2019 Highlight Reel
Welcome to my annual time capsule project! This collection of photos represents my favorite selection of photos from the year. Enjoy!
JULY
Where: Hyde Park, Chicago
Taking a walk around my neighborhood after a heavy summer rain I loved the contrast between the urban grays and the vivid saturated greens. The way the sharp lines of the buildings played with the organic shapes of the trees and foliage was very satisfying.
Where: Hyde Park, Chicago
Hyde Park is a place of juxtaposing old and new. The decaying older building with rampant ivy next to the new gaudy building with the Ionic columns and meticulously cultivated garden felt very quintessentially Hyde Park.
AUGUST
Where: Downtown Chicago
Alexander Calder’s Flamingo is an iconic splash of color in an otherwise concrete and steel jungle. I loved the idea of editing the photo in such a way to highlight this vivid color in an otherwise drab landscape. (Find it here on my shop)
SEPTEMBER
Where: Central Park, New York City
One of my favorite things about photography is capturing the moments that sneak up on you. Here I was walking through Central park after meeting up with my friend earlier that day at Columbia University. I heard the chattering of the people beneath me, looked up from my walk and saw this boat perfectly framed between the trees against the NYC skyline. Picture perfect moment. (Find it here on my shop)
OCTOBER
Where: Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago
Abstract monochromes are always so fun to shoot. Especially when you can distort the perspective by changing a subject normally recognized by its color to grayscale. In this case, the iconic oranges and reds of these koi are now muted, creating a pattern of fish, ripples, and bubbles. (Find it here on my shop)
NOVEMBER
Where: Art Institute of Chicago
Writing this several years after the shot was taken, I still hold this photo very dear. The symmetry, the layers, the movement, and the perfect vertical and horizontal thirds, all of it comes together to make a photo that captures the essence of the anonymous bustle of city life. (Find it here on my shop)
DECEMBER
Where: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
Shot over the side of the Golden Gate Bridge, this photo always drew me in because of its deep greens accented with the white highlights of the ocean froth. I love the abstract patterns in the waves and and the sense of chaotic, swirling motion. (Find it here on my shop)
Where: Golden Gate Bridge
While landscapes are certainly my main focus, occasionally a portrait will catch my eye. Shortly before crossing over the bridge, my friend Theresa and I stopped for coffee. As we finished our pastries and drinks, I caught this moment, perfectly lit with the morning light, her iridescent windbreaker just adding to how very California this whole vibe felt.
Where: Golden Gate Park
Much like with the Koi shot, changing the iconically red Golden Gate to black and white added a layer of ambiguity. Had you not known this was shot in the year 2019, the gentle gradients in the grayscale and the calm boats on the water has a quality reminiscent of a photo shot on film maybe a few decades prior. (Find it here on my shop)
Where: Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Preserve
The sunlight filtering into the forest through the densely packed trees has a dreamlike quality that you can get in few other places. Walking among the millions of shades of green and a silence that is somehow still teaming with life, is a captivating experience.
Where: California Academy of Sciences
I often get asked with this photo if I shot it underwater with the jellyfish. Alas, no I did not. However, I did shoot it through glass at low light in an aquarium, which is still pretty neat if you ask me. As complimentary colors, the bright orange of the jellyfish contrasted with the almost neon blue of the ambient aquarium light was particularly satisfying to me, as well as the natural abstractness of jellyfish. (Find it here on my shop)
Where: San Diego, CA
While going for a post-Christmas walk with my family and dog, we happened across a little horse ranch. After spotting us trying to capture some shots from a distance, the owner came out and asked us if we would like to come closer. I don’t remember their names anymore but these mini ponies were just the sweetest. Their bright white hair and long lashes made for some beautiful macro and portrait shots. (Find the 2nd shot here on my shop)