It’s kind of hard to believe that 2024 is about to come to a close. It feels like January was just a couple of weeks back. But as I write this on Christmas Eve, I realize once again that time really does fly. Another lap around the sun is almost complete. We are all a little older, and hopefully a little wiser.
It’s been my yearly tradition since 2014 to look back on the personal images I took over the past year and narrow them down to my top 10 favorites. It not only serves as a visual trip down memory lane, but also a record of experiences, feelings, and even lessons that I learned along the way. As I mention in each one of these posts, the list is totally subjective. The choices can be based on the image’s visual qualities, the circumstances involved in making the image, or even just how I felt at that moment. Hopefully some of the stories behind the images will be interesting and informative for you.
Without further ado, here are my Top Ten Images of 2024 in chronological order:
Sun, Scooters, and Swag
Sampaloc Lake, San Pablo City, Philippines
Fujifilm X-T5 + XF 23mm f/2
ISO 125, f/4, 1/150s
This photo was taken during a stroll around the picturesque Sampaloc Lake in San Pablo City, Laguna. The weather is relatively cooler in the Philippines in early February, and people were out in droves. The late afternoon sun was getting low and looking quite beautiful when I stumbled upon this pimpin’ e-trike. I just loved the choice of fur seat covers in a tropical country. The icing on the cake was a nice, even line of scooters making their way through the frame. I found the wide variety of colors in the color image a bit distracting, so I processed the photo in black and white.
Monochrome Sunset at Gueom-ri
Jeju Island, South Korea
Fujifilm X-T5 + XF 56mm f/5.6 + ND Filter
ISO 125, f/8, 120 seconds
In April, I flew down to Jeju Island for an editorial shoot. The evening before, I decided to take a spin in my rental car and catch the sunset. It had been a long time since I had taken a landscape photo, so it was good to flex those muscles again. The 2-minute long exposure smoothed out the water and made the waves look like mist among the rocks. I particularly love how the rock line leads your eyes from the top, zigzagging down into the middle of the frame. The 56mm f/1.2 is a beast of a lens for sharpness and microcontrast, so the rocks are rendered very nicely. It’s a pretty straightforward black and white landscape photo, but I think the timeless simplicity is a big part of its charm. This is still my phone wallpaper to this day and one of my favorite images of the year.
Gwangdo River Blossoms
Tongyeong, South Korea
Fujifilm GFX 50R + GF 55mm f/1.7
ISO 100, f/2.8, 1/1500s
This image was taken during a springtime walk with my wife. It was cherry blossom season and the most well-known spots in town were crawling with people. So we went over to the Gwangdo Stream, which is a bit more low-key. It proved to be a great decision, as the cherry blossoms and the stream were equally beautiful, if not nicer than the popular spots. I actually got several photos that I liked during that walk, but this one is my favorite. The afternoon light was falling just right on the little girl as she walked across the wall. Framed by the stream, with cherry blossoms in the foreground and background, this is a scene that reminds me of the innocence of youth, the fleeting seasons, and the tranquility of my little city.
A Rainy Night in Changwon
Changwon, South Korea
Fujifilm X-T5 + XF 23mm f/2
ISO 1000, f/2.0, 1/30s
This photo was taken during a Volvo CE shoot with my friend and colleague Dylan Goldby. After some beverages at a nearby convenience store, we came across this flower shop on one of the corners near our hotel. The contrast between the decades-old neighborhood and the towering condominiums in the background made for a perfect scene. Add the crisscrossing power lines and the backdrop was complete. The flower shop also kept their lights on until late at night, which was perfect. All we needed now was for the right subject to walk through the frame. Umbrellas are always fun for street photos, and the drizzly summer monsoon helped to make that happen.
Banana Vendor
Manila, Philippines
Fujifilm X-T5 + XF 23mm f/2
ISO 400, f/4.0, 1/350s
This image was taken somewhere in Manila while my friend and I were running an errand. I was sitting in the car waiting for him to return, when I spotted a banana vendor in front of us. Now it wasn’t exactly the nicest or friendliest-looking neighborhood, and we were outsiders so I hesitated a bit. However, I just had to get out and try to make a frame. I approached the lady and asked to buy a few bananas. After the transaction and some friendly banter, I politely asked if I could take a photo. She and her companion agreed with a smile and we got this image. It’s photos like these that remind me that sometimes you just have to set aside your doubts and go for it. In the end, we’re all people and a warm smile and friendly conversation can go a long way.
