How do you select 10 images that represent the full body (85 shoots) of photographic work taken over a whole year? The short answer, you can’t, but here are a selection of images that stood out to me and lessons I learnt from them. Some of them aren’t technically “right” nevertheless represent patterns, techniques and moments developed throughout 2020.

1. The ‘in-between’ shot

Having the camera always ready, even when gold isn’t anticipated can capture some magic (human) moments.

2. Revealing light

Previously I would shoot portraits with the subject in complete light. This year I experimented with intentionally using ‘imperfect’ light to help the viewer read the image, to bring focus to the subject and set a mood.

3. Movement

This shot was a combination of continuous (red) and strobe (strobe) lighting. This technique is usually used in landscape photography to capture streaming traffic/star light or smooth out moving water. I’m not usually a technical shooter so getting the combination of light and camera settings right for this took some time.

4. Front flash

I use to hate the idea of using front flash, there was something about it that appeared unprofessional or lazy. After some research (thank God for Pinterest) I came across some fashion shots taken on polaroid film and I really liked the aesthetic. Here’s a sample of this technique, it was shot in an underground carpark which really helped to give a late night in the city vibe, like the viewer is backstage as a rock concert.

5. Coloured gels

Using coloured gel filters in front of your lights is a heap of fun and comes out with some unexpected results. This shot was on a white background but when combined with the pink light, transformed the entire mood of the image.

6. Texture and tone

Who doesn’t love a haze machine?! Adding haze will add depth and texture to any image, in combination with your light source you can also create new shapes the camera would have never seen without it. This image was taken at a house that was scheduled for demolition so it was perfect for some warm yet gritty images.

7. Half light

Half light can change the mood of an image is a few ways, it could add mystery, grit or drama. I really liked it’s use in this image, enhancing the model’s attitude of quiet confidence. It also added some dynamic to what could be a very plain image.

8. Change up the poses

I threw a lot of posing curve balls at my clients this year, it’s challenging but makes images interesting. The trick with posing is to take something that is clearly unnatural and make it look like its part of everyday life. Although no one would sit in the pose in the image below, it’s motif of someone getting up off the floor (one of those in-between shots (see image 1).

9. Greyscale

I used a lot more greyscale imagery this year in places where I needed to emphasise more contrast. in certain elements. The example below worked perfectly with the combination of pale skin and dark tattoos against a dark background with half light.

10. Keep it simple.

Sometimes the best images are the most simple. A clean background, a plain block coloured wardrobe, a relaxed pose and calming eye contact. Like you’re taking pictures of something chilling in there lounge room, minus the Netflix and popcorn (although that gives an idea for a shoot in 2021).

Top 10 Images of 2020