Favourite shots of 2013: Part I

The first full year of taking photographs and sharing them with you has almost passed. 2013 has been eventful and I’ve been to numerous places around London and beyond, seeking inspiration.

It’s been tough to choose 10 shots that have really stayed with me, proved a lasting joy and pleasure – and evoke memories of the past 12 months. Click to enlarge the photographs or view them as a gallery here or at the foot of the post.

WHITE CITY

This hazy, sepia-tinged image of the rooftops of west London’s White City estate sums up the severe winter weather we experienced at the beginning of 2013. I took it from the top of BBC Television Centre, a workplace I would leave for good in March as a broadcast era came to a close.

DESSICATED BEAUTY

This shot of a flower at the end of its life pleased me with the amount of detail and fresh, dappled bokeh. After moving house in May, I came to Ravenscourt Park’s walled garden for two seasonal sessions. Such a small space but so much beautiful natural material for the camera.

HAMMERSMITH AND CITY GOLD

This night image of a London Tube train hurtling past the back of my old house reminds me of a warm Spring evening with the window wide open and a tripod set up. This gold abstract has become the emblem of my online presence and sparked off an interest in creating digital art through photography in 2013.

TOWARDS THE MOUNTAIN

I love the drama of this photograph, with the rugged mountain in the shadow of the sun and the lone figure moving over the sand. My only trip overseas in 2013 was to the holiday island of Fuerteventura, which was a revelation with its bristling light, fantastic sunsets and vibrant colours.

BEACH HUT INFINITY

A trip to the lovely seaside resort of Whitstable in Kent yielded this slice of endless colour, which I noticed but could easily have missed. It might be less vibrant than the beach huts in Bournemouth, but is a reminder of a memorable day trip to the ever-giving British coast.

Click first image to launch the gallery

Tags: art, BBC Television Centre, favourites of 2013, Fuerteventura, landscape, London, photography, review of the year, travel, White City, Whitstable

16 thoughts on “Favourite shots of 2013: Part I”

Kiki on December 30, 2013 at 18:19 said:

I like your review in pictures, Mike. I’m particulary fond of “white city” – it amazes me how different the view over rooftops can be depending on in which country you are. I recently clicked a few Paris rooftops, and same as a typical British rooftop view, they have something special for me. Over here you wouldn’t find anything like it, the views are rather boring in comparison.

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- mikeosbornphoto on December 30, 2013 at 18:55 said:
  
  Thank you Kiki, it was good to remind myself of the year in photography. The other five will be revealed soon. I’m sure Paris rooftops are beautiful and have their own special sense. My rooftops are of a west London council estate which were entirely transformed by the winter weather!
  
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RobynG on December 30, 2013 at 23:52 said:

Excellent Mike. I love your work and look forward to what your creativity brings in 2014! Happy New year! Robyn

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- mikeosbornphoto on December 31, 2013 at 15:05 said:
  
  Thank you, Robyn, I really appreciate that. Let’s hope we all have a creative 12 months to look forward to. I’ll bring out the other five favourites tomorrow (1 January) and throw it open to the vote.
  
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rondje on December 31, 2013 at 11:03 said:

Nice collection!
Happy new year, Ron.

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- mikeosbornphoto on December 31, 2013 at 15:04 said:
  
  Thank you Ron! The remaining five will come out tomorrow and you’ll be able to vote for your best shot.
  
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ckponderings on December 31, 2013 at 15:38 said:

Got to be the beach hut one for me, Mike! I love them all, but this is particularly good! :)

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- mikeosbornphoto on December 31, 2013 at 15:40 said:
  
  Cheers Richard :-) The other five to be revealed tomorrow for the post New Year’s Eve ravers – complete with a vote!
  
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  - ckponderings on December 31, 2013 at 15:42 said:
    
    Oooh! :D
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on December 31, 2013 at 15:43 said:
      
      More exciting than Eurovision, I tell thee.
      
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      - ckponderings on December 31, 2013 at 15:44 said:
        
        Haha! No, never! ;)
        
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        mikeosbornphoto on December 31, 2013 at 15:50 said:
        
        Possibly more kosher!
        
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Cos on December 31, 2013 at 17:22 said:

A great collection, the first five photos, I can’t wait to see the other five ones. Have a nice New Year’s Eve and a great 2014 for you and your partner!

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- mikeosbornphoto on December 31, 2013 at 17:26 said:
  
  Hi Koos, thanks as always. The next five will be tomorrow for people nursing hangovers :-) There’ll also be a chance to vote on your favourite. Happy New Year to you and your nice bearded man and I look forward to further friendship in 2014.
  
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Morgane Byloos on January 3, 2014 at 02:34 said:

I voted, but I’m still torn… Great shots!

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- mikeosbornphoto on January 4, 2014 at 12:30 said:
  
  Thank you Morgane, I’m thinking that’s a good thing! A Happy New Year to you.
  
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