Echoing what Pete said in his list, 2016 was a strange year photography wise, not least because it has ended with Pete actually writing a blog! Obviously the highlight was setting up Johnsbrothers photography, but there were some great photo trips and moments as well.
For me, the year was a continued period of reflection on my photography and coincided with a change in style/taste. It has resulted in a conflict over what I shoot and what I like, and subsequently a number of failed trips out with the camera, although it turns out some of my failures are actually in my favorites even if they didn't make it to the website.
I'm also getting more and more frustrated/angry with some so called landscape photographers seemingly being happy to damage the very landscapes they are recording all in the name of 'getting the shot'. Its probably a mid life crisis, but the well documented incidents at Yellowstone park (US), Cape Kiwanda and the Racetrack Playa in Death Valley to name a few (not all were photographers to be fair) are clearly unacceptable, but seemingly lesser incidents like climbing over the fencing onto the protected grass areas at Durdle Door shouldn't be happening in order to preserve the vulnerable locations landscape photographers are lining up to shoot.
This extends to competition organisers as well. The winner of the RedBull Illume competition (Materpiece catagory) was this shot, which is stunning. I admit that I don't know the background to the shot but the Rakotzbrücke Devil's Bridge is somewhere that can still be viewed from the park, but crossing what is generally described as an 'aging relic' is prohibited in order to preserve it. There has to be some responsibility on the organisers to discount images that are encouraging photographers to act in this way? Probably one for a future discussion.
Rant over!
Below are my 10 favorite shots from 2016:
1. The Cobb, Lyme Regis
The shot that started it all and not original in any way. A cold, overcast, slightly disappointing early morning trip which concluded with Johns Brothers Photography actually being started.
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2. Misty
A change of style for me that I liked. A bit more photoshopery than I would usually do (the glow from the house is massively enhanced, but the edit allowed the shot to reflect the feel of the night better than it did straight out of the camera. Ultimately it was dark, cold and damp and the house was really inviting.
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3. Misty lane
One that hasn't ever been published due to it not really fitting with the site (and not really being very good). This was taken on the same night as the shot above. The mist hanging in the lane was remarkably spooky, almost felt like an old Hammer Horror scene!
4. Burrow Mump Sunset
Probably the luckiest, unplanned shot I have ever taken. The location was one I had on my list as somewhere I could get you quickly from work in an evening, although on this occasion I was on the way back from a meeting in Worcester but because the traffic had been so bad I decided to take the back route home. The weather had been pretty rubbish all of the way back but I figured I would stop here to relax before getting home. I had never considered that the sun would set behind the ruined castle. Unplanned result!
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5. Glastonbury Mist #1
A simple, classic shot that helps explain why I love Somerset. It is also because my favourite shoots tend to be the early morning ones, when you stand on a hill at 5 in the morning wondering what on earth you are doing. I went to work after this, I was shattered!
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6. Glastonbury mist #2
A simple, classic clean shot of Glastonbury Tor rising out of the mist.
7. New Bridge, Dartmoor
Another unplanned shot, and the only one I have ever completed in my suit and tie! When driving to meetings I often throw the camera bag in the car 'just in case'. Normally I am too late leaving to get anywhere in time before the light fades, or my brain is fried, but on this occasion it all worked out. I couldn't make it onto the moor itself, but the River Dart seemed a decent location. The fisherman under the bridge (who gave me very funny looks as he walked past) made this shot for me.
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8. Cheddar Gorge
Probably the biggest failure I have had with the camera, including the occasions where I have forgotten filters or tripod plates. The sun was really bright and to try and control the exposure it seemed essential to use filters. Unfortunately, the filters were the cause of the sunflare that can be seen in the shot because I didn't consider what happens when light hits the top of the filter. The bright sun meant I didn't spot the flare until I downloaded the images later and I haven't been able to fix it resulting in every shot being rejected.
To be fair, it was REALLY high and I spent a surprising amount of time holding on to my tripod controlling my breathing and trying to stop my legs from turning to jelly (weird feeling) so my thoughts weren't exactly clear. I also laughed, a lot. It is always funny heading out with my mate Ian Lewis, but being in a situation where both of us were too scared to move was brilliant, and hence why this was one of my favourite shots of the year.
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That's us scarily close to the edge (although looking back at the camera and seeing just how precarious it was setup was probably the worst bit).
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9. Waaaaave...
It wouldn't be right to not have a Lilstock shot up here. I think this was my first trip out in the year, it was certainly my first wet feet!
This was actually the first proper trip with the XT-1 after the Cobb. I had shot other things, including Crufts, but it was good to get back to the sea.
10. And Finally....
Not a photo, but look at those ears!
If the video doesn't work (mobiles seem to have an issue, then go here.
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