2012 Favorites
I enjoy the hobby of photography for numerous reasons. One: the simple joy of getting that great shot; another for the new perspective one gains from searching for unique subjects. But, one of the best reasons is this: to preserve memories. At the end of the year, it’s always fun to look back at your photos, to choose favorites, and most of all, to remember the experiences associated with each and every shot. That is my goal in this post. They’re not necessarily the “best” photos I took during 2012, but, rather, those that have the best stories to tell, and hold the most value for me.
This particular image has appeared on this blog before. It is a sight not likely to be repeated…row after row of yellow Piper J-3 Cubs, which were gathered at AirVenture last July, to celebrate their 75th anniversary. As evidenced by the tent under the left wing of this particular Cub, many pilots camped beside their airplanes throughout the week. It was fascinating to stroll from airplane to airplane, admiring many an immaculate restoration, while noting the similarities – and differences – between each Cub.
Here you have one of my all-time favorite aerobatic photos. The aircraft is a Boeing PT-17 Stearman, which was one of the primary training aircraft used by the United States during World War II. The pilot is John Mohr, who performs a spectacular demonstration with the aircraft at airshows around the country. This extremely low photo pass is from AirVenture in July.
Of course, the family airplane has to make an appearance in any “Favorite Shots” compilation. Any nepotism aside, this is truly one of my favorite photographs from 2012. (Also, it showcases the remarkable quality of the third-generation iPad camera). The occasion to snap this one came about thanks to the Stratus ADS-B weather device, reviewed in another post on this blog. My Dad had just received the device, and we knew we needed to take it for a test flight. A rainstorm had just moved through the airport when we returned, and the wet pavement coupled with the setting sun presented the perfect opportunity to take this shot.
Charleston, South Carolina exists as one of my favorite places on Earth. It’s also the perfect environment for photography. Some may recognize the scene in this photograph…the windows of the Mills House Hotel, located on Meeting Street downtown. This shot was taken on the Queen Street side of the building, with summertime afternoon sun providing illumination.
Returning one last time to aviation-related subjects, here you see four Blue Angels F-18’s during a performance in Smyrna, Tennessee. I had never seen the group before, and the trip to the Great Tennessee Air Show in May ranks as a 2012 highlight. We flew down for the day, and enjoyed a full day of aerobatic demonstrations. The airshow that day was bookended by rainstorms, as evidenced by the gray skies in this photo. However, the show went on, and the thrilling Blue Angels performance offered countless photo opportunities. Minutes after they landed, the skies unleashed a downpour, and we departed for home as the rain continued to fall.
As a NASCAR fan, I feel compelled to share this one. It was taken in March, at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee. I had never been to the track before, so this first visit was exceptionally memorable. I watched Sprint Cup practice and qualifying, and Nationwide Series practice on this particular Friday. The car seen in the photo is the #2 Dodge of Brad Keselowski. Two days later, he would pick up his first win of the 2012 season, which ended in November with Keselowski crowned Sprint Cup Series Champion.
For the last shot in this collection, let’s visit Charleston once again. This shot, in addition to closing out this post, also closed out 2012: it was taken on the evening of December 28, days before the New Year. It’s a panoramic look at downtown Charleston, viewed from the rooftop terrace of the HarbourView Inn, located adjacent to Waterfront Park. The pink building just right of center in the far distance is the Mills House, as seen above. The street is Vendue Range; the steeple on the right side of the frame; St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church, established in 1681. The steeple dates to around 1848-50.
What a year it was! 2013 promises to be even better, and hopefully will include more memorable shots.
Thoughts from Aloft 