2am Photos Best of 2025

Happy New Year!! (a little late) 2025 was a fantastic year for photography and what better way to kick off 2026 than to share the best of 2025 with everyone!

Family photos should do more than show who was there — they should reveal the heart of who a family truly is. Whether it was gathering multiple generations together at a family reunion in beautiful Southern Oregon, capturing a long-overdue session with a family at Hovander Park who hadn’t been photographed in many years, or creating joyful moments during our mini sessions at a local tree farm, each experience reminded us that the most meaningful images come from real connection. When people are relaxed, laughing, and simply being themselves, their love shows up in every frame — and that’s what turns a photo into a story worth holding onto.

Engagement photos are about so much more than pretty backdrops — they capture the spark that brought two people together in the first place. From a surprise proposal during a friends’ trip to Bellingham, to a cozy, meaningful shoot at the very bar where a couple first met, to a dreamy pre-wedding session along the shoreline at Larrabee State Park, each story was completely unique and deeply personal. I was luck enough to travel to Florida to capture Zach and Chris through the special events leading up to their wedding, documenting all the anticipation, excitement, and love that surrounded them along the way. These sessions weren’t just about celebrating an upcoming wedding; they were about honoring the journey, the laughter, and the love that made these couples say “yes” to forever.

Wedding days are where all those stories come together, and this year I was lucky enough to witness so many unforgettable ones. From sun-soaked celebrations in Florida, to the sweeping waterfront views at Semiahmoo Park, to an intimate, rainy wedding day in North Bend, each wedding felt completely its own. No matter the location, what stood out most was the emotion — happy tears, quiet hand squeezes, and the kind of joy that fills a room when two people commit their lives to each other. Being invited into those moments, across so many beautiful places, was an honor I’ll never take lightly.

Photographing kids is always a reminder that the best moments are the unscripted ones. Their big laughs, silly faces, and endless curiosity bring so much life into every session, and no two shoots are ever the same. Whether they’re running through the grass, showing off their favorite toy, or cuddling up with their parents, kids have a way of turning simple moments into pure magic. Capturing their personalities as they are right now — messy, joyful, and wonderfully themselves — is one of the most fun parts of what I do

Portrait sessions are all about honoring someone exactly where they are in their story, and that’s what makes them so meaningful. From celebrating seniors stepping into their next chapter, to creating polished headshots that help people show up confidently in the world, to offering a gentle goodbye to a very good girl who was so deeply loved, each session carries its own kind of beauty. These moments — big and small, joyful and tender — deserve to be remembered, and it’s a privilege to help preserve them with care and heart.

Event photography is all about capturing the energy in the room — the hugs, the laughter, and the moments that might otherwise slip by unnoticed. From documenting a meaningful nonprofit gala for the Opportunity Council to preserving the relaxed, joyful moments of a pre-wedding brunch surrounded by friends and family, these gatherings are filled with stories worth remembering. Whether it’s a big celebration or an intimate get-together, I love being able to step in quietly and turn those fleeting moments into memories people can hold onto long after the day is over.

Looking back on this year feels like flipping through a well-loved photo album — full of laughter, love, quiet moments, and once-in-a-lifetime memories. From families and engagements to weddings, kids, portraits, and meaningful events, every session added something special to the story of this season. As the old year gently sets, I’m so grateful for everyone who trusted me to capture their moments, big and small. And as a new year rises, I’m filled with excitement for all the stories still waiting to be told, the connections yet to be made, and all the beautiful memories we’ll create together.

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