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.
Why I Enjoy Photography More Than Ever
After years behind the camera, I find myself enjoying photography more now than when I first started. The technical side — lighting setups, exposure, gear quirks — no longer slows me down. Those things are second nature at this point, which means I can focus on what matters most: connecting with people.
After years behind the camera, I find myself enjoying photography more now than when I first started. The technical side — lighting setups, exposure, gear quirks — no longer slows me down. Those things are second nature at this point, which means I can focus on what matters most: connecting with people.
Most of my sessions feel like a conversation. We’re talking, laughing, learning about each other — and I just happen to be taking pictures in the middle of it. That shift has completely changed how I experience my work.
August review
August is always a little quieter in photography. Families are on vacation, kids are heading back to school, and businesses are focused elsewhere. Years ago, that slowdown used to stress me out. These days, I plan for it. The truth is, the “slow” months often give me the space to enjoy the projects that do come through.
Here are a few highlights from last month:
Corporate Headshots and Branding Photography in Sacramento
I worked with several professionals and businesses on portraits and branding sessions. Headshots are one of my favorite types of photography because they’re about more than just looking polished — they’re about creating an image that feels authentic and approachable.
Editorial Assignments
Editorial photography always brings something new. August included community profiles and business stories, the kind of work where you step into someone else’s world and capture what makes it unique.
Product Photography
Even something as straightforward as product photography — like a custom knife shoot I did last month — is a creative challenge. The goal is to make an object stand out and give it personality through light and composition.
Sports Photography: Friday Night Lights and Flag Football
High school football is back, and covering Casa Roble under the Friday night lights continues to be a passion project. This year also marked my first season covering girls’ flag football — one of the newest high school sports programs in California. Watching that grow from the start has been energizing to document.
Planning for the Cycle
August may be slower, but I know September and October will pick up fast. December is always a wildcard — sometimes steady, sometimes quiet. Instead of worrying about it, I’ve learned to embrace the cycle and prepare for the dips. That shift in mindset has made the work far more enjoyable.
Looking Ahead
From headshots and editorial shoots to product photography and Friday night football, August may have been “slower,” but it was far from boring. Each assignment reminded me why I love this work — and why, after all these years, I enjoy photography more than ever.
If you’re looking for corporate headshots, commercial photography, or sports coverage in Sacramento, I’d love to connect.
Why I Don’t Believe in the “Ultimate Posing Guide”
Forget the “Ultimate Posing Guide.” True posing is about authenticity, not memorization. In this post, I break down how I approach posing as a conversation—not a command—and why the most natural movements often lead to the strongest images. Whether you’re a photographer or someone who hates being in front of the camera, there’s something here for you.
And why your best pose might already be in you.
I keep seeing ads and social posts promoting the Ultimate Posing Guide—as if there’s some perfect list of positions that work for everyone. But here’s the truth I’ve learned over the years: there’s no such thing.
Sure, I have a few base poses that tend to work for most people, but trying to make someone copy a pose they physically can’t do—or that just doesn’t feel natural—never works. You can see it in the photo. And worse, you can feel it.
Authenticity Over Imitation
What actually works is watching people. I pay attention to how someone naturally stands, how they move, how they interact. I take cues from that and build from there. That approach leads to images that feel real, not staged. It works across the board—whether we’re shooting fashion or portraits or branding.
Hands Matter More Than You Think
One thing I talk about often is what to do with your hands. They matter—a lot. Your hands need to have intent. They shouldn’t be doing something random, and they shouldn’t be in conflict with your facial expression.
I’ve seen plenty of technically strong portraits where the hands feel stiff or disconnected. The subject looks powerful in the face, but the hands are saying something else. People might not notice it consciously, but they feel it. And that disconnection can throw off the entire image.
That said, there are times when I’ll intentionally create tension by having the hands and face tell different stories—but that’s a deliberate creative decision, not a default.
Posing Is a Conversation, Not a Command
One of the most valuable shifts in my approach over the years has been treating posing like a dialogue. When I work with someone, we often spend the first 20–30 minutes just talking about how they move, how they want to come across, and what feels comfortable.
I might shoot a few frames during that time—not to create finished images, but to illustrate what we’re talking about. Once we get aligned, the rest of the shoot flows naturally. It’s smoother, more comfortable, and ultimately, more authentic.
Most people don’t know their angles—and why would they? It’s my job to help discover what works, together.
Want to see this in action?
I’ll be sharing a few real-world examples and behind-the-scenes clips soon—because good posing isn’t about hitting the mark, it’s about finding the moment.
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.