At the turn of each year I put together a collection of my favourite photographs from the previous twelve months. I find this fun to do and I also learn from the exercise. These are not necessarily my best photographs, nor the most popular on social media. But they are the most meaningful to me.

One morning in January I discovered that a container I used for gardening, which had filled with all kinds of leaf debris and winter rain, had frozen over, trapping thousands of little bubbles in the ice. It gave me an idea. I added some more leaves and stones from the garden and left the container overnight on the promise of more sub zero temperatures. I wasn’t disappointed. It was fun using my macro lens to isolate small scenes in my frozen landscape - until the cold became too much for me! This was my favourite composition because its colours somehow reminded me of my sister’s sense of style. I had the photo printed and framed for her birthday, much to her delight (especially as it perfectly matched the colours in her main room!). So this photo will always hold a special meaning.

We also had snow in January. Not a lot but enough to allow me once again to photograph the trees of Gallows Hill where we live.

You and me. Photographed during a rare spring blizzard, these ageing trees are still standing, holding on to each other through all weathers like an old devoted couple.

I’ve been photographing these trees consistently ever since we moved into the area, as a personal photographic project. I’ve photographed them in all seasons and all conditions. Perhaps it is time, after almost ten years, to do something with them?

April provided me with the best post sunset conditions I have ever experienced at Ballycastle beach. When I showed the photograph to my wife she told me it looked as if the sea was smiling!

I was introduced to this location (Hamilton’s Seat on the Causeway Coast) by Steven Hanna, who, on so many occasions has been my photography companion and teacher. I will always associate this view with him and his friendship. On this occasion in May the passing squall provided the perfect background drama to what is one of the most dramatic views on the entire island. We’ve photographed there on many occasions now but this year provided me with the best photo I’ve managed.

At the summer solstice the sun is sufficiently far north to light up the valley that leads to the famous Hare’s Gap, one of the iconic locations in the Mourne Mountains. This was my first trek to this location, on the slopes of Slievenaglogh and we were rewarded not only by the appearance of the sun but also the moon. A very special day.

Mid-summer is often the best time to photograph the Causeway Coast, particularly in the evenings, as the sun sets out to sea and lights up the chalk cliffs near Dunluce Castle. After five or six visits in July, I was rewarded on this evening with a small gap in the clouds close to the horizon. It was sufficient for a few moments of gorgeous warm light on the sea arches and cliffs, contrasting with the cooler colours of sea and sky. The small headland from which I took this photo is one of my favourite places of ‘escape’. To think, to pray or simply to sit and watch the sun sink into the sea.

A drone photograph from early August, showing Ballintoy Parish Church in the timeless rhythms of its context: the cycle of seasons, the local community both living and deceased, working and worshipping in a coastal landscape as the last light of another day fades on distant Fairhead.

What Lucy saw. From an unforgettable summer adventure with my granddaughter, Lucy.

Among the Heather. A second trek up Slievenaglogh, this time in August to photograph the heather in the Mournes. Another ambition fulfilled this year.

I’ve visited and attempted to photograph the Giant’s Causeway many times over the years but have always been rather underwhelmed by the results. After several attempts this year I finally was gifted with an evening of spectacular skies. As is often the case in such an iconic location, it was ‘battling tripods’! I managed to secure a small gap in the group of photographers just in time to make this photo. The measure of success is that it is the first photo I’ve taken of the Causeway that my wife likes! I simply had to include it here.

A glorious autumn day in the New Forest, during our visit to Dorset in England, as the sun lit up this magnificent oak tree. Even the ponies came out to play.

Autumn is a favourite season for many photographers, for good reason. This year I visited this beautiful waterfall in Glenmalure, Co Wicklow for the very first time. Hidden from the nearby road by a thick screen of trees, it is a magical location.

The Bridge. Perfect conditions for a return in November to Cloghleagh, Co Wicklow.

The Stepping Stones. Tollymore always rewards a visit or three every autumn and this year proved exceptional.

Winter in Ireland often experiences Atlantic storms so when Storm Arwen was announced I couldn’t resist the temptation to head to Ballintoy to capture some of the action. Remembering the disaster of my previous experience of ‘storm chasing’ I was extra cautious!

My final choice from 2021 was taken in December at what is the closest part of the coast to our home, the beach at Ballycastle and especially the northerly end, with the Pan’s Rock footbridge and the views of Fairhead and Scotland beyond. This photo once again was the result of repeated visits to the same location being rewarded by a coming together of key elements, direct sunlight, dramatic seas and sky detail.

What have I learned this year? At least the following. The importance of paying attention to the edges of the frame. The importance of atmosphere in a photograph. Abstracts can be fun and rewarding. Sunsets can be overdone. I love photographing waves. And writing about photography increases my enjoyment.

If you’ve made it this far, thanks so much for travelling with me!

2021 The Year in Photographs

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