Writing with Light

2013 – A Year in Review

I can’t believe another year is coming to a close but then again I say that every year. It seems they go by so quickly these days. As I look back on 2013 I’m proud of some of the images that I produced and some of the projects that I’m working on. As I announced a couple of months ago I’m launching a new pet photography business, PhoDOGraphy by Edith Levy. This is something that I’ve wanted to do for sometime and I’ll have the website ready for launch in January.

Below are some of my favourite images from this year. They don’t necessarily reflect the most popular images by hits or comments but ones that resonated with me for various reasons and I’ll let you know why as you go through them. Enjoy!

One last thing…wishing you all a Happy Holiday and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Jackson Square in B&W

Interestingly enough this image never appeared on the blog. The colour version did (and you can see it here) but for some reason I didn’t post the B&W version which happens to be my favourite of the two. This was shot before sunrise and I love the moodiness that comes out in the B&W.

New Orleans, NOLA, Jackson Square, benches, sunrise, dawn, travel photography, monochrome, Black White

Jackson Square

Cafe du Monde

To call Cafe du Monde a coffee shop is downgrading it a bit. It’s a landmark and institution in New Orleans which was established in 1862. Cafe du Monde is open 24/7 and it was the perfect place for me to duck in and warm up with a piping cup of coffee and beignet right after my sunrise shoots in the city.

New Orleans, Cafe Du Monde, cafe, coffee, French Quarter

Cafe Du Monde – New Orleans

The Elgin Theatre

I was fortunate to be able to shoot this iconic theatre in Toronto at the beginning of the year. This was one of my favourite images from that shoot. Little did I know that it would be selected to appear on the cover of the theatre’s souvenir brochure. Below is a scan (sorry about the poor quality) of the cover.

Elgin Theatre, Toronto, Ontario, Balcony, ornate, interior

The Elgin Theatre, Toronto

Elgin Theatre, WinterGarden Theatre, 100th Anniversary, Brochure Cover, Edith Levy Photography,

Boston Strong

I attended a conference in Boston in April. At the time I wasn’t quite sure if it would be taking place as it was taking place a few days after the Boston Marathon bombing. The conference went on as scheduled and although security was tight at the airports and in the city I was amazed at the resilience of the city and its people.

Boston, Memorial, Bolyston street, Marathon, remembering, Boston Strong

Golden

This past July I took a trip to California, starting in San Francisco and driving down the coast to L.A. While the weather wasn’t always in my favour (lots of fog) I di manage to come away with some images that I was really pleased with. My second day in San Francisco called for an early morning wake up call to shoot the Golden Gate bridge. Being in a place for the first time without a lot of time to explore and get to know you’re way around means that you waste a lot of time looking for the perfect vantage point to shoot from. I was lucky here because as soon as I shoot this the lights on the bridge were turned off.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California, Sunrise, Blue Hour, bridge, landscape, Edith Levy Photography

Golden

La Bicyclette

Come on…you had to know I’d include a bicycle image in my year-end recap 🙂 I loved that the name of this restaurant in Carmel-By-The-Sea was called La Bicyclette.

Carmel, California, night, bicycle, La Bicyclette, restaurant, window, French, flags, dining, travel photography

La Bicyclette

The Roman Pool at Hearst Castle

I was just really pleased with the way this came out. The light was very low and I didn’t have a tripod with me. I increased my ISO, braced myself against the railing and took the shot. Sometimes you just have to go for it.

Hearst Castle, Roman Pool, San Simeon, California, indoor pool, water, reflections, travel photography

The Roman Gods Stand Tall

Sponge

This is just a personal favourite. I took pictures of this little guy…his name is Sponge as part of my portfolio building sessions. Isn’t he just adorable.

French Bulldog, Frenchie, pet photography, best friend, dog photography

The Lonely Path

This image was taken at the Rockwood Autoyard in Ontario while I was attending a workshop with Denise Ippolito. It was drizzling the whole day with a light mist floating in the air which made for some terrific light.

Ontario, forest, path, autumn, fall, changing colours, trees, fine art, texture, fog

The Lonely Path

Santa Barbara Marina

Here’s another personal favourite from my California trip. I loved the different colours emanating from the boats and wanted to give this image a bit of an abstract, impressionist feel.

