your favorite shot for 2008

This is my favorite photo for 2008. It's not the best shot I've taken this year, yet it embodies all my aspirations and fears, and the valuable lessons I've learned about love, and about myself. Crouching on the beach, sand between my toes. Breathing in and out as slowly as I can to make this moment last. The simple expression of everything that is meaningful in my life.

I spent the last couple of days browsing through my personal photo folders and reflecting on this past year. And I thought it would be great if you could share your favorite photo for 2008 with a short comment about what this past year has brought into your life, as well as your hopes and your dreams for 2009.

 

Today's giveaway is a signed copy of Irene's Blurb book "Polaroid Stories" as well as a special set of 8 Polaroid postcards. Simply leave a comment in the section below to be entered for a chance to win. Good luck!

Comments

[Laura]

so hard to pick one! 2008 has been a great year for us as we have grown our photography business and started to learn a little about parenthood.

two that i look at often:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LRbSXf_pzdA/SCdauC6pCyI/AAAAAAAAAGA/kcQUrEb1vGQ/s1600-h/img_7709.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LRbSXf_pzdA/SKS7YuMb6nI/AAAAAAAAAVo/pzuPTSoloFk/s1600-h/IMG_9109.jpg

and all the rest:
http://babyallen2008.blogspot.com/

cheers!

[Whitney]

love that photo - and yes, I should go looking through mine!

[[megan]]

Here's my fave:

http://whistlinguptheroad.blogspot.com/2008/12/favourite-photo-of-2008.html

[lisa]

Here you are

http://becominglisaluckie.blogspot.com/2008/12/summin-up-2008.html

thank you for a thought provoking post...

[kayla]

lovely photo. Thanks for the giveaway!!!

[Kyla]

Wow . . . this one was so difficult! So many photos, you know . . . but if I had to pick one for 2008, it would have to be this one:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thekreativelife/3145949216/

It speaks to me of the joys of simple things . . . a little time at the park . . . and none of us with a care in the world!

[mary]

It's really difficult to choose just one -- like choosing a favorite among your children. LOL But I guess this would be among my very favorites:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9068078@N05/2556571166/in/set-72157608124602343/

This past year, having this camera in my hands has sparked a nascent love of nature, and fed a tremendous creative urge in me. In the coming year, I hope to become more technically adept, and learn how to take portraits...

[Christy]

Wow! Just a few comments to wade through! I couldn't choose just one either!

http://yankeeinontario.blogspot.com/2008/12/don-re-invent-wheel.html

[Tracy]

Well, what a difficult task - best of 08. This is the year that I finally became a mom so even though the photos of my daughter aren't my best work technically, obviously they are my faves.

Here my husband is holding my daughter shortly after birth. You can see that her hands are still blue and my hubby's eyes are a little red from crying but he has such a happy satisfied expression: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31417716@N00/2784218561/in/set-72157606872591568/

Two other faves from within minutes of her birth:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31417716@N00/2784243085/in/set-72157606872591568/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31417716@N00/2784190713/in/set-72157606872591568/

[Jessica]

Fabulous picture, very telling!

[whitney]

http://www.wwaddellphoto.com/journal/2008/12/29/most-meaningful-of-2008.html

This one is most memorable for me because that night offered up the time and space to really delve back into photography. 2008 brought such ups and downs but one thing I am so thankful for is that I picked up my camera again and approached photography as a daily meditation. What I'm looking forward to most in 2009 is the momentum to produce something real and tangible - something that expresses my visions and ideas and excites and inspires people!

[Jen P.]

I'm a new reader to this blog, but I know so many great photogs who love it! I have been thinking lately about what my favorite photos are for 2008, and I think of them all, this is probably my favorite...http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkpooka/2806459342/
My camera had recently been bathed in milk, so I was using my backup camera and lens. When I think about it, it makes me realize how far I've come in my photography journey this year b/c I could get a shot like that with less than my best equipment.

[Michelle]

I don't know about favorite photo of the year but my favorite photo of the moment is...

http://adappledapple.wordpress.com/2008/12/28/winter-3/

What peace I felt as the wild deer nuzzled my hand looking for food. I hope to hold that peaceful feeling all year.

[Shannon]

My cousin shoots almost exclusively in polaroid and was heartbroken when he found out that it was being discontinued. That book would make an excellent gift for him. :)

[jody]

Ok this is hard. Pick one? Impossible.
But I will give you "one" of my fav photo's. My kitchen early in the am. Coffee's on. Sun is streaming thru the window. I love the feeling I get when I view this one..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jodyangel/2975088667/

[Sherry]

Thanks for the push to do this. I'll make it a goal for the week. I like yours a lot. Cheers!

