As we step into 2025, I find myself reflecting on the incredible moments I had the privilege of capturing through my lens in 2024. This year has been one for the books, filled with unforgettable experiences, stunning landscapes, and meaningful connections. This isn’t about my best photos, but rather my favorite ones — the ones that bring back memories, tell a story, or simply make me smile. From high-energy concert shots to tranquil golden hour portraits, each one carries a memory that I’ll cherish forever. Here are my top 10 picks and why they mean so much to me.

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1. In the Spotlight: Raw Emotion Under the Stage Light

This year, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the band Hot Mulligan, a career highlight of mine. I’ll never forget the adrenaline of hearing the crowd roaring behind me and the music reverberating through my chest.

One image from that night stands out above the rest: a close-up of singer, Nathan “Tades” Sanville. He sings with such passion and emotion, making every note of his performance feel electric. His musical expression was intense and unfiltered—somewhere between a scream and a cry—perfectly encapsulating the melancholic, emotional energy of the moment. The combination of stage lights, his body language, and the grainy texture gave the shot a cinematic quality that feels surreal.

This image doesn’t just remind me of that night; it reminds me why I fell in love with photography in the first place. It’s about more than just documenting a performance; it’s about capturing moments of raw emotion, the kind that stay with you long after the music fades.

This photo feels like a milestone for me—it captures not just a fleeting moment of passion but also the growth in my ability to see and seize those moments as a photographer. I love and cherish this whole experience and am thankful I got to further expand my photography horizons.

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2. Chaos at the Starting Line

Motocross is chaotic, and this photo captures that perfectly. Taken during an outdoor professional 450cc dirt bike race, I stood right where the holeshot happens—dirt chunks flying everywhere as 30 riders sped around the corner. The image is full of energy and movement, with the riders tightly packed and the churned-up earth creating a dramatic effect. Every time I look at it, I can hear the roaring engines, smell the race gas, and feel the grit hitting my face as they rip past me.

What I love most about this photo is the sheer chaos of it all. I’ve taken technically better holeshot photos, but there’s something about the raw power and energy of this image that draws me in. The flying dirt, the tightly packed riders who look like they could crash at any moment (but don’t—because they’re way more talented than I), and the excited crowd in the background, with cameras and managers everywhere—it’s pure adrenaline. Go, go, go. And there I am, right in the middle of it all, capturing the moment. This photo isn’t perfect, but it’s a perfect reminder of the thrill and talent of motocross racing. It’s also a reminder of a quick slice of a moment I got to experience—one that is now long gone and forgotten.

It’s a snapshot that makes me appreciate the runaway nature of these high-energy events, where everything can change in an instant, but the memories live on through photos like this. Even though this moment has passed, the energy it captured will always stay with me.

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3. Golden Glow: Princess in the Light

There’s something undeniably magical about golden hour light, and this portrait is a perfect example of why I’m so drawn to it. The warm glow hits her face just right, casting a soft, golden hue that brings out her natural beauty. In this shot, she doesn’t just look gorgeous — she looks like she’s glowing, like she’s been kissed by sunlight itself. The way the light caresses her skin gives her this ethereal quality, almost like a modern-day princess bathed in golden light.

While I’ve captured technically better images from this session, this one holds a special place because of its mood. Her relaxed expression contrasts beautifully with the richness of the light, creating a moment that feels intimate. There’s a softness to her that makes the photo feel so effortless, yet incredibly powerful. It’s one of my favorites because it’s not just a beautiful shot — it’s a moment where the light, her energy, and everything around us came together perfectly, creating a portrait that feels like pure magic frozen in time.

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4. Mountain Majesty: A Magpie’s Perfect Moment

While exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, I spotted a black-billed magpie perched on a pine tree. I’m not usually a wildlife photographer, but some moments just demand your attention, and this was one of them. The magpie sat there like it knew it was the star of the show, it felt like nature itself had set the stage, and all I had to do was click the shutter.

What makes this photo one of my favorites isn’t just the composition or how the bird seemed to pose so perfectly—it’s the way it reminds me of the magic in being fully present. Photography isn’t about controlling the scene; it’s about embracing the unpredictable, about being ready when something extraordinary appears out of nowhere. This photo also holds a deeper meaning for me. It represents a rare moment of stillness in an otherwise busy year, a connection to the natural world that’s all too easy to miss. Every time I look at it, I’m transported back to that quiet, crisp mountain air and the overwhelming sense of awe I felt standing there.

It’s a photo that combines preparation and luck, but more importantly, it captures a piece of my soul in that moment—a reminder of why I love picking up my camera in the first place.

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5. Wheelie in the Wild

There’s nothing like a weekend spent riding dirt bikes through the mountains, especially when you’re with someone who shares the same thrill for adventure. This shot of a man pulling off a wheelie on a dirt road surrounded by trees perfectly captures the raw freedom of those days.

But this photo isn’t just about the perfect shot; it’s a reminder of the exhilarating moments spent with friends, exploring trails and feeling completely in tune with the outdoors. Every time I look at this photo, I’m reminded of the laughter, the thrill of the ride, and the unique connection that comes from these shared experiences. It’s one of my favorites not because of the image itself, but the memories of laughter and adventure that it represents.

It’s a photo that transports me back to an exact moment, a snapshot of both the adventure and the camaraderie that make these days so special.

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6. A Creative Pause: Golden Hour in the Rockies

During another winter trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, I captured a moment that feels extraordinary. While on a nature walk, I noticed a new friend pausing to take a photo as golden hour light wrapped around him, giving him an ethereal glow. The snow on the ground reflected the soft, warm light, creating a dreamy, almost surreal atmosphere. There’s something so still and beautiful about this shot—the quiet of the mountain evening, the way the light cascades across the scene, and the peace that surrounds it all.

