15 January 2010

Theme Day: Best Photo of 2009


Today is Theme Day when we get to choose our best photo of the previous year.

When I took this photo in the Old Town of Menton, I was focusing on the bike when suddenly this child walked into the picture. I like the dark into light effect.

But the photos I love to take most are close-ups of people - this adorable child on the left was playing peek a boo with me during the Fête Créole last summer.

To see the Best Photos of 2009 from around the world - what a treat today will be! - click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

29 comments:

  1. photo magnifique, avec cette lumiere sur la petite fille, j'adore, très bon choix

    ReplyDelete
  2. And I'm glad she did! She makes the shot! I forgot about this theme day...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Both are fabulous Jilly. Have a wonderful weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wonderful choice. This is really one of your best, with the warm colors framed by the shadow and that lovely natural pose.
    The sweet peek-a-booing girl is a great portrait and an excellent image.

    ReplyDelete
  5. La Provence dans toute sa diversité, sa couleur et sa lumière méditerranéenne.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Tout y est dans cette lumière. Excellent choix !

    ReplyDelete
  7. Serendipity! I also agree about close-up and portraits, esp. of children because of their lovely innocence and fresh look!

    ReplyDelete
  8. It is so sad that a city as beautiful as Menton chooses this photo as its photo of the year ;-(

    ReplyDelete
  9. Absolutely fantastic framing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Seems so classically French to me, the arch, the bicycle, the beautiful child!

    ReplyDelete
  11. It must have been hard for you to choose, you have so many lovely photos in your blog. These two are delightful.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Excellent choice, Jilly. The appearance of the child makes the picture. the expressions of both children are wonderful.
    MB

    ReplyDelete
  13. These are both wonderful photos. I'm glad you used both of them.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Timing is everything sometimes! The young girl added a nice character to a lovely framed photo - great for theme day! Bon weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I smiled the instant I saw these come up as your choices. I thought you might go back to that wonderful wedding series...when I first found and fell in love with your photography. But your instincts were absolutely spot on. Perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love it when something unexpected happens while taking a photo. So often, that something just makes the picture!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Your people photos are so great! I enjoy them very much and these are two examples of your skill.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Jilly, it must be nearly impossible for you to pick a "best." They're all wonderful. I can see you've chosen photos here that speak to your heart. After all, that's part of what makes yours so great.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh my gosh, what a pretty sight! I love that you framed the entrance in the photo and the use of light and shadow is simply magnificent.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Gorgeous! Just beautiful! (both)

    ReplyDelete
  21. I also like the play of light and dark in the first photo. Beautifully captured, both of them. I've just discovered your blog and I have to say that you have some nice photos here so I'll be back.

    ReplyDelete
  22. In means, Jilly, that, to make the best photo, photographers need a smart eye, and.....luck because her arrival, her grace, suddenly change the main subjet of the picture.

    On the other hand, your former idea would have made the most humoristic picture of the year ! Given the Bicycle is left, linked to a no bikes sign.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Gorgeous images --both. I love when that serendipitous moment happens. You were quick to capture it.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Serendipity + talent = splendid photograph.

    Well done, Jilly

    ReplyDelete
  25. Jilly this is fantastic! The girl, the bicycle add so much to this photo. Last week I went to photography presentation and the speaker said to set up the shot and wait for just the rignt "something to happen"!(paraphrasing)

    ReplyDelete
  26. What serendipity that the child walked into the frame just as you were ready to take the photo! Excellent composition! «Louis» has yet to see a child that doesn't like to play 'peek-a-boo'!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I can see why you liked this one so well, Jilly. Really epitomizes the beauty and charm of so many old world places you've guided us through. And yes, you do indeed excel with your close-up images of people. Truly admire all your work!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Couldn't agree more on your best photos choice!

    ReplyDelete