Yep, it's been a long time . . . my apologies to all my good friends here at UF for dropping off the face of the earth. I came down with a serious case of life, but I think I'm getting over it now. ;)
It was tough for me to find my best photo of the year. For the past three years, there was always a clear winner, but this year I didn't have any 10s . . . just a handful of 8-ishes. While this photo isn't a knock-your-socks-off photo like the rest in this category, I'm pretty happy with it because I *finally* discovered the joy of metering properly! Woo!
This was taken in August of this year in Northern B.C. I was there for 10 days, half of which were hot with hazy smoke from forest fires, the other half of which were rainy and seven degrees above freezing! On my very last day, I looked out the window and saw a teeny tiny patch of blue sky waaay of in the distance, so I decided to get into my car and chase it. I drove for hours on the highways and back roads of the Peace Country, trying to get the best combination of land and sky. It was mid-afternoon in a small community just north of Dawson Creek when the sky finally opened for a brief time. I know the photo is compositionally unbalanced, but after pursuing that blue for half a day, I had to get as much in as possible! I currently live in a city surrounded by mountains, which is great, but I really miss the big sky of my youth.
I'm currently in the middle of the big Christmas rush, but I hope to find some time to catch up a bit around here and see all the great stuff you guys have to offer.
Hi becky this is a great photo of the Peace country...yep it is truly a place where you can just drive and drive. Well i'm glad you did this one was worth it
Hi Becky - long time no see! And what a wonderful photo you chose to come back with - big sky country indeed! I love the way the road goes off straight as an arrow to a disappearing point on the horizon, but first sweeping the eye down and up again through the lovely manicured pastures! I think I would have centered the edges of the road right at the bottom corners of the frame, and maybe brighten the patches of sunlight just a touch. A lot of sky here, but it's *about* the sky, isn't it? :) Good to see you back, and thanks for your recent comments!
This was worth the effort! I've heard of storm chasing before, but never blue-sky chasing! You could set up your own club! hahaha This image always makes me smile... the wide, flat land, the melody of colours, and an open road, beckoning me ahead. It adds a sense of curiousity... what could be at the end of the road? Hmm, I think I need to go on a road trip!
Beautiful moment captured here as well, with the clouds casting shadows on the greenery and adding depth to the shot. I bet this holds wonderful memories for you!
hey, i really like this sky. i mean i really like it, wonderful exposure. this one really stands out soft and unique in this best-of category. i look forward to more shots as you mustve taken some more during your hiatus. hm? matt
I think this is just excellent and the symbol I saw in here is that of youth: a very long road ahead but the main thing you see is the sky. I think I might've passed on a shot like this (well, maybe not *this* shot), but now I know better... Technically there certainly isn't anything to gripe about and I think it has that little extra that makes it linger long after you've moved on.
0 
