I got experimental, I got traditional, I traveled great distances and I shot photos in my neighborhood. Some of the photos picked up awards, some of them are scheduled for next year, and some are just award-winners in my heart.
So here are ten of my best photos that were captured in this calendar year. I hope some of them are your favorites as well.
This little photo experiment – a Christmas tree with no tree – was accepted into the 2023 Capital District Photo Regionals, which makes me very happy. It also appeared at the New York State Fair’s photo show, which makes for a nice little holiday present, if you ask me.
After several attempts at capturing a three-dimensional image that would be competition-season-worthy, this shot at an Albany Patroons basketball game was accepted into the International 3-D Gallery show in Austria. And as an added bonus … the guy blocking AGAINST the Patroons will now suit up for the Gold and Kelly Green in 2024. So we’re good all around.
One of two “atomic” photos I captured this year, where I used a kaleidoscope as a prism for a really funky effect. This image eventually made it to Historic Albany Foundation’s 2023 BUILT charitable auction and sold for a decent price.
This was the other one. Atomic Tulips made it to the New York State Fair, and was displayed on the walls of the art center. Maybe one day I’ll break this prism out for another photo shoot. You never know. :D
For the second year in a row, a photo from the Saratoga, Corinth & Hudson Railroad reached the walls in Competition Season – in this case, the photo was on display at the Iowa State Fair in their special “sunrise, sunset” category.
My photo experiment on capturing a “sun trail” appeared in a couple of locales, including the Altamont Fair and the New York State Fair. Kinda worked out well for me.
Probably the best covered bridge shot I could snag all year, this one involved a trip to Quebec and a lot of patience. But you can’t go wrong with those leading lines, can you?
I’m also loving this photo, which was captured at the New York State Fair. I may enter this in Competition Season 2024 if I’m feeling confident enough in it.
Right now, this is currently my front-runner in the Buena Vista Panorama photo series … a shot of the Boreas Ponds and the seven “High Peaks” in the distance. Very, very, very tempted to enter this image somewhere next year.
What you see here is one of the first photos I’ve ever caught as a digital infrared image. I had one of my Nikon Df cameras converted to an infrared shooter, and this is what came out. This is a start. Trust me, it will not be an end.
The final image from my 2023 catalog includes this little treasure. Nothing like traveling all the way to San Antonio and fighting the cloud cover to get this image. And it’s already at the 2023 Albany Center Gallery Members’ Show, so check it out there!
And that’s my 2023 photography lineup.
What does 2024 hold for me?
More of the same. Trust me. More of the same.
Chuck The Writer 
Oh, these are such great pictures! Thank you for taking me down memory lane with them. I spent the first four decades of my life living in New York State, the latter part in the capital district specifically. It’s amazing how photographs can bring back so many memories and emotions.
I must admit, I never won any awards or received any acknowledgment for my photography. The only successes I had as far as my photography was concerned was getting my photographs published in books. It felt like a small victory, and those moments were so precious to me.
I also had the privilege of working for Getty Images for a few years, and it was an incredible experience. It allowed me to see the world through a different lens, and capture moments that told unique stories.
As we approach the new year, I have big plans. My New Year’s resolution is to find more avenues for my creativity and perhaps pursue more adventures. Photography will always hold a special place in my heart, as will writing, and I want to continue exploring and sharing the beauty of the world. Who knows what opportunities and experiences the next year will bring? Here’s to new beginnings and more unforgettable moments. 📷🌟
LikeLike
Nice eye, Chuck!
LikeLike