We asked our Sony Artisans Of Imagery and Alpha Collective to submit their most meaningful images of 2024. See Part 2 below featuring landscape photography from Chris Burkard, Andy Katz, Patrick Murphy-Racey, Jason Frankle, Kyle Huber, Nate Luebbe, Scott Kranz, Vincent Lim, Jérôme-Poirier and Henry Tieu. Stay tuned to Alpha Universe as we continue to countdown to 2025.

See the images from Part 1 here.

We're counting down to the end of the year with a selection of the most meaningful images taken by our Sony Artisans and Alpha Collective in 2024.

Chris Burkard

Photo by Chris Burkard. Sony Alpha 1 II. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/500-sec., f/4, ISO 200

“This image was shot from a bush plane piloted by Chris Kunkle. When lining up a shot like this, clear communication with your pilots is key. Once this moment unfolded, I announced to Chris to dip his left wing down for a clear shot of the subject plane.”

“This image is meaningful to me because it represents a culmination of elements that are part of my origins in surf photography spending many days in Big Sur, while paying homage to my passion for flight in small aircraft in vast landscapes.”

Andy Katz

Photo by Andy Katz. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/125-sec., f/11, ISO 80

“The sky was on my side. In a turbulent year we all need a rainbow.”

Patrick Murphy-Racey

Photo by Patrick Murphy-Racey. Sony Alpha 7C II. Sony 70-200mm f/4 Macro G II. 1/1250-sec., f/4, ISO 640

“The unique thing about the Valley of Fire is it is compact, with a lot of elevation gain and loss just in a few hundred yards. This means that at sunrise and sunset, you can move through the park and follow the best light easily so that you can shoot for over an hour, rather than just for a few minutes to get the best light.”

“All my life has been spent as a professional photographer, with magazines and companies telling me what to shoot and what to do. I've found a place near Las Vegas that is all about my own interest in shooting beautiful photos. I found the Valley of Fire State Park on a motorcycle ride in 2022 and knew I had to go back. I've now led two workshops there and can't wait to go back soon for the spectacular full-moonrise landscapes it offers.”

Jason Frankle

Photo by Jason Frankle. Sony Alpha 7R IV. Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master.

“While sailing to Antarctica, I woke up early and looked out the window to see the sky glowing with a bright sunrise. Just as we crossed into the Antarctic Peninsula, the light reflected off the icy landscape, creating a stunning contrast. It was a quiet, unforgettable moment that I knew I had to capture.”

“This is my favorite image of the year because it captures the stillness and beauty of such a remote region of the world. The way the mountains plunged into the ocean, with icebergs quietly drifting by under the soft glow of sunrise, felt like stepping into another world. It’s meaningful to me because it represents a rare moment of calm and wonder, a reminder of how special it is to witness a place as untouched and serene as Antarctica.”

Kyle Huber

Photo by Kyle Huber. Sony Alpha 7CR. Sony 16-25mm f/2.8 G. 1/160-sec., f/3.2, ISO 100

“When the Spring wildflowers started to bloom this year in California, I planned a road trip with a couple friends to photograph them. The first couple stops on our flower chasing adventure were underwhelming, so we decided to head north and try a new area. When we pulled into the Trona Pinnacles and set our eyes on the incredibly colorful landscape in front of us, our excitement took over and inspiration started flowing. We explored for hours, testing out new Sony gear and finding different compositions. In my typical fashion, I had packed several solid colored shirts in hopes of matching the different hues of flowers we might find. When the sunset began, I put on my yellow tee and made my way up onto a rock formation for this photo in one of the state's most unique locations, at the most magical time of the year.:

“Captured by one of my best friends and fellow Sony Alpha Collective member @TiffPenguin, this image represents the kind of colorful photography my work is all about. We were shooting a campaign for the new Sony 16-25mm f/2.8 G and I couldn't have been happier with the results of our wildflower chasing adventure. The stars aligned and we were blessed with incredible conditions from Mother Nature. Out of all the amazing images taken that day, I really loved how the sunset colors played into the hues of the foreground flowers in this frame. Creating art with friends has always been a huge part of my journey as a Sony photographer and this collaboration with Tiffany was one of my all-time favorites.”

Nate Luebbe

Photo by Nate Luebbe. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/250-sec., f/10, ISO 100

“This shot was captured during a two-week expedition through southern Greenland in October. We scouted the area with our drones earlier and knew the views up high would be magnificent, but we dramatically under-appreciated just HOW spicy the scramble up the ridgeline would be. On our way up, during a brief water break, I snapped this shot. It's a bit of a departure for me, as it's not shot during golden hour or blue hour, but I love the story of the warm afternoon sun bouncing off changing autumn leaves.”

“I've dreamed of visiting Greenland for YEARS now, and finally getting the opportunity to check it off my bucket list was a dream come true.”

Scott Kranz

Photo by Scott Kranz. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 20-70mm f/4 G. 1/400-sec., f/8, ISO 400

“In 2023 and 2024, I set out to climb and document Washington State's 100 highest peaks. I captured this image on October 12, 2024, while on the hundredth and final peak in the journey. My friend, Kimber Cross, an adaptive climber, and I were ascending the classic West Ridge route up Forbidden Peak, and this image is of her as she takes her last few steps towards the summit proper.”

“This image marks the end of a two year journey climbing and documenting the 100 highest peaks in Washington State, where I live. It represents the deepening of my connection with the Cascade Range, the local landscape that transformed my path in life nearly a decade ago, inspiring me to become a full-time outdoor photographer.”

Vincent Lim

Photo by Vincent Lim. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/320-sec., f/5.6, ISO 100

“I took this photo of a Taro field in Hawaii, also called a Kalo Lo'i. In Hawaiian Culture, the taro plant is not only a source of food, but most importantly is connected to the gods and creation of life. This particular Lo'i is located on the east side of Oahu, where there is a beautiful mountain range in the background. I had to wait for a day with low wind so I could get a reflection, which proved very difficult given this is the windy side of the island. In the photo is my pregnant wife carrying our second girl.”

“Having our second child this year was a blessing, and I wanted this photo to represent where I am from, Hawaii. The symbolism of the Taro plant and creation of new life was the perfect way to tie everything together.”

Jérôme-Poirier

Photo by Jérôme Poirier. Sony Alpha 7C II. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/4000-sec., f/4.5, ISO 125

“I proposed to my partner on a glacier in Antarctica. It took us 2 hours to hike up this gigantic glacier, to arrive at this spot with this incredible backdrop. As soon as I saw how the location looked, I said to my photographer friend, ‘This is it, this is the spot’.”

“This photo represents our relationship traveling across the four corners of the world, but also, from a personal stand-point, the weeks of stressful planning and nervousness organizing this in top secrecy, culminating in this very moment. The happiest moment of my life.”

Henry Tieu

Photo by Henry Tieu. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master. 1/500-sec., f/2.8, ISO 500

“This photo was captured on Joe and Pat's elopement day at Mt. Rainier National Park. I had this location saved for a long time but never had a chance to visit it prior to this day so I was quite nervous whether it would turn out. I wanted to capture the reflection of the mountain and the couple in this glacial tarn so I ran all the way across the tarn to get the perfect composition.”

“I love this image a lot because we didn't know if this would turn out. Mt. Rainier was hidden behind thick clouds the whole day and somehow, she showed up right when the sky changed colors during sunset. I love how the cloud was still hanging low and it helped make sure Joe and Pat pop against the background. In a way, this was better than what we had hoped for but it all turned out because of the trust my clients had for me. I went through with the plan even when it seemed unreachable at times.”