The Best of My Photos Through the Years

[shareaholic app=”share_buttons” id=”20872686″]

I’ve been participating in Photo Friday for three years this month, only missing out three times in 156 weeks due to extenuating circumstances. Considering I’m giving a workshop tomorrow at BlissDom on photography composition and angles, I thought I’d pull some of my favorite shots from the archives and tell you what makes them so.

Negev Desert, Israel, 2009

Canon T1i, Sigma 10-20mm lens

Wide angles are what SVV and I do best—or rather, most—and in this particular shot, I love how big the sky is, how endless the desert seems and how small the camels are in comparison to both.

Celebes Sea, Borneo, 2010

Canon G12, underwater housing

The Rule of Thirds—breaking the scene up visually into a grid with of nine squares, with two vertical lines and two horizontal lines—is a photographer’s creed, and all three turtles hit on the intersection points in this photo. We couldn’t have planned it any better than that.

Pygme village, Rwanda, 2010

Canon T1i, Canon 17-85mm lens

Have you noticed that when you’re on vacation and a random stranger takes your shot, you’re inevitably tiny in the middle of the frame with all this excess space around you? When shooting portraits, I like to get up close and personal so the subject is the focal point and cut out all that dead space.

Jerusalem, Israel, 2009

Canon T1i, Sigma 10-20mm lens

Framing is a helpful tool to utilize in photography because it draws your eye into the subject.

New York, New York, 2010

GoPro Hero

SVV and I like to play around with reflections, and this series he took of me splashing around Central Park in the rain was really fun. What adult doesn’t get the urge to run through puddles every now and then?

Crater Lake, Oregon, 2011

Canon T1i, Canon 17-85mm lens

I love bokeh and I love this puppy. Even more so, I love how contemplative she looks in this shot.

Dead Sea, Israel, 2009

Canon T1i, Canon 17-85mm lens

This photo isn’t all that interesting from an aesthetic standpoint, but diagonal lines help draw the viewer’s eye through the photograph, and I like it for that.

Redwood National Forest, California, 2008

Canon T1i, Canon 17-85mm lens

This photo just screams “wanderlust” to me, plus I dig the alternate point of view. Shooting at eye level isn’t always the way to go. I prefer shots taken from below, above or from the hip.

This photo won me several national photography accolades even though it’s slightly blurry and was taken with a crappy point-and-shoot. I love the patterns, as well as the deep red of the desert and the tiny people on the horizon line giving it more layers and depth.

COMMENTS
  • February 24, 2012

    this is not only still but also life.

  • February 24, 2012

    Swoon. I have decided to take photography by the horns this year. Gah, I’m both nervous and excited and, admittedly, a little terrified.

    xox

    • February 28, 2012
      Kristin

      I already think you take great photos! But yes, that’s one of my goals for 2012 again—I need a refresher on depth of field, lighting, aperture, etc.

  • February 24, 2012

    I don’t have enough words to tell you how great these pictures are!!! They are absolutely beautiful and you deserve to have them printed in many books & magazines!! And win many awards! I want to be in that composition class 🙂

    • February 25, 2012
      Kristin

      Cata, I adore you–you’re always so upbeat and positive! Thanks for being awesome =)

      • February 25, 2012

        Hahaha you r so sweet! your pictures and travel stories make me happy. You haven’t seen me bitching about something. I’m usually very “honest” and most people think I’m a bitch. Im just too old to be a hypocrite. Xo

  • February 24, 2012

    I really like the Rwanda photos…very interesting shots. I also really like the redwood national park photo. You dont often see photos taken from that perspective.

    • February 24, 2012
      Kristin

      Thanks, Anwar! I came back with hundreds of photos of the people in Rwanda–I felt like of all places I’ve been, they had some of the most beautiful faces and kindest hearts.

  • February 24, 2012

    Great post! I’m always trying to work on my photog skills it seems.

    • February 28, 2012
      Kristin

      You work in a great field to get some expert input! I’d totally be following around your photogs for tips if I were you =)

  • February 24, 2012

    Gorgeous as always! Knock ’em dead this weekend!

    • February 28, 2012
      Kristin

      Done and done.

  • February 24, 2012

    I wondered how you were going to pick favourites when all of your photos are so good – but these are AMAZING!! Each one of them is simply beautiful in a different way – I would love to be able to take photos like these! Have a great time at Blissdom!

    • February 24, 2012
      Kristin

      Thanks, Lisa–you’re so sweet! I just pulled a few of my favorites from the ones I’m using in my BlissDom pres, as honestly, my photos are the most disorganized mess you’ve ever seen, scattered among three computers and multiple external hard drives. It’s a bit embarrassing!

  • February 24, 2012

    ooh! These are all so excellent. Good look with your workshop!

    • February 24, 2012
      Kristin

      Thank you, friend!

  • February 24, 2012

    Wow! The NVR Guys are blown away. So glad you did this post. It inspires us to take better photos.

    • February 28, 2012
      Kristin

      And you inspire me to be a better person, so we’re even!

  • February 24, 2012
    Sara

    Beautiful!! I’ve always loved your pictures Kristin!! You have a great talent! Just curious …. you mentioned your last picture received national recognition. How did that happen? Were your photos ‘stumbled upon’ or did you submit them somewhere? Wish I could be listening in on your photography workshop!

