2024, Month by Month
2024 is over. Another year of countless adventures, large and small, near and far. Each one memorable, and each one important. To revisit some of those moments I went through every single photograph I took in 2024 (several thousand) and selected one from each month to highlight and share some impressions or lessons that come to mind. I’ll keep the words here brief and let the captions below tell more of the story. Have at it.
—-
January
I didn’t add much to my collection in January following the December trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon. That doesn’t mean there wasn’t time spent on the trails here in New Hampshire, however. This was taken on the Scarface Trail in Franconia Notch. The color of the leaves clinging to their branches, in a form of resilience, stood out to me against the white backdrop left by the recent snowfall. Even with no plan and minimal effort, the woods offer something worth capturing and remembering. Get outside whenever possible.
—-
February
Winter is my favorite time to hike, and not much compares to being at elevation on a clear day. This was taken near the summit of Bald Peak - a modest climb, but one that provides incredible views nonetheless. While the sweeping landscapes of snowy trees were spectacular this day and from this mountain, sometimes my favorite views are still the ones above. A piercing blue sky behind the stillness of backlit midwinter trees, and a gentle reminder to keep looking up… even if you think all the views are in front of or below you.
—-
March
Smarts Brook was my spot in 2024. It was my go-to trail run on weekdays after work, the casual hiking option just a few miles up the road on weekends, the perfect swimming hole in the summer, a local mountain biking option, and so much more. This was taken on St. Patrick’s Day during a photo walk with a close friend from Portsmouth, so it’s one I consider fondly. The conditions were perfect as a light mist hung low, enveloping the trees. This element, overlaying the various shapes and patterns that make Smarts Brook so mesmerizing, really struck me. I went with a diagonal split with this composition to show the relationship between the massive white pines and worn walls of the gorge.
—-
April
April brought the first substantial trip of the year - North Carolina, for a wedding in Raleigh and an opportunity to explore Asheville and the Great Smoky Mountains. The weather was uncooperative in a way, but at the same time the rain and mist made random stops at sites like Mingus Mill all the more interesting. When one plan doesn’t come to realization - in this case a long day hike (the Blue Ridge Parkway happened to be closed) - there is something to be said for just jumping in the car and heading towards whatever looks most interesting.
—-
May
The first show I photographed wasn’t until May, but it was a good one. In Flames, who I have long been a fan of, headlined this night at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom. Yet it isn’t a photo of them that stands out to me now. This is Creeping Death, the subject of a scene that highlights so much of what I love about live music - contrasting light, energy, and sound.
—-
June
I found myself studying the more intricate details of the New Hampshire forests in 2024, which I believe is just a result of returning to certain places with regularity. You simply start noticing more about them. This was especially true in the middle of year as adventures became more localized knowing larger adventures were still on the horizon. During a hike up Mt. Moriah, this growth was hidden in the shadows of a boulder adjacent to the trail. The early morning light was only reaching the leaves. Emphasizing the shadows provides a mysterious level of attention on their shapes and textures.
—-
July
July was quite the turning point in 2024 (and beyond, now that we’re in 2025). From a photography standpoint, when I look back at this month I’ll remember all the new places I explored right in my backyard. Cook’s Corner being one of them. It is an unassuming place with no discernable entry point, but one that became a peaceful spot to unwind - through reading, talking and thinking deeply, or taking pictures - with the rusty trestle providing a consistent resting spot for exploring eyes.
—-
August
The primary trip in 2024 was California. Big Sur. Yosemite. Kings Canyon. Sequoia. Out of all the photos I took in all the remote areas, my favorite happened to be the most obvious. Right in the middle of Yosemite Valley, staring at Half Dome. The thing is, while I had been to Yosemite before, I had never seen or explored the Valley like this. Seeing Half Dome so close and with such clarity was, frankly, a moving experience. So much went into planning this trip. This return to Yosemite. And at times it felt uncertain that it would come to fruition. Half Dome has been photographed from this exact location countless times. But who cares? Because I hadn’t. Until now. This one is mine, and that makes all the difference.
—-
September
Come September my editing backlog was as full as ever. Following the California trip I made the decision to photograph three concerts (10 artists) in three nights down in Boston. It all wrapped up with an Amenra set I will remember forever. It was heavy. It was intense. It was everything it was supposed to be, and had to be. This was an important weekend and is certain to be remembered as such.
—-
October
October was the hardest month to choose a photo from. Do I opt for the Detroit trip, one in which I finally caught a Red Wings win? How about a Crawford Notch hike during peak foliage, that offered surprises at every turn? In the end, it had to be Halloween. My most significant concert photography experience of 2024 was King Diamond at Roadrunner down in Boston. Beyond just the opportunity to cover such a name, which I feel endlessly fortunate to have done… it was freaking Halloween. The best Halloween. My favorite night of the year felt like it again.
—-
November
November was quieter in a way. I was finally working through the rest of my California backlog in preparation for another California trip in December. So while I wasn’t out shooting nearly as often, certain scenes still found their way to me. For instance, the rainy season that has been the last couple of months brought some spectacular views right off of the deck. This double rainbow was a welcomed sight in the middle of a work day. A reminder of how fortunate I am to have the White Mountains nearby.
—-
December
Consider this a preview. In early December I was out in Death Valley to run a trail marathon, and of course explore and take plenty of photographs. One of those mornings was spent at Dante’s View to catch sunrise. It did not disappoint. I have become quite connected to the desert and I am already looking forward to a return. Go somewhere new. Be awake when you otherwise wouldn’t. You’ll see some incredible things.
2024 is over. Truth be told, I wonder how I’ll look back on it years from now. Positively, of course. But what moments, that may seem less obvious now, will stand the test of time? It was an important year. It brought change. It brought challenges. But it also brought opportunity. It brought excitement. Passion. It brought me fire. It brought my fire. And you bet I’m going to keep it burning.
2024 felt like the start of something much bigger. So… Are you coming?
