2016 in Photographs (and videos)

Since 2009, at the beginning of January I've always posted my favourite photos of the previous year. Since we're well into January now, I thought it time to do it again.

You can find previous ones here: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009

There's a varied selection, so hopefully something for everyone. I'm always interested in feedback, so if you'd care to leave a comment about which one(s) are your favourite, or any personal observations, it would be warmly appreciated.

As always, you can click on the images to see larger versions.

Squirrel

Wildlife photography is not my strong point - most of my attempted images are of the backs of the animals as they disappear into the undergrowth or are flying away. Squirrels in particular are notoriously difficult to catch in the wild, so I was delighted to capture this shot.
For more about this shot, click through to this blog post:
http://kimayres.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/looking-up.html

Roots Cahoot

It's always fun to create a shot where you don't take it all in at first glance, but need to explore the photo to build the layers of story.
For more about this shoot, click through to this blog post:
http://kimayres.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/roots-cahoot-photo-shoot.html

Iona Barker

Iona runs workshops on sewing, textiles and design in Glasgow, Edinbugh, Dundee and Aberdeen. She even spent some time as head of wardrobe at the Hydro Arena in Glasgow, where she worked with the likes of Beyoncé, Prince and Dolly Parton. I was asked to photograph her for Dumfries and Gallwoay Life magazine.
For more about this shoot, click through to this blog post:
http://kimayres.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/iona-barker-say-it-aint-sew.html

Beech

Early spring, just before the leaves are thinking about coming out, I was wandering through the woods looking for shapes and lines and loved the way the sun was hitting the web from behind.

Rural Mural

So much fun doing this fashion shoot for textile artist, Morag Macpherson. A full team of models, hairdressers and makeup artist was required for it. I also had friends along to video it



For more about this shoot, click through to this blog post:
http://kimayres.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/photo-shoot-at-rural-mural.html

Craufurdland Castle

Simeon Rosset is a genuine freelance butler and can be hired to add class to any occasion. For this shoot we were in the library of a genuine Scottish Castle.
For more about this shoot, click through to this blog post:
http://kimayres.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/castles-butlers-and-tea-on-lawn.html

Eden Festival

Without doubt, Eden is one of the best music festivals in Scotland, and one of the things that makes it a photographer's dream is at least half the people (probably more) who attend enjoy dressing up.
For more about this shoot, click through to this blog post:
http://kimayres.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/festivals-photography-and-cracked-man.html

Moniave Manga

Another full team shoot, with even more models and hairdressers, this time at Moniaive Comic Festival and inspired by Manga styling. Again, the video will give you a fuller sense of the experience.



For more about this shoot, click through to this blog post:
http://kimayres.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/moniaive-manga.html

Judging the Competition

I was asked to judge a photo competition at The Stove in Dumfries. I took this shot of fellow judges, Elisabeth and Martin, enjoying the back light coming through the windows

Robyn Stapleton at Comlongon Castle

Another team shoot to get this image, involving hairdresser, makeup artist, singer/model, and an owl. Huge fun. Once again, I managed to drag a friend along to video it:



For more about this shoot, click through to this blog post:
http://kimayres.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/comlongon-castle-robyn-stapleton-and-owl.html

Alex Kapranos at the Firefly Festival

Back in "Scotland's Coolest Village", Moniaive, to photograph the Firefly Festival. Alex Kapranos, who heads Franz Ferdinand, made a guest appearance on the set of The Amphetaminies.

Earth's Crust Bakery

Earth's Crust Bakery creates the most wonderful artisan bread in 500 miles or more. After their original garden-shed based business burned down, they set up in town and have grown from strength to strength. I did this shoot for them in exchange for a year's supply of bread...
For more about this shoot, click through to this blog post:
http://kimayres.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/earths-crust-bakery.html

Primal Scream at Electric Fields

Another festival - this time Electric Fields, headlined by Primal Scream. Was quite pleased with this one of lead singer, Bobby Gillespie.

Meg's Hair

Regular readers of my blog just wouldn't feel any collection of my photos would be complete without at least one of my daughter, Meg.
For more about this shot, click through to this blog post:
http://kimayres.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/do-you-really-want-your-child-to-be.html

Desert Sunrise

At the beginning of November I had an brilliant trip out to Morocco, which  included staying overnight in the desert. Watching the sunrise over the dunes was unforgettable (although I had to take photos so I wouldn't forget...)
For more about this experience, click through to this blog post:
http://kimayres.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/camels-in-sahara.html

Selfie on a Camel

After that sunrise, we rode back on camels. Very sore on the rear, but one of the most amazing experiences. Although I'm not usually a great fan of selfies, this one does put a smile on my face.


I hope you've enjoyed my selection - please leave a comment below with any thoughts or observations, and let me know your favourite!

Wishing each and every one of you all the very best for 2017.