2015 Image of the Year Poll – Vote Now!

Images and article by Greg W. Gilstrap.  With the New Year just around the corner, it’s once again time for our (fifth) annual Photoremedy Image of the Year contest. We call it an ‘image’ contest because each of the finalists are either 1) a photograph, or 2) a photography-based digital art image. The list if heavily influenced by a few of the areas where I’ve been fortunate enough to visit this year- Louisiana, Arizona’s Verde Valley, and the Seattle area.

2014 Image of the Year Finalists

2014 Image of the Year Finalists

As always, we are offering what we like to refer to–tongue in cheek–as a Chicago-style approach to voting.  This means you can vote early and often. If you love a finalist, follow the poll’s progress and don’t be afraid to share it with your friends. Better yet, don’t hesitate to come back to register extra votes for good measure. Because multiple votes are allowed by individuals, this is more of a passion poll than a scientific sample. Last year’s contest drew more than 3,000 votes – essentially tripling the previous record of around 1,000.

The 2016 poll is featured at the bottom of this post. Click on an individual image below to view images, captions, and locations in slide show mode.

As mentioned above, the 2015 images include traditional photographs and some that feature significant digital art enhancements. Like many, I enjoy both forms of artistic expression. All of these pieces were captured and developed while pursuing photoremedy–or photography-based healing art–as a means of coping with my ongoing chronic pain struggles and failed back issues. For more information about photoremedy, please click on the ‘Background and Initial Post’ tab (near the top of this page) for our working ‘photoremedy’ definition. Our poll follows – please select the image that you feel is worthy of being crowned Photoremedy Image of the Year. The contest closes at midnight MST, New Year’s Eve.

 

Laura Plantation

Northwest of the magnificent New Orleans metropolitan area, mostly located along the fertile banks of the expansive Mississippi River, lie a number of lovingly restored historic mansions and plantation grounds. During our Louisiana trip this year, Mary and I were able to wade in the culture, history, and captivating photoremedy of this breathtaking region.

Laura Plantation - near Vacherie, Louisiana,

Laura Plantation – Near Vacherie, Louisiana

Our travels took us to three spectacular holdings. Our first stop was Laura Plantation – a restored historic Creole plantation near Vacherie, Louisiana. The photo opportunities–and guided tour–at Laura featured stories associated with the following.

The Plantation House

Laura Plantation

Laura Plantation

The End of Slavery

Laura’s Appointments, Trinkets, and Amenities

The Plantation Grounds and Other Structures

Our next post in this series will feature the famous antebellum mansion and historic grounds of Oak Alley Plantation.

Oak Alley Plantation in  Vacherie, Louisian

Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana

 

Get In The Game

The last month has featured a generous supply of photoremedy opportunities for me, and they came in  a couple of my favorite categories – kids and travel.Sacred Oils 1j (1 of 1)

I almost opted out of the first photo opp–the baptism of our lovable grandson, Daniel–due to unrelenting back pain. I am, however, quite thankful that Andrew (Daniel’s Dad) wouldn’t let me sit on the sidelines. He basically told me, “Bring your camera and get in the game.” Taking and developing the photos briefly took my mind off the pain, which is what photoremedy is all about. It just took Andrew to remind me. Plus, what’s not to love about being front and center for such a blessed sacrament for such a special little dude?

Partially aided by $29 one way January flights on Frontier Airlines, my back problems quieted down enough for Mary and I to take a leisurely tour of places we wanted to experience in Louisiana. It will take awhile for me to develop all of the photos as I’m struggling to spend much time at the computer at one time and I have another back “procedure” schedule for February. But, here’s a sample of what’s coming up here on photoremedy.

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