Another year, another ten favorite photos compilation. As always, the emphasis here is on the word “favorite.” I can’t really say whether these images are some of my best from 2023. Maybe that’s not for me to decide. If I presented my “most popular” images of 2023 here, I’m not sure there would be a single photograph from my favorite list represented. Well, maybe one.
Popularity can be a funny thing. Even when there’s absolute no incentive to do so, from time to time I will still chase shots I know others will find compelling instead of just focusing on what I find interesting. This tendency doesn’t help the pre-existing self-conscious feelings I have about the genres of photography I dabble in. While there are some more niche subjects that tickle my fancy, there are also large swaths of photography types I really do enjoy capturing that many would describe as cliche.
Ultimately, as someone that creates photographic art strictly for enjoyment, you eventually have to come to terms with pleasing a very niche audience. There’s only one ticket-holder.
So to be clear, the following images are the ones I enjoyed the most from this past year. I hope you like them, but I really wasn’t shooting with you in mind.
S-oiled | Strasburg, PA | ƒ/4.5 28mm 1/160 ISO 125 | 3.21.23
The colorful oily liquid dripping down the sides of this train car sitting in the outdoor yard of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania was too tempting not to capture. I thought the “S” was a compelling anchor that pulled the composition together nicely.
Jacob’s Walk | Stone Harbor, NJ | ƒ/11 70mm 1/400 ISO 400 | 8.15.23
This shot bends the “non-family” top ten list rule a bit as this is a photo of my son. He’s in a strong silhouette as he takes in the sunrise at the Jersey Shore, so the subject in the shot could be a complete stranger for all you know. I could have lied to you and kept the sanctity of this blog intact, but that’s not how we roll here at BrianEvansPhoto.com.
Movin’ T | Pittsburgh, PA | ƒ/7.1 50mm 1.3 ISO 100 | 9.12.23
I don’t get to play around with long exposures and movement as much as I’d like, but some colorful lights at a station on the Pittsburgh T provided a nice opportunity to create an interesting abstract.
Belief + Doubt | Washington D.C. | ƒ/4.5 24mm 1/15 ISO 500 | 9.16.23
I’m not especially adept at street photography, so when I capture something in that genre that’s semi-competent I tend to like it more than I should. I like this shot from the bottom floor of the Hirshhorn Art Museum in Washington D.C. because of the contrast between the extremely graphic art and the moving figure.
The Black Hook | Strasburg, PA | ƒ/4.5 52mm 1/200 ISO 250 | 3.12.23
Probably my favorite shot from this past year. It’s really hard to capture truly black “blacks” in a photo and I think I achieved that. The criss-crossing shapes, patterns, and lines are just icing on the cake.
Possibilities | Stone Harbor, NJ | ƒ/9 24mm 1/160 ISO 4000 | 8.9.23
After running down to the beach to take advantage of some truly vibrant sunset colors, I was desperately searching for something to anchor the photo before deciding on a tried and true Jersey Shore staple, the lifeguard boat and chair combo. I was initially annoyed a young couple decided at that very moment to clamber up the chair to take in the view. Ultimately, I realized their presence elevated the shot.
What you’re doing to me… | Chantilly, VA | ƒ/5.0 34mm 1/250 ISO 100 | 8.24.23
I’ll probably never stop taking these dutch tilt style shots where the subject vanishes into the distance. I’m not exactly sure what it is about them that appeals to me, but I’m about 20 years into capturing them with no end in sight. I found this wall near the entrance of the Air & Space Hangar in Chantilly intriguing because of the iridescent colors reflecting of its surface in the mid-day sun.
Slipping Into the Future | Benton, PA | ƒ/13 24mm 2 ISO 100 | 10.13.23
I’ve definitely captured better shots at Ricketts Glen over the years, but this one was my favorite from my most recent trip this past fall.
Wildcat Pride | West Hazleton, PA | ƒ/5.6 40mm 1/80 ISO 100 | 8.25.23
School spirit seemed to be in a serious state of decay at the loading dock of my former high school.
The Lunch Rush at Jimmy’s | Hazleton, PA | ƒ/5.0 64mm 1/640 ISO 800 | 8.25.23
The employees at Jimmy’s Quick Lunch in Hazleton, PA getting ready to serve up the best hot dogs in the world to their patrons. Environmental slice of life shots aren’t generally in my repertoire, but I feel like this one captured the spirit of one of my all-time favorite lunch destinations nicely.
You might also like
Leave a reply