Year 2009 Best Photos


The personality and style of a photographer usually limits the type of subject with which he deals best. For example Cartier-Bresson is very interested in people and in travel; these things plus his precise feeling for geometrical relationships determine the type of pictures he takes best. What is of value is that a particular photographer sees the subject differently. A good picture must be a completely individual expression which intrigues the viewer and forces him to think. - Alexey Brodovitch


Sunflower vs. Skyscraper Showdown
Subject Rating: 9/10

This is a fantastic close-up of a vibrant sunflower, looking like it just wandered into the city and decided to make a statement. The majestic bloom fills the right side of the frame, its dazzling yellow petals splayed out, confidently pushing the urban backdrop into a soft, abstract blur. It's a classic nature-meets-city juxtaposition, but here the sunflower is the undisputed star, radiating cheerfulness and warmth against the cooler, geometric lines of the building behind it. The composition effectively uses the rule of thirds, placing the dramatic eye of the flower off-center and letting the petals create dynamic leading lines across the image.

From a technical standpoint, the lighting is spot on – bright backlighting catches the edges of the petals, making them glow with an almost ethereal light and adding depth and texture to the yellow hues. This contrasts beautifully with the darker, more textured seed head. The shallow depth of field is perfectly executed, rendering the building into a visually appealing pattern rather than a distracting element, highlighting the flower's intricate details. The colour palette is simple yet effective: bold yellows and greens against a neutral grey background. This isn't just a pretty picture of a flower; it's a well-composed shot that expertly uses light, focus, and contrast to create a compelling narrative of nature's resilience and beauty in an urban environment.


Busy Bee Blooms

Subject Rating: 9/10

This image captures a classic, ever-industrious subject: a European honey bee hard at work on a vibrant orange flower. The bee is positioned right in the heart of the bloom, legs busily navigating the flower's structure, likely collecting its precious cargo of pollen or nectar. The mood is one of focused activity and the inherent beauty of nature's processes, rendered intimately through the close-up perspective. We get a clear view of the bee's fuzzy body, its striped abdomen, and its purposeful stance on the bright petals and dark-tipped stamens of what appears to be a Cosmos or similar daisy-like flower. The background dissolves into soft, warm blurs of orange and cooler greens, providing a pleasant, non-distracting backdrop for the main event.

From a technical standpoint, this is a well-executed piece of macro photography. The composition places the bee slightly off-center, leading the eye into the action happening within the flower, which feels balanced and dynamic. The lighting, likely natural, highlights the bee's textured body and the delicate structure of the flower petals beautifully, though perhaps a touch bright on the flower edge. The color palette is warm and inviting, with the intense orange contrasting effectively with the muted greens. The shallow depth of field is key here, creating a lovely, smooth bokeh that isolates the sharp subject from the blurry background, transforming distracting elements into abstract shapes of color. Capturing a bee with such clarity while it's in motion requires good timing and focus, making this a solid shot that perfectly illustrates the charm and challenge of insect macro work.


Title: The Pollen Professional
Rating: 8/10


Ah, the classic macro shot – a diligent bee giving that orange flower the business! Our star subject, a fuzzy little honey bee, is clearly operating on peak performance, diving headfirst into the floral buffet. You can almost hear the tiny buzz of its intense focus as it executes its pollen-collecting duties with admirable dedication. The mood is one of industrious nature, a glimpse into the tireless work that keeps our world blooming, though for the bee, it's just another Tuesday at the office. It’s a charming scene that captures a moment of vital activity in the garden, reminding us that even the smallest creatures are busy contributing to the grand cycle of life.

From a photography perspective, this image nails the essentials of macro work. The composition places the bee and the heart of the flower just off-center, using the leading lines of the petal to guide the eye to the main subject. The lighting, likely natural sunlight, beautifully illuminates the fuzzy texture of the bee and the delicate veins of the petals, adding depth and dimension. The vibrant orange of the flower pops wonderfully against the softly blurred green background, creating excellent subject separation and a pleasing bokeh that melts away distractions, letting the bee truly shine. It’s a solid capture that showcases technical skill and a keen eye for detail, perfectly freezing the fast-paced world of a tiny pollinator.


