My favourite picture is one that hasn't been posted in it's current format on photoblog. It originally appeared as a part of this set, but a lot closer cropped [edit - and of course I use it as my avatar].

I then entered it in a photo competition but went for the wider crop to show Ben's face as I wanted to ensure that there was no dispute as to whose picture it was. Afterwards I decided that I preferred this version anyway.

Reasons I like this shot:

1. It was so much fun to do.
2. We see something unusual.
3. There is a beauty in the way that the water appears to split in two with the balloon.
4. I like the contrasts between the size and power of the hammer and chisel, the fragility of the balloon and skinniness of our kid's little arms.
5. Taking the shot stretched the technical ability of both me an my camera. If there's a camera that's freely available that will take shots faster than 1/8000th of a second then I'm sure I can't afford it.
6. The balloon didn't give up as easy as it might; the chisel alone wasn't sharp enough to split it. After several attempts we found a solution though; we heated the chisel tip over the gas stove first.

For all this, I'd still like to improve on this shot but it will have to wait until summer:
1. More light on the subject allowing for greater contrast.
2. Faster shot - freezing the water even more.
3. Getting Ben to hold the chisel a little lower - kicking myself that I didn't notice this at the time.

Please click here to see other peoples' best photos.

great choice jon, love this image and i like the reasons for your choices, its does look like great fun littemissriri · 2011-12-16: 07:28

Impressive ...and powerful. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! marilynx · 2011-12-16: 07:31

I love this - a great choice.. I want to try something like this some day too McMommy · 2011-12-16: 07:33

You always make me laugh with your photos... I love it! Thanks a lot for take part in this project. If you want to participate in the big collage, please let me know it and send me your photo to rickyandruth@gmail.com Regards, Ruth ????? · 2011-12-16: 07:37

fabulous in every way abstractlight · 2011-12-16: 07:37

Superb Jon and I like the thought out process for choosing it especially reason #1 :-)) ????? · 2011-12-16: 08:01

Wow Incredible ! So beautiful helys · 2011-12-16: 08:08

Love the contrast of the balloon skin, chisel and lump hammer. :-)) va000119 · 2011-12-16: 08:15

A fantastic shot that represents so many things one being your propensity for combining cool and creative experiments with your excellent skills in photography! lookagain · 2011-12-16: 08:22

Extraordinary. I didn't get it at first, but this is truly impressive. revenant · 2011-12-16: 08:43

I am totaly amazed both by this individual shot and the original series, as well, which I missed at first posting! I hope to see more of this magic next year from you! atszabo · 2011-12-16: 09:20

i love this shot!!! jennyLit · 2011-12-16: 09:24

Absolutely wonderful shot -- both versions! The angle of the chisel is perfect -- it leads our eye from the balloon to Ben's face on a diagonal. ????? · 2011-12-16: 10:16

Very interesting! armando · 2011-12-16: 11:14

absolutely super Jon!I wish you many such cool ideas and many splendid pictures! Maggie gonia · 2011-12-16: 11:33

this is perfectly a lovely shot miltonjacob · 2011-12-16: 11:37

Excellent choice for your photo! a great artist! tikine3gogours · 2011-12-16: 11:41

Super choice, I do love this shot!!! Ryana · 2011-12-16: 11:53

Amazing! veronicainheels · 2011-12-16: 13:03

I agree with you ;) hazaj · 2011-12-16: 13:09

Extraordinary! Great choice. Best wishes. SADHYA · 2011-12-16: 13:13

What a fun shot, Jon! Love the way you bring your family into your photo "adventures!" Best wishes for the holidays and the new year, my friend! lgnelson · 2011-12-16: 14:37

such a great idea :))) Brilliant! TIM927 · 2011-12-16: 15:49

An amazing project and shot...we learn when we wish we had done things a little differently..Great selection :-) NellyBly · 2011-12-16: 19:34

Wow thats amazing ! Great idea and awesome result :) EvaLizette · 2011-12-16: 19:58

Amazing capture,great choice~!~ mallusatish · 2011-12-16: 20:42

Jon, this pick is fantastic for your best of 2011. It is so YOU in everyway. Creative, excellent photography, precise, interesting and including a great text component! You are the best of 2011!!! You were one of the PB people who first caught my eye when I joined PB. I was so proud when you first commented on my posts. I still am! Thank you for being my friend here! danrav · 2011-12-16: 21:00

Very nice. joycephotography · 2011-12-16: 21:22

Great! wish the best for you dear Jon in 2012 :) Shaparak · 2011-12-16: 22:12

Great choice, your shots are always so creative, Jon. Best wishes to you for a good 2012! DancingDolphin · 2011-12-16: 23:33

OH, I love this!!!!!! Well done!!!!!!!!!!! urmysunshine · 2011-12-17: 00:13

I would have bet on of this serial GKorts · 2011-12-17: 00:14

Truly amazing - great choice! Best wishes! jet28 · 2011-12-17: 05:29

Stunning shot! Good work. yellodog · 2011-12-17: 08:33

Beautiful! Contesina · 2011-12-17: 12:55

AmAzIng! I added this one into my favorites. Thanks for sharing! davidcardona · 2011-12-17: 18:00

Amazing shot! All the best to you and your family in 2012! Eiram · 2011-12-17: 18:07

This is WAY too COOL! Now I have something to try to capture. :) Yes I am a copy Cat!!! Love it!!! karmankwarner · 2011-12-18: 10:38

Great choice, and wonderful shot, loved the set, and love this one as much. Might give this stuff a try myself one day :-) eternity65 · 2011-12-18: 17:31

So interesting !! Yokai · 2011-12-18: 23:23

I love this very cool, I love to experiment with these elements at high speeds, thanks for sharing. Clickpen · 2011-12-19: 05:21

Fantastic shot - you're so creative. girafferacing · 2011-12-19: 16:51

Tagged: best2011 my best photo 2011 ben vs balloon hammer chisel water