Reflecting on 2024: Growth, Creativity, and the Year’s Unexpected Moments
2024: A Year of Professional Growth, Creative Expansion, and New Connections
As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with growth, learning, and plenty of creative experimentation. This year, I found myself not just expanding my skills but also embracing the role of a student, learning from others and discovering new ways to approach my work. From attending my first photography conference to diving deeper into video production, it’s been a year of stepping out of my comfort zone and finding my voice in new creative spaces.
A Leap Into Education: Conferences, Networking, and New Opportunities
The year kicked off with a big step: attending my first photography conference outside of being a student, USA Imaging, held right here in my hometown of Louisville. It was an event packed with opportunities to learn and connect with some incredibly talented people. The conference was focused on education and inspiration, with a variety of sessions that allowed me to expand my technical skills while also giving me some valuable confirmation of what I already knew.
It wasn’t just about learning, though—it was also about networking. I met some prominent creatives in the industry, and in the process, I realized how valuable it is to be part of a larger community of professionals. This inspiration led me to join the American Photographic Artists (APA), a decision I’m excited about as I begin to connect with the Chicago chapter. You can check out my profile here: My APA Profile.
Creative Pursuits: Finding My Voice and Taking the Lead
Through this inspiration from the conference, I decided to work on editing some older images, where I took the lead as a photographer working for a good friend and mentor, Dean Lavenson, on a job for El Jimador tequila. Working alongside my mentor, Dean Lavenson, and the talented stylist Sara Rounsavall, this shoot was a great reminder of the power of collaboration. I’m proud of how the series turned out, and I’ve included the final images below for those interested in taking a look.
I finally had the opportunity to attend one of the many workshops that OHD Studios hosts here in town. It’s a bit out of my area, but I know what a Dolly Grip does, thanks to their team here in their Louisville studio. I think my one time working with Hollywood is taking a toll.
Taking the Plunge into Video: My First Spec Shoot
One of the most rewarding experiences of the year was working on my first video spec shoot. A huge thanks to my good friend Jonathon Chi, who pushed me to take the leap. In the process, I found my director’s voice, a realization that left me both excited and humbled. This shoot taught me a lot about storytelling through video, and I’m proud to have created something that felt true to my vision. You can watch it below!
Shifting Focus: A Year of New Roles and Expanding Creative Horizons
2024 was also a big year in terms of shifting my focus from being primarily a digitech and photo assistant to carving out my own space as a commercial photographer and cinematographer. The skills I’ve gained over the years working with industry pros have had a huge impact on my problem-solving, creative direction, and ability to understand how imagery plays a critical role in advertising.
I kicked off the year with a fun project, I photographed an artist and friend, Whitney Mattingly, who, as a designer, needed updated headshots for the 2024 KMAC Couture show. We took the standard headshot on a white background but took advantage of the time we had to create some headshots with a little more personality and depth.
Then came the Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana documentary screening, where I was tasked with both creating still images and producing a video recap of the event. It was an incredible cause, and I was grateful to be a part of it.
Someone who has mentored me and kept me plenty busy over the past few years, Clay Cook, brought me on to film a promo video from his art exhibition, Stitched In Strength, which was held at the KMAC Museum.
Big Events, Big Moments: The Kentucky Derby and More
A standout moment of 2024 was photographing the 150th Kentucky Derby. Crazy. After a few years away, I was thrilled to be invited back by Clay to capture the moments that make Derby Day so iconic. The energy of Churchill Downs—whether it's the horses, the crowds, or the extravagant hats—never gets old. It’s a reminder of how special this local event is, and I was lucky enough to capture some of its magic. It was a fantastic opportunity to photograph such an iconic event in the Derby’s history.
I was also hired by Churchill Downs to photograph the Fillies and Lillies event at the Kentucky Derby Museum, a shoot that will be featured in Churchill Downs Magazine.
Giving Back and Creating Impact: Nonprofits and Corporate Projects
2024 wasn’t just about creative exploration—it was also about contributing to causes that matter. One of the more meaningful projects this year was working with Canine Companions, a nonprofit that trains service dogs for individuals with disabilities. I had the opportunity to photograph their fundraising event at Huber’s Winery, where the community came together to raise awareness and support for this incredible organization. It was inspiring to see the direct impact that these dogs have on people’s lives, and I’m grateful to have been part of telling their story through images.