Pink Passion Unveiled

Rating: 9/10

This image plunges the viewer into the intimate world of a vibrant pink flower, captured with a macro lens that transforms the familiar into the abstract. What's happening here is a deep dive into the textures and forms of petals, stem, and the hidden heart of the bloom. The mood is distinctly soft and sensual, almost dreamy, as the focus pulls us right up against the subject, revealing delicate veins and curves you'd miss from a casual glance. Giving a common subject like a flower a 9/10 might seem high, but the execution elevates it – it's not just a flower picture; it's an exploration of form and color, presenting the subject with surprising depth and intimacy. It makes you appreciate the complex simplicity of nature's design, or perhaps just wonder what it's like to be a tiny bug.

From a technical standpoint, the composition fills the frame beautifully, with the large, soft petals dominating the upper space and the interesting structure of the stem base anchoring the bottom. The lighting is soft and diffused, highlighting the subtle textures on the petals without harsh shadows, contributing significantly to the gentle mood. The color palette is dominated by lush, hot pinks that transition into softer blurs in the background, punctuated by a small, intense splash of yellow deep within the flower. The shallow depth of field inherent to macro photography is used effectively, creating a creamy, bokeh-filled background that isolates the subject and adds to the abstract feel. This style of photography is perfect for a catalog where you want to showcase not just what the subject *is*, but how it *feels* and the incredible details it holds. And hey, look at that tiny signature in the corner – Preston Lau was here, getting up close and personal with botany.


Raptor Rapture and Radiant Handler

Subject Rating: 9/10

This shot captures a moment of connection between a beaming human handler and a majestic Harris's Hawk. The subject rating is high because, let's be honest, a trained raptor is inherently awesome and the handler's infectious smile adds significant appeal. What's happening is a likely demonstration or educational program, with the handler presenting the hawk perched confidently on her gloved hand. The mood is overwhelmingly cheerful and engaging, thanks almost entirely to the handler's expression, contrasting nicely with the hawk's typical stoic gaze. Pertinent objects include the thick leather glove protecting the handler's hand, the hawk's jesses (the leather straps on its legs), and surprisingly, a lavalier microphone attached to the handler's shirt, suggesting she's speaking to an audience. The background is a rather busy, dark mesh or netting, perhaps meant to be camouflage but ending up as a somewhat distracting texture, with a sliver of blurry green grass at the bottom, punctuated by the photographer's watermark.

From a photography standpoint, the composition places the key subjects slightly off-center, which adds a touch of dynamic interest, though it feels a little tight on the right edge. Lighting appears to be bright, likely natural sunlight, which is great for freezing motion and bringing out detail in the hawk's feathers, but it's also a bit harsh, creating some strong shadows, particularly on the handler's face and neck. The color palette is natural and earthy, dominated by the hawk's rich browns and chestnut tones, the blue of the handler's shirt providing a cheerful splash of contrast. The focus is sharp on both the handler's face and the hawk, nailing the important elements. While the subject matter is captivating, the slightly chaotic background detracts from the overall polish. It's a classic event photo style – capturing the moment and subjects clearly, even if the environmental context isn't perfectly curated. A lower angle or a wider aperture could have helped isolate the subjects from the background, but hey, sometimes you just gotta get the shot!


Title: The Dynamic Mallard Shake
Rating: Subject Rating: 8/10


Well, look at this fellow giving us a masterclass in hydrodynamics and feather fluffing! Our subject, a rather energetic mallard duck, is caught mid-shake, wings fully extended in a glorious, slightly chaotic pose. The mood is undeniably lively and action-packed, like a feathered performer giving a grand finale. The composition places the duck off to the right, which allows the rippling, swirling water on the left to take up significant space, creating a sense of movement and environment. The diagonal lines of the outstretched wings add to the dynamism, leading the eye towards the duck's focused, bright-eyed expression and vibrant yellow beak. The background is simply the reflective, green-toned surface of the water, showing shimmering highlights and subtle color variations that add texture and depth, albeit a bit busy. There are also faint, almost ethereal white spots on the water, adding tiny points of interest.

