Year's End 2024 by; Gord and Greg Barker

     Christmas is over for another year. Time to take a look back at the year that was. This year my son, Greg will be contributing to this retrospective of 2024. Since purchasing his Canon RP camera in 2023, Greg has become a talented photographer in his own right as well as being a post processing wizard. I foresee more collaboration on projects in the year ahead. 

       Where to begin? The problem with doing a year end wrap up is in the editing. When one finds happiness in the celebration of beautiful light and the world illuminated by that light, it can be hard to select the best images from a whole year of shooting.

    For me, 2024 began with a walk on New Year's Day at the Hamilton harbourfront where I managed to photograph a swan. It seemed a beautiful and serene way to start the year. Winter, of course transitioned to spring with me alternating my photographic activity between small town Paris, On. and the steel city of Hamilton, On. 

                                                                                        

                                                                                          

    And, of course, spring gave way to summer.

    One of the most memorable evenings I enjoyed during the summer was a dinner of fish and chips at Hutch's On The Beach in Hamilton followed by a walk along Van Wagners Beach at sunset. You can see a few more shots from that evening here.https://refractivereasoning.blogspot.com/2024/09/labour-day-2024.html

    I didn't take a really long vacation this tear but did manage to get away for a few lovely days to Pelee Island. I wrote about it in my September blog post. https://refractivereasoning.blogspot.com/2024/09/september.html                                        

    The Fall colour season was beautiful this year and included a say trip to Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area as well as my usual Autumn At The Dam Series. You can see a few more photos here. https://refractivereasoning.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-majesty-of-autumn-by-gord-barker.html

    So that brings us to the holiday season and this, the last blog post of the year.

                                         

    That being said, I think some thanks and acknowledgements are in order for the people who help me pursue the craft that I love. First and foremost, thank you to all the people who show appreciation for, and purchase my pictures. You're appreciation and support go a long way in validating me as a photographer and image maker. Thanks to my significant other who provides the encouragement, does most of the planning for trips and adventures and is amazingly patient as she waits for me to do "Just one more shot...." I love you. Thanks to my son, Greg, for editing (and helping me to edit) my work both as a copy editor and post processing wizard. Together, we're putting out some pretty cool stuff and having a lot of fun doing it! Thanks to the gallery owners and curators for allowing me to show (and sell) my pictures in your establishments. We couldn't get the work out there without you. Thanks to the members of the Paris Photo Collective for all the helpful tips, laughter and friendship that we share on this crazy creative journey. We may be the craziest little photo group on the planet, but damn, we crank out some great pictures! Thanks to everyone who reads this blog. You are the reason I keep cranking it out.

...more later

Turns out later is now. Hi, it's his son. I wanted to follow in a similar vein as my father and showcase some of my favourite photos of 2024. This year has been big for me in photography. Taking things in a more serious manner. Going out of my way to plan. Pushing for shots I otherwise would not have gotten in my daily routine. Some from prep, others from a marriage of luck and a keen eye. Enough of intros, lets rapid fire this shit. 

I feel it's only right to start with this shot

Photographing this was surreal. I knew far before that I wouldn't get the best shot of it. I didn't care. I wanted to try. The solar eclipse was a photo that made me care more for the experience than the result. Armed with a 24-105 and my RP, I'm happy I captured a once in a lifetime experience. Regardless of who did it better.

Next up, a photo I have aptly named "First Light"

Who doesn't love a good sunrise? It's become a small tradition to engage with the dark winter morning. Seeking a sunrise shot I'm happy with. Similar concept to my father's autumn at the dam mission. Although, mine has less pretty fall colour and more freezing my ass off.

The third photo of this list may just be my personal favourite.

Does this not slap harder than an angry stepmother? When photographing the bullride a man's voice said 

"you can't be this close to the fence"

Looking up to realize it was a security guard twice my size. I told him

"Of course. No problem"

That's code for kiss my ass, I am NOT missing out on this opportunity. The Bull Riding was the event to photograph above all else to me. The rest of the ride consisted of me playing hide and seek with a security guard. This shot happened to be one of many results from the ordeal. 

"Window To The Soul"

How's that for an artsy fartsy name? This shot is special not only from the composition but from the location. A childhood place outside of Cambridge. Going back to spend time with the horses being a photographer became a meet in greet made in heaven. 

Last of the set. The Porsche. The reflections from the road, the car itself. I love it. Though, I'm picking this shot to showcase not all photos need an epic back story. This was a result of smoking a stogie and throwing back a yellow jacket with my friend. Hearing something fast approaching from the distance. I grabbed my camera, crouched down in anticipation. Lone and behold, this shot is the result of enjoying time with friends.

That's the end of that. I hope everybody had a great Christmas and has good New Year. 

                                                                From: Gregory Barker

More more Later...Even more later? I don't know. Enjoy the craft people.