Best Moments from America's National Parks

From Big Bend to Yellowstone to Denali, nature photographer Ian Shive recalls the best photos and moments taken of National Parks across the country.

December 30, 2019

By: Ian Shive

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Photo By: Ian Shive

Glacier National Park, Montana

The first thing people ask me about this photo is "how did you get the mountain goat to pose?" It always makes me laugh, because for a brief moment, it looks like this goat was indeed just taking in the view, but alas, I was just lucky. Photographed at Hidden Lake, Glacier National Park, Montana.

Death Valley National Park, California

A great images almost always has layers to it, elements that allow the eye to wander. This composition has always been a favorite for the use of shadow and evening light, helping add drama and size of the dunes of Death Valley National Park, California.

Channel Islands National Park, California

Channel Islands National Park, California, is not far from Los Angeles, but a world apart. This image of Potato Harbor was taken just after sunset with a long exposure, smoothing out the ripples of the ocean, creating a painterly view of this cliffside vista.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Sometimes it's the elements that are out of focus that can make a landscape composition work. In this particular image, taken in Denali National Park, Alaska, I used the fireweed as a foreground element to add a dash of color to the photograph.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Cold weather is a great time to photograph hot springs and thermal features in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. This thermal feature is the most famous of all - Old Faithful. I was trying to find an angle where you can experience the geyser without people, boardwalks and gift shops, so I chose this spot in the back and used the sun to help darken the surrounding areas, giving a feel of what this old geyser must have been like for the first people to witness it.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

This is one of my favorite images from Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, mostly because it looks otherworldly. Photographed at Mammoth Hot Springs, near the north end of the park.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

I had just walked over the top of a hill when I came across this red fox stealing a bite from an elk kill, which had most likely been taken down by a pack of wolves. Photographed near the Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

Arches National Park, Utah

An early "selfie" made with a remote trigger, inside of an arch in Arches National Park, California. Sometimes the composition needs just a little bit more oomph and making yourself a part of it can help!

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

What makes this image work for me is the pine trees at the top, resembling a castle or spire. It helps keep the energy moving upward, making the image pleasing to the eye. Photographed in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington.