Competition #80 - Favourite Photo of 2011

[Paul Jones]

As it's the last competition of the year I'm going to make it easy for everyone to enter by choosing an open theme.

I'd like to see one image from every member, it doesn't matter whether you're a beginner or expert - just have a go.

Have a look through all the photographs you've made over the last twelve months and please post your one favourite photograph of the year, along with a short reason why it's your favourite.

All images entered must have been taken since 1st January 2011 and can be on any theme.

The closing date for entries is midnight on Wednesday 4th January 2012.


Bom Natal ku boas entradas, pa ano entrano diritu

[Janice Freeman]

This is my favourite photo as it was the first one I took in 2011 with my new camera, resulting in my choosing to take up photography as a hobby for my retirement. It also reminds me of Gerry who has been lionhearted throughout his dreadful illness this year.

[Sentimental]

This has been my favourite photgraph since the day I took it. It was the first time that I had planned what I intended to shoot, waited for darkness and then used the right settings to capture a view of the new bridge yet keeping the old bridge in the frame. I love the way the lights on the bridge are consistent across its span, reflecting in the water and not lost against the brightness of the street lights on the far shore which themselves light up the night sky.

[John]

2011 is a year when I've been involved in a lot of different photography. I've reviewed lots of equipment, attended openings, and explored new areas. It's very hard to decide on a favourite photo out of so many - 365 new images for ePHOTOzine before we even start. Nature is a difficult subject and this shot is one of the first that shows more promise that progress is being made. Pentax K-5 with SMC Pentax-DA* 60-250mm lens.

[yachtsman1]

Had to wait around for two hours to get this as the sun was setting. Taken with a Canon SX30 IS.

IMG_0185.jpg (72.99 KiB) Viewed 11094 times

[danny]

The only time i'v eaton an image. As well as looking good .It tasted good too.

[KEASLA]

Media City-Salford Quays 2 by KEASLA, on Flickr

[bert haddock]

Just back off holiday, finding it hard to choose a favourite photo, been to lots of interesting places, Norway inside the Arctic Circle, Bears, Lynx, Arctic Foxes, Hares and Wolves, America photographing Eagles, Ospreys etc, plus lots of sporting events, found it very hard to choose my favourite so put 6 names in a hat and this is the one my Grandaughter picked out, SLEEPING BEES. this shot has done well in competitions and was a hard shot to take as the stem they where on was moving with the wind making it very difficult to get a sharp image,

[pammie]

Llandudno Pier, December 2011

Very cold, wet and rainy day, but obviously a special place for someone who has a bench with a remembrance plaque and lillies.

[Ianuk50]

Winter Ride - Rivington January 2011 - a very cold and frosty morning with the sunshine streaming through the trees; just had to wait for that bicycle rider to get into position and hey presto

[Tracey McGovern]

This is one of my favourites pictures from this year. I had always wanted to go and see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, never in a million years thought I would actually be able to go and see them in the flesh. But we wanted to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary by doing something really special so we decided to splash out on this fantastic trip - it was amazing and despite the hike up the mountain and the nausea I felt due to the thin air (honestly thought I wasn't going to make it, they wouldn't have let me proceed if I had been sick) it was all very much worth it, what an absolute privilege to be in the presence of these magnificent creatures in their own environment, it brought a lump to my throat and still does whenever I think about it - pass me the tissues someone

An amazing experience and one I will never forget.

Mountain-Gorilla-ADAPS-Dec.jpg (111.23 KiB) Viewed 10919 times

[angie.eldon]

This is my first year with ADAPs and have had lots of fun with my camera, entering competions to see how I am doing has bee a big part of my learning process. Too Heavy is my favourite image because not only do I enjoy looking at it even though it is not Technically perfect it is a restful image in my humble opinion. Also when KT Allen brought a copy of the print to hang in her lounge I felt a tremendous sense of pride, moreso when Janice asked if she could use the image for her charity, cancer research I was more than happy to oblige!

[mike-e]

I really love the expression on this little girl- very restful-
I would like to stylise more of my portraits on paul yaffe http://www.yaffefusionart.com/gallery.html.
Although in this portrait I decided on a modern version of the victoriana oval mount with a collection of adornments, its the colours I feel at ease with most with the juxtaposition of her skin tone, and the 3 dimensionality of the mount.

It may be considered too fussy although I think it adds a nice balance to the image.

It is the one image I have come back to time and time again and can find many things I can add to or take away from and still find a pleasing image.

I hope you all like it as much as I do

[PhilipHowe]

Paul, you've spoiled my Christmas with this one. Trying to decide on one and why has been giving me sleepless nights.

So, I've gone for this one. This was taken on a very busy night in Manchester, surrounded by drunks of all ages. We were getting heckled by every single person that walked past. I had one eye on my camera back which had all of my stuff in it, fend off the drunks and take photos while holding my flash in my hand on a wire. I'f I'd have had a drum, harmonica and a couple of cymbals, I'd probably have played them as well.

I asked the skateboarder to do a couple of tricks behind her and he was more than obliging. Ask and thou shall receive.

Sometimes you have got to get out of your comfort zone, get on with it and take some photos.

Amber-web-nowatermark-14-800px.jpg (152.88 KiB) Viewed 10737 times

[Paul Jones]

Hi All

Thanks for taking part.

I asked you to post your favourite photo of 2011. The fact that you all chose the images that you did means that any judges comments on my part would really be redundant. It's obvious from your comments that these images have a special meaning for you.

"it was the first one I took in 2011 with my new camera, resulting in my choosing to take up photography as a hobby..."
"It was the first time that I had planned what I intended to shoot, waited for darkness and then used the right settings to capture a view..."
"Nature is a difficult subject and this shot is one of the first that shows more promise that progress is being made."
"Had to wait around for two hours to get this as the sun was setting."
"... was a hard shot to take as the stem they where on was moving with the wind making it very difficult to get a sharp image."
"had to wait for that bicycle rider to get into position and hey presto."
"despite the hike up the mountain and the nausea I felt due to the thin air, it was all very much worth it..."
"...when KT Allen brought a copy of the print to hang in her lounge I felt a tremendous sense of pride, moreso when Janice asked if she could use the image for her charity, cancer research."
"It is the one image I have come back to time and time again..."
"Sometimes you have got to get out of your comfort zone, get on with it and take some photos."


There's some great comments there. And they illustrate what is important about our hobby. It's not about trying to score 20/20 or impress a judge. It's about making images that make you proud and happy and that give you a sense of achievement or just great memories.


They are all worthy winners, but the nature of this competition means that I'm obliged to select a winner, so my top 3 favourites are:

3rd. Tracey McGovern
A lovely photo.
And an even lovelier story behind it.

2nd. Philip Howe
I know how hazardous location shoots can be.
Getting out of your comfort zone gave us something a little out of the ordinary.

1st. Mike Eldon
Who could resist this?
Any parent would love it.
It's no wonder you chose it.
Well done.


I now invite Mike E to choose a theme for our next forum competition with the usual two week deadline.

Thank-you.