I know we’re already well into January, and the busyness of 2025 is underway, but I couldn’t move forward without pausing to reflect on the year that’s just passed. 2024 was a year filled with milestones, adventures, and meaningful moments—both behind the camera and beyond it. Personally, 2024 brought big family milestones, exciting adventures, and plenty of time to connect with loved ones. At the same time, it was a year of growth for me as a photographer, pushing me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace new challenges. While it’s easy to dive straight into the new year, I’ve learned the importance of slowing down and taking a moment to look back. So here’s my chance to share the moments—both personal and professional—that made 2024 unforgettable.
Celebrating Big Milestones
2024 was a year of major milestones for my family. My middle child graduated from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!), my youngest graduated from Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy and started college, and my oldest got married. Watching all three of my children step into these new chapters was an emotional rollercoaster in the best possible way. Each milestone was a powerful reminder of how quickly life moves, and why I treasure photography so deeply—it allows us to hold onto the moments we can’t relive but never want to forget.
One of my most emotional moments of the year was standing in the audience as my youngest crossed the stage at his high school graduation. As the school’s yearbook advisor and event photographer, I’d spent the entire year documenting his “lasts”—final soccer and basketball games, hallway silliness, Powderpuff cheerleading, and award ceremonies. Seeing him walk across that stage felt like both the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. At the same time, I realized I wasn’t just celebrating my son—I was celebrating all of his classmates, who had been like “my kids” throughout their high school careers.
Then there was my daughter’s wedding, which was easily one of the biggest highlights of the year. As a photographer, it felt strange to leave my camera behind for such an important day. But I made the decision to put it down and trust our photographer, friends, and family to capture the moments while I stayed fully present. I didn’t want to miss a single hug, tear, or laugh, and it was absolutely the right choice. It was a beautiful, joy-filled day that I’ll hold in my heart forever.
Growth Behind the Lens
2024 was also a year of growth for me as a photographer. One of the most meaningful sessions I photographed was my son’s graduation ceremony. As I watched him cross the stage, I realized it wasn’t just about celebrating his moment—it was about celebrating the whole class. I’ve worked with his classmates for years, and in a way, they all felt like “my kids.” Each time a student crossed the stage, I kept thinking, “I want to capture this moment so their parents can see what I’m seeing.”
I also photographed a lot more sports this year, including sideline cheer and a Friday night football game. Sports photography was a challenge—it pushed me to master lighting, stop motion, and stay in the middle of the action. But it was also deeply nostalgic for me. Growing up in Texas, Friday nights were all about football, marching band, and pizza with friends. Photographing the halftime show brought me right back to those memories, and I couldn’t stop smiling behind the camera.
What 2024
Taught Me
This year, I learned to stop worrying about perfection and just take the shot. Life moves too fast to wait for the perfect lighting, angle, or composition. Some of my favorite photos this year were unplanned and imperfect, but they were real—and that’s what matters most.
I also started to see photography as an extension of my passion for connection. Whether I’m photographing families, seniors, or volunteering for nonprofits, photography allows me to build relationships and tell stories in ways that words never could.
On a personal level, 2024 reminded me to savor the evolving relationships I have with my children. As they grow older, our dynamic has shifted from parent and child to something closer to friendship. Watching them step into their own lives has been a gift—and one that makes me appreciate every fleeting moment I get to capture.
If I’ve learned anything about storytelling through photography this year, it’s this: Capture the candid moments whenever possible. Whether it’s a kid making a silly face, a look of concentration, or a spontaneous burst of laughter, those unscripted moments are the ones you’ll treasure the most. Let go of perfection and focus on what’s real.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As I look ahead to 2025, I’m filled with gratitude—for my family, for the clients who’ve trusted me with their stories, and for the moments that remind me why I love what I do. Here’s to another year of connection, growth, and capturing all the beautiful little pieces of life.
A Year of Concerts and Connection
2024 wasn’t just about milestones—it was also a year of adventure and connection. It was packed with live music, and I saw some incredible artists this year, including Vampire Weekend, Maroon 5, Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Lizzie McAlpine, and Cowboy Junkies. Live music has always been a big part of my life, but this year reminded me just how powerful it is. There’s something about the shared energy of a concert, the lyrics that hit just right, and the way a single song can instantly take you back to a moment in time.
This year also brought opportunities to travel and reconnect with family and friends. I visited Philadelphia, Virginia Beach, and Texas to spend time with loved ones. Sitting on the beach in Virginia, catching up over coffee in Texas, and simply being together reminded me how important it is to carve out time for connection. Looking back, it wasn’t just the big trips or concerts that stood out—it was the small, quiet moments in between.
If you’re ready to tell your story in 2025, I’d love to work with you. Let’s create something unforgettable together.
