Gregor Röhrig

2009 was yet another year filled with events that amazed, saddened, and excited the world. I compiled a selection of the best Pictures Of The Year 2008 last year, and this year I’ll do the same, starting with the same tag line:

There are always a variety of photographs that highlight some of the events of the year for me. Some images are humorous, some completely superficial, whilst others are breathtaking, picturesque, serious, violent, and even terrifying.

Balancing Act

(Photo by Cesare Naldi)

The 2009 National Geographic’s International Photography Contest brought forward some fantastic images, this one in particular is my favourite!

Sexy, nude, Marge Simpson?!

Let’s begin with the humorous…any post listing the best pics of 2009 has to include at least one picture of a super hot sexy nude. This alluring picture of Marge Simpson as Playboy’s November cover girl, showing off some legs and boobs, is a tribute and celebration of the Simpson’s 20th anniversary.

H1N1 Swine Flu

(YURIY DYACHYSHYN/AFP/Getty Images)

Proceeding to the more serious…this picture grabbed my attention as it depicts so accurately how life just goes on – even during a serious epidemic. This newlywed couple wearing masks kiss as they leave the city hall after their wedding in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.

The New President

(Chuck Kennedy-Pool/Getty Images)

In January 2009 Barack H. Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States. This seems so long ago yet it actually happened this year! In this picture Obama’s wife, Michelle Obama, holds the Bible and their daughters Malia Obama and Sasha Obama look on, on the West Front of the Capitol in Washington, DC.

2010 World Cup South Africa

(AP Photo/Denis Farrell, files)

After all the negativity and pessimism that South Africa had to endure since the announcement of the 2010 World Cup, there has been astounding progress and South Africa can proudly present their new stadia to the world. The Soccer City stadiums design was inspired by traditional African pottery and can seat 94700 people!

Shattering Reality

This image, by Patrick Farrell, is one of many images that are absolutely soul shattering. The pictures from the 2008 Hurricane Season in Haiti awarded Farrell with a Pulitzer Prize in 2009 in the category of Breaking News Photography. Seldom can so much emotion and heartache be transferred effectively through photography…

There’s a plane in the Hudson

This is one of those pictures that is fascinating from a variety of reasons. Shot with a mobile phone, documenting the US Airways plane that crash landed in the Hudson River – this image shot by Janis Krums was the first to break the news, using Twitpic / Twitter…

Michael Jackson – This Is It

(AP Photo/MJ Memorial, Kevin Mazur)

Michael Jackson’s death came as a shock to all. I found the whole emotional outcry and publicity by the the media and the public a bit disturbing and hypocritical. I don’t doubt the impact Jackson’s music made, nor his astounding talent – but a procession and show of that magnitude for a celebrity funeral seemed a little overplayed. The event clearly showcased the significance that some celebrities have within our society.

Usain Bolt – Fastest Man On Earth

(AP Photo/Thomas Kienzle)

Not only do I love this picture, but the performance by Usain Bolt this year at the Berlin World Championships was mind blowing. Bolt set two new World Records for the mens’ 100m (9.58sec) and 200m (19.19sec) sprints – hardly breaking a sweat!

Leopard Seal

This photograph is simply phenomenal. Photographer Paul Nicklen shot this as part of a series for National Geographic. Stunning!

Solar Eclipse

(REUTERS/Babu)

Having witnessed a solar eclipse myself a few year ago, this picture obviously found itself on this post. The picture depicts a partial solar eclipse is seen beyond a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the southern Indian city of Chennai, India.

Clashing Waves

(Photo and caption by Aaron Feinberg)

Another amazing picture submitted to National Geographic’s International Photography Contest.

Cows On The Beach

Yes…this is in fact my own picture and I have added it to this list as my trip to Zanzibar was my personal highlight of 2009. This pic (amongst others) was also featured as a photographic essay on Matador Trips and seems to be by far everyone’s favorite, including me