Well, 2023 is officially here, which means it’s finally time for me to publish my annual “best of” post, where I share my favorite photos from the year. If you follow me on social media, you’ve already seen a lot of these in recent days, as I’ve recapped my favorite photos taken in various locations throughout the year. In this post, though, I’ll go into a little more background on each photo, and why I took it. And, yes, there are 50 photos in this post, because when you take nearly 25,000 photos in a single year, narrowing down your favorites can be a difficult process.
Commentator Runs for His Dinner, January 14 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield Center, NY
On a chilly January evening, right around feeding time, I made an impromptu visit to Cabin Creek to visit “the boys” and take some photos. I love the way Tator’s chestnut color contrasts with the white snow in this photo. Racing fans will recognize Tator as a two-time winner of the Grade I Whitney Handicap at Saratoga. He was honored this summer at the track along with four other New York-breds on the New York-bred showcase day. Click here to order a print of this photo. As always, if you purchase a print of any of the Old Friends photos in this post, I donate my profit to the farm.
King Congie Looking Pensive, January 14 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield Center, NY
Another photo from my January photo shoot at the farm. I just love the light here and the snow fakes. We call Congie, a West Point Thoroughbred, the mayor of Cabin Creek because he likes to be in everyone’s business. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Zippy Chippy in His Blanket, January 14 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield, NY
Yet another photo from that evening. Sadly, this ended up being one of the last good photos I got of Zippy before he passed away in April at the age of 31. Zippy was wildly popular because he had a racing record 0-100. He was known affectionately as a “lovable loser.” When he passed, it made world news, and the CBS Evening News even did a segment on it. He is sorely missed, but his legacy lives on in the many happy memories he gave his fans as well as the volunteers at Cabin Creek. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Red Down South Close Up, January 14 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield Center, NY
And now, for one more photo from the night of January 14 at Cabin Creek. I just love this portrait of Red. It’s just a basic up close portrait, but I really love it. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Qualifying and Her King for a Day Colt Run in the Snow, February 26 – Mahoney Eden Manor, Saratoga Springs, NY
On my first visit to Mahoney Eden Manor, I met Qualifying and her King for a Day colt, who were enjoying being out in the snow. I loved watching the foals grow as the year went on.
Hours Old Caravaggio Filly Out of Hennyville, March 29 – Mahoney Eden Manor, Saratoga Springs, NY
This was my first time seeing a foal who was less than a day old. It’s amazing to see how quickly they are able to stand up and walk on their own.
Nominate Looks Down at Her Hours Old More Than Ready Filly, April 15 – Mahoney Eden Manor, Saratoga Springs, NY
This is my favorite photo I took all year at Mahoney Eden Manor. I just love this moment. When I got it on my computer, I knew a black and white treatment would be perfect for it.
Head Wrangler Tony Heads Out to Get the Horses, April 19 – Rancho de los Caballeros, Wickenburg, AZ
In April I enjoyed a stay at Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, AZ. One of the highlights of staying at the ranch is getting to see the horses go back and forth each morning and afternoon to and from the corral back to the pasture, which you’ll get to see in the next photo.
Horses on the Move, April 19 – Rancho de los Caballeros, Wickenburg, AZ
Seeing the horses appear from a distance and run by as they headed to the corral for the day was such a neat experience. I particularly liked the morning run because the light was pleasant.
Red Rocks, April 20 – Sedona, AZ
I took this photo while on one of Sedona’s popular “Pink Jeep” Tours. Basically you ride around in a specially customized, super rugged pink Jeep Wrangler to see the natural wonders of Sedona. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Wild Horses Graze Near the Salt River, April 22 – Mesa, AZ
After nearly a day of searching for wild horses by the Salt River and just about giving up, I got my wish as these horses appeared by the side of the road. It was a welcome reward after a day of waiting and wishing. Click here to order a print of this photo.