    • February 24, 2012
      Kristin

      You are so sweet. I’ve never really submitted photos to contests, but this one in particular I turned into a UT contest several years ago to make a little money (I think I won like $150 or so, ha), and from there, it got picked up for a few other contests like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (which I would not have known about had my mom’s friend not seen the photo and cut it out and sent it to us–they didn’t even notify the winners!)

  • February 24, 2012
    Ken

    wow

  • February 24, 2012

    I love how vivid your colors are! And there’s so much texture. I think your pictures are actually more interesting than real life!

    • February 28, 2012
      Kristin

      That should be the new tagline for my blog: “more interesting than real life.” I like it!

  • February 24, 2012

    Sure wish I could be at your photography class especially as I’m considering a SLR. I’ve been reading and practicing for years, now if I could just figure out the aperture, shutter & ISO numbers and how all that works. You have a discerning eye for the candid and unusual.

    • February 28, 2012
      Kristin

      We’ll just have to do a one-on-one tutorial after you get your new DSLR–preferably somewhere in a national park with lots of wide open spaces!

  • February 25, 2012

    Your pictures amaze me and I love how they draw me in. I wish I could take the class!

    • February 28, 2012
      Kristin

      That’s so kind of you to say! Maybe I’ll do a webinar one of these days 😉

  • February 25, 2012
    Briel K.

    I love the Redwood National Forest one the most! I love different perspective photos.

    I am having a serious case of wanderlust right now. *sigh*

    • February 28, 2012
      Kristin

      That’s one of my favorites, too! And i it’s commemorative of Scott’s 30+ years of wearing Chucks, too, HA.

  • February 25, 2012

    I LOVE THESE!! And, super helpful that you’ve linked to the lenses. I absolutely adore your 1st shot and the one from Rwanda. You’ve captured some truly amazing moments.

    • February 25, 2012
      Kristin

      Thanks, Lindsey! Rwanda was one of my favorite places to snap portraits not only because the people were just so amazing, but also they were receptive toward having their picture taken (versus other countries like, say, Morocco where they expect you to pay them for every photo you snap!).

  • February 25, 2012

    I really wish I could have made it to Blissdom this year (went last year, but I have a 2 month old and just couldn’t swing it this year), and your photography session is one of the biggest reasons. These pictures are stunning! My favorite is the Redwoods (in part because I just bought my 2 year old the cutest Chuck Taylors!) 😉

    • February 25, 2012
      Kristin

      You are very sweet for saying that! My session went well, I think, but naturally after the fact, I realized I left out about half of the tips and tricks and recommendations I had meant to share! (I also went at the very end of the weekend so I could tell that people were worn out by the time my session rolled around.) There’s always next time 😉

  • February 26, 2012

    Wow! Some amazing shots here that also show an impressive sampling of your travels! My favorite is that first one… what a unique way to capture camels in the desert.

  • February 26, 2012

    Ahhh, I love your photos! All so different but all great. Can you please come to Chile and teach me? I will pay you in pisco sours 🙂 Also, I’m way late, but hope your birthday was wonderful!

    • February 28, 2012
      Kristin

      I happen to really like pisco sours so you’ve got yourself a deal!

  • February 26, 2012

    All of them are spectacular!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • February 26, 2012

    Stunning photos! Very inspirational… makes me want to see more of the world 🙂

  • February 27, 2012

    I love reading your break down of what makes these photos work! I’ve been spending a lot of time lately trying to learn more about photography, so I’ve been devouring stuff like this. Now if only I could get a grasp on balancing ISO, aperture, and shutter speed…. damn exposure issues!! 😛

    • February 28, 2012
      Kristin

      I still struggle with that, as well–seven years after completing a photojournalism minor, too! Lighting is the hardest thing for me, which is what causes me to switch from M to Av or Tv a lot of the time!

  • February 27, 2012

    Great photos 🙂

  • February 28, 2012

    Beautiful shots! I think the road is my favorite. Makes me want to go, NOW.

    • February 28, 2012
      Kristin

      I think we should get sponsorship from Converse for that shot, ha! Scott only goes through about four pairs of Chucks a year (since, er, 1974).

  • February 29, 2012

    Wow! Gorgeous photos! I always love reading your blog!

  • March 3, 2012

    Those are some incredible shots! I can’t get over the last one!

  • March 5, 2012

    These are all fantastic shots! I really like the framing in the Jerusalem photo. 😀

  • March 9, 2012

    I agree with you on the portraits. Tight and close is my preferred way.

    Now…when will you come to Chicago and give a workshop?!

  • March 14, 2012

    Just popped by your blog during a lunch break. Such ARRESTING images. You truly have an eye for the beauty of this world. Do you give photography workshops for amateur travelers or photographers (outside of BlissDom) ? We’d love to sign up!

    • March 15, 2012
      Kristin

      Your comments are so very nice! I haven’t ever given a workshop outside of this conference, but it might be something worth looking into for the future =)

      Thanks for the self-esteem boost!

  • March 26, 2012

    Absolutely amazing photos. I love that you have won accolades for the desert photo taken on the point-and-shoot. I took some great photos on my cheap Olympus before I got my SLR but never thought they’d amount to anything, due to the crappy nature of the camera – maybe I’ll revisit them now! Inspiring!

Leave a Comment