TOP 10 IMAGES OF 2022 - December 31, 2022
As 2022 draws to a close, I am taking time to ponder the places I've seen, the buildings I've photographed...and even some nature thrown in! This year, not one but TWO locations were visited that were on my bucket list to visit and photograph. Savannah had called to me with its southern architecture and weathered cemeteries (and the Spanish moss!). The second one involved more than just the end point in mind (fall in the northeast), but a road trip that took me through Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire. Vermont and New Hampshire were simply magical in the fall, and I would not hesitate to visit again.
This year was dominated by my purchase of the Laowa 20mm Shift Lens. It has changed my photography for the better and wish I would have had it YEARS ago! What I have appreciated about it the most is seeing old locations through new eyes. This year I've photographed many locations throughout Detroit that I had not visited in years, with hopes of some new points of view. And it did not disappoint! And I am sure I will continue to do so in 2023.
Below are my Top 10 Picks for 2022, in no certain order.
1. Renaissance Center at Dusk. This was one of the first times I had photographed the People Mover since it started running again in 2022, albeit on a limited schedule. So happy to have it back running for new photo opportunities.
2. Wormsloe Park, Savannah. This tunnel of trees is one of the most iconic images to be found in Savannah. Savannah was rife with history, filled to the brim with old buildings, squares and historical cemeteries. Also visited Charleston, SC on this trip. See all the images from this trip.
3. Blue Car in Warehouse. A 1956 Chevy poses in an abandoned warehouse. I appreciate its lovely industrial composition. You can find this car, and others, in my Boats, Cars + Trains collection.
4. Simmons + Clark Sign with People Mover. This vintage sign is my favorite in Detroit. Actually, there aren't many left. This scene has been planned for awhile, but had to wait for the People Mover to start running again. Plus, my shift lens helped in allowing me to isolate the track and sign. Things come together when they are meant to.
5. Hurlbut Memorial Gate. I have to admit to being proud of how well this scene looks after the time spent removing wires, traffic lights and tree limbs. And I like the black and white to bring out the details and the pop of color (which is original to the sign there). The image is now home to my Detroit Streets collection.
6. Jenne Farm, Vermont. If you ever plan to visit Vermont in the fall, you need to see what is purported to be the most visited farm in the state. Happy a couple of cows decided to wander into my scene. I don't think I've done this before, but this image is making its debut in my Top 10 as I just processed it. See more of my trip.
7. Honolulu House Stairway, Marshall MI. A two-hour drive from Detroit, this house is unique in its architecture style for the area. The staircase is unlike any I've seen before. I loved the shape and color.
8. Watkins Glen Rainbow Falls (NY). When I saw a photo of these falls, I KNEW I had to photograph them. Waterfalls are one nature subject I always enjoy photographing. This was our first location on our trip to Vermont, as we drove through New York State and stopped at several places to break up the trip. We stayed overnight here in Watkins Glen. Just be prepared, if you visit, there are TONS of stairs. You will be walking up most of the way to these falls. Our legs were sore for days afterwards. Yeah, next time, do this at the END of a long trip!
9. Walloomsac Inn + Old First Church, Bennington, VT. Bennington was the first town we stopped in Vermont, as it's tucked in the southwestern corner of the state. The color was not as advanced here, but there were pops of it starting. The Walloomsac Inn has a storied past, and a long one, as it was built in 1771. The inn operated for over 200 years until it was shuttered in 1996, making it the oldest hotel in Vermont and one of the oldest in the nation. There is someone living there, we saw them as we were taking photos.
10. Cobo Parking Garage Ramp. This scene was a fun discovery with the city playing backdrop to the circular ramp. I am sure I will photograph it again at different times and weather. Actually, I already have (at night)!
THANK YOU to everyone who has purchased, liked and shared my images. Since the pandemic, I have put my fine art photography on the back burner. SPOILER ALERT I do not plan to return to art fairs. With getting older, it just feels like too much work for just me. Which means, finding other avenues to sell my work (my website isn't going anywhere though!). SO, don't be surprised if you see my work in places you haven't before. Happy 2023 to you all, and happy shooting!
Michelle
Cathy Morris
Kurt Kramer, Chicago