Photos of the Year I

I can't believe 2009 is drawing to a close. I started this photo blog in January and although I didn't steadily post until the summer have for the most part documented my year of photojournalism here. This has been the most difficult year so far in my career and probably in my life. I have pressed on by submerging myself into my craft and the result is my best year ever photographically.
Earlier this month the staff had to compile our ten best photos of 2009 for the Year in Pictures section that ran this past Sunday. Here is an extended version of my favorite photos from 2009. I've broken the collection down into three 20 image installments: Sports (action & feature), Features and News, and Illustrations and Portraits.

SPORTS

Georgia's Courtney McCool scored a 9.775 in her season debut on bars at the Gym Dogs' meet against Florida Saturday Feb. 28, 2009, at Stegeman Coliseum. The Gym Dogs' won the meet 198.200-196.650.


Arkansas' Greg Childs grabs the facemask of Georgia's Brandon Boykin
as he runs in a touchdown in the 3rd quarter of the Razorbacks 52-41 loss Saturday Sept. 19, 2009, at Donald W. Reynolds Razorbacks Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark.


East Jackson's Tyler Collins, right, cries tears of joy as he hugs teammate Michael Stephens after the Eagles 27-14 victory over the Manchester Blue Devils in the first round of the Class AA playoffs Friday night at Eagle Stadium. Collins scored two touchdowns and made an interception in what was the first playoff game ever for the Eagles.


Tennessee's Eric Berry catches a popped up fumble by Georgia's Michael Moore in the 4th quarter of the Volunteers' 45-19 win Saturday Oct. 10, 2009, at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. Berry returned it 46-yards and set the Vols up for their final touchdown.


Georgia's Courtney Kupets warms up on beam before the Gym Dogs win over West Virginia Friday night at Stegeman Coliseum.


Georgia's Jonathan Taylor is chased down and tagged out between 2nd and 3rd base by Clemson's Mike Freeman in the 4th inning Tuesday night at Foley Field in Athens.


Clarke Central's Derrick Smalls leaps onto teammate Jordan Pierce after making an interception in the opening drive of the Gladiators' win over the Habersham Central Raiders Friday Sept. 11, 2009, in Athens.


North Oconee catcher Danielle Smith warms up before the first game of the season against the Oconee Warriors Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, in Bogart.


Georgia's Caleb King bursts past Auburn defenders into the endzone for the go-ahead touchdown in the 4th quarter of the Bulldogs' 31-24 win over the Tigers Saturday Nov. 14, 2009, at Sanford Stadium.


Andrew Lee carries a heavy bag to train at the old gymnasium in Colbert, Ga. Lee and two other young boxers are training with Jess Croya with the goal of making it to the 2012 Olympics.


Georgia's Bryce Massanari steals third base as LSU third baseman Tyler Hanover tries to bring down a high throw in the Bulldogs' 10-8 win over LSU Saturday April 4, 2009, at Foley Field.


Georgia's Akeem Dent almost makes an interception in the 1st quarter of the Bulldogs' 24-12 win over the Michigan State Spartans in the Capital One Bowl Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando,Fl.


Oconee County's Davis Aiken is chased down by Perry's Sam Kinnas to get the last out in the Warriors 7-5 loss to the Panthers in the state quarterfinal series Tuesday in Watkinsville.


Athens Academy's Lisa Sheppard placed first for the girls in pole vaulting Thursday at Athens Academy.


Georgia coach Suzanne Yoculan cries after realizing the Gym Dogs have won their 10th NCAA Championships title Friday, April 17, 2009, at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.


Auburn's Tommy Trott tries to bring down Georgia's Reshad Jones after Jones' interception in the 3rd quarter of the Bulldogs' 31-24 win over the Tigers Saturday Nov. 14, 2009, at Sanford Stadium.


Brian Bowles trains for the WEC Bantamweight World Championship title fight Wednesday July 29, 2009, at The Hardcore Gym in Athens, Ga. Bowles will take on defending champion Miquel Angel Torres Aug. 9, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nev. Bowles beat Torres by knockout.


Brian Bowles trains for the WEC Bantamweight World Championship title fight Wednesday July 29, 2009, at The Hardcore Gym in Athens, Ga. Bowles will take on defending champion Miquel Angel Torres Aug. 9, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nev.


Alabama QB Greg McElroy dives to the 1-yard line for a first down setting up a Mark Ingram touchdown in the 4th quarter of the Tide's 32-13 win over the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship Saturday Dec. 5, 2009, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.


Alabama's Mark Ingram grabs an SEC Championship hat and yells in celebration after the Tide's 32-13 win over the Florida Gators Saturday Dec. 5, 2009, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.