From a technical standpoint, the lighting appears bright and sunny, creating strong highlights on the water and illuminating the duck's plumage, particularly the iridescent green head and the striking blue speculum on the wing. The greens in the water are rich and varied, providing a good contrast to the duck's feathers. The subject matter, a duck, is common, but capturing it in such a peak-action moment elevates it beyond a simple snapshot. While the focus on the duck seems sharp, the motion blur on the wing tips perhaps wasn't intended but contributes to the feeling of rapid movement. The image captures a fleeting second of avian exuberance, reminding us that even mundane subjects can be incredibly photogenic when they decide to just let loose and shake it off. The photographer's signature in the bottom right corner grounds the image, though slightly encroaching on the water texture.


Toler's Leather Depot: Hide Away

Subject: 8/10

Behold, the majestic facade of Toler's Leather Depot, a place where presumably much leather is either deposited or acquired. The subject itself is a charmingly rustic building, proudly displaying its wares (or lack thereof, in this exterior shot) via a prominent, bottle-green sign listing everything from belts to chaps and even promises of "CUSTOM WORK." One can only imagine the bespoke lederhosen or maybe a full leather suit required to necessitate a trip here. The white horizontal siding contrasts nicely with the dark green trim around the windows, door, and roofline, giving it a classic, no-nonsense look. The slightly off-kilter angle and the presence of a small ramp suggest practicality over pure aesthetics, perhaps for rolling out large quantities of hides, or maybe they just have a lot of customers with wagons. It's a solid subject for capturing a slice of local history or character, earning a respectable 8 for its unique appeal and potential for storytelling.

From a photographic perspective, this shot captures the scene under somewhat challenging harsh midday light. The high sun creates strong, defined shadows – note the geometric pattern on the door and the deep shadow on the side wall to the right – adding contrast but also potentially obscuring detail. The white siding is pushed to the edge of being blown out in areas, a common issue with bright subjects in strong light. Compositionally, placing the sign slightly off-center balances it with the door on the left, although the angle feels more like a casual snapshot than a precisely framed architectural shot. The vibrant green of the trim and the sign provide welcome pops of color against the otherwise neutral building and brown roof. While the light is tricky, it does give the scene a certain crisp, almost stark, reality, perfect for documenting the character of an old, functional building like Toler's. It's a good reminder that sometimes you capture the light you have, and work with its strengths (like defining textures and shapes) and weaknesses (like harsh shadows and highlights).


Title: Reaching for the Golden State Sky
Subject: 9/10

This image captures a truly imposing sight: a colossal, multi-sectioned flagpole piercing a brilliant blue California sky. The American flag flies proudly alongside the California Bear Flag at the summit of this towering structure, which seems to touch the heavens. The flagpole itself is a marvel, a thick white column segmented with peculiar small rectangular openings running its entire length, supported by a robust, splayed base of white beams anchored firmly to the ground. At the foot of this monumental standard, a lone figure rests, offering a stark contrast and emphasizing the sheer scale of the pole. In the background, hints of a historical setting emerge – a vintage cannon rests near a large, shady tree, and old-fashioned buildings like a "Groceries & Provisions" store line a dusty square, grounding the scene in a sense of place and history under the warm, bright sun.

From a photographic perspective, this low-angle composition brilliantly exploits the verticality of the flagpole, exaggerating its already impressive height and making it the undeniable star of the shot. The bright, cloudless blue sky serves as the perfect high-contrast backdrop, allowing the crisp white of the pole and the vibrant colors of the flags to pop. The direct sunlight provides clear definition, though one might wish for a bit more shadow play to add depth. The inclusion of the person at the base is a masterstroke, immediately providing scale and transforming the abstract height into something relatable – you can almost hear them thinking, "Yeah, that's one tall pole." The unique support structure and the mysterious little windows on the pole add visual interest, making this more than just a standard flag photo. While the background is slightly soft, it successfully provides context without distracting from the primary subject, capturing the essence of a sunny, historical day out. The style is classic documentary, focusing clearly on the main subject and its environment.


