Best of 2008
31 Dec
Earlier this year I bought my first DSLR camera, the D40x . From that day I have been obsessed with learning as much as I can about digital photography techniques. I would have to say that one of my biggest photography accomplishments of 2008 was getting the opportunity to have two of my photo’s published in a local calendar here on Okinawa.
Since then I have sold the D40x and replaced it with a D80. Most importantly, I look forward to pushing my creative limits in 2009.
I wanted to share my top 10 favorite photo’s of 2008. Let me know which one is your favorite!
Click to enlarge
.jpg "TOP 10 2008 Polaroid")
.jpg "TOP 10 2008 Kids water")
.JPG "TOP 10 2008 Tug of War")
.jpg "TOP 10 2008 Lighthouse")
.jpg "TOP 10 2008 Sunset")
.jpg "TOP 10 2008 Sunbae boy")
.jpg "TOP 10 2008 Fans")
.jpg "TOP 10 2008 Kimball")
.jpg "TOP 10 2008 Araha")
.jpg "TOP 10 2008 Zakimi")
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I think that all your pictures are great. You have came a long way since school.
Jay you cease to amaze me with your photography skills! My favorite is the picture of the kids playing in the fountain. I check your site regularly to peak at all of your work. Congratulations on being published in the calendar! Keep up the fabulous work. Love you!
Tricia,
Thanks for all your support, you are such a sweetheart. The picture of the kids playing was taken this summer. For some reason, I really love that shot!
The third photo has a larger than life feel to it. Kind of overwhelming when I look at it for too long.
@freedomwv,
I got really lucky with that shot. There were cars in every direction. I just ran out in the middle of the street and started snapping pictures. The great Tug of War is held annually in Naha, Japan.
Bad Ass man. Can’t wait to get some sweet pics in China.
They are all great shots.. I love anything with clouds.. How many are HDR?
Paul,
Thank you for your comment. Four out of the ten are HDR. I was dead set against it until I recently started experimenting with it.
Not so hard to pick HDR’s, and they look great. What software do you use to make the HDR images and how many shots do you usually use to make the HDR? I have made a few and am reasonably happy with results.. as always I want to do better….
Paul,
I generally use 3 exposure shots (+2..0..-2 EV). I then use Photomatix for tonemapping. I do my final touch ups in CS3. Usually, curves adjustment layer, hue/saturation layer, dodge/burn layer, and a sharpening layer.
You have some really great photo’s in your photo gallery. I really love your spot the difference images you have posted. Keeps me busy!
Congrats on getting two photos into a calendar Jay! I am sure that gave you a big encouragement and confidence boost in your photography.
Ready for a D300 yet?
I remain kind of dead set against HDR shots. Or at least calling them photos without an asterisk. I just feel I don’t have the time to do that much editing in post, unless I’m looking for a very specific shot.
I like the orange robes fan woman shot the best. I also like the silhouette of the boy shot. May I suggest naming or numbering your shots to make it easier for commenters to say which they like best.
Jason,
I was dead set against them until recently. I dont know what exactly happened.
Maybe I should ask you the same question about the d300. I see you are still shooting with the d80 too.
I will have to take a look at my photo’s more carefully before I post, thanks for the advice.
Well, the only reason I’m still using a D80 is because I invested a lot in upgrading my two main zoom lenses last month, so not much left in the photography budget just now, especially with the cost of moving back to the U.S. next month and not exactly have a job lined up yet!
But rest assured, I will have the D300 or its replacement sometime in 2009, or maybe even a D700!