Wow, what a year! To think that all that's happened this year has come and gone. I've come a long way in the ways of my photography. I've introduced some more landscape type shots, as well as starting some people/portrait shots. I also tried to branch out and capture some interesting objects and subjects, such as the carnival that was here in Marion. The goals that I laid out for myself in my continued growth as a photographer have definitely been started. I can always grow more, but I feel that I have really grown in composing and shooting landscape and people shots.

On a personal note, man things are totally different now. This time last year, I would have not thought we would be parents, nor would I have thought I would be at Walgreens in the photo lab. Watching my wife get ousted (unfairly) at her work and then I quit my job which left us with about 4 months of "nothing" was only the start. In that time, Brandy and I (working together with our midwives and doctors) prepared for the birth of Willow Anne. We grew stronger as a couple and even stronger as friends. When things were at its worst for us (in "world" terms), things were the best for us and have left us stronger. Its amazing how much love can do. Now we have our precious Willow and our love just grows for each other and her every second of the day. It's amazing how much love renews and energizes us when we're at our lowest or at our most tired. Two days after Willow was born, I was "officially" hired at Walgreens and have worked that retail schedule ever since. In the coming year, company benefits will transpire and our lives will move on as if we never were unemployeed for 4 months.

Another run of events (yet much minor in my "personal life") occurred this year with the Dave Matthews Band. The year began strong with the promise of Tim Reynolds touring with the band for the summer tour as well as recording with them on the next studio album. A couple of days before the start of tour, a longtime "guest" member decided to pull out. This left a lot of questions without answers for the fanbase. A month into the tour (end of June), LeRoi Moore (the saxophonist) was severely injured in an ATV accident and would not be able to play for the remainder of the tour. Jeff Coffin of the Flecktones stepped in and worked his magic. Tragically, on August 19th, LeRoi died from complications from his injuries. Amazingly, the band kept on and played some amazing and emotional shows for the rest of the tour. It has been pretty much confirmed now that Coffin as "officially" joined the band on a permanent basis as well as it has been alluded to that Tim Reynolds has too (but in a more unofficial way).

Now this leaves the possibilities for next year wide open. For now I'll leave you with a few of my favorite images from 2008:



There are definitely plenty more of my favorites. Look back through the year's posts to view all of them! Until next year....