Alas, I couldn’t stop with just five photos. As I said before, it’s been a good year. So, rounding out my ten favorite photos of the year, once again in no particular order…

Shadow of the Giant - Despite having lived in Nebraska for over a year, this was my first visit to the grounds of the state Capitol building in Lincoln. It was one of the last brilliant, sunny days of Autumn before the chill of Winter set in… a perfect day for photography. I actually had to sprawl out on the sidewalk in order to get this shot. Obviously, I got some strange looks.

Cosmo Clock - Once the largest ferris wheel in the world, Cosmo Clock 21 towers over Tokyo Bay in Yokohama, Japan. A short distance away, the tallest building in Japan towers over all, but from up close, the ferris wheel alone dominates the skyline.

Lovely Lodgings - A short walk from my apartment in Makuhari stood this cluster of love hotels. I shot this in the wee hours of the morning following a late night karaoke session… inspired by alcohol, I suppose. And, yes, the sign atop the flying saucer reads “UFO Hotel”. Hideously ugly by day, hideously beautiful by night.

Last Light - The Rainbow Bridge makes another appearance in the list of favorites, but this time as backdrop. I haven’t a clue who these people are. I don’t even recall them noticing me, even though I shot this photo from only a few feet away. Tokyo is weird like that.

Train Soup - This is probably the most critically acclaimed photo I’ve shot in my entire life. The funny thing is, I don’t care much for the composition. Admittedly, it’s an incredible scene (thanks to some lucky timing), but I’ve always been somewhat disappointed with the photo itself. Go figure. Someday, I’ll give it a second try…