I love capturing an artist at work, and this moment is the perfect example. My friend was so immersed in the landscape, admiring the beauty of the still, crisp, winter, mountain air. Meanwhile, I was quietly admiring him, noticing the creative energy radiating from him as he attempts to make a moment in time last forever. There’s something so beautiful about seeing someone truly enjoy the earth beneath their feet, and this image captures that perfectly. It also makes me wonder: What was he looking at? How did his photo turn out? What is he feeling as he is taking the photo? It’s one of those moments that feels so pure, and it’s a reminder of just how magical photography can be.

This image has a quiet yet creative elegance that stays with me, and it’s why it’s one of my favorites of the year.

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7. Majestic Moments with Abby

Golden hour strikes again! (Can you tell I am a huge fan? Lol! You can read more about golden hour photography and why I love it here.) This time, I captured Abby, a dog who’s usually the goofy, adorable “pork chop” of the pack—always looking like a giant, lovable pig. Most of the photos I have of her show off her silly, playful side, but this one is different. In this golden moment, Abby is transformed. Her tongue hangs out, and the light wraps around her fur, giving her an ethereal glow. She looks so majestic, strong, and beautiful. It’s almost like she’s a regal creature, basking in the soft warmth of the sunset.

This photo feels special to me because it captures her in a way that’s so different from the usual goofy shots. There’s a purity to it, with her face perfectly in focus while the background gently fades into a dreamy bokeh. I love how golden hour can do that—turning a familiar scene into something almost magical. Abby’s playful energy is still there, but it’s tempered by the soft, golden tones that make this photo feel like a warm hug. It’s one of my favorites because it’s a rare, elegant side of her that I rarely get to see.

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8. A Gun’s Silent Strength

I know this shot is a bit of a departure from my usual work, but I can’t help but feel proud of it. Product photography isn’t something I get to dabble in too often, but when I do, I always end up surprising myself (not to toot my own horn lol). This image of a gun standing upright on its magazine is one of those moments where the technical aspects really clicked. All the most important parts of the gun is in perfect, sharp focus, which is not always my easiest feat. The lighting is spot-on, and the background is beautifully isolated, allowing the subject to stand out on its own. I spent quite a bit of time getting the angle and focus just right, and the result is something I’m really proud of. It’s a reminder of how satisfying it is to dive into the details, and the feeling when everything aligns perfectly to create a clean, striking image.

It’s one of those moments where I don’t necessarily know exactly what I’m doing, but I love pushing myself to experiment and try new things. This photoshoot really helped me develop my skills and taught me a lot along the way. Always thankful to expand my photography comfort zone.

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9. Golden Light on the Path

Rocky Mountain National Park is where I feel most at home, and this photo truly captures why it’s my happy place. The sunlight filtering through the Lodgepole pine trees, casting soft golden hues onto the rocky footpath, feels like a quiet invitation to just be. Breathe. Take it all in. The light and the stillness of the moment combine to create something that feels almost otherworldly, a peaceful escape from everything. This photo isn’t just about capturing the view; it’s about holding on to that passing feeling of serenity that can only exist in places like this for moments at a time. I love how the trees stand so tall and timeless, how the light seems to dance with them, and how it all comes together to create a scene that feels both calming and inspiring. It’s a reminder of the beauty that’s out there when you’re present and fully immersed in nature. While no photo can truly capture the magic of this breathtaking park, this one comes pretty close—every time I look at it, I can smell the crisp, cold mountain air, feel the golden sunlight warm my skin, hear the rustling of critters scurrying through the trees, and remember why I’m always drawn back to these mountains. This photo holds the essence of that moment, frozen in time, reminding me of what it means to be connected to nature.

It’s a moment of quiet beauty that takes me back to the peaceful solitude of the park every time I look at it. The soft light, the whisper of the trees, and the stillness of the scene make this photo one of my most cherished captures.

I just want to build my house right in the center of this photo. (haha, jk… unless?)

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10. Genuine Connection

And finally, my last favorite photo. This photo of a couple perfectly captures the unfiltered essence of their relationship. The colors of their shirts subtly complement each other, working together to create a vibe that feels funky and effortless. It wasn’t a posed shot, but one taken between the more traditional moments of the session, when they were just existing in the moment, being themselves. That’s what I love about it—there’s no forced smile or staged pose, just a raw, joyful connection between them that shines through. The way their personalities come across in their eyes, the way they interact with each other, is everything I hope for in a portrait. It’s a reminder of how real and beautiful these moments can be when you allow people to just be who they are, unguarded and at ease.

It’s a reminder that some of the best photos come when we stop trying to control the moment and just let it unfold naturally. I am thankful to be able to freeze a moment like this—capturing the playful story of a young couple in such a fun, authentic way. This is why I love photography.

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As I look back on 2024, I’m filled with gratitude for the experiences and moments I was able to capture through my camera. This year has been a journey of growth, exploration, and connection, both with my subjects and the world around me. Each photo holds a story, a memory, a feeling that I’ll carry with me long after the year ends. From the raw energy of concert photography to the peaceful serenity of golden hour in the mountains, these images represent more than just beautiful moments — they are snapshots of the life I’ve lived and the people and places that have shaped it. I’m excited to step into 2025 with a renewed sense of inspiration and a heart full of gratitude for every experience, big or small. Here’s to another year of capturing the world in all its beauty and imperfection, and sharing those stories with all of you. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.

What’s your favorite photo that YOU took from this year? Share it with me in the comments below!

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Anyways, thanks for reading!!!!! Thanks for being here!!! I love you all!! thanks so much!!! Byeee!!

Check out more of my blogs, here!

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