2020 Round up | My favorite landscape photos of the year

Catie Bergman’s top 20 outdoor images of 2020

This year, for the first time in my life, I will have been in the boundaries of Washington state from start to finish. My landscape imagery took a slightly different tone, and I like to think it matched the vibe of 2020— moody, intimate, and unpredictable.

There were predictably sunny camping trips that were cut short due to intense wildfire smoke. There were hikes that involved an uncomfortable amount of sketchy rive crossings. (Life tip: don’t try to cross raging waterfalls if it’s been pouring all day…). And there were those surreal moments when you’re walking through a cloud, and suddenly, the sky clears to a massive mountain sitting in front of you.

2020 has been a lesson in adaptability, and despite its imeasurable lows, I’m trying to find ways to stay thankful. Because even amidst the chaos, there will be moments of clarity, and beyond the smokey haze, there’s a big old blue sky.

Seattle Business Portraits | Pioneer Square, Downtown Seattle

Pioneer Square is one of my favorite parts of downtown Seattle, and no matter what time of year, this area makes an amazing spot for headshots. The buildings are full of history and character, and the nearby cafes and alleyways provide a great backdrop for making your photos feel more personal. I had such a nice time reuniting with Alex after doing his engagement photos the year before, and I’m so glad we got the chance to update his headshots for his new business venture!


Seattle Family Lifestyle Session | Washington Park Arboretum UW Botanic Gardens

Nikki and I connected through a Seattle neighborhood Facebook group, and I’m so happy we did! Photographing her family session was such a treat. Big brother had the coolest dinosaur shirt and loved showing me all the trinkets he found around the park. And his younger brother is at the age of being constantly on the move! He loved climbing on big logs and playing peek-a-boo through the ferns. I’m so thankful to live in a city like Seattle, filled with endless waterfront views, and beautiful urban parks like the Arboretum. If you’re looking for a place to go on a peaceful (and yummy smelling,) walk, I would highly recommend this place.

How to Edit a Sunset Photo in Lightroom in Under 90 Seconds | Seattle Adventure & Elopement Photographer

You’d be surprised at how different a RAW file of sunset photo looks compared to the final edit (and to what the view was like in real life.) For this type of shot, I typically underexpose so that I can retain the highlight in the sky and then pull back shadows, temperature, colors, etc. in post processing. See my whole lightroom process for this photo below! And please leave a comment if you have any questions.



Seattle Senior Portraits | Christianson's Nursery, Mt. Vernon | Family & Pet Photographer

Six months ago I was photographing seniors (and their new puppies!) and grilling them on all the ways they wanted to spend their final semester. These soon-to-be graduates, just like all the engaged couples and pregnant moms I’ve recently photographed, had painted a picture of how their year would play out. It’s so strange looking back on these conversations now. and I’m once again reminded that a big part of life is facing experiences that we can’t control.