My Top Nine of 2018

This year I learned what I like to take pictures of… people! And not portraits or posed shots, but people living their stories. Perhaps it’s the action or the authenticity, but my favorites always have an element of photojournalism to them.

Although I’m sure I picked up some technical skills, the real gain was learning more about myself through this medium. These are my #topnine from the year.

1. One of my favorite things to do is to take pictures of my @fullsail students taking pictures. So many of these shots find their way onto student portfolio sites in an effort to show process, not just the finished product.

2. This picture epitomizes my experience documenting the work of @orlandotogether this year. The warm handshake captured here is representative of what it means to extend yourself across racial divides.

3. The International Wheelchair Games was one of the most inspiring events I photographed in 2018 - no where was the human spirit stronger than in that arena!

4. @libbyslegacy is a local non-profit that seeks to make comprehensive breast health services available to underserved populations here in Orlando. This photo was taken at their annual fundraiser - Treasure Your Chest.

5. The “I Believe Her” Rally was held amidst the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings. This photo shows what a new generation of activated women look like.

6. Love love love. That is the essential message of @comeoutwithpride and the overwhelming emotion captured in this scene.

7. Taken at the Orlando Youth Empowerment Summit, hosted by @zebra_coalition, this photo depicts the winner of the lunchtime lip sync contest in one of the memorable moments of his Beyoncé “Single Ladies” routine.

8. The moment @annaforflorida found out she won the race for Florida House District 47. I took countless photos of Anna during the campaign, but this one was the most vibrantly raw.

9. One of my favorite experiences of the year was doing a photo walk in Cuba with a photojournalist from the Havana times. This was a common scene - neighbors enjoying each other’s company.