My Top 10 of 2024

As we kick off 2025, I’ve been looking back at everything 2024 brought my way. This past year was full of moments that challenged me, inspired me, and reminded me why I love the art of photography.

These 10 images are some of my absolute favorites. Each one tells a story, from peaceful landscapes to unplanned moments in street photography, and even the quiet beauty of old, abandoned objects and places. They reflect the diversity of what inspires me and the joy I find in exploring different subjects and styles. I even entered all of them into the Darkroomers Year End Competition, and I was thrilled when five of them won awards! It’s always an honor to have my work recognized, especially by such an amazing group of photographers.

I can’t wait to share these with you—here are my top 10 images from 2024 and the stories behind them.

1. Contemplating History

Why I love it:

This photo, taken at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, holds a special place in my memories. Amid the bustling crowd—many tourists far too loud and cheerful for such a solemn place—I noticed three young Orthodox Jewish men standing together. Their body language perfectly reflected the quiet contemplation I felt at this historic site.

This image was honored with 1st Place in the People category at the Darkroomers 2024 Year End Competition.

Behind the shot:

Captured with my iPhone 14 Pro in DNG (ProRAW) format. ISO 64, f/1.8, 1/160 s

2. Timeless Passage

Why I love it:

I captured this image at Mission San Juan Capistrano, one of the most fascinating missions I’ve ever visited. The ruins of the original church immediately drew me in with their rich history and stunning textures, but it was the hidden corners and quiet corridors that truly captivated me. Every turn seemed to reveal something new, keeping me inspired and intrigued for hours.

This image was honored with 1st Place in the Architecture category at the Darkroomers 2024 Year End Competition.

Behind the shot:

Captured with my Canon EOS R6 and RF 14-35mm F4 L IS Lens. ISO 100, f/4, 1/250s

3. Fragments of Yesterday

Why I love it:

Bodie is a place I’ll never get tired of exploring. Every building has its own character, and peeking through the dusty windows feels like stepping back in time. This photo was taken through one of those windows, as interior access is rarely allowed. The objects left behind tell a thousand stories and spark the imagination, making you wonder about the lives of those who once called this place home.

This image was honored with 2nd Place in the Other category at the Darkroomers 2024 Year End Competition.

Behind the shot:

Captured with my iPhone 14 Pro in DNG (ProRAW) format. ISO 40, f/2.2, 1/110s

4. Schwoop

Why I love it:

I captured this photo at sunrise in downtown Las Vegas at the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry. The building’s sweeping curves and whimsical design feel like something straight out of Alice in Wonderland, which seems fitting for a space dedicated to brain health. The soft morning light added an extra touch of magic, highlighting the unique textures and details of this incredible structure.

This image receive an Honorable Mention in the Architecture category at the Darkroomers 2024 Year End Competition.

Behind the shot:

Captured with my Canon EOS R6 and RF 24-105mm F4 L IS Lens. ISO 100, f/7.1, 1/100s

5. Macallan the Cat

Why I love it:

Macallan—or Mac, as we usually call him—is our crazy, handsome, and delightfully hyperactive cat. This photo captures one of his rare restful yet alert moments, and I love how it shows his personality so clearly. You can see that glint of watchful mischief in his eye as he’s curled up on the back of the sofa, partially hidden behind his mountains of fur. It’s such a simple moment, but it’s so perfectly him.

This image receive an Honorable Mention in the Animals & Insects category at the Darkroomers 2024 Year End Competition.

Behind the Shot:

Captured with my iPhone 14 Pro in DNG (ProRAW) format. ISO 125, f/1.8, 1/60s

6. Academic Echoes

Why I love it:

Old rusted objects always have a way of grabbing my attention and sparking my imagination, and this rusted-out school bus at Nevada’s Nelson Ghost Town was no exception. From the dust-covered steps to the shattered glass panes, every detail tells a story of time and decay. The vibrant contrast between the bluebird sky and faded yellow paint adds an unexpected pop of color that makes this one of my absolute favorite captures of 2024.

Behind the shot:

Captured with my Canon EOS R6 and RF 14-35mm F4 L IS Lens. ISO 100, f/8 – multiple blended exposures

7. Forest Meditation

Why I love it:

Lake Mamie is a place I always make time to visit whenever I’m in the Mammoth Lakes area of California’s eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. While most tourists gather on th other side of the road to soak in the view (which is undeniably beautiful), I prefer this quieter spot. Here, the still water reflects the surrounding trees in various stages of life, creating a peaceful, almost meditative scene. It’s a view that never fails to calm my mind and remind me of nature’s quiet beauty.

Behind the shot:

Captured with my Canon EOS R6 and RF 14-35mm F4 L IS Lens. ISO 100, f/16, .4s

8. Nature’s Last Encore

Why I love it:

Nature has a way of being hauntingly beautiful, and this weathered tree is the perfect example. Bathed in the vibrant reds of the setting sun, it stands against a backdrop of vivid blue and pink clouds—a striking sight that stopped me in my tracks. This photo is also a great reminder for photographers: always turn around. While most of us focus on the sunset itself, the best view can often be in the opposite direction. That was certainly the case at Minaret Vista near Mammoth Lakes, and I’m so glad I took a moment to look back.

Behind the shot:

Captured with my Canon EOS R6 and RF 24-105mm F4 L IS Lens. ISO 100, f/13, multiple blended exposures

9. Echoes of Industry

Why I love it:

The Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA, is a treasure trove of history and fascinating details, but this boxcar immediately caught my eye. The vibrant contrast of the weathered red wood against the golden wooden boxes inside was simply striking. It feels like a glimpse into the early days of the railroad industry, with every detail telling a story of hard work, travel, and transformation. This image captures not just a moment but an era, and that’s what makes it so special to me. More photos here.

Behind the shot:

Captured with my Canon EOS R6 and RF 14-35mm F4 L IS Lens. ISO 100, f/7.1, multiple blended exposures

10. Architecture Abstract

Why I love it:

New York City is a photographer’s dream, especially when it comes to architecture. The city’s skyline is full of surprises, and this shot captures one of my favorite contrasts: the sleek, traditional lines of a typical office building on the right juxtaposed with the strikingly unique design of the World Trade Center Oculus on the left. To emphasize the contrast in architectural styles, I converted the image to black and white, stripping away the distraction of color and allowing the shapes, textures, and light to take center stage. It’s a timeless reminder of NYC’s ability to blend the classic with the unconventional.

Behind the shot:

Captured with my iPhone 14 Pro in DNG (ProRAW) format. ISO 32, f/2.8, 1/80s

Closing Thoughts

Thanks for checking out my favorite images of 2024—I hope you enjoyed them! Each of these photos has its own story, and it’s always fun to share what stood out to me over the year. Now I want to hear from you: which one is your favorite? Was it the subject, the composition, or maybe the story behind it?

Drop a comment and let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!