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Sunday, January 2, 2011

Sunday Stills - Your Best Shot of 2010

Time for an archive challenge. Of all the shots you have taken in 2010, let's see your best :-).

I blog for several reasons and just like the photos below, it's hard to pick which reason is the best. I love having a photo journal. I love being able to go back and see pictures of big sheep as babies, remember driving home from New York with a Great Wheel and a sheep in the car, realize I've been "working" on the Jester sweater for far too long...

I enjoy sharing stories and photos of our farm life and love reading the comments posted by everyone. I appreciate the challenges set up by Ed and even myself to learn new things with my cameras. I hope some of my "educational" posts are truly helpful and encouraging. If someone can learn something from my mistakes...

I had fun reviewing my photos from 2010. I've posted ten finalists (by date order) and Pioneer Woman style, I'll say what I loved about each before picking the winner.



One of the first pictures I took with my big girl camera shortly after Christmas. I think this might be my favorite picture of Saint Tim. It might be only because I know these sheep so well, but I like the story this picture tells. I can see Ewen towering over everyone, Petunia in the foreground making sure she's in the picture, Big Ewenice pushing her way in to the food, Graham's still pretty young, Esther's nose in the upper left.



You might think I picked this one just because there's snow. Actually that's only part of it. Night feeding is my favorite time of day. The week we had snow last winter, I thoroughly enjoyed sitting down out there, leaned back on a fence post with Hank by my side, listening to the sheep rustle around eating their hay. I wanted to take a picture, but had to learn to use some manual settings and my tripod to get it. I got it. Another good story.



I like the stillness of the sheep and the blur of the shearer's hands. How it should be.



I like everything about this picture. I love the subject, the composition, the color. Stella was sitting out watching her newest bee swarm walk into their new home. I was off to the side talking to the folks that came down to meet foster dog, Roo Roo. I was glad I had my camera handy.



I had fun working hard to get the focus sharp on this. I like the depth of field as well. That was a huge web and one I don't want to forget.



From a photo standpoint, it's sharp, action packed, but with a good focal point. However, I think I like the reflection in the water best. I also remember being there with my friend Karol who was using my D40x. After each carriage passed, we'd quickly review what we'd taken, smile and move on to the next driver. WEG was fun.



I like Miss Ewenice's expression, the hay hanging out of her mouth, the lighting, the texture of her white short haired face fanning out to curly wool and hay.



I've taken several dark background pictures that I really like this year. I think Popcorn PeePee Pants' bright white face is especially striking.



Stillness. It's hard to explain - makes me want to take a deep breath. I can feel it in this picture and hope others can as well. If you were standing out there drinking a cup of coffee, you'd hear birds chirping, horses ripping mouthfuls of grass, maybe a truck starting next door, but still, it's so quiet.



This picture is a front runner not only for the color and composition, nice lighting, tells a good story, but also so we could say "Schwin Wins!". Almost nothing involving City Boy can be explained in 25 words or less, so we'll just leave that for another day ;-).

So, which one am I picking?



I can't really say why, but I kept coming back to this picture.

Leave me a comment and let me know which picture (from these or any others from the past year) was your favorite and why. I'll draw a winner and send out a 2011 Equinox Farm calendar (if you'd like). I'll leave the comments open until Tuesday morning.

For more Best of Sunday Stills...

32 comments:

gtyyup said...

ALL wonderful shots!!! My favs...the night barn shot (reminds me of Away in a Manger) and the racing carriage...really cool with the reflection!

colleen said...

I especially love the one of the barn at night and Stella. I'm also jealous you got to go to the WEG....

Camp said...

Oh like picking a favorite dog for me..hard (but be honest it can be done). I love the night shot at the barn/feeding. It is the closest I believe I will come to seeing the "nativity". PEACE.

God has blessed us with your perspective Sara.

Jenny Glen said...

Ewenice is my favorite but I have to say there is something so clever about the spider picture. I HATE spiders so I can't really pick it as a favorite because I can't stand looking at them but shooting the web from that angle and still getting the spider in focus... I am just amazed. Now if you could shoot something like that of a mammal, I'd be all on board!

Alice said...

For those who follow the blog closely, each picture evokes a memory of the blog that included it. Like others, the nighttime photo looks like "Peace on Earth", but the photo of Stella could be a painting, and of course Miss Ewenice and PPP are just great artistry. Can there be a 4 way tie?

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

They are all really nice, but the photo of Stella takes my breath away and wants to keep me there, gazing at the photo...day dreaming. I have no idea why. It just does. :)

Nicely done,
~Lisa

Happy New Year from New Mexico!

Anonymous said...