Another rewarding project was working with Urban Eco Farms, a local micro-greens company. I started creating images of their products and covered photography and video for a cooking show they hosted at the Kentucky State Fair. This experience highlighted the importance of sustainable farming and local food initiatives, and I enjoyed being able to showcase their fresh, vibrant produce through my work.
Looking ahead to 2025, I hope to continue blending creativity with purpose by partnering with organizations that strive to make a difference. Whether it's documenting a community initiative or helping a company tell its story through photography, I believe that visual storytelling has the power to inspire and create change.
On the corporate side, I wrapped up the year with a shoot for American Beverage Marketers, a company that specializes in beverage ingredients and solutions. I had the privilege of capturing the details that define their company’s story, which will be displayed in their newly renovated office space. It’s always exciting to be part of a project that reflects a brand’s identity and helps them communicate their mission visually.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
2024 was a year of learning, collaboration, and transformation. It was a time for stepping outside my comfort zone—whether it was tackling video projects, attending industry conferences, or revisiting my creative roots. Each project, each workshop, and each new connection has shaped me into a better, more confident professional.
As I look forward to 2025, I’m excited about continuing to push my creative boundaries and finding new ways to grow, both professionally and personally.
Assisting and Digitech: A Year of Diverse Projects and Travel
2024 was a year rich with variety—covering everything from food and beverage, tourism, and healthcare, to casinos, fashion, eyewear, and even power tools. If there’s one thing this year proved, it’s that no two days are ever the same.
Much of my year was spent assisting and working as a digitech for some truly talented photographers, including Clay Cook and Rachel Waters. Their mentorship and collaboration have been invaluable in helping me fill my books and expand my experience. Between local shoots and travel assignments, I gained exposure to an eclectic mix of industries and creative challenges.
Travel was a key part of this year. I had the opportunity to work as a digitech on several projects that took me to Indiana for a casino shoot, Pennsylvania for a tourism campaign, and even to Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Nebraska for tourism projects. Each location brought new learning experiences and a deeper understanding of how to adapt to different environments and client needs.
I teamed up with the production company No Frames, where I worked as a digitech covering Tempur products in Lexington, Kentucky. I also spent time in Los Angeles and New Jersey, working with Laura Crosta on the Omada Health and JBL campaigns, and with John Fedele for a shoot with Festool power tools in Indianapolis.
Back home in Louisville, I worked with Eye Level Films, supporting their coverage of Baptist Health, and assisted Danny Alexander on a publication shoot.
Perhaps one of the most interesting roles I took on this year was as a DIT (Digital Imaging Technician) for Dean Lavenson on a social media video campaign for Perkins. In this capacity, I worked on set, helping to build the videos in real-time and making sure everything ran smoothly from a technical standpoint.
Each of these experiences has sharpened my skills, deepened my understanding of different aspects of production, and allowed me to contribute to projects in ways that I hadn’t imagined when I first started in the industry. And I had a bit of fun along the way. Behind the scenes photos below!
Mastering the Tools: Completing My Capture One Certification
Just so everyone I work with knows—I do, in fact, know my way around the software! 😄
Personal Highlights: Adventures, Hobbies, and Travel
2024 wasn’t just about professional growth—it was also full of fun and adventure. I had a blast (and a few bruises) playing paintball with my friend Dan in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and I also participated in a couple of larger paintball events in central Illinois: Monte Casino in April and Pirates Plunder in September. Let’s just say, the adrenaline rush was real, and so were the welts!
In the spring, I took a weekend trip to Red River Gorge for some hiking with my girlfriend, Amy, and her dog, Roxy. It was a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and quality time with nature (and the pup).
When I wasn’t out exploring, I spent time soaking in some live music, attending a few concerts, and indulging in my favorite pastime: Dungeons & Dragons. Countless game nights with friends were the perfect way to unwind after busy workdays.
One of the most memorable personal moments of the year was when my younger step-sister, Hailey, married her now-husband, Matt. It was such a joy to be part of their wedding day and to see the entire family come together to celebrate.
My home has slowly transformed into a little urban jungle—I’m well on my way to becoming a plant papa (and yes, my green thumb is definitely getting stronger). I’ve also been building out my bar cart, because, well, I’m all about a good cocktail at the end of the day.
The most unforgettable adventure of the year, though, was a two-week trip with Amy to Banff, Canada, and Alaska. We trekked through stunning landscapes, capturing everything from the rocky peaks of Banff to the rugged beauty of Anchorage, Seward, Kodiak, and Fairbanks. It was the perfect mix of landscape photography and immersion in nature, and it’s a journey I’ll remember for a lifetime.
