2025 Year in Review
At the end of each year I like to do a year in review blog post where I showcase some of my favorite images from the year and give a recap of the year's events.
I started 2025 by finishing up working a seasonal job as a temporary book seller at Barnes and Noble in Midland. As an avid reader, I loved working there and getting to talk with people about books everyday.
From March to October I worked a seasonal guest services job at Dow Gardens. This was one of the best jobs I’ve had. Great bosses and coworkers and talking with the regulars was always fun.
One of the highlights of 2025 was getting to serve as the District A Director for JCI Michigan. JCI is a non profit organization for people 18-40 where they learn leadership skills by serving their local communities. As District A Director I worked as the middle man between the local Northern Michigan chapters, Great Lakes Bay, Ludington, Mt Pleasant, and Frankenmuth, and JCI Michigan. I had a great time going to these chapters’ meetings, befriending their members, and getting to go to their signature events like Ludington’s Freedom Fest, Frankenmuth’s World Expo of Beer, and the Mt Pleasant’s Craft Beer Festival. Getting to see the positive impact these chapters had on their local communities was amazing. I was very thankful to receive a Presidential Medallion during the Year End Conference in February. I look forward to serving as a Programming Director for JCI Michigan in 2026 as well as Secretary for my local chapter, Great Lakes Bay Jaycees.
I also served as chairman of the deacons at my church, Christ Covenant Church OPC in Midland, Michigan. I’m incredibly thankful for my church. When the engine died in my car on my way to work back in late April, several members of my church wrote me a substantial check which I put towards my next vehicle purchase.
I was only able to serve as a photographer one day at Royal Family Kids camp this year due to my busy summer schedule. I miss being able to do more with Royal Family Kids camp.
Photography has become a much smaller part of my life with age. The last couple years I’ve had so many last minute client cancelations, clients not paying, and drama with other photographers that I’ve been far less enthusiastic about photography. It just isn’t worth my time dealing with clients who won’t pay or show up, or other photographers who are constantly looking to slander and sue their competition. I’ve turned down many clients this year due to being busy with other commitments. I still photographed a few weddings, portrait sessions, and events this year.
On a personal note I got to read a bunch this year which I always greatly enjoy. I also finally got around to getting my CPL which I’ve wanted to do for years.
In January 2026 I’ll be starting a temporary job as a receptionist for McDonald and Associates in Saginaw during tax season.
Jessica and CJ Halloween Couples Portrait Session
This victorian vampire themed couples portrait session with Jessica and CJ was incredibly fund to photograph!
Jason and Katie Wedding
Jason and Katie had a beautiful wedding at the Woodbridge Event Barn in Bridgeport, Michigan.
Rick and Allison Wedding
Rick and Allison had a beautiful wedding at Founder’s Hall at SVSU. My second shooter Nikki and I had a great time getting to photograph them!
JCI Michigan 2025 Fall Conference
I had a great time getting to photograph the JCI Michigan 2025 Fall Conference! I’ve been part of the Jaycees since 2018 and have gotten to serve as the 2025 District A Director for JCI Michigan.
Parker and Elizabeth Engagement Session
I had a great time getting to photograph Parker and Elizabeth’s engagement session! I’ve know Parker for years and he used to be one of the students when I taught Sunday school in my former church.
Kristina Family Portrait
It was great getting to photograph my cousin Kristina again for this photoshoot.
Wehrman Headshots
I had a great time getting to photograph Andy Wehrman at Dow Gardens. These headshots where for the reprint of Andy’s book.
Hayley Family Portrait
I’ve been working with model Hayley from Hayley’s Wild of Modeling for years. I had a great time getting photograph her and Daries as well as getting to meet there son for the first time!
Aaron and Kim Wedding
I had a great time getting to photograph Aaron and Kim’s wedding in July. I first photographed Aaron when he was performing with Sprout and Orange several years ago. It was really cool seeing his several musician friends preform during the reception. I couldn’t have asked for a friendly couple to photograph.
Ludington Freedom Festival 2025
I had a great time getting to photograph the Ludington Freedom Festival for the Ludington Jaycees on the 4th of July!
Bold Journey Magazine Feature
I’m very thankful to have been chosen by Bold Journey Magazine for their recent feature! Read the article here https://boldjourney.com/meet-ryan-watkins/
2025 Mt Pleasant Craft Beef Festival
The Mt Pleasant Jaycees annual Craft Beer Festival is always one of the highlights of the year for me and this year was no different!
Aaron and Kim Engagement Session
I had a great time getting to photograph Aaron and Kim’s engagement session at the MSU Horticultural Gardens.
Jaycees Day Headshots
I had a great time getting to hang out with fellow Jaycees during Jaycees Day in Lansing and photograph several headshots.
Viva Rex at the Clare Irish Festival
I had a great time getting to photograph fellow Great Lakes Bay Jaycees, Vogie and Harrison’s band Viva Rex when they played at the Clare Irish Festival this year.
2025 Clare Irish Festival
It was great to make it to the 2025 Clare Irish Festival! This is first I’ve been able to attend since pre-covid.
JCI Michigan Year End Conference
I had a great time getting to photograph the JCI Michigan Year End Conference at The Graduate in East Lansing, Michigan. Huge thanks to my friend Jerry for letting me stay at his apartment while photographing the conference. Before the conference we got to tour the MSU Swine Teaching Research Center. I’ve been a member of the Jaycees since 2018 and am serving on the State Board as District A Director in 2025. During the conference I was awarded a Presidential Medallion. It was great getting to hang out with fellow Jaycees and seeing so many friends win awards for their hard work during 2024! I look forward to getting to serve with fellow Jaycees around the state during 2025!
Stephanie Headshots and Portraits
I had a great time getting photograph headshots and portraits of fellow Jaycee Stephanie in Battle Creek! Getting to play with her dog and see her sword and dagger collection where especially fun.
