Best Photos of 2011

It's so hard to pick the best, but here are some of my favorites, or at least a sampling of my photographic journey this year. They are arranged mostly chronologically.

The first two photos are representative of my growing appreciation for minimalist and abstract photography this year.

#4

Death Is Dry

This shot is here to argue that you don't need expensive equipment to make descent pictures. I grabbed this in Dubuque, Iowa with my Canon S90, on the way back from my sister's graduation. Though, I probably would use more self-control with the saturation slider if I was processing this again. 

Rendezvous

Climbing your first mountain is thrilling, but doing it during sunrise adds all the more to the wonder and excitement. The next two shots are from a hike in Montana with my friend Phil. Climbing Baldy Mountain at 5 in the morning is one of the best experiences from this past year, and the most beautiful. 

 Haze and Glory

Our Wild World

I took pictures at a Basketball and Soccer camp that several churches put together in my neighborhood this summer. This is my favorite from that event. This was a year when I tried some new things as far as photographing events and people, and found out how much I have to learn. 

Effort

Another event that really stretched me as a photographer was Mink Lake Camp. I was asked to take pictures at the girls camp our church helped host. I had great fun doing it. Here are two favorites

 The Joyful Fisherwomen

The Art of Walking on Waterfalls

On my birthday this year, I went down to the shore of Mink Lake, and was blessed with beautiful moonlight. After about an hour of taking long exposures I walked away with this 287 second photo. 

Life Rushing Past

I live in the city, so there should be something from the city in here. And there is beauty to find even in the heart of the urban jungle.

Life Under Heaven

Another highlight was the short trip I took up to the north shore this fall. Two days beforehand I got filled with wanderlust and desire to see fall colors. So I took off, and found plenty of color. I've never seen such beautiful fall colors as I did on this trip.

 Mic-Mac and Superior Lakes

Nicado Lake

This is a fall shot from near my home in Minneapolis. It was at the end of fall after I had already given up on seeing great color, and at the end of the day, when I was ready to pack up. I walked past this little tree twice before seeing the light hitting it perfectly. 

Tree of Light

This last one is from earlier this month. It's shot from behind Minnehaha Falls at night. 

He Anoints My Head