Lens-Artists Challenge #77 – Favorite Images of 2019
Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.
Imogen Cunningham
The great Ansel Adams once said “12 significant photographs in any one year is a good crop“. So in response to Patti’s Challenge, I’ve chosen 12 favorites from among this year’s thousands. Each is special to me for a different reason, which I’ve included in my comments below.
To approach the task, I divided my 2019 archives into several categories. I opened with a favorite of my Flower Images, chosen because of the way the exquisite light gives the lily a transparent purity against the dark background.
“My favorite photographs speak eloquently, both about and to us.”
Matei Glass
For my second category, Travel Photography, I first chose a capture of the incredible natural phenomenon we experienced in Glacier National Park. Climbing the Going To The Sun Road, we were totally fogged in and worried we’d see nothing of the park’s grandeur. As we rose above the deep mist we had a true AHA moment. The fluffy white clouds spanned the valley to reach the towering mountains on the other side. The purple lupines completed the palette of nature’s perfect painting.
“A good image can be created, executed, captured, and recorded but it is well before imagined by a mind.”
Lakshman Iyer
My second Travel image features the 2020 super bloom, which had to be seen to be believed. It’s not something one can plan for, never knowing when or if it will occur. I was fortunate to be visiting family in Arizona during the desert super bloom. It is a memory I hope to have with me forever.
“Great photography is about depth of feeling, not depth of field.”
Peter Adams
I sometimes enjoy creatively post-processing my images, so I’ve featured two captures from among my Artistic Impressions. I love the feeling of movement in the scene above, which highlights the bright green of Kiawah’s springtime marsh under beautiful blue skies, as a field worker focuses on his task.
Both Portraiture and Monochrome are featured in the post-processed image below. The color’s removal and a touch of grain to me give the image a more nostalgic feel. The little girl is my niece’s daughter – I like that the portrait captures the more serious side of her personality.
“A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.”
Edward Steichen
Next up, my favorite 2019 Kiawah Creature Images – beginning with our magnificent birds. I’ve chosen the Night Heron from among hundreds of 2019 birds. This particular species is quite elusive, often hiding in deep foliage beside one of our lagoons. They are usually partially hidden and are rarely seen with wings outstretched. The image captures the bird’s beautiful wings and coloring, as well as the intensity of its bright red eye. It is one of my favorite photography moments, simply because it is so rare.
“A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed.”
Ansel Adams
Here on Kiawah, we co-exist peacefully with our deer population – they provide a lovely reminder of the nature that surrounds us. I like the way this image captures the doe within her typical environment; the catchlight in her eye is an added bonus.
“Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.”
Henri Cartier-Bresson
I simply cannot omit alligators from a Kiawah Creatures category. In this image, I love the gator’s lazy, smiling face and its apparent indifference to the turtles below. I suspect the turtles’ shells offer little protection from the gator’s powerful jaws but perhaps he’ll seek an easier target should he awaken hungry from his nap.
“I think good dreaming is what leads to good photographs.”
Wayne Miller
Finally, I’ve included some favorite Kiawah Landscapes – a true challenge since our island is so blessed with natural beauty. I love the soft light peeking through the clouds during a rainstorm in the image that follows. Its ethereal beauty speaks to me of Mother Nature’s many moods.
“Taking pictures is savoring life intensely, every hundredth of a second.”
Marc Riboud
Amazing skies are a frequent occurrence on Kiawah. While the scene below seems dramatic in and of itself, for me the presence of the fisherman adds an extra touch of interest.
“When I have a camera in my hand, I know no fear.”
Alfred Eisenstaedt
Hurricanes can wreak havoc on a barrier island. This image was captured the day before the arrival of Hurricane Dorian. It left us with many downed trees and no power, but spared us from major damage. I was happy to capture the beachgoers enjoying the churning sea under the gathering clouds of the approaching storm.
“I wish that all of nature’s magnificence, the emotion of the land, the living energy of place could be photographed.”
Annie Leibovitz
I agree whole-heartedly with the quote following my final image below. For me at least, it’s the things I’ve photographed that I most remember. The beauty of an autumn sunset on Kiawah’s beach, for example, will be with me for a lifetime. Hopefully, on this one my choice speaks for itself.
“What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”
Aaron Siskind
So there you have it, my favorite images of 2019. Sincere thanks to those who stayed with me for my longer-than-usual post 🙂. I’d love to hear your thoughts on which image(s) you prefer and why.
