At the start of the movie “The Princess Bride,” the grandpa character, Peter Falk, brings his grandson, played by Fred Savage, a book. The grandson, disappointed, asks, “Does it have any sports in it?” Falk answers, “Are you kidding? Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles…”

That same variety can be found in Dayton photographer Adam Alonzo’s favorite images that he captured in 2012. Among a dozen of his favorite photos include the themes of flying, dancing, magic bubbles, daring stunts, mysterious creatures, praying, shadowy figures, women who could inspire true love and football players who look like giants.

Alonzo is a retired information technology specialist and a photography trainer for Five Rivers MetroParks. He has had several solo exhibitions of his images. More than 13,000 images can be viewed on his website, at www.adamalonzo.com/5for5.

“I took more photographs in 2012 than in any previous year,” said Alonzo, who is now a full-time photographer. “Despite the enormous quantity of photos I take, I can still be inspired by individual images. My family has learned not to be surprised when I take pictures of the punch bowl at a family gathering.”

Alonzo takes his photography seriously. He has not missed one day of taking photographs over the past eight years. So herewith are three of his favorites from 2012:

March 9: Three decorative blue lamps face downward with frilled skirts dark against a blue sky. A large shadow is cast by another lamp just around the corner.

“I arrived at the corner of Fourth and St. Clair just as the sun was casting a fortunate shadow, and shortly before an ugly electrical conduit was attached to the wall.

April 14: The female performer is suspended in midair in a tightly wrapped spiral, trusting her partner to catch her on the way down.

“Dayton is fortunate to host the Color Guard World Championships ever spring, and I am even more fortunate to sit at the edge of the performance floor with my camera.”

Aug. 2: A gigantic flock of small black birds fly behind a tall green spire in a spontaneous case of natural pointillism.

“Most of the time, I have to look hard to find things to take pictures of every day. But sometimes, photographs come tome out of the clear blue sky.”