I love them ALL, but Popcorn Pee Pee Pants is my favorite. I love the lighting and the contrast and her name makes me smile :)

Lindsay said...

I like the night feeding picture the best. I like how you captured the moment. It's a picture that makes me want to be there. I can almost start to smell the wholesome smell of hay and animals that mingle in a way that just smells like "home." Taking that in on a crisp, snowy evening, is pretty perfect.

lisa said...

They all are great but I have to agree I love the one of Stella and the Barn Shot! Happy New Year!

Ed said...

They are all fantastic shots but for me its a tossup between the night feeding and the pic of Stella...:-))

Shirley said...

The one you picked is wonderful for all the texture in it; but I like the night shot best, then the carriage and reflection. Well done!

Christine said...

Yay! You picked the one I liked. Stella was my other favorite.

Janna said...

I like the night feeding photo the best. The darkness around the barn contrasting with the light on the backs of the sheep. Very striking!

Oregon Equestrian said...

You went to WEG?! I'm so envious.

Wonderful representation of sheep ranching. Love the peaceful feeling evoked by "night feeding."

Anonymous said...

All of the pictures are nice and peaceful. But I like the one of Stella, of course. My second pick would be the night feeding picture.
Marlaina

Pam said...

Night Feeding. Apparently it evokes Christmas carols, because when I saw it, Silent Night were the words that came to mind. Second place, and it was close, goes to Miss Ewenice. Because she's just so beautiful.

Robin said...

This is a tough choice. Of couse I love all of them, but it was a toss up between Miss Ewenice and Stella. I'm going to break from my habit of always picking the animal shots and go with Stella. I want that to be ME at that age. Bless her. And you.

Robin

Linda said...

I'm rather taken with the night feeding shot the best.

Anonymous said...

All lovely photos, but I too am drawn to the shot of Miss Ewenice, such an angelic look on her face. :)

Michelle said...

I can't choose a favorite from ALL your 2010 photos; there are too many wonderful ones that I like for different reasons. But out of all these, I like the second one best. I don't remember seeing it before and it took me by surprise; it is THE PERFECT Christmas card! (And I would LOVE one of your calendars if my name is drawn!)

Lisa said...

The photo of PPP is my favorite. It looks like a dramatic movie star shot; something that they would have in their portfolio. If PPP had a hoof under her chin, it would be perfect!

Eleanor P said...

The photos are all wonderful (of course). But, to catch Miss Ewenice in a demure moment--to me that's sheer genius! I bet she doesn't show that expression too often! (being the dignified old lady ewe that she is!).

Ruth said...

I actally adore the winner! It's a wonderful shot of a sheep, and so much character!

bj from LaColline said...

Stillness.
As each incredible photo rolled up, the choice became more of a challenge; then 'Stillness' appeared and with it a deep breath followed by a long sigh. After I was able to read again, your words brought up tears of recognition. Ahhh, another soul who must stop, inhale, and bring up the camera lens to capture that precious moment. Your talent and skill make this very difficult - thank you for each and every priceless photo. 'Stillness' gets the vote for today because it tapped in me a physical and emotional reaction. For today.

Brenda said...

I am so glad you posted after each photo. I enjoyed what you said about them. I love the night feeding, the one of Stella, and the stillness one is my fav!

CTG Ponies said...

I had picking favorites - I think they are all great on their own merit. I really like the one of the horses in the field - it's very peaceful.

judy said...

I love all the pictures you posted, but if I had to choose one I would pick the one of Miss Eunice. There is something kind about her eyes and she has a look of complete contentment

Jan baby said...

As much as I'm partial to City Boy, there's a posting on Dec. 10 of Three on a Board. I love how it's "Monkey See, Monkey Do" with the rest watching and waiting for their turn. The photography is getting better and better. You must develop a comfortable camera carrier to attach to your body for carrying it at all times to never miss a shot!

tonya said...

They're all so wonderful, but I'd have to say that my favorite is the shearing photo. I like the one of Saint Tim feeding too.. i can relate to the true personalities in sheep shining when a grain bucket is within reach.

BC said...

Yes I like Miss Ewenice too. The other has a great contrast with the white face (but the eye goobers yuck) I was fortunate to get the Bailey Christmas card of your artwork - by far my favorite card - a keeper.

Nancy K. said...

HOW DID I MISS THIS POST???

Your photographs are ALL so beautiful Sara. Each one tells a story quite vividly. I think my favorite might vary from one day to another ~ depending on my mood. You have brought your flock and your life alive to your readers and we are all the better for it.

Thank you!

DayPhoto said...

I loved your night shot the best. I would buy a calendar if you have extra for sale!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com/

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