Favorite color photographs taken in 2021

Beautiful colors can be bought in the shops on the Riato, but good drawing can only be bought from the casket of the artist’s talent with patient study and nights without sleep – Tintoretto

Those are my favorite color photographs taken in 2021.

This ice abstract image was taken on one winter morning when the Brickyard Pond trail was completely frozen overnight after plenty of snow melted the days before. I remember how challenging it was walking on the thick layered ice. Despite the challenge of getting myself steady as I staged my camera and tripod, I was so immersed in the moment of photographing the plentiful ice formations, I completely lost track of time. Hours flew by when I was in the flow. This image was a personal breakthrough because I was never into producing abstract images. My edits of this image also propelled my Photoshop editing skills to another level. I am thankful this image was awarded honorable mention in the abstract division of the Chromatic Photography online competition last year. It was the most memorable image I took in 2021. It was one of those lucky occasions when all the elements of making a compelling image came together beautifully.

I spent a lot of time photographing the Brickyard Pond nature trail in Barrington during the winter last year. Winter is my favorite season of the year. My camera backpack is always packed and ready for whenever I make time to photograph. I took advantage of the proximity to the trail quite a lot last year. I particularly enjoyed the quiet time during the early mornings when I had the pond all to myself. It was a luxury to witness the beauty of solitude. I enjoyed every moment of it.

I watched a TV documentary about the American painter Andrew Wyeth and I found his work spoke strongly to me. With his superb drawing techniques and keen observational ability, Wyeth was able to make ordinary subjects meaningful without them looking tedious. Wyeth’s ability to elevate the mundane into meaningful is something I very much aspire to. He devoted a lot of time painting the winter scenes. I dreamt of taking an image of leaves trapped under layers of ice much like one of his paintings after watching the documentary. Luckily my wish was granted on one frigid morning during my outing at the Brickyard Pond nature trail.

A pair of wilted leaves was what started me on the journey of exploring more opportunities to incorporate the Japanese view Wabi-sabi into my photography. The early morning soft light gave the humble subjects the beautiful glow which made it a treasure in my eyes.

I spent a lot of time photographing at the Osamequin trail in Barrington last year. I took a lot of images with tress being primary subjects. The elegant gesture of this tree was what attracted me to photograph it.

This image of a Victorian style dress in a window display was not a subject I normally would have photographed. I found its old-world style strike an emotional chord with me. It reminded me of a time past.

I had very fond memory of this image because I took it after a long summer slump when I lost my creative momentum. The moment I triggered my camera shutter, the immense joy of photography flew right back to me. It reminded me how important it was to keep swinging even during moments when I lacked any motivation.

I always dream of photographing the tide rushing in at a beach. I dream of seeing the sea water washing over my boots and I hit the shutter at the right moment to capture the movement. I am glad I had my wish fulfilled during one early afternoon shoot at the Horseneck beach. An image that reminds me the joy of savoring each moment.

An autumn leaf accompanied by the gentle flow of a stream. This image reminds me a compelling image doesn’t always require subjects of grandeur.

This image, to me, is the epitome of Wabi-sabi. Less is more.