My Best Photos of 2019

Now that the New Year has arrived, I’ve decided to post what I think are my best photos from 2019.  As I reviewed 8000 pictures, I am amazed that I shot that many!  Once again I find the  most straightforward approach is to break down my top ten into categories.  So let’s get started.

Architecture

I was surprised to discover that a third of my favorites were buildings.  I live in the suburbs of southern California, a monotonous expanse of tiled roofs romantically dubbed the Mediterranean style.  No wonder I was thrilled by Chicago!

One of the things that I like about the above image is the contrast between straight and curved lines.

Another cityscape from 2019 that speaks to similar shapes is from San Diego.

Of course, I can take things in a different direction.  How about all straight lines?  I loved the Bradbury Building in downtown Los Angeles!

Who could resist the carved wood and the wrought iron?

My last architectural image is entirely different.  Montezuma’s Castle is from a recent trip to Arizona.

While the National Park Service has restored some of the building, the top half is original.  This cliff dwelling is at least 600 years old and sits about 90 feet above Beaver Creek.  Architecture doesn’t have to be modern.

The Human Form

I don’t often shoot portraits, but I seem to like the human shape.  That may explain why I like costume design.  Then again, maybe not.

I photographed several incredible dresses at the Guo Pei exhibit, but the above is one of my best photos from the shoot.  I like the feeling of motion.

Another female figure comes from a recent story about ancient Egypt.  Of all the art featured at the Reagan Library the day of my visit, this one took my breath away.

Perhaps I’m captivated by the blue light.  Maybe I just like that hint of Greek art.  What can I say?  I like it.

On a lighter note, I offer a different kind of human figure, one that’s out of this world.  The new year is here, so this image from the 2019 Rose Parade seems appropriate. The float is by Cal Poly.

And Cars!

One of the biggest movies of 2019 was Avengers: Endgame.  I grew up reading Marvel comics, so of course, I saw it.  Afterward, I rewatched all the Iron Man movies.  What better way to celebrate Tony Stark than with a photo from the Petersen Automotive Museum?

If you’re ever in Los Angeles, be sure to visit the Petersen.  It’s a great museum.

Flowers Anyone?

While exploring Descanso Gardens last winter, I must have been lucky.  I timed my visit for the blooming of the camellias!

I don’t often find flower images, but I’ll include one more, just for fun.  As far as I’m concerned, my dog is always one of my best photos.

Trying to get a bouncing dog to pose is a hopeless task.  Still, there was a very brief moment before he turned away.

Happy New Year!  I hope 2020 is good to you.

Next week I’ll post some images of the floats from this year’s Rose Parade.