Photos of the Week, September 15, 2023

This week, our field staff submitted stunning photos of skies in Alaska, the Galápagos Islands, and Japan. Whether it was sunrise, sunset, or golden hour, the clouds and light added atmosphere to the already incredible scenery. Get Inspired By Photos, Videos, Webinars, Stories, And Exclusive Offers. Sign Up

Yakushima, Japan

Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture , August 30, 2023

We set off, twisting and turning our way up into the clouds at Yakusugi. Here a boardwalk helped us to penetrate this mind-blowing forest. Giant ancient sugi (Cryptomeria) or “Japanese cedar” trees surrounded us. We visited a few of the biggest, oldest trees, with one dated at approximately 1,800 years (yes, one thousand eight hundred years old!). —Mike Greenfelder, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor

Iona, Scotland

Scotland's Highlands and Islands, August 31, 2023

The abbey on Iona, seen as we approach by the short ferry ride from Mull. —Andrew Peacock, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor

Amazon Natural Park, Peru

Upper Amazon Aboard the Delfin II, September 7, 2023

Amazon kingfisher female with a fish in its bill. —Anahi Concari, Naturalist

North Seymour Island, Galápagos

Galápagos Aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, September 10, 2023

A newborn sea lion with its mother. —Ramiro Adrian, Naturalist

Misty Fjords, Alaska

A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii, September 10, 2023

Morning sunrise comes later and later as we approach fall. —Shannon Malone, Naturalist

Lofoten Islands, Norway

East Greenland: Wild Shores of the High Arctic, September 11, 2023

Cod is king in Norway, and the Lofoten Islands were the center of the cod fishing industry for hundreds of years. These are fish drying racks. Cod are caught in the winter and spring and then hung on these racks to allow the flesh to dry out with the persistent winds in these islands. This dried cod is both a diet staple as well as a profitable export for Norway. —Kim Nesbitt, Undersea Specialist

Haida Gwaii–Daajing Giids, British Columbia, Canada

A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii, September 11, 2023

Stunning sunrise and a bonus rainbow as we woke up in Haida Gwaii on this beautiful day! —Kimberly Wood, Naturalist

Santiago Island, Galápagos

Galápagos Aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, September 11, 2023

We found this brown pelican preening its feathers on Espumilla Beach. These birds look very elegant, and with that beautiful rainbow in the background it was certainly a great opportunity to exercise our photography skills. —Javier Carrion, Naturalist

Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland, Canada

The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland, September 12, 2023

Pitcher plants and other carnivorous plants in Gros Morne National Park produce large stalks of flowers to avoid their pollinators and to trap other insects. —Adrian Cerda, Naturalist