashingtonThe last rays of sunlight hit the Washington Monument and the Capitol in Washington, D.C., as the sun dips below the horizon. Also featuring the Lincoln Memorial and dramatic clouds.