Patti, Ann-Christine, Amy and I look forward to seeing which of YOUR images you count as personal favorites. Be sure to include the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you, and to link to Patti’s original challenge here. We hope you’ll join us next week when Ann-Christine posts Challenge #78. If you’re new to Lens-Artists, click here for information on how to join us.
As always, our team sincerely thanks you for your participation and support of our challenges throughout the year. Happy 2020 everyone – wishing you a New Year filled with love, friendship, peace, fun and photography.
What a wonderfully wild place that you live in…
Not quite as wild as it seems but we do seem to have more than our share of nature’s wonders😊. Thanks Elizabeth
Tina, it’s no wonder these are your favorite photos! These are amazing. I can’t begin to pick a favorite, but I do love Desert Superbloom and the one above Glacier. Happy New Year!
Thanks Cathy, glad you enjoyed. Also glad you got to visit our fair city despite lousy weather. Happy New Year to you too!
Thanks, Tina. It was fun, but I had a lot of problems on the homefront while I was in Charleston. And the weather didn’t cooperate. Maybe I’ll need to go back one day!
So I saw. Come on back, I’ll be here 😊
Thanks, Tina! 🙂
They’re all fantastic. I vote for them all.
😊 thanks Rabirius- all the best to you in the New year
Happy New Year Tina!!!🎇🎇🎇🥂
Many thanks Paulo – and the same to you!
The Lily has me but all are beautiful! Happy New Year!
Thank you Kathleen, and the best to you as well!
Nice photos, Tina – the beachgoers near the end was a surprise because at first I
Only saw the dunes – it was cool to zoom in and see them.
And agree so much with “things I’ve photographed that I most remember.”
Thanks Yvette, I’m not sure I saw them myself until I looked at the image 😊
😊☀️
Just went through your post for the first time – delicious! I love how you narrowed your focus to manageable categories. Time for me to get to work!
Thanks Lindy. Looking forward to seeing your choices
Wonderful photos! I’m not sure if it’s my connection or they are really huge… takes time to load though. anyways, they are all beautiful. The one titled “PEACEFUL COHABITATION” is rally a rare find and fantastic shot. But the flower on the top and the mountains with flowers are also something of great value!
Thanks Tatiana. They’re not really huge files as I downsize them all. Appreciate your patience waiting for them to load!
I wanted to see them and I realized later that it was my connection. You are OK 🙂
… and oh, I forgot to mention about the Arizona one with the Saguaros cacti – just awesome! 🙂
I like the gentle, wistful ones… that little girl on the beach, the whooshy green grasses and the lovely doe. Not to mention Kiaweh at sunset. Wishing you another year to cherish, Tina 🙂 🙂
Thanks so much Jo, and the same to you. I had fun putting this one together
https://anjumwasimdar.wordpress.com/2019/12/31/for-lens-artists-photo-challenge-77-favorite-photos-of-2019-a-tribute-to-the-talented/
I think your favorite photos are amazing striking and out standing..excellent work and superb selection…love them all. Happy New Year
Thank you AWD, and all the best to you for the new year as well
Tina, each image has your signature on it: a sensitivity to how you see. After you reviewed your year’s work, what did you learn about your photography?
Thanks Sally, a high compliment indeed. And I absolutely loved your question! I learned that it’s nature’s gifts that most interest and excite me, although I’ve seen some amazing man-made wonders as well. So much to love about this world of ours, despite our efforts to inject some nasty wounds in it
Each of these is a phenomenal capture in time. My favorite is the little girl deep in thought. You are an amazing photographer.
Thanks for that wonderful compliment Dor, and for choosing that image. She’s a very special little one and I was happy to have captured her just so
Hi, Tina. Your photos are gorgeous and always inspiring. I can’t pick a favorite, but I can tell you that the crocodile shot always makes me smile! Your Kiawah shots always reflect your love of the place. I can see why it inspires you! Thanks too for your collaboration on the LAPC project, your friendship, and your photographic inspiration!
Thanks so much Patti. The evolution of our challenge, our team and our friendships has been one of the year’s most rewarding joys. I’m hoping to have the chance to share our little paradise with you very soon 😊
Wonderful!
Great cross section of favorites… Deep in Thought and Cohabitations my favorites …… you have blessed us all throughout this year with the capturing of God’s magnificent creation with your eagle eye lens…. grateful for you my friend.
Thanks so much Linda. I so appreciate your support and insight. Many blessings to you and yours in the New Year.
