
“And did I pass?” The face of the old woman on my right was unreadable in the gathering dusk. On my left the younger woman said, “You don’t pass or fail at being a person, dear.”—Neil Gaiman
We’ve reached the end of the 52 photo challenge—one year of taking photos weekly and sharing them here. The final assignment was to create a portfolio of our favorite images from the year, which I’ve done below.
The year included more than 520 photos (more if you count photography posts outside the challenges), 2,907 comments, and 6,612 likes. Beyond the numbers, I’ve learned a lot more about what my camera can do and my editing skills are getting stronger.
Thank you to everyone who has followed along. Your likes and comments keep me going. Every artist desires an audience and you’ve been a loyal and loving one. Thank you.
So, what’s in store for 2024? That’s something I’ll write about later in the week, but for now, let’s take a look at my favorite images of 2023. Happy New Year!
























- Photos were taken with Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW
- If you want to join the 52 Photo Challenge, you can find all the information at nicolesy.com
52 Photo Challenge
Week 1: Bokeh
Week 2: Silhouette
Week 3: Black and White
Week 4: Motion Blur
Week 5: Texture
Week 6: Framing
Week 7: Leading Lines
Week 8: Negative Space
Week 9: Patterns
Week 10: Symmetry
Week 11: Green
Week 12: Sidelight
Week 13: Sense of Scale
Week 14: One Lens
Week 15: Series
Week 16: Flat Lay
Week 17: Behind the Scenes
Week 18: Water
Week 19: Blurry Foreground
Week 20: Unique Perspective
Week 21: Shadow
Week 22: Food
Week 23: Abstract
Week 24: Reflection
Week 25: Contrast Color
Week 26: Think in Threes
Week 27: Starburst
Week 28: Low Perspective
Week 29: Macro
Week 30: Backlight
Week 31: Big Sky
Week 32: Dominant Color
Week 33: Fill the Frame
Week 34: Spot Metering
Week 35: Handheld Long Exposure
Week 36: S Curve
Week 37: Shoot Through
Week 38: Faces
Week 39: Blossom
Week 40: Environmental Portrait
Week 41: Texture Overlay
Week 42: Details
Week 43: Season
Week 44: Fog & Steam
Week 45: Nighttime
Week 46: Analog
Week 47: Sunrise/Sunset
Week 48: Lens Flare
Week 49: Panorama
Week 50: Street
Week 51: A Thousand Years
Amazing shots!! Interesting challenge, I might have to give it a try.
You should! I learned a lot last year.
Excellent photography. All photos are very nice. ?
Thanks! It was a great year of growth.
Most welcome, yes,it was greatly growth 😄
Thanks 😊
Wow, you definitely have a photographer’s eye, Bridgette! I like your use of the rule of thirds too. Great work! Happy New Year, Bridgette!
Thank you, John. I think I’ve always been drawn to photography but it’s been nice having new skills to explore. I really want a new camera now. Time to save up!
That’s cool, go for the new camera! Are you a Nikon user?
I’ve got my dad’s old Olympus but it seems that’s not really the standard. Remind me what you use?
I have used the Nikon brand for years but recently tried a Sony A7. It was okay but I picked up a Mikon Z5 a few weeks ago, it’s great! It’s a kit with the body of course, and the 24/200mm lens. A wonderful pairing!
Oh! How fun. I’m not anywhere near ready to buy one, but I’ll add that to my list of cameras to check out.
Okay, I’m happy to help you, Bridgette. 😊
Ever so wonderful. It was lovely to see some photos again, your daughter and the candle will always be a favourite as is the road snaking into the forest, the fungi and the spiders web.
Hope you had a great Christmas and happy New Year Bridgette 🥰
Thank you for being my biggest support for the entire challenge. Your comments are always thoughtful and useful. I appreciate you so very much. I hope you had a wonderful holiday (I’m so very late to respond back!) Happy New Year!
You are most welcome Bridgette. It fun to see what you produce each week with a theme.
Have a fabulous and productive 2024 🥰
Thank you! It’s already busy and challenging, like every year. Let’s see where it takes us!
Fantastic collection, Bridgette! You’re so creative and talented. Many elements, angles, and tones to admire. Always a joy to see the collaboration between you and your daughter. 💞
Thank you. You are such a kind and supportive friend! I’m so grateful for you. My daughter is an amazing creative and I hope to keep working on projects with her for the rest of my life. She’s so inspiring!
You’re very welcome. I love your work!
Beautiful photos, you are an excellent photographer. ☺️ It was a joy following along your photo journey! Have a happy new year. ❤️
Thank you so much, Jasmine! Happy New Year to you too.
Stunning pictures as always ✨
Happy New Year!
Thank you! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you too!
I’ve enjoyed watching you progress, Bridgette. Happy New Year.
Thanks. You have no idea how much that means to me. Happy New Year!
Check out https://intothelightadventures.com/whats-up/ She posts once a day, and decent wildlife photos. She’s somewhere Mississippi.
Will do! Thank you.
Wow! That’s really amazing, Bridgette! Congratulations and happy new year!
Thank you! I always appreciate your kind words. Happy New Year!
Appreciate the comment, friend. You’re welcomed. That’s what I’m here for 🙂
An excellent selection, Bridgette!
Thanks! It’s fun thinking I have enough photos now for a portfolio. What a nice feeling that is.
Lovely, I remember some of these. It was a good year for your photography.
Thank you so much, LuAnne. It was certainly a year of growth. I hope to continue to get better and better each year.
Bridgette, this set of photos bring a pononite feeling, touching the light in a special way that most people miss, with a hints of colour
You make me blush! Thank you. I’m proud of this collection and look forward to taking more photos throughout this new year.
Wonderful photos! Photo #1 is spectacular.
That’s huge praise coming from someone as talented as you. Thank you!! Happy New Year.
Watching your art grow is impressive.
That’s so kind of you. Thank you, Nicole. I appreciate your support so much.
Terrific photography!
Thank you!
What a simply gorgeous collection! Beautifully done, Bridgette! 💞💞💞
Thank you! Feels good to have a portfolio now.