Title: Celestial Sun & Moon Kissed by Bokeh
Subject Rating: 8/10

This vibrant shot captures a beautiful stained-glass sun and crescent moon wind chime in exquisite detail. The sun, radiating warm oranges and yellows, seems to be giving a kiss or whispering sweet nothings to the cool, golden moon, which features a closed eye and a serene profile. Dangling beneath are colourful glass beads and metallic charms, catching the light and adding a playful, whimsical touch. It's a delightful piece of folk art, maybe guarding against evil spirits or just bringing good vibes, but definitely bringing a pop of intense color to the scene. The subject matter itself is charmingly intricate, though perhaps a tad busy with all the hanging bits, making you wonder if it sounds as good as it looks, or if it's just a tangled mess on a windy day.

From a photographic standpoint, the composition skillfully places the main subject off-center, allowing the intricate details of the glass and wirework to dominate the frame. The lighting is fantastic, backlighting the glass and making the colors absolutely sing, glowing intensely as if powered by an internal sun (which, fittingly, it is). The shallow depth of field is the star here, creating a dreamy bokeh effect in the background that beautifully isolates the wind chime and transforms the world behind it into soft, abstract blobs of color and light, hinting at palm trees and buildings without distracting from the main event. It's a classic use of a wide aperture to make the subject pop, demonstrating that sometimes, the background is best seen and not heard... or rather, blurred and not sharp. A technically sound and visually pleasing capture of a cheerful subject.


A Moment in Time, or Just a Really Keen Hobby Horse Enthusiast?
Subject: 7/10

Step right up and witness a scene plucked straight from a historical reenactment, or perhaps just a particularly enthusiastic group trying to remember what "fun" looked like before screens. We've got two lovely ladies in full period garb – one sporting a bonnet that looks like it could double as a picnic basket, the other rocking a straw hat and a fetching embroidered sash – engaging with a young gentleman who is clearly the proud owner of the finest wooden hobby horse this side of the 19th century. They seem to be in deep consultation about the horse's mane, or perhaps discussing the optimal speed for a gallop across the lawn. The mood is definitely cheerful and educational, taking place on a vibrant green patch of grass outside historical-looking buildings, complete with onlookers blending into the background like spectators at a particularly niche sporting event.

From a photographic standpoint, the composition places our main subjects nicely within the frame, leaning towards the left and center following a loose rule of thirds, though that diagonal rope fence adds a bit of a distracting line across the lower part of the shot. The lighting is typical bright, mid-day sun, which gives that wonderfully saturated green lawn but also casts some strong shadows – tough conditions, but the camera handled the exposure reasonably well, preventing blown-out highlights on the ladies' white attire. The color palette is dominated by the lively green grass, contrasting with the earthy tones of the period clothing and buildings, effectively conveying the historical setting. It's a documentary-style capture of a moment at an event, authentic but maybe lacking a bit of the soft, golden light photographers dream of, proving that even time travelers can't escape the tyranny of harsh midday sun.


Unconditional Surrender in the Sun
Subject Rating: 9/10

Well, nothing says "peace is heckin' awesome" quite like a colossal sculpture of a sailor planting a smooch on a nurse, rated a solid 9/10 for sheer, unadulterated historical exuberance and scale. This shot captures the monumental "Unconditional Surrender" statue in all its larger-than-life glory, positioned strategically (or perhaps comedically) in front of a giant aircraft carrier, likely the USS Midway, which serves as a starkly different kind of monument to peace through strength. The scene is bathed in bright, unapologetic sunlight, giving it a patriotic and slightly overwhelming tone of historical celebration meets tourist photo op. In the grassy foreground, a small cluster of actual-sized humans look on, providing a hilarious sense of scale compared to the lovers locked in their perpetual embrace.

