I’m late, as usual. My Tremont photography buddies picked their five best photos of 2018 ages ago and I’m just now getting to it. I marveled at their creations in awe before I selected mine. That was a mistake. It’s hard not to feel intimidated by their talent and expertise. I found myself saying “Wow!” at nearly every click through the gallery.
Even so, I’m a good bit happier with my overall body of work in 2018 than 2017. I still don’t feel like my work measures up to their standards but I did better. I simply have to use their inspiration to help push myself to grow further in 2019.
Before we get to the big reveal, though, remember your favorite independent motorcycling artist has two places you can support her.
- Buy prints in my Zenfolio shop
- Buy wall decor and more in my Studio6 store
My 2018 progress
I made some solid progress in regaining my mojo in 2018.
- I carried my camera with me more often. No agenda other than being ready for unexpected opportunities. There were still times I was caught without it and cursed myself for the oversight but I definitely improved on that front.
- I pushed myself to get out there when conditions were challenging. Even early on my birthday morning when fresh, fluffy snow blanketed the landscape serenely. All I wanted to do was be a lazy photographer lounging in bed with my coffee.
- I worked more diligently at home. I took more time with my food photography and it has paid off in some decent stock photo sales. It also had the more nebulous effect of helping me stay in tune with my equipment so I can work more quickly when I need to shoot fast and furious on the fly.
- I spent time trying photography that was out of my comfort zone and well-worn tried-and-true style. Let’s file it under expanding my photographic horizons to include action (ok, motorycycling), abstract, and food still lifes.
Anticipating more progess
Looking into 2019, I have some exciting opportunities that I damn well need to capitalize on.
- I have a new Panasonic Lumix G9 camera to work with. Yeehaw!
- I’m in the process of setting up a permanent home studio instead of flailing about as inspiration strikes, only to become frustrated and deflated as I struggle to set up my shots.
- I’m going to Cuba in a couple of weeks. Talk about a photogenic location! If I can’t produce some unique and compelling images there, it’s time to hang it up, right?
Here are my five best photos of 2018
With that preface, here are my five favorite images of the year.
Light through a cabin window 
Trio of bluets 
Portrait of redtail hawk 
Two lights in a dark pub 
Old car and cabins at Bodie.
And my runners up.
Here are the shots that get an honorable mention.
Ships under the Golden Gate Bridge in fog 
Harvesting a Christmas tree in Nevada. 
The adventure dog playing in the snow. 
Leaf art in the Smokies 
Historic cabin at Bodie 
Historic steel door in Virginia City 
Old boardwalk screws 
Single cherry in sguar 
Cottonwood glowing in afternoon light. 
Foothills Parkway sunrise in infrared.
Tell me what you think
I’m supremely curious what y’all think. My own assessment of “best” and “favorite” will never be what others think. I’m too close to the images. They are steeped in the experience and emotion of creating them. So tell me what you think.
Head over to my Facebook page and vote for your favorite. No fair voting for more than one. 😉
Get yours!
As always, prints and products of these are available in my storefronts on Zenfolio and Society6. I’ve set up special Best of 2018 collections for you. Happy shopping!
It was worth the wait. Thanks for sharing! For what its worth, I like the leaf art image. I like the fact that you envisioned it, set it up, and executed. Cool image. And the shot of J with the tree…I expect to see that on a Christmas card someday! 🙂
Ah, the leaves. That was hysterical to create — scrambling over wet rocks, trying not to drop expensive camera gear in the water, Piper throwing leaves at me to use.
The shot of J almost has me wanting to embrace sending out holiday cards again. 🙂
Thanks for the kind words!
V
Your “besties” are wonderful and I loved the runner ups as well! I just wrote about the creative process and how you MUST protect your vision by not comparing yourself to others. You are unique and how you see the world is reflected in your beautiful photographs. I don’t care if they are better than anyone else’s–the point is that they are YOU and that is what makes them so special to those of us that think you are a rockstar!!!
Thank you, Janie! I suppose I should clarify a bit because I do agree with you. I’m not trying to look or be like anyone else but when I step back from the photos and consider the technical proficiencies and emotional engagement, it reminds me I’m not at the top of my craft, even when calibrating for personal style. Just gives me room to improve, right? 😉