A Saguaro Cactus at Sunset, April 22 – Mesa, AZ
Less than a minute after I took the previous photo, I snapped this one. The lighting was perfect, and it became my favorite non-horse photo of my Arizona trip. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Red and Bo Meet for the First Time, April 29 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield, NY
When Zippy Chippy passed away in April, we all mourned him, including his best friend of 12 years, Red Down South. Two weeks after Zippy’s passing, 10 year old Bold Illusion arrived on the scene. It was an adjustment for both of them, as Red was still adjusting to not having Zippy around, and Bo was getting used to being in a new place, but they quickly grew fond of each other. I love watching these two continue to bond, and I just know Zippy’s smiling down at them. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Gerette and Bold Illusion Share an Affectionate Moment, April 30 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield, NY
This is one of three photos I took with my phone that I included in the list this year. When fellow Old Friends volunteer Gerette met Bo, she instantly fell in love. I love the expression on her face in this photo and the fact that Bo is sticking his tongue out.
My Dad Races Mr. Cowboy Up the Hill, May 10 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield, NY
Mr. Cowboy is known for racing folks up the hill in his paddock, but, of course, he always wins. Here, my dad tries to challenge him, to no avail.
Shadow Selfie on Odis, May 11 – Rolling Oaks Morgans, Gansevoort, NY
From the fall of last year through the spring of this year, I rode Odis at Rolling Oaks. Odis helped me build my confidence at the lope, but over the summer, I decided to switch back to English riding and I now ride a different horse. On the day that I took this shot, the lighting was great, and I was struck by how cool my shadow looked on the ground.
Foals Share An Affectionate Moment, June 10 – Mahoney Eden Manor, Saratoga Springs, NY
On a visit to Mahoney Eden Manor, I captured this moment between two of the foals. I just love the way foals’ manes stick up!
Miss Munnings and Her Always Dreaming Colt Graze, June 10 – Mahoney Eden Manor, Saratoga Springs, NY
It was a beautiful day at Mahoney Eden Manor, and I loved the look of the blue sky and the green grass paired with Miss Munnings and her Always Dreaming colt, named Dreamer.
Qualifying Runs in the Field, June 10 – Mahoney Eden Manor, Saratoga Springs, NY
I love a good action shot and I also love a good silhouette, so this photo easily became one of my favorites.
The Barn at Mahoney Eden Manor, June 10 – Mahoney Eden Manor, Saratoga Springs, NY
I love the barn at Mahoney Eden Manor. This is my favorite photo of the barn because I love the silhouette of Sean with one of the foals, and two other horses sticking their heads out from their stalls.
View of the Tatoosh Mountains from the Paradise Inn, July 12 – Mt. Rainier National Park, WA
I captured this on my July trip to Washington. Would you believe I got this view from my room at the Paradise Inn? The sky was simply stunning that evening. The snow on the ground gives an indicator of the elevation level. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Lake Quinault from the Boathouse, July 13 – Lake Quinault Lodge, Olympic National Forest, WA
After visiting Mt. Rainier National Park, I enjoyed a brief stay at the Lake Quinault Lodge just outside Olympic National Park. I loved being able to wander around the grounds at night and take photos. This one is my favorite because I like the way the boathouse frames the lake.
Madison Creek Falls, July 14 – Olympic National Park, WA
Most people think of a telephoto lens as something that’s used primarily for sports and wildlife photography, but it also makes a great landscape and nature lens. I pointed my 100-500mm lens at Madison Creek Falls, zoomed in to 200mm, exposed it for 30 seconds to give that nice, silky look, and ended up with this. Click here to order a print of this photo.
During the last leg of my Washington trip, I enjoyed a stay at the luxurious Domaine Madeleine in Port Angeles, situated right on the Strait of Juan de Fuca (and I can’t recommend it enough, as the amenities and customer service were exceptional). One morning, I witnessed a stunning sunrise from the balcony, which afforded me the opportunity to capture this photo looking across to Victoria, BC. Click here to order a print of this photo.
