There’s no better way to experience the changing of seasons than through the lens of nature photography. This year, I let winter’s chill and spring’s awakening guide my travels, camera in hand. From the snowy stillness of Hokkaido to the surreal beauty of the Azores, and finally the vibrant life of Florida’s wetlands and beaches, each destination offered a new perspective and fresh challenges. Here’s a look at three unforgettable stops in my nature photography journey so far

Looking back over all this last year has thrown at me and the things I voluntarily took on, here are my top lessons from the field.