2016 is a year of the fire monkey. This is by way of saying that one should rightfully have expected the unexpected. The monkey is a trickster, and not always kind—like Coyote and Loki a divine spirit, but a divinity whose intervention can have unforeseen and sometimes undesired consequences.
Personally, my work has taken me abroad at home, and at home abroad—with some unexpected adventures and side trips along the way.
Regarding travel, I like to say, “Want to make more interesting images? Then put yourself in front of more interesting things.” But the external world only goes so far, so the next step is to say, “Want to make more interesting images? Then become a more interesting person.”
In an early chapter of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Fellowship of the Ring, it becomes clear to the ring-bearer Frodo (and the reader) that unspeakable evil has risen again from the shadows of the past. The following dialog between Frodo and the wizard Gandalf ensues:
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
In that spirit, I wish you health, joy in life, and the comfort of creativity in the coming year!
With that, and without too much further ado, please check out my self-selected best images of 2016 (in more or less chronological order, click on each image to see it larger).
If you have the time and inclination, perhaps in a quest for inspiration, you can also peruse my Best of 2015, Best of 2014, and Best of 2013.
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Jim Goldstein
9 Jan 2017Stunning body of work Harold. I’d expect nothing less. Thanks again for taking part in my year end Best Photos blog project. I always enjoy seeing your submissions. I hope you and your family have a great 2017.
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Todd Henson
10 Jan 2017Absolutely fascinating collection of images, Harold! Very beautiful work. My favorite of the landscapes is Last Light. I love the soft, subtle tones. And my favorite of the others is Shout to the Soul. Beautiful patterns and color. So much to see in this piece.
Harold Davis
10 Jan 2017Thank you so much Jim & Todd!
Alan Majchrowicz
10 Jan 2017Stunning and diverse selection of images, Harold! You had a very productive and creative year. Your floral and figure study images are wonderful. Since I’m partial to landscapes my favorite has top be Long Exposure Wave Study 2, South Beach. Keep up the good work in 2017!
Thomas Yackley
10 Jan 2017There is much to be learned by studying your photos. I love your work! I looked through the whole collection three times to try to pick favorites but all I can do is list them all.
Rich Greene
13 Jan 2017What a wide variety of subjects you’ve included in your best of images…
I’m always partial to landscapes and particularly like your waterfall long exposure — and especially the light on the clouds in the distance.
Cheers!
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