To be honest I have been nominated for this particular round robin photography project initiated by Hostelbookers by several great travel website publishers. It is a fantastic project, and there are many amazing images being shared through this initiative.
I have been reluctant to post my own until now because by definition these are my best images therefore many of you will have been saturated by them already. They have all been shared whenever possible through many formats as they are the ones I am most proud of.
The reason for the change of heart; simple succumbing to some peer pressure I cannot resist showing them off once more. These are my idea of photographic ‘porn’ and I really hope you enjoy them and they get you suitably hot and bothered.
Photo that takes my breath away
Floating over Catalonian volcanoes
To be honest any number of images from this hot air ballooning experience in Catalan could have been used for this category, it provided so many wonderful memories and pictures. The clarity of the foreground contrasted by the haziness of the background and the carpet of thick mist on the valley floor provide an amazing vista and make it a personal favourite.
Photo that makes me laugh/smile
Fantastic Four at Phare des. Baleines lighthouse, Île de Ré
Spending time with great people that I am fortunate to call friends will always be special for me. This picture taken at Phare des Baleines: on the western tip of Île de Ré at Saint-Clement des Baleines with new friends is a good reason to smile.
Photo that makes me dream
Myths and legends in Reykjavik
Iceland, the land of ‘Fire and Ice’ but it could equally be described as the land of ‘Myth and Saga’. The ‘family sagas’ which retell Icelandic history, the struggles and conflict of the early Viking settlers and the adventures of these pioneering people have always fascinated me. The iconic sculpture guarding the entrance of Reykjavik harbour easily transports those with any imagination back to a time when people fought epic battles and believed in dragons, giants and elves.
Photo that makes me think
Insignificant
Mankind has resided on the planet for just an instant in the history of the world. Our impact during this short reign has been spectacular, eventful and bordering on catastrophic. Possibly because of this, we have appointed ourselves at the very top of the evolutionary pyramid; this image for me belies this and displays man’s insignificance in the face of Mother Nature’s majesty. I wonder how the tiny person seen here in the Oman desert feels, arrogant or humble?
Photo that makes my mouth water
Mouthwatering sweet treats
I have to confess food is not my favourite subject for photography, usually forgetting to take any pictures at all unless on group trips where other more diligent members prompt me by their eager snapping. Sweet treats do not really tempt me either however this selection in a French patisserie in Montauban has a mouth-watering selection of calorie filled temptation.
Photo that tells a story
Road to the Col du Tourmalet
The road to the summit of the Col du Tourmalet in the French Pyrenees with the names of the greats of the 2011 Tour de France still emblazoned on the road. Cycle races are spectacular events, full of colour, drama, pageantry, triumph and tragedy, the Tour de France is the greatest of them. Followers daub the names of their heroes on the road and cheer them on, almost chasing them up the climb. This is all that remains of the drama played out on this stretch of tarmac, the story of the battle of the Col du Tourmalet.
Photo that I am most proud of
Amazing morning light on Lake Lucerne in Switzerland
This is the toughest call of all, as I would not post images if not proud. This image taken on Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne in December actually really surprised me; the light that day was amazing. It was not taken at sunrise or sunset but mid-morning. However when editing the photo later it totally blew me away. The light being diffused through the clouds has produced an extremely beautiful effect, the cruise ship provides a focal point and I feel justified in feeling proud of this one.
I hope you all enjoy these images and those that have already seen them on several occasions will forgive and indulge me one final time in showcasing them here.
It is apparently appropriate to suggest some suitable baton carriers for this project and hope these awesome website publishers who are also great photograhers take up the challenge if they have not already.
OMG, these photos are superb. I just love them all and I want to come to the places they have had been too and felt it. Thanks for the photo compilation, sheer inspiration!
I absolutely love that last shot – you can almost feel the gold seeping through the sky. Thank you so much for the invitation (slash kick up the backside!) Today, I accepted that challenge…
Abi recently posted..Street Art in Prague: The John Lennon Wall
Thanks Abi, love that pic too and loved the trip, evverything was just beautiful, snow-topped mountains, stunning lake and a lovely city. I look forward to seeing your post, it’ll be great I am convinced.
Glad you decided to post Iain! Great images & stories behind the images!
Anabela Salvador George recently posted..Paddling Down the Pacuare
Resistance was futile in the end Anabela
Glad you liked them anyway
Fantastic selection of photos. You’ve got every right to be proud of each of them, but I can see why the Lake Lucerne photo was put in that category. Beautiful.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Dressed to Impress
I am really happy you liked them Cathy it means a lot that i am not the only one that appreciates them
Nice selection, editing your own images can be one of the hardest things. The last image is beautiful…great capture.
Sandy recently posted..Epic HDR for an EPIC landscape.
The last image is beautiful…great capture.
Sandy recently posted..Epic HDR for an EPIC landscape.
Thank you Sandy I am very pleased you liked them and especially my own favourite.
I absolutely love the Oman desert picture! It’s a dream of mine to spend some time in the desert, looking to make it happen this year. Thanks for sharing some great shots!
Caro from Passport and a Toothbrush recently posted..How can travel help your career
Thank you Caro I also loved Oman, it was quite special being able to return after so many years and get to see a little more of the country.. I hope you find your own bit of desert soon.
I really enjoy the photo’s enough I want to post them on my Pinterest board of Nice Shot or Places I would like to go. So, I am wondering what are your feelings about people placing photos like yours on their Pinterest boards?
Thank you I am glad you liked them, I share my own images on Pinterest and despite the concerns about copyright am not concerned. I am very pleased you feel them good enough for sharing.
I searched and searched to repin your originals. I am just going to use the pin it button since you said it was fine. Maybe I will come across some of your photos by chance so I can follow you on there in the future. I searched ‘mallory on travel’ and came up empty.
No worries Jamie, I am just grateful you that you want to share my posts and photographs that means a great deal to me.
Love your photos, Iain! It’s hard to choose a favorite from among the ones you share with us here so I won’t. Look forward to more in future posts.
Nancy recently posted..The Art of Wagashi
Thank you Nancy I appreciate you taking the time to comment and thank you for the kind words, really pleased you liked them.