My Thoughts, Ramblings and Ideas

I hesitate to call this section of my website a Blog, I feel that implies a purpose and a sense of direction. Really I find this section of my site as a space for the random thoughts and ideas that pop into my head and also a way to put more words with my images. We’ll call it a journal if you will, a place for me to put more words to my images and also to take my viewers along with me on my various journeys through this beautiful world.

Tunnel View and the Unexpected Power of Connection
Andrew Hertel Andrew Hertel

Tunnel View and the Unexpected Power of Connection

Not every photograph turns out the way we envision, but sometimes, it doesn’t have to. On a recent trip to Yosemite, I captured an image that didn’t meet my expectations—until my wife saw it and shared how deeply it resonated with her. This experience made me reflect on the role of art and how its meaning often lies in the viewer’s connection rather than the artist’s original intent. Read more about how this simple Yosemite image took on unexpected significance.

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Winter’s Quiet at Valley View
Fine Art Andrew Hertel Fine Art Andrew Hertel

Winter’s Quiet at Valley View

I caught Yosemite in a rare multi-day storm, transforming Valley View into a winter wonderland. Fresh snow draped the rocks and trees, with El Capitan rising majestically in the background. The stillness of the morning, broken only by the Merced River, was a reminder of why I return to these iconic places. Nature’s quiet moments are where I find my inspiration.

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The Outlier

The Outlier

Discover the serene beauty of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park through a striking black and white photograph of a unique, crooked fir tree standing out against taller, straighter trees by a reflective pond. Perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, this image encapsulates the tranquil yet dynamic essence of Yosemite's less-traveled paths.

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