A Mother and Baby Deer Touch Noses, August 15 – Fort Worden Historical State Park, Port Townsend, WA
I really enjoyed visiting Fort Worden State Park, which was originally an Army base with former officers’ quarters available to tour. Photographically, though, the best part of my visit came when I saw several deer walking around the park. Now, living in Upstate New York, I see deer quite frequently, but these deer, some of them juveniles, were being particularly cute and playful. This photo of a juvenile deer touching noses with its mother is my favorite. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Hugs for Irad, July 23 – Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
In this photo, Nest co-owner Mike Repole holds up his daughter Gioia to hug jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. after winning the Grade I Coaching Club American Oaks on Nest. I really love this photo because Mike Repole has owned several of our beloved retired thoroughbreds at Old Friends at Cabin Creek where I volunteer, one of which he reclaimed just to retire him. He has a reputation for caring what happens to his horses in retirement.
Epicenter wins the Jim Dandy, August 30 – Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
My friend Alex Zhang walked me through how to get those tricky under the rail shots when we were shooting for Saratoga Living at the track this summer. I really like this shot because the skies were very dramatic as Epicenter won the Grade II Jim Dandy Stakes with Joel Rosario onboard. The Jim Dandy is known as a preparatory race for the Grade I Runhappy Travers, which Epicenter went on to win as well this year.
Sunny Morning at the Oklahoma Track, August 12- Oklahoma Training Track, Saratoga Springs, NY
Perfect timing led me to capture this shot of exercise rider Lyndsey Buttice riding Mudpie at the Oklahoma Track in Saratoga. The light was breaking through the trees, and Lyndsey and “Pie,” as he’s known, appeared in my line of view. Saratoga Living Magazine used this in their spread about Alex’s and my photography at the track this summer.
The Budweiser Clydesdales Parade on the Track at Saratoga, August 12 – Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
I still have to pinch myself that I got to stand out on the track and take photos as the Budweiser Clydesdales paraded by. The Clydesdales only come to Saratoga once every few years, and they hadn’t been to the race track in 15 years, so this was a special opportunity. I photographed them when they came to Saratoga Spa State Park in 2016, but this definitely tops that.
Vallelujah Victorious, August 13 – Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
If I had to narrow it down to one favorite photo I took at the track this year, this would have to be it. This photo is special to me in so many ways. Vallelujah is owned in part by my friends at East Ave. Racing Stable (including Alex Zhang), and this was her first win at Saratoga. It was also jockey Jackie Davis’ first win at Saratoga. Val is trained by Jackie’s father, Robbie Davis. Val was a long shot and came from last to first to nab this victory. When she crossed the finish line, the winner’s circle erupted with glee. Being able to capture that moment from the infield was thrilling. This fall, I became a partner in East Ave. Racing Stable and I now own a share of Val’s younger half sister, Mary Union Ave, who just became a two year old.
Summer Colony Stakes from the Clubhouse Turn, August 19 – Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
The Clubhouse turn is a great spot to photograph a race because you get all the architecture of the track in the shot. I particularly like this photo because the clouds were just gorgeous that day. This race was won by Leader of the Band (#4 with the yellow saddle towel).
Nest Wins the Alabama, August 20 – Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
Three-year-old filly Nest became a superstar this summer at Saratoga, where she nabbed both the Grade I Coaching Club American Oaks and the Grade I Alabama Stakes. In this photo, her connections accompany her to the winner’s circle after her victory in the Alabama. Jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. can be seen petting her, and co-owner Mike Repole is visible in the foreground.
Mike Repole Gives Irad Ortiz a Hug, August 20 – Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
I just loved this spontaneous moment in the winner’s circle after the Alabama Stakes.
Built to Last Heads for the Wire, August 24 – Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
I photographed this race from the roof. It would seem fitting that a horse with blue silks and a yellow saddle towel, the colors of the Ukrainian flag, would win this race on Ukraine Day, but unfortunately, Built to Last was disqualified after crossing the finish line first due to a positive test.
Jack Christopher Takes the H. Allen Jerkens, August 27 – Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
Jack Christopher rebounded from his only career loss in the Grade I Haskell Stakes at Monmouth by winning the Grade I H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes on August 27, in what would be his final start before retiring to stud in the fall.