A great selection, Tina! I absolutely love that lily in Lovely Light…my kind of floral study!! Wishing you all the very best for 2020😊
Thanks so much Sue, and the best to you as well
Thanks, Tina!
Tina – outstanding images for 2019! I did not expect anything else. If I have to choose favorites, it must be Lovely light, Deep in thought and Night heron on the wing. Flowers always speak to me, the composition and mood of the young girl image gives me a deep feeling of nostalgia and the night heron is fantastic. I saw so many night herons in the Galápagos islands, but none of them had their wings spreading. They were all sitting or standing by the waters and the mangroves – deeply focused. Such a delight to see the wings too! Wish you all the best for 2020, Tina, and thank you for fruitful co-work!
Thanks so much A-C. Yes that bird is so rarely seen on the wing, hence my joy in capturing it! It was been one of the highlights of my year to share the L-A challenge with you, Patti and Amy. Our little team has blossomed into a wonderful friendship. What more could we ask for?! Here’s to a bright and beautiful 2020!
Cheers for friendship and co-work, Tina! Let’s hope 2020 will be a better year for the world as well!
Amen A-C!
Amazing pictures, as usual!!! Not easy to select a favorite…. Lovely Light, is my winner… as you say the light adds something special.
My best wishes for the New Year!!! 🙂
Thanks Ana. I don’t do many flowers but that one really called to me. The best of 2020 to you too
I really like that first image, “Lovely Light” it’s the simplicity of it that I like.
Thank you very much for being a host of this challenge this year, it’s been a fun year.
All the best for 2020!
Cheers, Amy
Thank you Amy, we love having you join us and hope to see more of your work in 2020. Happy New Year to you too!
A stunning, diverse gallery of images Tina. There’s no way I could choose a favourite.
Thanks Su, I enjoyed putting it together
I liked your first shot in particular. It looks like it’s floating through a midnight sky.
Thanks Siobhan, some of Mother Nature’s best work 😊
Such an amazing collection of your work of 2019. I wish you a magical year of 2020, filled with much inspiration.
Thanks so much Cornelia. I find that blogging pushes me to get out there and shoot so here’s to Mother Nature’s work! All the best to you in 2020 as well
These are all wonderful photos Tina! My favorite is “above the clouds”. The serendipity of being there to capture those lower lying clouds in the valley below those beautiful mountains is just so very fortunate. The photography gods were smiling on you at that moment.
You said it Anne! Serendipity in deed. Sometimes we just have to get lucky!! Here’s to a magical 2020!
Wow, remarkable selections, Tina! I love all your favorite photos!
Happy New Year to you and yours!
Thank you Amy – it’s always challenging to winnow down from thousands to just a few but a fun and rewarding exercise. One of my highlights for the year was absolutely sharing the challenge teamwork with you, Patti and A-C. Here’s to a marvelous, magical 2020 for us all!
I appreciate your commitment and vision for LAPC, Tina. You have made some good calls!
What an awesome gallery to showcase your year Tina 🙂 As I went through I started with that’s a favourite for me and by the end it was hang it, I love them all. Happy New Year Tina
LOL, thanks Brian! Happy New Year to you too. And sincere thanks for your continued support of the challenge
You’re welcome Tina
Awesome photos
Many thanks Sandy
Great collection, Tina! Desert, Peaking Through and Beach Sunset are my favorites!
Thanks SFAM and many blessings to you in the New Year my sister!
They’re all perfect, of course, but the one that stands out is your portrait of your niece’s daughter. It’s a memorable image, like a great painting, with all elements working together beautifully.
Thanks so much Chris-a beautiful compliment!
What an outstanding collection. But perhaps my favourite ‘Oh, wow’ moment is provided by that shot of the night heron. What a shot!
Thank you Margaret – that one was very special to me. Don’t think I’d ever seen one fly, much less have had it happen while I had camera in hand!
Loved them all, you had a very good photographic year !! Wishing you even more for 2020!
Sent from my iPad
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Thanks Diane! Glad you enjoyed my stroll down memory lane😊. Here’s to a peaceful and rewarding 2020 for us all!
Love them all, especially the ones of Kiawah. I feel like I am there when I see your photos. Thanks for the challenges this year. Wishing you a wonderful 2020!
Thank you Beth, that’s about the best compliment one can give a photographer 😊. A terrific 2020 to you too
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Such lovely images Tina. I hope 2020 brings you much joy, happiness and I know there will be lots more wonderful photographs too.
Many thanks Karina, wishing you all the best in 2920 as well!
