Wow, what an amazing year I have had! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey in 2018. I‘ve traveled all over Florida for engagement sessions, weddings, events, and magazine and newspaper assignments. I even did some photos in Georgia, Oregon, and in my home state of Washington. Some of my highlights were shooting for the Tioga Times and Life on 24th magazines. I couldn’t ask for a more wonderful editor than Jacki Donaldson. She entrusted me with shooting for magazine ads, real estate, grand opening events, and portraits of people in our city. Seeing photos I’ve taken on the covers of magazines never gets old. I’ve met wonderful people whom I may have otherwise never met.
Another’s highlight was receiving the opportunity from All State Insurance to photograph TIM TEBOW for a local event to raise awareness for Food4Kids. I wasn’t aware of this special guest when I received the job. As the date approached, though, I asked for a shot list and list of VIPs. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Tim Tebow’s name. I walk by his statue at the University of Florida every morning when I go to work. Not only is he quite famous in the Gator Nation, but he also owns PDQ, a restaurant my kids love. But I respect him for his love for God and people, especially individuals with special needs that he celebrates through his foundation with Night to Shine — a prom-night experience for people with special needs. My respect for him continued to grow as I saw him interact with people at the event and handle the press. TV stations sent people there — newspaper reporters, radio personalities, photographers, videographers, fans, volunteers, coordinators, and me. He answered questions with so much grace and poise, despite everyone fighting for his attention. I felt so small, yet he found the time to talk to me and ask me questions, and he even invited me to visit his church in Seattle when he found out that I’m from there. How neat is that!
Last, but not least, a major highlight this past year was meeting and getting to know so many wonderful clients. The stories they told me, the raw emotions I experienced with them, the vows they made, the kisses they exchanged, the cuddles, the piggy-back rides, the first dances, the Superman fly — oh, so many memories that I cannot possibly recount them all. All I can say is “thank you” for sharing your life with me and inviting me in. I’m blessed to have met you and thank God that our paths have crossed. My life is richer with you in it.
If you had asked me last year what this year would bring, I would have never imagined what God would have given me so much. He knows my heart desires and has provided me with more than I can fathom. I’m truly grateful and humbled by his abundant grace and the kindness he has bestowed on me. I look forward to sharing this coming year with all of you. Who knows where He will take me next!