Olympiad Gets a Bath, September 3 – Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
This spot at the far turn is one of my favorite spots to shoot a race, because you get to watch all the horses come off the track. Here, Olympiad gets a bath after winning the Grade I Jockey Club Gold Cup. Seeing the silhouette he made in front of the droplets of water, I knew this would benefit from a black and white conversion.
Jackie’s Warrior Gets Hot Walked – September 24, Oklahoma Training Track, Saratoga Springs, NY
Jackie’s Warrior won the Grade I Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap this summer before being upset by Cody’s Wish in the Grade I Forego. His final start was in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Sprint, where he finished 3rd before retiring to stud.
Fall at Mahoney Eden Manor, October 11 – Mahoney Eden Manor, Saratoga Springs, NY
Another impromptu visit to Mahoney Eden Manor yielded this sunset shot of the mares out in the field. This is another favorite shot I took there this year.
Broodmare Silhouette, October 11 – Mahoney Eden Manor, Saratoga Springs, NY
As you know, I love a good silhouette, and this photo made the cut for me.
A Broodmare Running Amongst the Fall Foliage, October 12 – Old Tavern Farm, Saratoga Springs, NY
After visiting Old Tavern Farm over the summer, I was anxious to return in the fall to get some shots with fall foliage in the background. I love this action shot of one of the broodmares running in the field.
Saratoga Race Course from Above in Fall, October 14 – Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
My first helicopter ride in seven years did not disappoint. This photo of the track from above was my favorite shot from the trip. The lighting was perfect, the foliage was just about at peak, and it just all came together.
Trees in the Infield, October 14 – Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
I love this photo, because it’s hard to tell where it was taken just by looking at it. I also like the shadows that the trees cast. This is another example of a telephoto lens being excellent for landscapes.
Oklahoma Track from Above, August 14 – Oklahoma Training Track, Saratoga Springs, NY
It’s fun to see some of your favorite places from a different perspective. Here, the recognizable Whitney Viewing Stand gives this photo a sense of place.
Downtown Saratoga from Above, October 14 – Downtown Saratoga Springs, NY
I love how when you get up high, you can get so much into one photo. In this shot, we have downtown Saratoga in the foreground, with the Oklahoma Track, the Harness Track and Saratoga Lake in the background. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Red and Bo Share a Snuggle, October 22 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield Center, NY
I already included a photo of Red and Bo, but I really adore this one too. If you stand and watch these two long enough, they are guaranteed to do something cute like this for you. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Pets for King Tut, December 1 – Downtown Saratoga Springs, NY
At the Victorian Streetwalk, everyone wanted a chance to pet King Tut the police horse, ridden by Officer Aaron Moore.
The Track in Winter, December 11 – Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
After our first significant snowfall in Saratoga, I went to take some photos outside the track. This one ended up being my favorite, because it almost looks abandoned to me.
Winter at Mahoney Eden Manor, December 16 – Mahoney Eden Manor, Saratoga Springs, NY
On a snowy day in December, I made yet another impromptu visit to Mahoney Eden Manor. On the way there, the snow had stopped and it was mostly raining. I was so disappointed, and then, right on schedule, snowing resumed as I arrived, allowing me to take photos such as this one.
Almost Winter at Cabin Creek, December 17 – Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield Center, NY
It was a beautiful yet chilly afternoon at the farm, and the light was gorgeous. I only had my phone with me, which I used to take this shot. Click here to order a print of this photo.
Sunset at Blackfish Creek, December 28 – Blackfish Creek, Wellfleet, MA
We finish out my best photos post with this shot I took only four days ago while visiting family in Cape Cod. It was nice to get something other than a typical beach sunset shot. Click here to order a print of this photo.
I’ve also made two videos showcasing my best photos and video clips from the year (as if the first 50 weren’t enough!), the first one featuring just photos of thoroughbreds and the second featuring all other photos (email subscribers, click here to watch the thoroughbred video, and click here to watch the other video).
To see more of my photography be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook. All photos and videos in this post © Samantha Decker and may not be reused without permission.
Liked this post? Subscribe by email below to receive future posts!
One thought on “My Best Photos of 2022”
Comments are closed.
Stunning!