Top 10 from 2010

Putting together my favourite shots from 2010 is not an easy task. While selecting “my favourites” I realized I sometimes picked ones that got a large response on the internet, lots of comments, feedback and praise from my peers, or those that won awards. In the end, many of the photos I chose are those that got very little response. They are simply the ones that speak to me.

But before we get to me, check out the top 10 lists from these fine photographers. These are inspiring photographers who are generous with their knowledge giving out useful tips and tutorials on their blogs and I highly encourage you to view their work. These are only the top 10 lists I have come across on Twitter in the last few days, so if you have a top 10 list, please add it by commenting below.

Ian Plant
Brian Matiash
Russ Bishop
Bob Lussier
Paul Conrad
Sven Seebeck
Gary Crabbe
Jacob Lucas
Greg Russell
G Dan Mitchell
Scott Frederick
Dan Bailey
Jay Taylor

I still have tons to process from 2010, but these are my fav’s from the ones I have done so far. So here they are: my top 10 (in no particular order, just choosing 10 was hard enough)

1. Gates of the Valley, Yosemite
My trip to Yosemite this past September was awe inspiring and while this is a classic vantage point, the image remains one of my favourites. I loved the sunsets when only the tips of the mountains would be in the light. It was so peaceful with the Merced just trickling along.

2. The Merced River, Yosemite
Taken at our camp site in Wanona, the Merced River was moving along quite a bit faster here. I like how the water moves around the round rocks.

3. Ross Bay, Victoria, BC
This is the first shot I took with my graduated neutral density filters, which I have come to love.

4. Mono Lake, California
A place like no other.

5. Convict Lake, California
This is one of the most beautiful little lakes I have seen. With the campground right next to the lake, it was easy to get up early and catch the sunrise.

6. Fisherman’s Wharf, Victoria, BC
A bustling place in the summer. I used the Topaz filter to get a sketch effect on this shot.

7. Orca, Cappuccino K21
I love how the body of the Orca pushes the water up just before it surfaces for air.

8. Battery Point Lighthouse, Crescent City, California
It was the most amazing sunset, the clouds constantly changing in density and colour, the waves crashing behind the jetty.

9. Dancing for the Sun, Mono Lake, California
I was fortunate to come across this lady, who was a model for another photographer. They happily agreed to let me photograph her too and it was a great way to get a unique and dynamic landscape.

10. Nehalem, Washington
To me, this is the most peaceful image. I can feel myself relax when I look at it.

While I have many shots of flowers, abstract patterns and city scenes, I find it interesting that my favourite shots all contain water. I think I am finally detecting a theme.

Happy New Year everyone!