[amber]

This year has brought the passing of my father, and now, as I pick up the pieces...I have really focused on loving my life as it is in each moment. Life is full and I am full of love and joy as the year wraps up.

[Betsy]

LOVE this photo! It's beautiful.

[Wanda]

I am pleased to find that there are several that I really like. This year is when I took up the practice. I have much to learn, but found that there are a number of them I am quite proud of. I hope to keep developing my skills (no pun intended) through the next year.

This year has been about healing. Progress is apparent and for that I am grateful. Next year...may the healing continue and the search for beauty abound through the lens finder.

http://whatwouldwandado.blogspot.com/2008/12/favorite-photos-of-2008.html

[brandy christian]

Favorite Shot from 2008
Rainy Day in Seaside, FL. Just classic.

http://www.tylerraychristian.com/web/do/site/photo?ID=389884

[Melissa]

I've been trying to chose some of my favorites to make a mini calendar with pics of my great niece and nephew. It's hard to decide. I love your beach scene. I can see why it was your fave.

[Kim M]

My fave photo this year is of my daughter jumping on the bed with the sun getting low at the window.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/onwaterstreet/2576497279/in/set-72157606820278337/

[Olwyn]

I guess my favourite photos of this year would have to be the ones of my daughter. There have been many struggles in my life over the past 12 months but here beauty and joy always shine through.

[buttercupyaya]

I can't imagine picking only one photo I have taken this year that embodies all that I see myself becoming. Though I am 30 years old, this year I have "grown up" quite a bit...or at least I am on that track. I am learning to let go of the things I have no control over and seek help for the things I can and want to change. i am also learning, one step at a time, to enjoy my life in separate moments, instead of worrying about a moment that hasn't happened, or may not happen. I am learning to enjoy my children, *reallly* enjoy them, without struggle, comparison and fear. For all of these things I am eternally grateful that I have time to make these changes and learn these lessons. I am grateful I am discovering myself before it is too late. I am also learning that my passion for photography, and desire to start a business, are not out of reach.
Here's to you, my sisters. May you learn to enjoy the little things.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/buttercupyaya/2983966709/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/buttercupyaya/2862089864/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/buttercupyaya/2951104796/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/buttercupyaya/3146584304/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/buttercupyaya/3146584014/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/buttercupyaya/3145751473/in/photostream/

told you it was impossible to pick just one. hopefully you made it thru all of those.

[Bari]

This is my favorite photo of 2008. I started out the year literally not knowing how to change a single setting on my camera to knowing, well, at least a little bit more. I've since taken 3 classes and plan to take more in the coming year. Photography is like a drug for me - it exhilarates and calms me all at the same time. I'm thrilled when I get a good shot and then frustrated in the next moment cause I can't get it just how I want it. And I know JUST HOW MUCH MORE I have to learn. It's daunting. But, i get to capture moments like this and everything feels wonderful. Happy New Year!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/barilynn/2526210071/in/photostream

[Ellen]

I love that shot.
I have many of the beach, a place I miss every day, since we moved far away from there.
Have a very happy new year!

[Freda]

my favorites are always about my boys!

[Jeannie]

i recently discovered your blog and enjoy it. i'm inspired by your pictures. congrats on being published! i'm a casual photographer who is longing for some 'real' equipment. but i'm blessed in life.

thanks!

[Emily]

It's so hard to choose just one of my photos that is my "favorite" for the year...

Here's what I would have to say it is.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/i_love_photography/3027711590/

It is a moment that I caught when my subject didn't realize that I was photographing her. She was a hard one to photograph, not someone that you can "pose" she wasn't a "say cheese" girl, it looked fake and awkward. When I started to edit this session I saw this one and feel in LOVE with it.
The light in her hair, her pensive face....

Happy Holidays to my fellow Shutter Sisters

[Summer]

This is the year of losing my camera and not being able to afford a new one. yet. It is also the year a stranger/friend in blog land sent me a point and shoot so I wouldn't go completely crazy. The kindness of strangers is amazing.
It is a year of loss. My Grandmother, my mentor, my friend.
It is a year of gain. My second daughter.
It is a year of sickness. Cancer.
It has been a year to leave behind and yet a one never to forget.
This photo isn't the best by any means but it is a reminder on many levels for me so it is dear to my heart.
http://sufferingsummer-ashotinthedark.blogspot.com/2008/12/pondering.html

[patricia]

This is my favorite photo because for me it embodies a lesson that I have been wanting to learn for a long time now. And I'm not quite there yet but hopefully I will be soon. 2008 has been a year full of blessings, of reaching my dreams, of spending moments with loved ones and just living and loving every minute of it. I hope that 2009 will still bring the same joy and hope.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/patreesya/2432199151/

wishing everyone here at Shutter Sisters a meaningful and joyful 2009!

