I enjoy the best 9 of the year posts on Instagram where people make (as the name implies) a 3×3 grid of their most liked photos during the last calendar year. It’s really interesting to see what people’s best 9 grid looks like, and also what’s been most popular on Instagram from my posts during the year.
There is probably a note of caution in this last years changing algorithm dictated by Instagram in terms of audience exposure. There are plenty of complaints that photographers are not getting to reach a wide enough audience to promote their art, hence many switching to Twitter. I wrote a blog post about Instagram’s announcement regarding their change in strategy to focus on influencers and advertisements etc.
I enjoy posting my efforts on Instagram and creating a story around it. As I’m not expecting or relying on an income, I suppose it does not bother me about the so called ‘reach’. There’s been a journal-like quality to Instagram too. When I look back, I can have my memory jogged of where I’ve been and what pictures I took. This blog is proving useful in that regard to, and perhaps I have a little more control and protection over the content.
Anyway, back to the subject in hand… best 9.
Of my nine best shots, four were local (2 x Norwich, Walberswick, Blakeney), four were in the Lake District and one was in the Yorkshire Dales. That’s a good mix I think, and I will endeavour (where not already) to put these nine on my website.
Castle Crag, Lake District
The top rated one was at Castle Crag in the Lakes. I’ve had another look at this shot on the computer to note that it’s a little ‘noisy’. It was shot at f/11, ISO 400 and 1/160 sec shutter speed. This was quite late in the day when the light was falling and I think with hindsight should’ve had a higher ISO and faster shutter as the ferns were obviously moving quite a bit in the wind.
I shall re-edit and do a small print to see if it’s good enough to go on my website. How ironic it would be that my most popular shot may well never get to be on my website or printed? You can read about our Lake District exploits here.
Robin on the Bench, local park
My second best 9 shot is a shot of a Robin on a bench in a local park.
I remember this well from last year when (thanks to Covid restrictions) we could only meet family or friends outside. My wife and I met up with my son and his partner in a local park. It was freezing cold but such a pleasure to meet up and have a chat.
I took the camera with me on the off chance and was thrilled to capture this Robin as it hopped around near us. Robins are a big favourite with all I think because of their colouring and friendliness.
Walberswick, Suffolk at Sunrise
My third best 9 shot was at the club trip to Walberswick in October for a sunrise shoot.
There’s a dedicated blog post on the Walberswick shoot already here so I won’t repeat that.
This is definitely a shot I’ll revisit, re-edit and see what it looks like in print.
Onwards and upwards…