Santa Barbara, California, harbor, sailboats, abstract, pacific ocean, surreal, wharf

Santa Barbara Harbour Abstraction

Santa Monica Pier

One the last night of my California trip I was determined to get a shot of Santa Monica pier at night. Even though it was cold and I really wasn’t dressed properly I headed to the pier (with my husband in tow…he really does deserve an award) and set up for this long exposure.

Santa Monica, pier, amusement park, lights, ferris wheel, roller coaster, night photography, long exposure, travel photography, beach

Amusing Lights

Malibu Pier

This is probably the image I’m most proud of this year. A long exposure of Malibu Pier with a high key treatment.

Malibu Pier, California, long exposure, high key, beach, waves, malibu pier cafe, travel photography

Elephant Seal Rookery at Piedras Blancas

I really had fun photographing these elephant seals at Piedras Blancas which is about 3 miles north of San Simeon on the Pacific Coast. I title this image “A Little Disagreement” but someone made a comment that it looks like the seal on the right might be laughing at a joke (wish I had thought of that), but the loud barking of these mammoth seals is still ringing in my ears 🙂

Elephant Seal, Rookery, San Simeon, Piedras Blancas, California, beach, nature, travel photography, ocean front, beach

A Little Disagreement

Wishing you all a Happy Holiday and a Very Happy New Year.

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71 responses

  1. Wonderful assortment of images Edith! So beautiful! You had a fantastic year! Best wishes to you in 2014! 🙂

    Like

    December 24, 2013 at 9:29 am

  2. rigmover

    Wow you have had a good year, looking forward to seeing all your shots in 2014.

    Like

    December 24, 2013 at 9:35 am

  3. Great set Edith, wonderful work, glad you made it through the ice storm, that was crazy, have a great Holiday!

    Like

    December 24, 2013 at 9:43 am

  4. Lovely presentation, Edith!
    A very merry Christmas to you and your dear ones.
    May all your wishes for 2014 come true!
    Warm greetings from the North
    Dina
    God jul!

    Like

    December 24, 2013 at 10:35 am

  5. Your photos have totally blown my socks off! I especially love la bicyclette.

    Like

    December 24, 2013 at 11:03 am

  6. Beautiful work you have here, Edith!
    Merry Christmas to you and yours! 🙂
    ✟Peace always, Uncle Tree ▲

    Like

    December 24, 2013 at 11:46 am

    • Thank you so much Uncle Tree for visiting and for your mind comments. Merry Christmas.

      Like

      December 24, 2013 at 2:10 pm

  7. Wonderful images Edith and hope you enjoy your holidays and have a great new year!

    Like

    December 24, 2013 at 11:56 am

  8. Amazing work Edith! I enjoy each and every post! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    Like

    December 24, 2013 at 11:58 am

  9. Beautiful, they are all beautiful. Thank you dear Edith Levy, Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday, love, nia

    Like

    December 24, 2013 at 12:04 pm

  10. The photo journey of 2013 has been fun. Your photography inspires travel, creativity, and practice. Thanks for all your shares, and may your 2014 be even more focused than this year has been.

    Like

    December 24, 2013 at 5:14 pm

  11. A set to be proud of Edith. Happy Holidays to you and a Peaceful New Year

    Like

    December 24, 2013 at 6:07 pm

  12. As always Edith, your photos inspire travel, creativity, and practice. May your 2014 be as photogenic and focused for you as this year has been.

    Like

    December 24, 2013 at 6:46 pm

  13. Jimi Jones

    A wide range of beauty, Edith! You can smile and be proud of each one.

    Wishing you all the best for 2014 and beyond! 🙂

    Like

    December 24, 2013 at 6:59 pm

    • Thank you so much for your comments and for all your support Jimi. Merry Christmas.

      Like

      December 24, 2013 at 11:33 pm

  14. Beautiful!! Every single one of them. You have certainly had a wonderful year Edith :).

    Like

    December 24, 2013 at 8:53 pm

  15. Beautiful selection of images, Edith! Time past really fast, it’s crazy! 😉 Hope the year 2014 will be amazing, with lots of gorgeous photos and amazing new experience.

