January 2018
Ocean Beach Farmers Market, photo by Troy Johnson
Normally we leave photography to the professionals, but we couldn’t resist the perfect moment food editor Troy Johnson snapped on his phone. From the still-damp surfer walking down the sidewalk to the abundance of flowers, we could not have staged it better.
The 10 Best Images of the Year
April 2018
Family at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground campsite by Robert Benson
Among so many other things, we fell for this sweet, tiny camper from Little Guy Trailers. The golden afternoon light, the bright pops of color in the chairs and blanket, and the birds in the background set the perfect beach-camping scene.
The 10 Best Images of the Year
May 2018
Portrait of Ivan Maldonado by Joe Wilson
Being a brewer sounds like a fun job, but when you get down to it, making alcohol in vast quantities is demanding physical work. In this portrait, Joe Wilson made Ivan Maldonado feel like a rock star.
The 10 Best Images of the Year
June 2018
Bivouac Cider by Paula Watts
We cannot get over how graphic this photo is. This seemingly simple overhead of glasses and apples morphs into a study on color, shape and reflection.
The 10 Best Images of the Year
July 2018
Portrait of Michelle Salz-Smith by Becca Batista
Chickens in the kitchen sounds kind of—let’s face it—gross, but Becca Batistsa manages to make this surprising juxtaposition look like whimsical cottage life.
The 10 Best Images of the Year
August 2018
Portrait of Richard Hermann by Jay Reilly
Jay Reilly captured the years of experience on photographer Richard Hermann’s face. But instead of feeling tired, but Hermann looks ready for decades more of adventure.
The 10 Best Images of the Year
Justin McChesney-Wachs
September 2018
Parc Overhead dishes by Justin McChensey-Wachs
Photographer Justin McChesney-Wachs never fails to make food look good. It can be tough to capture wilted greens and rare meat (and not look like a 1970s cookbook). He turns it into a dining experience we want to have.
The 10 Best Images of the Year
September 2018
Trolley Dance performers by Corey Vilicana
This birdseye photo of dancers at Idea One showcases exactly why the Trolley Dances are so special: real, accessible artists showcased against the backdrop of our city—instead of set apart on a sterile stage.
The 10 Best Images of the Year
Justin McChesney-Wachs
November 2018
Betty’s Pie Whole by Justin McChesney-Wachs
This half-eaten slice of pie is messy and inviting. We even considered it for the cover.
The 10 Best Images of the Year
December 2018
Portrait of Jon Feliciano by Robert Benson
Robert Benson sent firefighter Feliciano (and himself) through beneath a spraying fire hose…multiple times… to get the shot. The result: an edge-y, gritty image that would feel at home in an action movie.
The 10 Best Images of the Year
