My Top 10 Images of 2008

"Pick your top ten images of 2008" was the challenge I found at a colleauge's blog, Jim M. Goldstein.  What a great idea! 

As I edit each shoot during the year I pick either what I think is best for the project, or what my client or editor requested. Many times those aren't necessarily my favorites. By the end of the year I forget about some of my more creative moments.

My first cut ended up at 63 images, then I whittled it down to 40, 20, 15, and 12. Sorry, I just couldn't cut out 2 more. Well, I could, but I really wanted them included.

The images are in no particular order. I had a hard enough time choosing these twelve, I just couldn't pick my absolute favorite. 

If you would like to choose your favorite, or your least favorite, add a comment at the end of the post, or send me an email. Thanks. I'll be posting some of the runner ups on my web site this month.

At the end of this post is a challenge for you so be sure to read the end.

LEAP OF FAITH 

I just love this one. The position of the two front paws, just about to pounce on lunch. The tail pointing up and the intent look on the face. But what I like the most is the texture of the tall dry grasses. Okay, this might be my favorite.

FOREST IMPRESSIONS

I started messing with impressionism, first with 'Just Water' then taking it a step further with scenes of nature. You'll find I picked several as my top 12.

SCENT OF A WOMAN 

Bison at Yellowstone National park. Lip curl, lots of action, and another of my favorite shots.

WILLOW ABSTRACT 

Early this year I started to photograph my new series, "Just Water". Later on I took it further by making Abstract Impressionism images by using slow shutter speeds and moving the camera. Lots of images, lots of good ones and a whole lot that just didn't work.

FIRST GLANCE 

As many of you know, I love to photograph moose. They are only trumped by being in close proximity to bears. Watching their habits during the rut gives hours of natural viewing pleasure. It appears that the bull moose is going to choose its mate. But as we all know, the female makes the final choice.

ILLUSIONS AT MIRROR LAKE

A tranquil setting at an over photographed spot in Yosemite NP.
Chaos transforms into serenity.

COW PARSNIP
I used this image in an article on relationships. The most important relationship for a photographer is his/her relationship to the subject. The more you get to know your subject the more it will reveal itself to you. After many years of photographing cow parsnips, I finally got to know this one intimately.

FLUID AUTUMN

Another of the abstract impressionism series. This one is a small section of an image of Taylor Creek with fall color reflections and a leaf floating by.

LAST RUN
You may have seen my "In The Rhythm of Kokanee" slide show. This image is from that project. The movement of the water flowing over the kokanee as it makes it's final attempt to the spawning area.

FAMILY PORTRAIT
Look at the position of the paws on mama bear. Can you believe that? And the expressions on their faces? This is really being in the rhythm. Mama and her two cubs just hung around for a couple of hours, not bothered by me at all. I gave them plenty of space and when they were good and ready, they moved into the adjacent forest to search for food and another place to rest.

EMERGENCE
The sun peeked out from under the morning clouds lighting the Teton range and kissing the bottom of a passing storm.

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE 'BEST OF 2009'

This exercise helped me realize I accomplished more than I thought I did and it made me feel much better about this past year. So why not do this for other parts of our lives? This has been a challenging year, but if we look back at our personal lives we will find many positive events. 

So here is the challenge: List all the positive events this past year that have touched you personally. Not just the vacation you took, but what was the best part? Did you ride a roller coaster that you thought you'd never ride? Did you meet someone new that enriched your life or read a book that gave you a different perspective?  You'll feel a whole lot better about 2008 when you have your own "Best of 2008" Good luck, and let me know how it goes.