    Like

    December 25, 2013 at 9:55 am

    • Thank you so much Anne. Wishing you and you’re loved ones a very Merry Christmas.

      Like

      December 25, 2013 at 9:32 pm

  16. ruthcampos

    Wonderful!! Happy New Year!!!

    Like

    December 25, 2013 at 3:45 pm

  17. What a wonderful year!! Beautiful photos too, as usual. Wishing you the blessings of Christmastime and another successful year in 2014. Love and peace from Izzy

    Like

    December 26, 2013 at 6:03 am

  18. Wonderful images! Love the Lonely Path!

    Like

    December 26, 2013 at 9:45 am

  19. Grand accomplishment for the year–I also need to reflect a bit. It’s something that I do not do, so thanks for the nudge. The first image is my favorite, and as you said the mood is a draw. I wish for you a year ahead filled with joyful moments and peaceful days.

    Like

    December 26, 2013 at 10:14 am

    • Thank you so much SLly and the very same to you. I always find it a difficult exercise but I do love looking back at what I’ve produced and thinking of how I can do things differently and improve.

      Like

      December 26, 2013 at 11:45 pm

  20. Ajaytao2010

    Nice reading about you

    Thanks. I invite you to visit my blog Ajaytao2010@wordpress.com. Browse through the category sections, I feel you may definitely find something of your interest.

    Like

    December 27, 2013 at 8:31 am

  21. Fabulous Edith!

    Like

    December 27, 2013 at 3:52 pm

  22. You had a great year Edith and made so many beautiful images. Thank you for your kind comments on mine too. Wishing you another great year in 2014!

    Like

    December 28, 2013 at 8:04 pm

  23. Len

    What a killer 2013 you had Edith. This series of images are killer. I was going to try to pick a favorite but they all seem to be. Have a wonderful New Year.

    Like

    December 31, 2013 at 7:18 am

  24. Marcie

    What a beautiful chronology of your year. Wishing you and yours all the best in this up and coming new one.

    Like

    December 31, 2013 at 3:57 pm

  25. great year Edith and lovely images to go along with it! may 2014 bring you much enjoyment and success!

    Like

    January 1, 2014 at 11:33 pm

  26. The park in black in white is so wonderful, it`s my favorite for the year as well 🙂 Happy New Year`s!

    Like

    January 2, 2014 at 1:35 am

  27. Fantastic collection of images Edith. Happy New Year, and best of luck with your new endeavor.

    Like

    January 3, 2014 at 7:53 am

  28. I love the way you’re able to capture and retain the richness and depth of the color palette in your photography while posting in a blog format. The golds and reds knock me out. Happy New Year 🙂

    Like

    January 3, 2014 at 8:56 pm

  29. Great series that you have here Edith. Every time I think that I found my favorite I scroll to the next one. Amazing work!

    Like

    January 6, 2014 at 12:11 am

  30. Wonderful review of a very fruitful year, Edith. It was very nice to revisit these images and read your stories behind the shot. Thanks for being an inspiration.

    Like

    January 7, 2014 at 1:33 am

  31. Pingback: Best Photos of 2013 by JMG-Galleries Blog Readers » JMG-Galleries - Landscape, Nature & Travel Photography

  32. Pingback: Thoughts on Jim Goldstein’s ‘Best of 2013′ project

  33. You have a lot to show for your year, Edith. Happy 2014.

    Like

    January 11, 2014 at 11:47 pm

  34. Wonderful collection of images-your work is wonderful. I was especially taken with the pictures of Sponge-I look forward to seeing more-

    Like

    January 13, 2014 at 11:21 am

    • Thank you so much for visiting and for your kind comments. I truly appreciate it.

      Like

      January 13, 2014 at 1:47 pm

  35. You’ve got some great images Edith! I’m pleased I’m following you and many thanks for sharing 🙂

    Like

    February 23, 2014 at 2:50 pm

    • Thank you so much for the visit and all the great comments today. I really appreciate it.

      Like

      February 23, 2014 at 6:15 pm

  36. Pingback: Thoughts on Jim Goldstein’s ‘Best of 2013’ project | Chuq Von Rospach

  37. Vive La bicyclette ! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    February 12, 2018 at 3:07 am

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