Top Ten of 2014

// memorable moments //

By Lauren di Matteo

My camera has become a nearly constant companion on my journey through life. And so, compiling images for the NYE post has become one of my favorite ways to reflect upon days gone by. My images are not merely a means of making a living, but they are the way I record, recall, and make sense of life’s events—no matter how big or small.

Last year, my top ten images were simply the best portraits I had captured whilst adventuring abroad—hopping from one country to the next. My experiences during twenty-fourteen however couldn’t be more different. I spent the first half of this year quite ill from parasites acquired in Europe. There were many days that I could barely bring myself to get out of bed, let alone work. And so, the year’s image selection looks quite different. This year I wanted share ten images that may not ultimately make it into my portfolio, but are quite significant to me. Check them out—

This portrait is from a road trip I took to the Grand Canyon with some dear friends. It was shot at 4:30 in the morning, just before the sun peeked over the horizon of the South Rim. It was, quite possibly, the most beautiful sunrise I’ve ever witnessed and definitely one of the coldest. Still incredibly sick this whole trip, I could barely lift the camera to my face, but the work I produced is some of my favorite thus far. A strong reminder—even at my worst— that photography is far more than work, it is an essential part of who I am and how I experience the world around me.

Captured on a Hasselblad Xpan loaded with Kodak Ektachrome E100VS. Such rich colors!

These two images were captured on a road trip up the coast to Mendocino, California. I spent hours planning and plotting out the next few years of business and took a few breaks in the late afternoons to adventure and explore. It was a much needed hiatus from the normal pace of life to plan and dream, wander and create.

‘Goodbyes’

Though they have caused my heart some grief these past few months, in the same breath they gently whisper

that I have loved and been loved well.

‘Beach Retreats’

More often than not, this summer, I found myself getting lost in the warm glow of a Southern California sun setting over the Pacific. After ten years here, the beach has finally won me over. It has been a considerably lengthy process taking the form of countless walks with great friends, all manner of sports in sinking sands, and many shoots running long past sundown. There is a certain calm that comes over even the most timid of subjects when that golden sphere dips below the horizon,

a whole other kind of magic hour.

‘Creativity’

Josh Garrels has made a tremendous impact on how I view creativity and calling. Rainy days have a way of putting me in a pensive mood which always leads to playing Josh’s tunes while retouching for hours. During his recent show, I was invited backstage and managed to crawl up the dark, narrow, spiral staircase giving me a perfect bird’s-eye view of the concert. I heard a foreign sound mingling with the music below and glanced back to find the exit door wide open while innumerable raindrops drummed against the concrete. A memorable moment, to say the least.

‘Clients’

I have the best ones of all. Thanks to all of you who have contributed by way of kind words, sharing my work with friends and family, and coming back for more year after year. I’m grateful to be in a field that facilitates new acquaintances, and what is more, fosters the building of meaningful relationships. Thank you friends, I couldn’t do it without you all!