Thursday, January 1, 2009

Theme Day: Best Photo of 2008

I first posted this shot on 9/21/08. I called it Bad Year, because UCLA was in the process of losing a football game to Arizona. Now, due to the world economic crisis, the words take on a different meaning.

It's hard to choose a favorite or "best" photo. One reason I chose this is it's different from my usual. It pushes at the edges of my envelope.

Today marks the one year anniversary of Pasadena Daily Photo. I began this blog on January 1st, 2008 with a murky shot of the Rose Bowl Stadium. Since then I've learned much about blogging and about photography. I've made friends with kind souls all around the world. This has been an overwhelmingly good experience, and it's been all about envelope-pushing. I embark on my second year vowing to push harder.

Today in Pasadena the Goodyear blimp rides again over the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl Game, flying as high as our hopes.

I wish you a happy new year.

There are 151 City Daily Photo Blogs participating in this theme day. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

32 comments:

magiceye said...

!!!! WISH YOU AND YOURS A SUPER 2009 !!!!

Laurie Allee said...

Yippee! I just posted over at Elaine's blog that I wondered if you picked my favorite image of Pasadena Daily Photo ... and you did! This shot represents so much to me: the magic of unexpected events, how we can be at the same time isolated and not alone, the everlasting wonder of looking up and seeing a blimp! It's a beautiful shot, perfectly composed and resonating with much more than the actual image.

Congratulations on a year of amazing work of images and words. Your blog led me to start my own, and gave me so much direction and exploration when I moved to this part of town. (We moved almost exactly a year ago on December 28th!) You started out as a really cool blogger with words as lovely and thought-provoking as images. But you have become a friend. Thank you for all your talent, humor, kindess and love. Happy New Year!

Cafe Observer said...

Just got bak in from celebrating 2009.

Petrea, Happiest/Wealthiest New Years yours & you!! Laurie, same 2 you. I think the little girl reflected in the glass some time bak might be a fav shot from your site.

Now time to get a little sleep b4 we head bak out onto Colorado in the morning.

Jilly said...

I love that the blimp is facing one direction and the man the other. And that it's in black andwhite.

One year! Many congratulations Petrea. You have, unsurprisingly, many followers including me and I look forward to more great photos and your words - you marry the two so well - next year.

Michael Coppess said...

Happy new year and congratulations on Pasadena Daily Photo's first anniversary. Hmmm... your work is so great picking a best photo is tough. But but the one I remember best was a picture looking down off a cliff in the local mountains with your shoe tops in the foreground. Humor, mountains, perspective, "edgy" .... Thank you for your work. It has been wonderful to follow what a true artist sees in our town. I enjoy your photos, your writing and your insight.

I hear the helicopters, sirens and unmistakeable buzz of parade day. It is time to head out Sierra Madre Blvd. to see the parade. I'll check back later to see the parade YOU saw.

Rosie said...

So it is not just Happy New Year but alos Happy Anniversary!
Well done Petrea... well done. You have managed to bring us lots of wonderful pictures as well a lot of entertainment all combined with clever witticism...
Perfect!

Sharon said...

Great choice! I like this one very much. Congratulations on the anniversay! I enjoy watching your site very much and especially like having fun with Zen Monday!

Happy New Year!

marley said...

Happy New Year Petrea! I hope you have a joy filled 2009 :)

Susan C said...

Petrea, thanks for a year of insight, beauty, humor and connections.

T Thompson said...

It's been great, looking foward to more.

*still wants a print of this one*

Jim Klenke said...

Happy anniversary and New Year. I hope 2009 treats you well.

Buck said...

I like the double meaning of the photo, the 'then and now' feel. Good choice.

John Sandel said...

In my weary fantasy, that blimp carries a certain blind, entitled alcoholic executive to parts unpleasant. The pedestrian is Every Voter, stepping giddily away from their bitter enforced acquaintance.

Not a look back—not a thought—but a murmured "Good riddance" … and perhaps some apprehension of the sidewalk ahead.

For me, the new year begins Jan. 20.

Vanda said...

Happy New Year!

Jane Hards Photography said...

Congratulations on the 1st year. This is a real Photographer's photo, stark, monochrome, evocative, excellent composition If this was colour it would take me back to Hopper, a favoutite painter and I am often drawn to photos like his work. All the best for 2009 and hopefully who are in constant demand workwise.

Saretta said...

I was wondering if that was a blimp in the background!

Congrats on your one-year anniversary! And best wishes for a great 2009. Let's say for a "good year"!

Katie said...

Ah, a great choice! I like your lovely scenery photos (and of course anything from the Huntington or with Boz), but this envelope-pushing photos really highlights your true talent behind the camera.

I watched some of the Rose parade this morning and the sky looked blue and the weather delightful. Yay! I've been invited to my cousin's house to watch the Rose Bowl with her family, which will also be fun. Lots of Pasadena for me today!

Enjoy your anniversary and the start of bright new year!

USelaine said...

Aaaaahhhhhh. Yes. This is such a great one, P. As Babooshka suggested, this really could be a painting, rich with intentional symbolism and modern details, yet you captured it in a single moment of photography! Genius!

Dear blogsister, 2008 makes me grateful for you, and Obama. You both make the prospect of 2009 brighter.

ben wideman said...

happy new year petrea! a great choice.

Kim said...

Petrea, Happy, happy 1st blogoversary! I think everyone would echo my sentiments when I say we are SO GLAD you've entered our lives. It has been pure delight to visit and share in your explorations, discoveries, and join with all the friendly and talented folks you've gathered around PDP (hey, same letters as Eric's blog. . .did you do that on purpose? ;^) ). There is such a great feeling of community you've developed, and I've loved you many visits and kind comments this year. I'm so glad to hear that this daily photo life has stretched you and that you look forward to another year of it.
This shot works like all good art: it provokes thoughtful response. But then, so many of your offerings do that. I've enjoyed the zen series. And, you can never show me too many images of city hall or Pasa street scenes, or too much of that SoCal light. Wishing you a super new year, and hope to get to meet you, too. I'll be down that way at the end of this month. I just met Katie for coffee in Berkeley before Christmas, and Michael from Eric's blog is on holiday here and looked me a couple days ago and we went for a photo walk and lunch.
I look forward to your 2nd year and what it will bring you. Best,
-Kim
Seattle Daily Photo

Anonymous said...

Happy anniversary from me, too.

I'm back online . . . sort of.

ginab

Keith said...

Wow! New Year's in Pasadena, 1st anniversary and an amazing Best Of photo. It's a big day for you! Happy New Year and congratulations on your anniversary and everything you've accomplished with PDP. You deserve all the great things people are saying and more.

Putra Riau said...

Very nice, I wish post theme day..

Louis la Vache said...

"Louis" has been so busy with his new espresso shop, he hasn't had much time to visit, much less comment.

All best wishes to you this New Year!

Ms M said...

Congrats on 1 year of blogging on PDP! Great photos and interesting commentary. Looking forward to your entries for 2009.

Petrea Burchard said...

I am overwhelmed by your wonderful comments. We snuck out of town, my Internet access is limited. I'll respond more fully soon. But I must thank you all now, while I attempt to absorb your words.

b.c. said...

that's a great shot, i really like it,

Happy new year!

Jill said...

Happy New Year blessings to you Petrea.

Dianne Emley said...

Happy anniversary and New Year, Petrea! You and your blog were bright sparks in my 2008.

Benjamin Madison said...

This is my fave too, although I'm also partial to the one with the back half of a horse disappearing off camera to the left (one of your zen monday shots I think).

Happy New Year, Petrea.

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