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.