As we wave goodbye to 2023 and welcome the new adventures that 2024 has in store, I wanted to kick off the year by sharing a heartfelt recap and some personal reflections with you all. It's a bit surreal to think that this year marks my 10th year since going into the business, and it's the very first time I've put together a year-end review. Perhaps going forward, I'll make it a point to create annual recaps as a way to see how my photography style evolves over time.

2023 was truly a remarkable journey, and I couldn't have done it without you. I've had the immense pleasure of capturing some truly magical moments, from graduation portraits to weddings, engagements, proposals, and professional headshots. This is by no means an exhaustive list or gallery – Trust me, I would have loved to feature every single incredible shot, but with over 20,000 photos to sift through, it became a mission impossible.

A few highlights from last year:

Graduation Portraits: I had the privilege of working with some incredibly bright minds from renowned institutions like UCLA, USC, Loyola Marymount University, Pepperdine, Pomona College, California Baptist University, California Lutheran University, Cal Poly Pomona, CSULA, CSULB, and CSUF. I also got to be the main photographer for an official UCLA commencement at Pauley Pavilion!

Weddings: I ended up traveling quite a bit around California this year for weddings and got to reaffirm how lucky I am to live in such a picturesque state. From the coastal beauty of Carpenteria to the vineyards of Temecula, the hustle and bustle of San Jose to the enchanting Napa Valley, it was an absolute honor to document the love stories of amazing couples throughout. What's even more special is that three of my wedding clients this year were familiar faces from my graduation portraits back in 2015/16. Witnessing their journey has been nothing short of heartwarming.

Professional Headshots: I had the privilege of photographing professionals from various fields - lawyers, actors, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and many others who were at pivotal moments in their careers. Capturing their unique personalities and ambitions through photography has been incredibly rewarding.

Proposals: I also ended up capturing far more proposals this year than I predicted - so much so that I ended up starting up a proposal setup service, which ensures that these big moments are not only preserved, but elevated to a whole new level.

Peering into the future, I can't help but be deeply moved by the profound impact my work has had, helping to immortalize your dearest moments. Watching as you transition from the excitement of college to the blossoming of your careers, from the love-filled weddings to the growth of your beautiful families and beyond, fills my heart with an indescribable warmth. It's not just a job; it's a privilege to be part of your stories.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for having me be a part of your incredible journeys, and also being a part of mine. Here's to creating even more cherished memories together in 2024!