Some of our Faves from 2009

As the dust finally settles on 2009 and we all plan our paths for 2010 we thought we’d ask some of the Bluedog Tutors for a memorable personal shot from their past year of photography.

Augustine

‘As a child I was terrified of electrical storms. The thunder would send me skittering to my mother looking for reassurance. Photography more than age has changed that. On Tuesday 17th November Brisbane was hit with a massive electrical storm and I couldn't have been happier. This image is one of my favourites I got from that night (and I got over 30 images all up). I like this one because it shows the true scope of the momentary flash. It clearly shows so much more than the naked eye can see with all the minor offshoots of the central strikes. One of the most rewarding things about this storm was that I got to sit in the comfort of a dry deck, drink red wine with good friends and storm watch while taking some cracking shots. Just gotta love a great storm :)’

Barry

'During my photographers' tours of Vietnam and Cambodia, my groups are quite often invited into the 'homes' of people living in small villages. This was one such occasion where my group had the opportunity to photograph this wonderful old lady as she was preparing dinner.

Image captured in the northern mountain region of Bac Ha, Vietnam in the village of Ban Pho.'

Mel

‘This photo of little 8 day old Sammi would have to be one of my all time faves for 2009... such a little angel and I was really happy with how the DOF and neutral coloured rug just worked... thanks to Deb for allowing me to capture such a precious memory.’

Suellen

Out of all the varied locations, cultures or subject matter I’ve encountered this year, be it studio work or in the field, this candid shot of the kids taken Christmas Day ’09 would have to be my favourite for the year – maybe ever! I just really like to look at it and it makes me smile when I do. I can really sense their characters in this image – 2 seconds before it Dylan was licking the side of Lily’s face. I’ve spent a lot of time away from family this year with work and somehow it made this moment of being together and recording it in 1/160 of a second sweet as. It also reveals how these two have developed from rivalling siblings into young adults who genuinely care for each other. As a mum I can’t be anything but proud. I like the colour version of this image too but the shades lent themselves to make it great in Black and White.

Danielle

2009 was filled with so many memorable photographic locations, people and times this was a hard task but one of my special moments was working with the monks in the ancient temples in and around Siem Reap including Angkor Wat in Cambodia. This image was shot at Bayon temple, a little older than it’s more famous neighbour Angkor however an amazing opportunity and one I will never forget. Another of my ‘must see’ ticked off the list!”