My Favorite Photographs From 2021

We’re at the time of year when we start to reflect on where we’ve been. For me, as a photographer I am very happy with my progress this year.

I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite photographs from the year and talk about them.

This photo was taken during Photocon Kentucky. The model, Leah was one of my favorite models that I’ve ever worked with. For this, I saw how bright it was outside the venue and thought it would be a great opportunity to shoot through the window. Some of the elements in the background are a little distracting, but overall I love this one.

This was from a group shoot in a movie prop warehouse. I love how wild and untamed Claudia looks here. This was shot with my a6400 camera. Part of me wishes I had brought my a7iii for the better low light performance, but I also feel like the noisiness of the image also works in its favor.

Kym Trailz and the TONCWAVE agreed to help me with a photography competition for Rotolight. This shot came out pretty much exactly the way I intended. I wanted it to feel like a 1980s metal album cover. Shot with my Sony 20mm G lens, there is a bit of a distortion to it. I added the green tint to the shadows to give it a bit of a different feel.

Let me say that I enjoyed working with all the models at Photocon. I hate to single out only two, but I can only have so many favorite images. This simple shot of Ingrid just works. Get a load of that wonderful catchlight in her eyes. It is edited using my own personal lightroom Preset, Audrey. (Named after Audrey Hepburn.)

This was my favorite shot from a wedding I worked. Its just the bride holding someone’s son. Simple. Beautiful.

I went to watch the Jak Locke Rock Show at the Babylon in Metairie. I had just purchased my Sony a7c and wanted to see how it would perform in lowlight. Obviously it killed it and this is a fantastic shot.

I picked up some client work on Thanksgiving weekend. This lovely young lady was just trying to fix her socks while we were shooting. This kind of image is what I gravitate towards. No posing. Just the honesty and beauty of the moments no one else notices.

Jason Giaccone agreed to help me with a different photography competition earlier this year. This shoot didn’t quite go as I wanted… or at least I didn’t get the image I had in my head. On the other hand, I did get this one. Its a striking image, with only the rim of the trumpet in focus. This was also shot with my 20mm G Lens. It ended up being a great purchase and I hope to use it more in creative ways in the future.

This is my best friend and his sister. I’m drawn to street photography and this is more in line with a SP style. Again, real moments of beauty.

I debated on whether to include this one. I’m still working on getting over the woman involved. But still, if I’m being honest, this is a great shot. Not perfect. I wish I would have had a rim light to draw more distinction between the background and the foreground. Still, it’s an image that has character.

One last photograph of Leah. I had to include this because… it’s perfect. The colors, the tones, the hint of catchlight… Perfect.

And that was my year. I can’t wait to start creating in 2022.