Red is the Color
Binondo, Manila, Philippines
Fujifilm X-T5 + XF 23mm f/2
ISO 400, f/4.0, 1/140s
Binondo is said to be the oldest Chinatown in the world. It has been around for over 400 years, and walking around its streets and alleyways, you can just feel the area’s rich history. The bustling streets have so much character and you really feel like you’ve been transported to another place and time. Binondo is one of those places where you can pretty much point your camera anywhere and you’ll find something interesting. I got so many images during my time there (see my Instagram for more). However, this particular frame has to be my favorite. The color red, a symbol of luck, happiness, and prosperity in Chinese culture is so well-represented in this frame. The old signage, the aged walls, as well as the people walking through the scene wondering what the heck I’m doing make this one of my top images for 2024.
Past Surrounded by Present
Hwangudan Shrine, Seoul, South Korea
Fujifilm X-T5 + Viltrox 13mm f/1.4
ISO 1000, f/1.4, 1/50s
I encountered the Hwangudan Shrine on several occasions this past year. It’s right outside of the Westin Josun Hotel, where a lot of events are held. This photo was actually taken after covering an event there. I usually just walk by as I head to the subway or station, but that evening I decided to stick around for a bit and try to make a frame since I had all my lenses with me anyway. To make a nice contrast with the shrine itself, I wanted to incorporate the modern buildings that tower behind it. I chose the Viltrox 13mm for its very wide angle of view. The fast f/1.4 aperture also made it easy to take the shot even in relatively low light. The shrine’s lighting really made it pop relative to the towers. Side note: that’s one thing I admire about Seoul and Korea in general. They really make an effort to honor their history and culture by restoring and showcasing ancient structures. I’d love the PH to do a bit more of that. After composing the shot, I just waited for the right person to walk into the frame and took the shot. On the post-production side, I shifted the white balance a bit towards the cooler side, the applied a film simulation that enhances the blues. This gives the image a bit of an anime look, which I love.
Mornings in Ueno (1)
Ueno, Tokyo, Japan
Fujifilm X-T5 + XF 23mm f/1.4 WR
ISO 125, f/5.6, 1/400s
Ah, Tokyo. Why did it take me so long to visit you? As someone who has loved anime and Japanese culture since I was a little kid, it was amazing to finally be in the place where it all began. The district of Ueno was our home base for the trip, and I’m so glad for that. Ueno was historically Tokyo’s working class district. It feels older and a bit less-polished than other parts of the city, and I love that. It’s a place I felt I could connect to right away. I spent a lot of mornings just walking around the area with my camera. Most of the days during our week-long stay were cloudy and gray, but there was a morning or two when the sunlight shone through. This and the next photo were taken during those times. This frame was taken in an underpass beneath the metro. The light was casting some really interesting shadows as the morning crowd moved quickly through the space. In this image, I particularly like how the light cuts right across the frame, with the jewelry shop’s sign just peeking through the gap. The strong primary colors give it an illustrative feel, and the man with the hat made for a perfect human element.
Mornings in Ueno (2)
Ueno, Tokyo, Japan
Fujifilm X-T5 + XF 23mm f/1.4 WR
ISO 200, f/4.0, 1/2900s
Another thing I love about Tokyo are the big, bold signs on the buildings. Ueno, in particular, feels like a bit more of an 80’s or 90’s implementation of these signs. Again, just like in the old anime movies. This particular building facade stopped me in my tracks and I knew I had to make a picture here. Just like the image before, the sunlight was casting a perfectly diagonal shadow across the frame. This goes so well with the strong, bold lines of the building and signage, not to mention the arrow that’s pointing down perfectly at the human element below. There was also just enough light falling on the sidewalk below to light up a bit of whoever was walking through the scene. The man’s posture and gait, the black and white outfit that matches the background, as well as his silhouetted but defined face made this one my favorite image from that spot.
West Exit
Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
Fujifilm X-T5 + XF 50mm f/2.0
ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/150s
Rounding out our Top Ten is another black and white street photo, which was taken in Shinjuku. I was initially attracted to the scene by the line of birds, then built my composition around the repeating and mirrored curves of the tunnel and building. I also made sure to incorporate the shiny signage along the frame of the tunnel. After composing the shot, all I needed was the human element, so I waited a bit for someone to come down the stairs. I knew right away that this would be a black and white image. The strong lines and geometric shapes against the white sky were just calling for it.
And that about wraps up my Top 1o Images of 2024.
Looking at these images, as well as my 2024 folder overall, I feel blessed for the past year. I was able to spend time in some really cool places. My first-ever visit to Tokyo was especially memorable. I enjoyed it so much and can’t wait to go back to Japan. Work-wise, it was quite a busy year, but I feel like I was able to get in some solid shooting for myself between jobs. I am grateful for that bit of balance and looking forward to more great shoots in 2025.
Last but not least, thank YOU for reading this far and joining me on the look back at my yearly Top 10. I wish you all the best in the year to come!
See my other yearly Top 10 Photos here.
