Goodbye 2024
It was such an amazing year looking back. A lot of good things came from it too.
I think the biggest one that cannot be topped is getting to meet and watch Elijah grow, seeing how Delilah has reacted and changed as a big sister. Something we never knew how it would turn out honestly. An only child for 6 years having a baby brother is a big change for anyone. I can say though, we have two very smart and loving babies.
First Photo of 2024
Shot with Sony A7RIII and Tamron 24-70mm f/4
My first photo of 2024 was of two dear friends of mine recovering and saving my drone, I pushed it way past the battery limit over the river and it actually died over the water but was up high enough that it coasted forward while descending and landed in a farmers field. I am very thankful for the recovery and for the good friends I have.
I will share some of the shots I risked the drone for though, they were definitely worth it.
Another major event in 2024 was prepping the ARTCo office in Mount Vernon, IN for the 2024 Open House and christening of the M/V Royce Wilken. I cannot fully express the feeling of getting to be apart of something like that, the experience of it all, being able to spend time with and talk to the former president of a company as big as ARTCo. It was truly amazing, the memories and conversations I will forever remember. If you would like to read more on the 2024 ARTCo Open House just follow the link!
I believe upgrading my camera was a pretty major thing this year. Going from an A7RIII to an A7RV was insane. I could have done just fine shooting the open house with my old setup, but with what it was I wanted the best I could possibly do, so I did just that. I am still in shock from all of it and so grateful for being able to do all of this, this year.
I still have a lot to learn and get used to with the A7RV, as much as I have used it I still think I can do better with it, video and photo wise.
Side note, seeing a triple screw in person for the first time was so badass!
If you go through my last 4 or 5 Blogs you will know that I spent a lot of time this year shooting film for the first time in over 20 years. I think a bigger impact from it this year was buying the equipment and software to scan and process negatives on my own allowing me to scan negatives my mom has had for 30+ years and recovering photos that had been damaged. Seeing some photos for the first time and recovering photos of my sister who has passed is something I am very thankful for.
Taking my nieces senior photos was a very emotional experience, I still frequently look at the Blog I created about it and get emotional. It is really crazy how quick time passes.
Like I said in the start, watching both of these kids grow together has been the best thing about 2024. Seeing how happy they are together, how good Delilah is as a big sister and how quick Elijah is learning is the best feeling in the world. I am so lucky to have everything I have and to be able to do the things I do. I know being a stay at home mom 24/7 and school teacher is not easy, but I am forever thankful that our beautiful babies are well taken care of and given the freedom to grow and be their own people in the comfort of our home and environment. I would not trade that for anything.
I am sure I am leaving some things out, like
Delilah getting over her fear of loosing teeth and pulling one out all on her own.
Elijah already standing at 9 months old with no damn teeth yet.
The amazing friends I have had supporting me through out the year.
The awesome people I have gotten to work with and learn from.
Everything I got to be apart of this year and just how positive all of it was.
Speaking of amazing friends supporting me, if it wasn’t for this guy I would have quit my job probably 20 times had he not been there to talk to. Some times this year were very hectic and I am glad I had someone to help me through it.
In conclusion 2024 was a very positive year for me at home and at work, and I am looking forward to 2025. I have a lot of personal goals I plan to achieve this year, 1 being creating my own photo book focusing on the river industry. I shoot so much at work and I know that I have sights that are unseen by so many people. I want to include back stories to each photo so that someone unfamiliar with this industry can understand what they are looking at. I think that will be a good thing to work on and have a goal for.
My actual personal goals I will keep to myself haha.
Some very honorable mentions shown below.
2025 is the year I plan on learning and pushing myself more than ever with photography and video.
I want to write and share more on this website as well.
Going into this year with being off all social media for almost 10 months is an incredible achievement.
I really don’t think I could be more happy and positive to end a year, but I am ver optimistic to do even more and better in 2025.
Thank you everyone who has read these, commented, bought from the Print Shop, and just been there to support me. I can’t express how thankful I am for everything.
Last Photo of 2024
Shot with Sony A7RV and Sigma 50mm f/1.4
Happy New Year!
