Moments to Remember in 2014

For my first post on this new blog on this new website in this new year, I figured I'd do what so many other photographers were doing and post some favorite images from 2014. Not the most original idea, but it feels like an appropriate way to start this thing off. The images are in no particular order and most are favorites because they represent meaningful moments as opposed to being exceptionally artistic images.  

In October I took a little photo field trip to the Pacific Northwest. On my first hike out to Twin Falls (just east of Seattle) I spotted this Bard Owl. As an amateur birder this was an exciting moment. I watched him for about 10 minutes - and he watched me. My friend and fellow birder, Fr. Kenny, reminded me upon seeing this image, "Owls are a gift."

On the same trip I captured this image in Moran State Park on Orcas Island. Clouds were pushing through the forest creating some truly magical and beautifully diffused light.

Torian, the oldest daughter of some of our close friends, graduated from Independence High School in 2014. She was quite the track star so we thought it would be fun to do some senior pictures out on the track at sunset. Torian is a smart, beautiful young woman and it was such an honor to get to create photos with her and her family this year. #nikemodel?

Another favorite senior picture from 2014 is Brianna's. She's a brilliant young artist who I was privileged to have as a student in both Photography and Video Design. Brianna art directed this shoot and used the image in her Senior show. She's got a bright future ahead of her and can be found here: bunnymiele.com

Franklin, TN hosted the Americana Experience this year - a celebration of Americana Music. I was asked to be on the photography team to capture images for Visit Franklin. Here's one of Kristin Larkin, a friend, playing at Kimbro's Pickin' Parlor. 

And here's Leo Bud Welch, a Mississippi Delta Bluesman of the most genuine sort. This was also shot at Kimbro's during the Americana Experience Music Festival.

Josh Collins over at Visit Franklin put together a team of photographers to provide some images for the website and marketing collateral. We don't get paid a lot but part of the deal is getting to fly around in hot air balloons. Here's a shot from my first ever ride. We crash landed in a neighborhood.

My kids, Ellie and Atticus, say that Ollie is the favorite child. I can understand why they say that, but it isn't true. I promise. But I do love my dog.

(iPhone)

And last, but certainly not least, are some favorite images of my favorite people from this year. My beautiful daughter Ellie, mid-laugh, on Christmas Day behind my parents house. This is one of my favorites not just from this year, but ever.

And Dad took this one. Good job Dad. 

Here's to 2015 being a year of more great moments for me and mine and you and yours. Happy New Year!