This week I’ve shared my favorite scenic photos and portraits from the last year, and I’ve saved my favorite Best of 2018 collection for last.
I have a broad range of interests within photography, including commercial, editorial, portraiture, landscapes, and events. One common theme comes through in my work, though — I tell stories. I see so much beauty in the human experience, and I am compelled to document it. My true nature as a photographer is that of a journalist.
Here is some of my favorite photojournalism and street photography from 2018. Many of these photos were taken for my commercial clients, and many were taken just for fun. I hope you enjoy these people’s stories as much as I do.
About a hundred brave and slightly insane people jumped into frozen Lake Anne to raise money for Camp Sunshine, a charity that helps children with cancer. You can see chunks of ice floating in the water in this picture.
After the Parkland school shooting, children at Lake Anne Elementary School held a rally to express their hopes for gun control and a reduction in gun crime.
Other protests were held all over the area after the Parkland shooting, including this rally outside the NRA Headquarters in Fairfax. [More photos from this NRA protest]
On March 24th, I photographed the March for Our Lives in DC, a massive, student-led protest to demand gun violence prevention measures. [More photos of the fascinating people in this crowd]
This looks like a posed engagement portrait or family photo, but it was all candid. I don’t know these people, and they didn’t know I was photographing them. But when I saw this happy reunion between the man and the woman happening at the same time that the girl finally reached the top of the statue, I had to take a picture. It’s a just a lovely moment of people-watching.
Captain America fielded questions from children in the press room of the Pentagon. I loved the eagerness of the miniature journalists.
In May, I took a long weekend trip to New York City, where my favorite thing to do is watch people. This city is a gold mine for street photography and human stories. I like the look on this police officer’s face as he guards Trump Tower — I can read so much into it, but I’ll leave it to your interpretation. [More of my photos from New York]
This poor guy got hit by a taxi as he was walking in a pedestrian crosswalk. He responded by screaming at the taxi driver, and I grabbed the moment. He looks even more pissed in his reflection in the window. [More of my photos from New York]
I photographed lots of fun and lovely moments at the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, but this one particularly makes me smile — it’s a photographer joyfully chatting about his work with a visitor, and I can definitely relate to his enthusiasm. [More of my photos of the Fine Arts Festival]
This is how Lake Anne does the Fourth of July. [More photos from Reston’s July 4th celebrations]
And this is how Reston Town Center does summer. [More photos from the splash pad at RTC]
I caught a huge moment in this band’s concert — during their performance, the fountains turned on unexpectedly, soaking the band and all their equipment! This photograph is the exact moment when it happened. [More about the time when Rocknoceros got soaked]
I always enjoy assignments with Reston Community Center, especially when they involve children. Here are kids flying paper airplanes at STEAM camp. [More photos from Reston summer camps]
The highlight of the 2018 Smithsonian Folklife Festival were the human towers that stood high above the National Mall. At the top of each tower was a tiny and fearless child who would raise her hand to the sky when she reached the summit. [More photos of these brave performers]
After more than 50 years of display at Lake Anne Plaza, the last of the original decorative icons was removed from the pharmacy exterior to prepare for new businesses moving in. These beloved sculptures will be preserved for eventual display by the Reston Museum. [More photos and information about the removal of the Pharmacy icons]
I salute this hard-working dad. Bravo to you, dude. [More photos from Bristol’s Upfest]
This photo is full of interesting details. I love the musician’s mohawk, the boy’s hand on his mother’s back, the hanging flower baskets, and the cathedral in the background. [More photos of our trip to Somerset]
My cousin, Colonel Heather Carlisle, made history when she became the commander of the 596th Transportation Brigade at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point in North Carolina. She is the first woman to serve in that role. This was the moment the title was bestowed upon her. [See more photos of her Change of Command]
Colonel Carlisle then fired the traditional cannon to announce the Change of Command. Somehow I managed to capture the fraction of a second when flames shot out of the cannon. You couldn’t even see the flames as it was happening. [See more photos of her Change of Command]
Back in my neighborhood, the Reston community was enjoying a plethora of summer events, including live music at Lake Anne Plaza every Thursday evening. Here’s a fun moment from Salsa Night that really captures the nightlife of this fantastic community. [More scenes from Lake Anne’s outdoor concerts]
Meanwhile, this scene really sums up the feel of Lake Anne by day. This woman chose a peaceful spot to do her morning yoga.
This was the emotional moment when the country’s newest Americans celebrated after being announced US citizens at the Reston Multicultural Festival’s naturalization ceremony. [More photos from the vibrant and delightful Reston Multicultural Festival]
This was another delightful moment at the Reston Multicultural Festival, when African drummers and dancers invited kids on stage to show them some moves. I love this festival and had a hard time narrowing down photos, so check out more [HERE]
In October, it was a contentious week in DC as the Senate approached a vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh as the next Supreme Court justice. I photographed multiple anti-Kavanaugh protests on the streets of Capitol Hill and at the Senate Office Building. [More photos from these protests]
[More photos from these protests]
On the day after Thanksgiving, I photographed one of my favorite local events, the Reston Holiday Parade at Reston Town Center. It’s always a fun show of dancers, bands, steppers, costumed performers, and JROTC groups. [More from the Reston Holiday Parade]
On the evening after the parade, Reston Town Center hosted a tree lighting ceremony that began with a performance of the Nutcracker by Conservatory Ballet. [More photos of the ballet dancers]
The holiday season continued with a visit from Santa to Lake Anne. Of course, Santa arrives there each year in true Reston fashion — by pontoon boat, while crowds of adoring fans cheer. [See this photo as the cover of Reston Connection]
I took time off over the holidays, but first I visited the LightUp Fest at One Loudoun in Ashburn. I saw this father and his daughter silhouetted against the lanterns, so I got my camera ready and hoped something interesting would happen. Then he lifted her and I clicked. It was a lovely end to a beautiful year. [More photos from the LightUp Fest]
I want to send sincere thanks to my clients, colleagues, friends, family, and online community for your support over the years. My freelance career requires a network of people who believe in me, and I appreciate you daily.
If you enjoyed these photos, please check out my events gallery to see similar photos from previous years. You might enjoy the touching stories in my weddings gallery, too.
Would you like me to document a community, commercial, or private event? I’d love to help you with your article, social media, marketing, or other project. Please contact me and let me know what’s on your mind.
Related posts:
Another gorgeous year: Some of my favorite scenic photos of 2018
A year of fascinating people: Some of my favorite portraits of 2018
Some of my favorite scenic photos of 2017
Some of my favorite scenic photos from 2016
My favorites of the year: Portraits
My favorites of the year: Weddings
My awards for documentary photography
My Day in the Life photography services
