Best Of 2009
Asking me what my best or favorite photo for any given period is akin to asking me which child I like best (if I had multiple children). It is an impossible answer. The term Best, to me, is very subjective unless there is substantiating qualities one is looking at. What are the terms of best? Are you judging from a technical point of view? Visual? Artistic? Skill of craftmanship? Most memorable? The experience of getting the picture? To me it is all of this, as well as the personal meaning behind the image.
So that explained, I present my personal Best Of 2009.
Stroll by Uncommon Depth
This was a very chance photograph. We were in Calgary on our way to the Leighton Arts Centre for the opening of the ASA’s Planet Earth show. We were running a bit early and had some time to kill. So we went to Fish Creek park, because I’d never been to the historic ranch site, and I knew someone in California with a connection to this area. All I had on me was my Lensbaby lens. I was dressed up for the art opening and it was a wet slushy day, so I couldn’t go far.
Wilt by Uncommon Depth
This was such a simple still life image. I love flowers and I love photographing them. I had quite a few favorites from this year, so this one was just the ‘eeney, meeny, minie, mo” choice from the batch. 2009 was a year which saw me taking less photos but producing a lot more quality work – images which I liked and found a way into my portfolio.
Remnants by Uncommon Depth
A recap on the year would absolutely not be complete without at least one image from our Alaska trip. I have several which I consider favorites, but this one makes me heart sing. Why? It’s not technically perfect. But it represents the feeling I had of Alaska. Magical! I have closer shots of bears, but this one just puts it all into context…..the wildness, the open vastness…..how small we all are in comparison to the landscape.
Litmus Sky by Uncommon Depth
This was an evening out at our local lake. This spot is renowned for the sunset views. I never get as good of color elsewhere as I do from this location. I don’t know why. The dark streaks that look like pilings in the center are actually birds. I love creating these impressionistic blurs – the end result is always a bit of a surprise!
Falls At Ram River by Uncommon Depth
This was taken on the same weekend as Litmus Sky above. My nephew had come up to play ball and go out shooting. We went out to the lake at night, then the next morning we took a drive out west in the back country. I took this with my infrared camera. I love the flow of water over the falls, but also that the fishermen at the bottom remained still enough to be recognizable as people.
Pounce by Uncommon Depth
I had been taking some pictures at a dog park in Calgary and was just putting my camera gear away when this car parked a little ways behind us. Two full sized black poodles got out and I knew I had to get my camera back out too. I love poodles and have been hounding (pun intended) my husband that I’d like to get one. He refuses. But he also refused to have a little poodle too, which we now have!
Poodles have gotten a bad rap which stemmed from them being the trendy dog of the times awhile ago, which meant unethical breeders, uncaring owners, and badly trained dogs. Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds around and require smart owners who are willing to put in training time. The actions of these dogs sums up why I love poodles so much! They are natural goof balls ( kind of like me!) that love to perform.
Snow Buntings by Uncommon Depth
This was the first time I’d gone out on a dedicated photography trip by myself. I went up north to photograph the snow goose migration and it was a really magical experience. I missed not having anyone to share my excitement with, but it was so freeing to not have to worry about the needs and schedule of someone else. I could get up when I wanted, eat when I wanted, and stay out as late as I wanted. Which meant I was able to be on location for much longer than I normally would.
I still have a lot of images from that trip that haven’t been processed. I chose this one because I love how the little snow buntings almost mirror the much larger snow geese in coloring and formation when taking off into flight.
Two Many Irons by Uncommon Depth
Probably my all time favorite image of the year is this one. This was the first time I’d been down to the branding at my dad’s farm. It was a real thrill to be able to photograph the branding, which is still done in a very traditional manner. Because my husband and I are both western art lovers, it was a natural for me to use my own abstract paintings to transform this image.
There are more images I’d like to include. The infrared of the wild horse hiding in the trees. A disappearing animal that may soon vanish from the west country if authorities don’t step up their action to find the person or people who are poaching these beautiful creatures. There are more images from Alaska and the cattle branding. More florals, more landscapes (including some award winners – which I’ll announce shortly). There are the images of people skating and playing hockey. I’d like to do more people at work and play images for 2010.
I don’t know what 2010 has in store for me. We don’t have our trips planned for sure yet. I think we will likely be going to the west coast again to a remote location near the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia, but it’s not 100% yet. I’d also like to make it to Saskatchewan again. I might do that trip on my own so I can have the same freedom I did during the snow goose migration. I do know the first month or two of 2010 will not be very productive as I have to send my camera back for repairs.
Best wishes for a Happy New Year. May 2010 be a year of blessings.
In: Daily Photo · Tagged with: Art, Best of 2009, favorites, images, photography
on January 3, 2010 at 3:01 am
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…you have so many cool works of art I imagine it would be next to impossible to choose a favorite. Your photographs tell a story–are beautiful–are interesting–are unique. I could go on and on. Happy New Year!!
on December 31, 2009 at 3:44 pm
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Happy New Year, Roberta!
Thank you so much for your post today! Reading it and admiring your images was a great way to start the New Year!