From a photographic standpoint, the composition plays heavily on contrasts: the intimate gesture rendered on a grand scale, the vibrant green grass against the gray steel beast of the ship, and the distant tourists dwarfed by everything. The low angle emphasizes the towering nature of the sculpture and the carrier, making everything feel immense. Lighting is typical harsh midday sun, creating strong, defined shadows and bright highlights, which can be tricky to manage but here it adds to the crisp, clear feel of a perfect day out, though a polarizer might have helped with some glare on the water. The color palette is dominated by the strong blues and greens of the environment, grounding the grey and white of the man-made subjects. It's a classic tourist snapshot elevated by the sheer subject matter and clever framing that highlights the juxtaposition of a moment of joy against the backdrop of military might. One could argue the cropping of the sculpture is a touch tight at the top, but it keeps the focus squarely on the kiss and its impressive form against the naval backdrop.


Avian Majesty and the Blurred Buddy
Rating: 8/10

Behold the magnificent Scarlet Macaw, clearly the star of this show, demanding a whopping 8/10 for pure subject charisma! Perched regally on its rustic branch, looking suspiciously downwards as if plotting world domination or just deciding what to poop on next. Meanwhile, in the witness protection program backdrop, a blurry green parrot makes a valiant, albeit unsuccessful, attempt to share the spotlight. The chosen subject matter is top-tier for vibrant visuals; who doesn't love a bird that looks like it flew through a rainbow factory?

From a technical standpoint, the focus is laser-sharp on our crimson protagonist, capturing every feathery detail and that piercing eye. The lighting is excellent, making those reds pop like they're about to ignite, while the blue wing feathers add a beautiful contrast. The shallow depth of field effectively isolates the main subject, creating lovely bokeh, although it renders the background bird into little more than a green blob – perhaps an unintentional critique of the supporting cast? Compositionally, the macaw is strong, though maybe a smidge closer to the center than strictly ideal, and the watermark is tastefully placed. Overall, a striking portrait of a seriously impressive bird, with a side of feathered fuzziness.


Title: Architectural Serenity Reflected

Subject Rating: 8/10

This photograph presents a beautifully balanced scene where classical architecture meets lush, reflective nature. The subject, a grand building featuring elegant arched windows and intricate screening, scores a solid 8/10 for its aesthetic appeal – it's the kind of place that just begs to be photographed, preferably when no one is looking directly into the camera from the balcony. The composition leverages strong horizontal and vertical symmetry, with the still pond acting as a perfect mirror, doubling the visual impact of the architecture and surrounding palm trees and dense greenery. This reflection is the star player, creating a dreamlike quality that contrasts with the solidity of the building above, and it's executed expertly, making the lower half of the image as compelling as the upper. The lighting is soft and even, likely captured under diffused light, which avoids harsh shadows and allows the subtle textures of the building facade and the vibrant greens of the foliage to come through clearly.

The mood is decidedly tranquil and elegant, evoking a sense of peaceful contemplation, perhaps interrupted only by the distant chatter of the small group of people on the balcony. Their presence adds a human element and scale but also slightly disrupts the otherwise pristine architectural symmetry – maybe they were just trying to decide who had the best angle for *their* phone photo. The foreground, adorned with delicate lily pads and pops of color from water lilies, adds visual interest and guides the eye into the reflective surface. This is a strong example of using environment and natural elements like water to enhance an architectural subject, demonstrating a keen eye for symmetry and reflection, even if the photographer couldn't *quite* get everyone to hold still for the shot.


Through the Archway: Balboa Park Splendor

Subject Rating: 9/10. This ornate facade is a showstopper, a true architectural subject worthy of deep admiration. The image perfectly captures the essence of discovery as you peer through a dark, curving archway onto a magnificent, highly decorative building facade bathed in sunlight. It's a scene that screams "Wow, look at this!" and the composition does an excellent job of making the viewer feel like they've just stumbled upon this hidden gem. The mood is grand and awe-inspiring, like peeking through a secret portal into a world of elaborate detail and historical beauty, perfectly balanced by the vibrant, almost tropical, feel from the surrounding palms.

