[Mikell]

Such awesome shots from everyone...this is a great post.
And a challenging one...at least for me. I took way too many photos last year...I was learning to use my new camera and never stopped clicking for months!

How do you choose your BEST photos?
From the ones that have the most sentimental value to you...that capture memories with people and places you never want to forget?
From the ones that others have complimented you on?
From the ones that reflect some degree of mastery over a technique you've been practicing?

I had a really hard time choosing only 10. I love at least 10 photos I've taken just of food ...or...of my kids...of other people's kids....of birds...of sunsets/sunrises....of friends....of flowers...of xmas decorations...of my cat...of other people's cats...of dogs...of places I've vacationed...of our boat...of fish/fishing....of my backyard.......and on and on...

Did anyone else have this much trouble?

So...I finally just decided to pick these 10...I don't know if they are my best (as others have said) but I have an emotional connection with each of them...they make me happy to look at them...and I guess that's what photography is for me...pleasing myself.

Goslings on Sodus Bay

Carriage Ride at Sunset in New Orleans

Algiers Ferry Terminal in New Orleans

Self Portrait in Mirror Ball

Leah

Hulahoop Girl at Lilac Festival

Kitty in Autumn Woods

Anna by Beach Bonfire

December Sunset on Wind Turbine

Egret at Sunset - Beso del Sol

[Kelly]

You chose wisely....and that is one of the marks of a great photographer.....IMHO - the ability to self edit. These photos are not only outstanding, but they also represent you as the versatile artist that you are, Mikell. I've always been a fan.....but I have so thoroughly enjoyed watching you blossom over this past year or so. The excitement you exude is infectious! Kudos! Self Portrait in Mirror Ball is insanely fascinating!

Everyone has done such a great job of choosing their own personal best......I am loving this topic!

(Yes, it is VERY hard to pick your "best" ten! I'm not even close to choosing yet......)

[Matt]

Mikell, wonderful selection. I'm a sucker for silhouettes in sunset and that last photo is a gem. I also find myself studying that wind turbine one for its interesting-ness.

[Mikell]

Thanks Kelly and Matt...being part of this group and getting feedback and inspiration (especially from both of you whose talents I really admire).... and being challenged to try new things...has been a big part of my "excitement" about photography. While I take pictures to make myself happy, it's just more fun sharing the growing passion with others who understand it.

Every time I visit the board and check out some of the latest uploads, I just get another "fix" for my addiction... so many great "highs" here!

[hobkyl]

Awesome photos Mikell! I love that NO one

[Mikell]

Thanks Kyle...
I think I like your owl and emu photos the best in your post....birds are so fascinating and those two shots are neat!
I don't where Bastion Falls is...but I have a friend who wrote a book with that title...so that's kinda cool too.

[americanhero]

what a wonderful collection of shot, Mikell. I cannot say, which one I like the best. They are all great and show unique and excellent moments.
Great work of you.

[Mikell]

Thanks Yvonne....
Your photos are wonderful too...I like the first two especially ... Goat Island and the bike path...very cool shots. I agree with others...you should definitely post more pics for us to enjoy.

[ApproachingLight]

Nice pics Mikell. It IS hard to pick 10 pics. And of course just becuase one means alot to you (or me) doesn't mean others will value them. So for this venue do you put up 10 that will appeal most, that appeal most to you, or a combination.

[Mikell]

It's really the most subjective thing...I'd be willing to bet that if I showed all my pictures to every one of you...you'd all pick 10 different "best" photo collections from my albums.
I finally had to just get a short list from the ones that really made me immediately smile when I looked at them...and then narrowed it to the ones I thought also were good technically too. (Which eliminates all those slightly out of focus adorable pictures of my kids...which, of course make me smile the most!)

And...if I went through my pictures again today...I might pick 10 different ones... I think it depends on my mood too.

I just feel happy that I have so many pictures...a pain in the ass sometimes to organize...but wonderful memories and a great place to go when I really need to smile!

[Matt]

Forcing myself to go through my photos and choose what I would consider the top 10 is good practice for the discipline of self-editing. It helps me discover what I enjoyed, what I excelled at, what I need more practice with, and what I missed. Right now I am struggling with defining a point at which I should begin to review my photos from 2011. I am sure I haven't even LOOKED at half of them, let alone processed the RAW files. Not sure what to do.

[americanhero]

I still have a lot of pictures of 2011 I haven't looked at. So you're fine with only having the pictures of 2011 left

[spyac]

Everyone has posted some beautiful photos .. enjoyed seeing each and everyone one of them. The following are my favorites from 2011


Edens Gateway by spyac3, on Flickr
Watkins Glen Cathedral area


Edge of the Storm by spyac3, on Flickr

During Hurricane Irene, Pultneyville


pumpkin patch by spyac3, on Flickr

Powers farm market in October



Fitches Bridge by spyac3, on Flickr

Fitches Bridge Delhi N.Y.



Corbett's Glen by spyac3, on Flickr
view from inside the pool at Corbetts Glen


Red-Bellied Woodpecker by spyac3, on Flickr

Red-bellied woodpecker


Fall color by spyac3, on Flickr

American Bittersweet


Unveiled by Winter by spyac3, on Flickr

Abandoned barn late December


Sodus Point Lighthouse by spyac3, on Flickr

Sodus Point lighhouse During hurricane Irene



Mallard Duck.. Pre-flight checks by spyac3, on Flickr

Mallard ducks from Durand Eastman

[ApproachingLight]

spyac...nice collection. such variety. Edge of the storm is a favorite, but there are others. Nice!

[Kelly]

Beautiful, spyac. I especially like the bittersweet berries! And Fitch's Bridge.....nice work!