[Alexandra]

Just found you and so glad I did! :-)

I have been without a digital camera for all of 2008. So very sad. In October I bought two throwaway cameras and quickly blew through them. When the pics. were developed, I missed having a digital even more. If I had to pick a fav. from each roll: 1. a maroon heart shaped chrysanthemum. 2. a merry-go-round surrounded by bright New England Fall Foliage. In a way, being without a digital has been a gift, because instead of always capturing moments on film I was able to be in the moment and capture the little moments in my heart. This year brought perspective into my life and taught me that as a photographer you need to not only capture moments on film, but in your heart and that you have to have heart to capture those moments on film.

On a happier note, I received a new camera for Christmas and look forward to delving back into the world of photography in the coming year. I also found my grandfather's incredible old polaroid camera that I hope to find film for and experiment with. I would love to have a copy of Irene's book and/or the polaroid postcards as sources of inspiration.

[crystine]

My favorite shot is this one.
This is my heart split wide open to welcome in this bright child.

http://flickr.com/photos/23187215@N07/2339449587/

[gina]

What fun to browse through the comments/photos! I don't often allow myself the time, but it's so inspiring to see these wonderful photographs and read the stories that go along with them! A favorite of 2008, that is an impossible task, but this group might be close. It's all about enjoying the little moments....

http://www.lifesongsphoto.com/Site/Everyday/Entries/2008/5/5_.html

And thanks Shutter Sisters for the month of giveaways! very fun!

[Stephanie]

One of my favorite shots isn't the best. It was before I got my DSLR. I had it set to record a movie clip. The flash didn't go off so I had to salvage it with Photoshop. But I just love it.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/3146670303_6488113589.jpg

[amy]

here a few faves of the year
http://www.flickr.com/photos/doobleh-vay/2209564869/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/doobleh-vay/2322244658/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/doobleh-vay/2402832953/

[robin alias rstedem]

favorite photo of 2008 was a photo of my dad I found going thru many drawers in my parent's home..I'd had never seen it before and it truly refects the man I knew as my father..he passed away in April of this year..but looking forward to 2009 for many new photos capturing those I love and continueig to expore my passion and love in life which is photography
http://flickr.com/photos/7988182@N04/2431514074/

[Niki of NorCal]

New to the site but loving it. This was the first year with my DSLR and I have so many pictures it's very hard to pick a favorite. The first one that comes to mind is http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikit/2350107263/ and like you said, it's not my best but it shows the true joy and laughter in my children. That I can't beat.

[Julie Alvarez]

I see the comments aren't closed yet, and there's no winner announced. I had a terrible day yesterday and I missed this post. Can I comment now?
I love the idea of choosing one photo. But I just can't choose one, or at least not so fast.
Here's some of it:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/2756930403/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/2890024779/in/set-72157608253077615/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/2861556102/in/set-72157608253077615/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/2832360006/in/set-72157608253077615/
Thank you!

[Aimee Greeblemonkey]

Oh man, that was HARD! But I chose this one because it has a sentimental story behind it where Declan stood up to a bully right after this was taken. Clown paint and all.

http://flickr.com/photos/greeblemonkey/2332489220/sizes/l/in/set-72157602060764239/

[Christine]

I think your image is wonderful. I think sometimes it is easy for forget about those simple pleasures in life when we get wrapped all those things that keep us busy.

One of my favorite images from the year is this one:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/snapshotsunmade/3006471313/in/set-72157608695961021/

It was taken the first time I visited the New York Botanical Gardens and it is a magical place. I really like a lot of the images I took there because I felt really passionate about what i was shooting. It was also during the time I was taking a course at ICP for the first time and focusing on vision and projects. It has really opened up the world of photography for me, once again.

I think some wishes & dreams for 2009 are to get back to those simple pleasures and to continue to grown and learn and be adventurous!

[Rebecca]

One of my favorite shots this year. My toddler daughter walking with her friend and the moment is priceless!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebeccacawley/2800991782/

[elizabeth]

I think this is my favorite photo:

http://retinalperspectives.wordpress.com/2008/11/04/hope/

because it was taken of a tree across the street. So often I think that I need to "go somewhere" to take photos, and I forget just how much beauty is present in my own neighborhood. Because it reminds me of just how much I love this state. And because the watercolor filter was a fun discovery in Photoshop. :)

[bashtree]

My favorite shot is about the memory, too.

http://makeway4ducklings.blogspot.com/2009/01/favorite-photo-of-2008.html

[sara]

Ugh, I have way too many pictures from this year to wade through, but this one was my favorite from December.

http://flickr.com/photos/lukecommasara/3088685194/in/set-72157610766013733/

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