From a technical perspective, the composition is dominated by the strong foreground element of the arch, which acts as a natural vignette, effectively framing the main subject and creating a great sense of depth. The intricate Churrigueresque-inspired details of the facade—the columns, carvings, windows, and rooftop ornamentation—are brought to life by the clear, directional lighting which creates sharp highlights and shadows, emphasizing the incredible texture. The warm, earthy tones of the building contrast nicely with the vibrant green of the palm trees and other foliage peeking around and behind it, while the blue sky with scattered clouds provides a pleasing background. While the framing arch is a powerful tool, one could argue it slightly constricts the view, but it undeniably draws the eye precisely where the photographer intended. The soft bokeh in the foreground greenery hints at a relatively open aperture, helping to isolate the stunning architecture. Overall, it's a classic example of using foreground elements to enhance a majestic subject.


Passion's Intricate Heart
Subject Rating: 10/10 (Pure botanical drama!)

Behold the Passiflora incarnata, or something equally magnificent and fiery, putting on a dazzling display. The subject here is a vibrant red passion flower, its petals splayed wide like a floral exclamation point, drawing you into the absolutely wild party happening in its reproductive center. It's like a botanical rave, complete with exotic green and yellow-tipped dancers (the corona filaments) twirling around a central, star-shaped structure of orange-brown stamens and a multi-branched, red and white pistil reaching for the sky (or the lens, in this case). The focus is tack sharp on this intricate core, making every speck of pollen and velvety texture visible, truly capturing the chaotic beauty of this unique bloom.

From a photography perspective, this is a solid close-up shot showcasing technical proficiency. The composition centers the main event, which is hard to argue with given the subject's inherent visual magnetism, although perhaps slightly predictable. The shallow depth of field is spot on, effectively isolating the complex flower head against a pleasantly blurred green background, ensuring zero distractions from the star of the show. Lighting appears natural and soft, beautifully illuminating the textures and saturated red hues without harsh shadows. The color rendition is punchy, perhaps a touch boosted, but it certainly makes the vibrant red petals pop and highlights the bizarre, fascinating detail of the flower's heart. It's a great example of using focus and color to emphasize the subject's unique structure for maximum impact.


Garden Royalty on Display
Subject Rating: 9/10

In this vibrant capture, a magnificent monarch butterfly, the undisputed royalty of pollinators, is perched delicately upon a cluster of fiery orange and red flowers, likely some form of milkweed or similar nectar-rich variety. The image exudes a mood of natural beauty and peaceful energy, showcasing a fleeting moment of connection between insect and flora. Prominently featured are the detailed wings of the monarch with its striking black veins and white spots, the intricate structure of the multi-hued flowers with their unique forms, and the glossy red buds promising future blooms. These elements are set against a softly diffused background of greens, browns, and hints of pastel purple, suggesting a lively garden environment rendered wonderfully out of focus.

From a photographic perspective, the composition employs a classic off-center placement, positioning the monarch on the right side of the frame and allowing the butterfly to face into the scene. This use of the rule of thirds gives the image a sense of dynamism, preventing it from feeling static. The lighting appears to be bright, possibly even slightly harsh midday sun, which, while making the colors pop with intensity, also creates some very bright highlights on the waxy red buds and flower petals – almost daring you to look away! The shallow depth of field expertly isolates the subject from the background, creating a creamy bokeh that emphasizes the intricate details of the butterfly and the flowers it graces. The colors are incredibly rich, borderline oversaturated, highlighting the vivid contrast between the butterfly's wings and the warm tones of its perch, proving that sometimes, more color is just... more color! Overall, it's a captivating nature shot, perhaps a testament to the photographer's patience and skill in capturing a moment before the subject inevitably decided it had better places to be.



Recent Posts

Magical Morocco Exploring Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Essaouira

Street Food, Scenic Views, and Ancient Wonders from Naples to Sorrento Italy

Discovering Amsterdam’s Charm and Lights in Winter

Year 2024 Best Photos

A Swiss Christmas Dream Exploring Zurich Switzerland

Uncovering Portugal's Layers from Porto Hills to the Douro Valley in Portugal

London Christmas Photography Portfolio Builder Day

City of London Photowalk with Model Tyana and Ariana

A Day with Mila Ballet Model in London

Fusion of Fun and Fine Art at Foundation LV Paris

© 1999-2025 PrestonLau.com, All Rights Reserved.