As is customary at the end of year, I look to my ‘Best 9’ images of 2024.
Instagram Best 9
Since Insta is the origin of the ‘Best 9’, we will start there.
Out of the best nine liked images, five are from Norfolk, three from Suffolk, and one from Essex.
I guess that is not a surprise.
Top three images are from The Time and Tide Bell at Happisburgh, followed by Bacton Woods in Autumn, and Southwold earlier in the year.
Fourth and sixth placed images are from Suffolk (Covehithe and East Lane) respectively sandwiched by fifth placed image from Dovercourt Essex.
Images in seventh, eighth, and ninth are all from Norfolk: Sheringham, Thornham and Hopton.
My Best (not 9)! My favourites
I could not choose 9 general best images so have picked my favourites from specific genres.
As the famous saying goes… in no particular order:
Favourite landscapes
I have five favourite images in this category.
Starting top-left and moving clockwise, we have the image I captured from a club shoot at Bacton Wood. I was very pleased with this scene due to the light shining on the ferns.
The mono image is from our holiday to the Lake District in May and a scene I captured while on a morning 121 with pro photographer Chris Sale. This image has Skiddaw and Blencathra fells in the background. I think Chris would be disappointed if none of the images I grabbed on the two sunrise workshop I did with him didn’t make it to my favourites list.
The horse-like shape is from a woodland workshop with Gill Moon.
Favourite seascapes
I have seven favourite seascapes from 2024.
There are a lot because I shoot a lot of seascapes!
Starting from top left again and going clockwise, we start with a moody scene at Landguard in Suffolk. The sky on that morning was dark and moody and epic.
Next up is a sunset shot at Overstrand with the waves crashing against the wooden curved sea defence.
Then we have a sunrise shot of the Time and Tide bell at Happisburgh and two sunrise scenes at East Lane Bawdsey in Suffolk.
We’re back in Norfolk for the last two: a sunrise scene at Sheringham and another from the same sunset shoot at Overstrand.
Favourite wildlife
These are my two favourite wildlife shots of 2024.
Both shots (Bearded Reedling and Heron) were captured at RSPB Strumpshaw.
Favourite drone shots
I have chosen five of my favourite drone shots which is a good haul given 2024 was my first year flying the drone.
From top left clockwise, we start with my first ever still image at How Hill in Norfolk. It’s a memorable shot for me due it being my first ever drone shot.
Next right we have a snowy scene from my trip to the Peak District.
Then we have a shot from Southwold of the beach huts which reminds me of a model village.
Next is ‘The Roydon Joker’; a shot from Roydon Common.
Finally, we have my top marks competition shot ‘Beached Whale’ from Hopton-on-Sea.
Favourite macro or ICM shots
I have three favourite shots in this category.
First up is an Autumnal colours ICM shot from Thetford Forest.
Second is a fly close-up shot from Pygney Woods near North Waltham in Norfolk.
Lastly is a close-up of a spider’s web from Hollesley Common in Suffolk.
Favourite street shots
I have three images in this category, all of which are from London.
First up is a well photographed scene looking through an archway out towards the Houses of Parliament.
Second is a shot which won a monochrome themed round in a club competition.
Finally, there’s a different view of a scene from under Blackfriars bridge.
Reflections / thoughts
I found it impossible to pick a ‘Best 9’ and instead have picked out 25 favourite images from six different genres.
I wouldn’t say gear has delivered these favourite images but in 2024, I acquired a drone, a longer wildlife lens, a macro lens and a fisheye lens.
I am pleased that I’ve got a broad set of genres that I’ve managed to acquire plenty of keepers.
I hope you’ve enjoyed browsing my personal favourites.
Onwards and upwards…