Looking Back at 2025 . . . Finding Rhythm, Balance, and Purpose
2025 was a year of rhythm—refining executive portrait work, improving workflow, and staying grounded through meaningful personal projects that continue to shape how I approach photography.
As January comes to a close, it feels like the right time to pause and look back at 2025. It was a year filled with a wide range of projects, shifting environments, and steady growth—both professionally and personally.
From a work standpoint, executive and corporate portraits made up a significant portion of the year. While I’ve photographed people for decades, something about the rhythm of this work really settled in over the past year. Whether it was a single executive or a team of seventy, the process became more refined, more efficient, and more consistent.
One of the realities of corporate portrait photography is time. Sometimes you get to slow down, connect, and build rapport. Other times, you may have five minutes—or less—with each person. In one case this year, I photographed roughly seventy individuals in a single afternoon. Experiences like that don’t allow for hesitation. They require preparation, adaptability, and the confidence to execute under pressure.
That confidence comes from repetition. Years of working quickly, solving problems on the fly, and knowing my gear inside and out have made it possible to walk into almost any situation and deliver. One project in San Francisco summed that up well. I had planned for a large conference room and instead found myself working in a standard hotel room with low ceilings and tight space. With executives rotating through on a strict schedule, there was no margin for error. The lighting plan had to change, and it had to work immediately. It did.
While assistants are invaluable in many scenarios, I’ve also learned that my system is dialed in enough that, in some cases, working solo is actually more efficient. Setup and breakdown are faster, decisions are immediate, and the process stays streamlined.
What continues to draw me to portrait work is the interaction itself. Occasionally, that connection happens fast. Other times, it happens before the camera ever comes out. One client and I talked for nearly thirty minutes before taking the first photo. That wasn’t intentional—it just happened. But once the camera came up, the conversation continued. The result was a relaxed, natural session that felt less like a photoshoot and more like a dialogue. That comfort always shows in the final images.
From a technical standpoint, one of the biggest improvements in 2025 was workflow. Editing tools and smarter processes have significantly reduced turnaround time without sacrificing quality. Jobs that once took days now take a fraction of that time, which benefits both my clients and me. Efficiency matters, especially when handling high-volume corporate portrait sessions with tight deadlines.
On a more personal level, 2025 marked a significant shift in perspective. Being baptized Catholic and finding a stronger footing in my faith has influenced how I approach my work. It’s less about taking every project that comes along and more about asking whether the work aligns with my values. That clarity has made it easier to say no when something doesn’t feel right—and more confident saying yes when it does.
Balance was another theme this past year. While photography always carries a degree of uncertainty—doing everything “right” doesn’t guarantee the phone will ring—it’s a career that requires constant effort and resilience. Not everyone is built for that. I’m aware of the pressure that comes with it, especially when one successful year leads directly into the question of doing it all over again.
That’s where personal projects come in.
Some of the most meaningful work I did in 2025 wasn’t commercial at all. Spending a day embedded at Mahon Ranch, or documenting multiple days with my son’s ROTC unit in Wyoming, reminded me why I started photographing in the first place. Those projects allowed time—time to observe, to listen, and to understand the heartbeat of a place or a group of people. That kind of work pushes me creatively and keeps me grounded.
As I look ahead to 2026, I want to continue building on what worked: efficient, high-quality corporate and executive portraiture paired with intentional personal projects that challenge and inspire me. That combination is what keeps the work honest, sharp, and sustainable.
Thanks to everyone who trusted me with their image, their time, and their stories in 2025. I’m looking forward to what comes next.
Reflecting on a Year of Highs & Lows
As the year winds down, it's a time for reflection, a moment to reflect on the highs and lows that have marked the past twelve months. For me, a commercial photographer in Citrus Heights, this year has been a roller coaster of experiences, both in my professional life and personal endeavors.
Reflecting on a Year of Highs, Lows, and Personal Growth: A Photographer's Journey
As the year winds down, it's a time for reflection, a moment to reflect on the highs and lows that have marked the past twelve months. For me, a commercial photographer in California, this year has been a roller coaster of experiences, both in my professional life and personal endeavors.
The Business of Photography: Navigating the Unpredictable
The year kicked off with promise, mirroring the previous year's success with a bustling January and February. However, as the months progressed, the tides turned. By March, I noticed a softening, a precursor to the more challenging times ahead. April marked a clear shift, and I was navigating through a significant downturn by mid-year. Despite consistent marketing efforts mirroring successful strategies from the past, call volumes dwindled, a testament to the broader economic challenges impacting my clients and, consequently, my business.
Yet, amidst this decline, a significant event impacted my livelihood: the closure of Sacramento Magazine in August. As a consistent source of income, accounting for around 20% of my earnings, its end marked a pivotal moment in my year, forcing me to reevaluate and adapt my business strategy.
My last cover for Sacramento magazine.
Despite the challenges, my investments in upgrading my equipment in previous years paid off, allowing me to face the financial challenges without additional expenses. This foresight provided a buffer, a slight reprieve in a year of tightened belts and recalibrated expectations.
Capturing Moments: A Year in Photos
My cameras were my constant companions this year, documenting every high and low. In total, I captured an astonishing 76,609 photographs, a testament to my relentless pursuit of the perfect shot. The NIKON Z9 led the charge, accounting for the lion's share of images. It was followed by the GFX50S II, which proved invaluable for its impeccable detail and quality. The versatility of my iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, and iPhone 15 Pro Max allowed me to snap impromptu shots, ensuring I never missed a moment. The L1D-20c drone camera opened up new perspectives, literally elevating my work. Despite the varied challenges this year, the diversity of my camera usage reflects my adaptability and commitment to capturing life's fleeting moments.
Personal Triumphs and Revelations
On a personal front, the year was rich with moments that money can't buy. Volunteering for Casa Roble High School's football program, I captured their journey to a division championship. This exhilarating experience reminded me of the power of community and passion. These moments of pure joy and excitement starkly contrasted with the unpredictability of my professional life.
Travel also played a significant role this year. From the serene landscapes of Death Valley to the magical moments at Disneyland with my grandchildren and an awe-inspiring cruise to Alaska, these experiences provided much-needed respite and time to bond with loved ones. They were poignant reminders of why I chose a path that allowed flexibility and personal fulfillment.
A Deeper Reflection: Faith and Purpose
This year also marked a significant personal milestone in my spiritual journey. After years of supporting my wife's unwavering faith and commitment to the church, I found my own path to understanding and accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. This realization came as I contemplated the presence of evil in the world and, logically, the existence of an equal force of good. It's a new chapter in my life that brings a sense of peace and understanding.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on the year, I'm reminded of my conversations about the nature of self-employment, particularly in the creative field. The highs are indeed high, and the lows can be brutally low. Yet, the ability to withstand these lows has allowed me to thrive in this industry for so long. The financial aspect was never the driving force; instead, it was the ability to manage my time, be there for my family, and fulfill my creative spirit that guided my choices.
The closure of Sacramento Magazine was a stark reminder of the industry's volatility and the need for continual adaptation and resilience. As we approach the new year, I carry the lessons learned, the moments of joy, and the personal growth that has defined this year. It's a journey of continual learning and adaptation that I embrace with an open heart and mind. Here's to the future, with all its uncertainties and promises.