(1).png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
2016–a Baker’s Dozen of my best photos
I’ve been part of a photography class with Ricky Tims (in 2015) and a critique challenge this past (and coming) year. For our final assignment this year, we are to pick our favorite image of 2016. Here are my top 12 + 1 for a Baker’s Dozen. For lack of a better way, I’m posting them in chronological order. You can click/right click on all photos for a larger view.
Clearly, I am biased about some of these, so tell me–which do you think is The Best of the bunch? Doesn’t matter why–just the one you like the best! I need to submit one on January 1, so pipe up!
Photo 1: For the past eleven years, the calendar year begins in the middle of wrestling season, so for both quality of photography and affection/nostalgia, I’ll start with photos of Eli’s last Maine wrestling season.
Here’s another very typical shot:
Photo 2: Eli, in red, goes in for the pin (and win). I have very, very few photos with Eli’s face, but this one shows the intensity of the sport.
This next image is probably the most technically complex I did all year. I had three layers at one point, but the boys’ position in the frame didn’t make a logical sequence, so two worked better. I printed this fairly large and framed it as an 18th birthday present for Eli, and it is in his room with his ***many*** ribbons, plaques and trophies from his sports achievements.
Photo 3: Transparent overlay with Eli in a take-down. I was sitting on the edge of the mat and was maybe 6 feet away from them. Luckily, they didn’t crash into me!
Photo 4: In March the entire family went to hear the Taiko Drummers that came to perform at Strom Auditorium thanks to the Bay Chamber Concert group. I make a tripod of my arms and the rail in front of my seat and was delighted so many of my images turned out well despite the dark.
Photo 5: I love that the drum and legs are crisp, the face is clear, and the arms and drumsticks are total blur, telling the story of the physicality of the performance.
Photo 6: I don’t know why I like this picture of water boiling in my electric kettle so much, but I just do!
Photo 7: a vintage effect for a summertime photo of a barn near me that has now fallen down (even before the snow).
Photo 8: A “panned” image of a sunflower from the Camden Inn garden by the footbridge over the river, just a stone’s throw off of Main Street.
Photo 9: I had missed seeing Paul Noel Stookey when he was here before, so I made sure I didn’t this time, even if I had to go alone. I loved it! I was also pleased that my “tripod on the railing” worked again to get a good shot. The theme was “past prime” which I interpreted that someone might *think* he is past his prime, but really isn’t!
Photo 10: October is always glorious in Maine, and this year was one of the best. I’m not usually in to “artsy” images or affected techniques, but I rather like the painterly effects you can get with some panning. Panning is when you move the camera on purpose while the shutter is open to create a deliberate blur.
Photo 11: I must have taken 200 photos on a not-too-long walk in my neighborhood. One of my favorite spots is across the main road on Blueberry Lane. This is a close-up of the sumac leaves in full glory. I always like the simplicity of photos like this that celebrate the beauty of the ordinary.
Photo 12: Another “lots of edits” photo, but one that makes me laugh. This kinda describes my entire year. Sometimes I think I ought to make this into a poster and sell it!
And the “Baker’s Dozen” image, from just this past week or thereabouts:
Baker’s Dozen: I took several versions of this, made one black and white, but I like the soft winter colors and the gentle curves of our driveway.
December 31st, 2016 at 10:33 pm
#1 is my fave
December 31st, 2016 at 10:37 pm
My vote: (well…) 1, 4 or 6. The energy is there, but the photo is very crisp. You could find the “Baker’s Dozen” around here. Very cold, and icy and the snow is sparkling like diamonds in the sun.
December 31st, 2016 at 11:18 pm
Lots of wonderful photos. I especially like the burning candles–great reminder!
January 1st, 2017 at 2:40 am
They are all great! My first choice is 11 closely followed by 5. If you make 12 into a poster I’ll buy it! Happy New Year!
January 1st, 2017 at 6:09 am
My favourite is no.4!
January 1st, 2017 at 7:10 am
I like them all and they will be a good record of 2016, but I like 12 best.
January 1st, 2017 at 10:04 am
Number 5
January 1st, 2017 at 12:06 pm
I agree with Kathryn: #11 is my favorite, followed by #5.
January 1st, 2017 at 12:28 pm
Another vote for 11 followed by 5.