Happy New year 🎉
I wish you a happy New Year 2020
Thank you Marlo, and the same to you
You’re such a talented photographer, Tina! These are all beautiful, although I’ve never seen one of yours here that wasn’t. All the best in 2020!
janet
Well that’s made my day Janet! Thanks so much and the best to you for the new year as well
All magnificent and beautiful shots, Tina! I really love them all but if you insist: the deer and beach sunset I love the most! 😄💕
Thank you so much Sarah. That little doe had the sweetest face😊
You’re very welcome, Tina! Happy New Year!
Tina, your favorite photos of 2019 are absolutely outstanding. I love your night heron photo. Believe me it was hard to chose a favorite. 😀
Thanks very much Cee. That one was a true joy for me 😊. All the best to you in 2020
Such great pictures Tina! I love them all and especially the ones which define Kiawah and our life here. Probably my two favorites are the night heron and the beach sunset – such lovely colors!!
Thanks Sylvia, we are surely blessed with nature’s best aren’t we?!
awesome clicks
Thanks very much!
Like sepia/monochrome portrait of your niece’s daughter (great-niece). It has that vintage feel. The other is the sun peeking through the clouds and mist.
Hope you had a nice Christmas. With the new year ’round the corner, best wishes for a great 2020. I guess 2020 means we’ll have perfect foresight, present view, and incredible hindsight … well maybe. 🙂
Hah! Hadn’t heard it described that way but of COURSE we will David! Happy Bew Year to you and your very special girls!
Thank you for a great year of challenges! I think your desert blooms were my favorite.
Thanks so much Mei-Mei, it was really something to see
Wonderful collection, Tina. I picked four that move me: Superbloom, Impressions (I love what you did with that), Peeking Through, and Calm Before the Storm. Ant way you look at it, yours is a great lineup and a joy to look at.
Thanks so much Steve. Each was special to me in a different way so I’m pleased you chose them. I had fun sorting through the year! All the best to you in 2020
Here’s to 2020, Tina!
Beautiful images.
Many thanks VJ. Happy New Year to you
You are welcome! Happy New Year to you!
FUN challenge – yay!! Your shots of Glacier and AZ are my favorites, mostly because these are two of my favorite places. Happy New Year! Thanks to you all for another year of great challenges 🙂
Two of my favorite places too Pam😊 So glad you found us, love having you join us. You always seem to have so much FUN!! Happy New Year to you too
It’s been so great to connect with you all!! 💕
Wonderful images Tina, it’s lovely to see a few favourites again, especially ‘Lovely Light’. Thank you for hosting these lovely challenges for us and all good wishes to you and your family for a very happy New Year! xxx
All the best to you too Xenia, it’s great having your beautiful and thoughtful posts in our challenge.
Thank you kindly dear Tina 🤗💜 xxx
So many wonderful choices! Guess I would say the night heron is my favorite…they usually are just sitting so quietly so to see one with full wing spread is incredible!
So true Laurel, that one was really special for me. All the best in 2920 to you and Hank
Other shots were more stunning, but the alligator and the three turtles made me look twice, at least. Who was first? Why aren’t the turtles afraid? It is a photo that won’t be forgotten.
Thanks Steffen, all excellent questions! To have an image remembered is the supreme compliment so much appreciated!
As usual, spectacular photos!!!! I think my favorite is the Glacier National Park, not only for the image but for your description of your ‘’Aha’’ moment. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful photographs during the year.
Much appreciated girlfriend! Many thanks for your support
Great collection of photos! I love that desert super bloom. With all the rain Phoenix got this winter, I’m expecting another super bloom spring.
The black-and-white nostalgia photo is my second favorite. Nice job of “oldifying” the image!
Thanks John. You’re very lucky to be so near the super blooms when they happen. It was on your blog that I first saw/heard of them actually. “Oldifying” must remember that one! All the best to you in 2020
Wow! Though all your photos are amazing, these photos certainly deserve the title “The Best Photos of 2019” 🙂 My most favourite is the one at Glacier National Park. I hardly imagine that such scenery is real.
Thanks Len, it really was breathtaking. Appreciate your stopping by and Happy New Year to you
Same to you! I wish you a wonderful 2020 🙂
The blooms in the desert are spectacular. What a shot that first photo is. So often I find I am looking out over a gorgeous place and the photo I get, doesn’t do it justice. This one did.
Thank you Kelly, I know just what you mean. Then again, sometimes it does, and those are the best moments! The bad ones just make us appreciate the good ones a bit more😊