The Ones I Like List [2011]
So it’s time for my year-end “The Ones I Like List.” Of course, since I never even finished my 2011 “The Ones I Like List,” posting my 2012 favorites seems a bit premature.
So shall we revisit the 2011 selections? I actually managed to post #10 before the blog “went dark,” and you can see that selection here. As for the rest?
#9 – Gump
Gump was taken during my week-long trip to Northern Alabama to photograph the autumn foliage. When I made the trip, I made it with hopes of foggy mornings aplenty. Turned out, however, that fog eluded me for the duration, save one day — the last. But that last day was beautiful and worth it. This photo was taken on a trail in Huntsville, Alabama that I happened upon quite fortuitously. I only saw three people, maybe four, as I walked through the misty forest. It was thrilling and invigorating, and I ended up with a number of photos that I really liked, one of which will be posted in this very list, closer to the #1 spot.
#8 – Together, No Fear
Together, No Fear was taken in Seabrook, Texas. It was not only a foggy morning, but a dreary one. I didn’t expect to see anyone out and about. But I did. And this was the result.
#7 – The Optimist’s Palette
The Optimist’s Palette was taken at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park in Alabama. I was driving back home to Houston, Texas after my “In Search of Foliage” trip, but detoured for an hour to check out the park. I love the color combination and the skyward perspective. In short, the photo makes me happy. And I love it paired with Leaves in Blue.
#6 – The Forest’s Cathedral
I love the red swath of leaves on the bottom right-hand side of the The Forest’s Cathedral. And I’m a sucker for deep blue.
#5 – Bison
I photographed this at Armand Bayou Nature Center on a beautifully foggy morning. It’s rare that I get to see these Bison at all, but even rarer to get them together. It makes me feel like I’m in Yellowstone Park. Only I’m not in Yellowstone, I’m on the Texas Gulf Coast. And I’m giddy.
#4 – And I Stopped Along The Way
I photographed, And I Stopped Along the Way, while walking, destination unknown, along that Huntsville, Alabama trail that I mentioned earlier. The landscape seemed straight out of a fairytale, the kind with princes and stallions, valor and grandness. I’m a sucker for that kind of visual, so I did indeed stop along the way. I’m happy I did.
An aside: Now I’m guaranteed to have the song “Destination Unknown” by Missing Persons stuck in my head for the remainder of the evening. Ah, the 80’s!
#3 – A Rest Stop On The Road Between Little Red Riding Hood and Twilight (aka “Enter”)
Enter took me quite a while to process, but I was inspired by that wonderful tree. So inspired, in fact, that I have another photo of it call Extend.
#2 – The Court Jester
The Court Jester, probably my favorite title of the year, was taken in suburbia. Proof that you never have to go far for inspiration.
#1 – Deer Run
Deer run. It was my favorite photo of 2011. I can’t explain why I like it so much; I just do. Baby Deer. Fog. Movement. Processing. It’s tender. Nothing more profound than that.
