Abby Photography's TOP 10 OF 2009 !!!

Imagine the sound of strong raging rapids, the sight of a towering 400 foot waterfall and the constant rolling of sunlit mist at its base. Now combine this with the delicate touch of a Bride and Groom. Taken at Bridal Falls in British Columbia, this session was one of our most phenomenal experiences as photographers thus far and can only be described as magical. Presenting our selection for number one in the Top 10 of 2009, "Bridal Falls".
"The Swirl" meets several qualifications for us to consider it number two in our Top 10 of 2009...
- The position of her arms are straight and strong, while being in motion.
- Her hair is down. We've seen many "swirl shots" in which the subjects hair is in a spiky mohawk or in other unflattering positions.
- The 100% connection of the water swirl from ocean to the tip of her hair.
- The perspective in which the shot was taken - we were in the ocean too!
Number three on our Top 10 of 2009 was originally taken for the purpose of catching the eye of our friends at Wedluxe Magazine. It turned out to be one of our favorites when the combination of the subjects feathers in her hair, glance over the shoulder, lit up sign, and photographer angle gave it a very cinematic feel.
Taken during an engagement session at the Westminster Abbey in Mission, British Columbia, number four on our Top 10 of 2009 was for us the epitome of great lighting and a great structure.
As one of our most commented on photos of the year, number five in our Top 10 of 2009 was taken in Gatineau, Quebec and has several characteristics which stand out to us...

- The Ottawa city line on the horizon.
- Although this shot was completely candid, the position of their hands is intriguing; the holding of hands in the water, his gentle hand on the back of her head, and her hand in which her fingertips are hidden but her wedding ring is clearly shown.
- Her foot just on the surface of the water creating small ripples.
- The grass in front of the subjects adding depth to the picture.

The motivation for number six in our Top 10 of 2009 was to focus on a wedding detail (her red shoes) by use of a low perspective. What makes this picture work is that the angle is not so low or too close to her shoes that the subject looks dis-proportioned.
What catches our eye about number seven in our Top 10 of 2009 is the way in which the sun pierces through the broken pieces of the old barn roof, pointing down toward her bridal parasol which shades them from the heat.
"Fall in Love" was taken during an engagement session in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The character in this photo comes primarily from the focus on the heart shaped leaves, making this shot our number eight choice for the Top 10 of 2009.
Number nine of the Top 10 of 2009 was chosen for its unique depth. The eye is drawn to four distinct layers; His eyes, his hand, the door, and the bride. Also, the impression that it gives the spectator - almost as though you've knocked on their hotel room door.
Number ten begins the countdown with our original "Lakeside Proposal" picture at the Okanagan Lake in British Columbia. This willow tree feature shot has inspired many similar poses for us and has now become a regular frame during our engagement sessions.

Feel free to view the entire albums which correspond with these pictures on our Abby Photography Facebook page.