My 10 Favourite Shots of 2022

2022 was a good year for my photography, I completed my first photo project, launched this website, purchased my dream camera after six years of saving and held my first solo photography exhibition.

These are my ten favourite photographs of the year and a bit of story behind them.

In no particular order:

1 - Elizabeth Line

The London Underground Elizabeth line finally opened up this summer. I was surprised it was quiet enough during the first week’s service to allow me to get this shot.

2 - Betty Boop

Taken at a classic car show in the summer. I was lining up a photo of Betty when the owner of the car opened the bonnet and gave me a beautifully clean background to compliment the black dashboard.

3 - Fleeing sheep

Taken out of a slow-moving vehicle in rural Ireland. I feel like the door hinges help to frame the running sheep nicely.

4 - Panama Jack

Taken at one of the cool new arcade-bars opening up around central London. I saw this stylishly dressed chap engrossed in the Pac-Man machine and couldn’t resist capturing the moment.

5 - Through the Spire

My favourite photograph of my “Alone at the Seaside” project, taken at Southend-on-Sea in March this year. I was testing out a cheap 24mm lens and laid down on the street for fifteen minutes waiting for the perfect person to walk through this structure. The wait and all the funny looks I got were worth it.

6 - Super Mario

The first weekend of trying out my new-manual-focus only Leica M camera produced this photo of my Nephew. When it was time to leave, he wouldn’t let me walk away and held onto my ankles. Without bringing the camera to me eye, I guessed the distance and pointed the camera down, managing to get him tack sharp and nicely framed between two legs. I also love his bright Mario shirt that I originally bought for his sister many years ago.

7 - Spiral

The Vatican Museum in Rome has some of the worlds most famous Art as well as some stunning architecture. I spent more time than I should have looking for the best angle of this grand staircase. This shot was one of the last ones I took from the very top when this mans son called for him and made him look up. Sometimes you need that little bit extra to push an image to something special.

8 - Elevated View

Taken at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this summer. I like how the flags and the trees frame this boy in the middle of the busy crowd. The fancy hat he was wearing was the cherry on top that made it my favourite of the day.

9 - Nun the Wiser

I was sitting outside the Vatican when this nun walked right by me and turned around for a brief moment. I love how the blues of her habit and bag and the whites of her face mask the pillars all compliment each other. I was very lucky that I managed to compose and nail focus in a split second.

10 - Boarding the Death Star

I’d seen this Canary Wharf tunnel pictured a few times online and knew I had to visit it at some point. I think the colourful windows are a recent addition and think the vivid colours and ultra-wide perspective add to this image to give it a futuristic feel.

Now I look forward to hopefully more great photos captured in 2023!