2019 PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURES

THE YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 

In many of the photography groups I follow, I see people doing their “Top 19 of 2019” or similar postings.  So I thought – what the heck - I will jump on the bandwagon too.

2019 was a year of significant growth in my photography skills.  There were several professionally-led workshops on my schedule. I met new and interesting people, travelled to places I’ve never been before, discovered how to use more functions on my camera, and learned a few things about myself.

Of course, these are my favorites for a variety of reasons, not necessarily because they are the “best” images I brought out of the camera. They are an eclectic collection that fits my personality.

The year started with excitement for a February workshop in Outer Banks, NC. A place I have never visited. Unfortunately, an hour into our first morning sunrise session, it started raining.  And it rained….  for 3 days!!!  We had a few breaks in the clouds periodically, so we did the best we could with rainy and cold weather conditions. I haven't had much practice with photography in less than ideal environments.  The weekend in Outer Banks was a learning experience for sure!

This is literally the 1st picture I took on Day 1 before the rains came.  Avalon Pier.

The sky behind Bodie Lighthouse was dismal so I came away with this gem.  It is a unique view of the lighthouse most people would not really “see”; they would take a glance and keep walking. 

I particularly like this one because it is outside my comfort zone to FIND something interesting in an otherwise dreary environment.  The puddles on the walkway gave a nice reflection.  Yeah, I know the perspective is kinda warped, but you’ll just have to deal with it.  This is SOOC with no edits.

Mr Cowboy, meet dirt!

I love Rodeo competition. So when it came to a nearby town, I dragged my friend Kim with me to practice sports photography.  With the dim lighting inside the arena, ISO had to be set so high, the images are a little grainy.  Nonetheless some good action shots!!

One can never be unhappy when surrounded by a field of blooming sunflowers!!!

Beautiful day in the SC Lowcountry.  Fishermen preparing their boats for the Blessing of the Fleet to begin shrimping season.  This picture just makes me happy!

This picture makes me want to pluck the peach right off the tree, take a big bite and let juice drip down my chin!  That might just be a summer Southern Girl thing......

Chattooga Belle Farms in the SC Mountains. Straight out of the camera with no color enhancements.  I love where I live!!

Visited the George W Bush Presidential Library during vacation in Texas.  This was a display of steel beams from the WTC buildings. The photograph itself is not that appealing but it arouses distinctive emotions.  That is why it is included in my favorites for the year.

Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas with Waylon and Willie and the boys!  

Well….. this is it!  They had a similar photograph for sale inside the general store for $75.  I looked at it, took my camera outside and made my own, with a little HDR effect!  Fun fact – the statue is a bust of Hondo (watch the John Wayne movie!)

Grand Tetons mountain range at sunrise

Aspen Trees

Highlight of the year was a trip to Grand Tetons National Park for a workshop.  It is difficult to describe the majesty of these mountains and surrounding areas.  So I chose photographs which showcase what was most impressive to me.

We had much guidance from our workshop leaders about the part “good” clouds can play in making the difference between an average image and an excellent image.  

Look Jack!  Cloud Drama!!!

In a photographer's presentation from earlier in the year, the lady said something which stuck with me.  She said while everyone else is taking “the shot”, stop and look around behind and beside you.  Never know what unique things are just waiting for you to make an awesome image.  This was one of those moments.  While everyone else was making pictures outside and around this historic cabin with the mountain range in the background, I was inside the cabin.  Turned around from ‘the shot’ I was making and this corner presented itself to me.  Straight out of the camera requiring no edits. My #2 favorite image of the year!!!

I ventured into black and white a little more this year.  I never realized how converting an image from color to B&W can change the whole dramatic presentation.  What might be a decent image in color becomes visually striking in black and white.  Not to say that either of these are 'striking'.... just a couple examples.

Drum roll, please…. 

This is my #1 favorite image of the year.  Taken in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cosby Creek.  When I look at this image, I can hear the water cascading over the rocks in the peace and quiet of the deserted woodlands.  Might be one of the most enchanting images I've ever created.

A FEW THINGS I LEARNED ABOUT MYSELF……

1.  I am still an IMPATIENT photographer.  I don’t like standing around in the same place taking photos of the same scenery for hours on end.  I get bored too easily!!  Additionally, long exposure photography is a challenge for me.  I could have gotten many more impressive images throughout the year if I had slowed down.

2.  I really don’t like post processing.  I LOVE taking pictures, but downloading and editing are tedious and boring!!  In the subconscious recesses of my mind, I want the “perfect” image straight out of the camera.  Every now and then I get lucky to produce one. 

Hope you enjoyed reviewing these images with me.  I am looking forward to new challenges in 2020.  Visiting places I have never been, as well as spending time finding new ideas in some old favorites places.  And hopefully improving my skills and creative viewpoints along the way.  I might even learn to slow down a minute or 2!