Top 10 Photos from 2009

January, 2010
End of a year, end of a decade. Time to look back. I've chosen my "top ten" images from the past year. When I look at the selection now, I realize it doesn't include studio, sport, the variety of commercial work that I do most. Perhaps then these ten photos are more just images I enjoyed making; and still enjoy. Hopefully you'll agree. Scroll down to see ten of my favourite photos from 2009.

As with all photos you see on the website, digital images and prints in this collection are available in a variety of sizes. Use the contact form on the everything else page to contact me. —jc

Gabriola Island, close to Nanaimo, but maintains a rural atmosphere. And quiet beaches with sandstone sculpture. Stunning.

Round Saltspring 2009: Mischief, a Melges 32 from Royal Victoria Yacht Club, and skippered by Ian and Susanne Morris, sails in what appears to be no wind past the Fernwood area at 5:15 pm. Mischief finished the 42 NM course in 14 hours, more than three hours ahead of the next boat, to take first place overall. The sailor in me marvels at the ability of this boat to sail in so little wind, while the photographer in me marvels at the shapes and reflection in the water.

Wilco Construction builds superior homes on Salt Spring Island. Some big, some not so big. I enjoy this image as it portrays the special indoor-outdoor feeling you get from this home. Beautiful inside and out.

This majestic hunter soared overhead while hunting during a spring low tide on a west facing Salt Spring beach. Fortunately, I was lugging a very long lens attached to a very fast focussing camera. I like the detail, the upturned wingtips and the uncluttered background. It was an easy choice for the ten best list.

First Birthday: Charlie's first birthday and first foray into the world of strawberry and chocolate. In the last few minutes of light on a summer evening, I needed to work fast. We already had buckets of great images of this little guy with his face in the cake. Then without warning, his sister came around the corner and he looked up for the shot of the day. I love the exacting focus depth, the colour, strong diagonal line and fun background.

Winter Sunrise, Ganges Harbour: Zero degrees. The forecast was cloudy. And it was. But at twenty minutes before sunrise the sky turned to fire, and was reflected on the still waters of Ganges Harbour. There's only one "right moment" where the light and colour seem perfect. That magic moment it's usually earlier than you think. Once it's over, it's over.

The Ice Cream Shoppe: While shooting for the annual Day in the Life of Salt Spring Island, I had the good fortune to come across this group of seniors. It looked like they had skipped out on a tour and were hiding out in the local ice cream store. I love the interaction and playfulness as the girl in blue (unbidden) grabbed hold of the ice cream. And I love the playful background too, the strong diagonal line, and the way the store's window lights the scene. Again, a no-brainer for the top ten list.

Vesuvius 'Run': The atmospheric conditions were perfect on this hot summer night to capture the amazing post-sunset colour. The Howe Sound queen relentlessly plods it way between Crofton, on Vancouver Island and Vesuvius on Salt Spring Island. Another magic light moment. On a five foot by two foot PVC poster print, this looks amazing.

Fog Light: Beautiful late afternoon light straining to break through the fog. Surprisingly saturated colours. Famous Canadian photographer, Freeman Patterson wrote a book about photographing, among other things, your own back yard. Works for me.

Westie: And lastly, Cameron the West Highland Terrier. Big on looks. Too cute for words.

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