On the first day of January last year, I woke up early and went to shoot the sunrise at one of my favorite spots. I spent the morning reflecting on the year prior, and wondering what 2019 would hold. I told a friend just a couple of weeks later that I felt like there was a lot ahead. I wasn't convinced it was all good, but I also wasn’t convinced that it was all bad. And I wasn't wrong on either.
When I look back at this past year it’s hard to believe everything that’s happened; personally it was a tough one, professionally an amazing one. I’ve had more opportunities this past year than I ever would have imagined, and I am grateful for every single one of them. I entered, and won, a photo contest with Virginia State Parks. I had the opportunity to take school photos for two different preschools. I had my first show as an artist at a local art gallery. I had a photo purchased for publication in a state wide magazine. I volunteered with two amazing organizations, capturing some of the important work carried out by Friends of the Rappahannock to help protect our gorgeous river, and getting to photograph Virginia’s first lady for Downtown Greens, another wonderful organization doing some amazing things for the community (check ‘em both out y’all!) An interview I gave was featured in a local paper, and I coordinated an art show for a new gallery, which had a phenomenal turnout and collected four huge tubs of food, plus some, for a local food bank.
I got to take more than a few fun trips. I spent three days in Magnolia Springs State Park with my dad floating down a river and playing with alligators. I spent another three in the Virginia Highlands playing with wild ponies on the Appalachian Trail. I hiked Virginia’s tallest peak. I made two trips to Tallulah Gorge State Park, giving me my favorite moment of the year and a couple of my favorite photos taken. I took my family on their first camping trip, and then on a few more. I spent many days and nights in Shenandoah National Park, hanging with bears, playing with deer, photographing flowers, and climbing mountains.
And these lists just scratch the surface. But the best parts of the year weren’t the accomplishments, but rather the people that filled it throughout. I made some new friends, got to spend time with old friends, and said goodbye to a few friends. I made friends and strengthened relationships that push me creatively, push me spiritually, that believe in and encourage me. I discovered I was surrounded by an amazingly supportive community. I watched my kids grow up a year. I taught them how to hike and camp and swim and tie shoes. I got to spend more time with far away family than in any years past. And I was lucky enough to capture some really special moments for some amazing clients. And for every single one of these, I’m grateful. Because it is only for all of the people in my life that I’ve been able to achieve any of the accomplishments listed, and it is only for what each of you brings to my life that makes it beautiful.
Below are a few of my favorite moments with clients, and one photo of my kids because, well, they’re pretty cute and I’m kinda fond of ‘em.
And just for funsies… My Instagram feed, and I’m betting yours too, has been flooded with Top 9 posts these past two weeks. In case you aren’t on Instagram, there are apps that will analyze your instagram account and tell you which of the nine images you posted were most liked by your followers. It can be somewhat entertaining. But while I hope that people do like what I share, I’d much rather look back on the images that mean the most to me. So these are my nine favorite moments and photos from the past year.
Thanks again, to all of you, for making this year possible. Because if you’ve read this, then chances are in some way you’ve contributed.
Happy New Year, Y’all!