That is beautiful read (and images). Very much agree on the things..me too need to be present and grateful for what I have already as it is a lot. And being in nature every day reminds about this 🏔
We have so much and that is gift for every day, not only New year morning…
Really enjoyed your images in that article, Alain. I’d love to make some photos on film of some cycling. Maybe we can collaborate on something this year. All the best for 2026
Sam, this is such a quietly powerful way to close a year. I love that you resisted the pressure to produce a “best of” and instead chose a single, ordinary–extraordinary day that actually tells the truth about your life. That feels braver than a highlight reel.
What really stayed with me is the way you name both things at once: the ache of comparison and low self-belief, and the rare, almost unbelievable privilege of a body that moves, a place that feels like home, and people to share it with. That tension feels honest — and very human.
“Moving slowly, staying present, and holding it close” sounds like a good north star for 2026. Thank you for the reminder to notice the life we’re already living, not just the one we’re trying to earn. 💛Kelly
I know that self-esteem piece needs to come from within, but for what it’s worth I have aspired to capture the world through photography the way you do since I found this stack.
I liked that your 2025 wrap felt better looking back to a day that held significance and felt good. Enjoyed this.
That is beautiful read (and images). Very much agree on the things..me too need to be present and grateful for what I have already as it is a lot. And being in nature every day reminds about this 🏔
We have so much and that is gift for every day, not only New year morning…
Happy New Year, Sam!
Thanks so much, Irina! All the best for 2026 and hopefully we can connect in person at some point this year
This was such a nice read, thank you for sharing <3
Thanks so much for reading
"That’s probably less than most professional photographers" You're not alone: https://switchback.alpsinsight.com/a-year-in-the-mountains-10-photos-from-2025/ But you resisted the temptation of doing a year in review ;-) Happy New Year, all the best for 2026!
Really enjoyed your images in that article, Alain. I’d love to make some photos on film of some cycling. Maybe we can collaborate on something this year. All the best for 2026
That would be awesome!
Sam, this is such a quietly powerful way to close a year. I love that you resisted the pressure to produce a “best of” and instead chose a single, ordinary–extraordinary day that actually tells the truth about your life. That feels braver than a highlight reel.
What really stayed with me is the way you name both things at once: the ache of comparison and low self-belief, and the rare, almost unbelievable privilege of a body that moves, a place that feels like home, and people to share it with. That tension feels honest — and very human.
“Moving slowly, staying present, and holding it close” sounds like a good north star for 2026. Thank you for the reminder to notice the life we’re already living, not just the one we’re trying to earn. 💛Kelly
Thanks so much for such a lovely note. I really appreciate your thoughts 🙂
I know that self-esteem piece needs to come from within, but for what it’s worth I have aspired to capture the world through photography the way you do since I found this stack.
I liked that your 2025 wrap felt better looking back to a day that held significance and felt good. Enjoyed this.
Thanks, Pete. That really means a lot. Happy new year and I’m looking forward to seeing more of your photography over the coming year.
Cheers man!
Not only spellbinding images but some really worthwhile thoughts on life, the universe and everything. I think we can all relate! Happy new year.
Thanks, Alex. All the best for 2026. Hopefully we can connect in person at some point this year