As we approach the end of the year, as in years past, I look back at the work I have done, and then put together the highlights.

The moments that were captured stand out, but also, the greater context of them. Where I was, and more importantly, who I was with. When I am reviewing the year’s archive, I not only look for particular images that I knew stood out, but also, the connection to the place, time and people I may have been with. The image becomes more than just an image when there is that added context to them. That’s what I always look for when I’m doing these reviews. I have had the great fortune to have met so many incredible photographers (and even more than that, amazing people).

The additional element to this year’s retrospective is a challenge from a friend of mine, who asked me to create a Facebook album of my 17 favorite photos. The slideshow contains these 17 images.

January featured a trip to Boston to attend a memorial for my friend Paul Kempley. Later in the month, I met up with some local photographers, very dear friends, for a casual meet up. We always have a fantastic time, but it seems that January is the only time we can all get together.

February was spent locally, I continued to look for good winter sunrises, as well as some wanderings in the loop capturing the spirit of Chicago.

At the end of April, my great friend Cathie and I met up in the Smokies. Probably the biggest highlight of the year for me, I had never spent time there. But I will be going back!

June featured the Out of Chicago Conference, where I resumed my duties as photowalk coordinator with help of my friend Bryan Esler. It’s always an amazing experience, and just being a small part of the show has been an incredible experience. I’m looking forward to the 2018 Summer conference, I’ll be back as photowalk coordinator!

The rest of the summer was spent with various meet ups with local friends. And then, the last weekend of August, I flew to Raleigh Durham and spent an extended weekend with Cathie again. We played a hell of a lot of mini golf, which was great, because most of the time, we’re running from location to location to photograph. It was nice stepping back and just enjoying each other’s company, albeit competitively. But, the trip started with Cathie and I meeting up with Dan Thompkins for sunset on the Friday I arrived. I’ve known Dan for a few years through Facebook, but I finally got to meet him and his wife Carolyn. That made it all the more special.

In September, I helped out on a street photography workshop conducted by my friends Mike Boening and Jamie MacDonald, two absolutely incredible photographers and better guys. Jamie unfortunately was not able to make the trip, but, I did what I could, hobbling in the boot because I had just been diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis. The weekend was a blast, even with having to wear Das Boot. Later in September, I finally had the chance to photograph Chicagohenge. On the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun sets down the east-west streets in the Loop. That is the final image in the slideshow.

2017 was a great year. It did not feature as much travel as I have done in recent years. But, I maximized the times I did travel, and explored the local environs. Next year is shaping up to be another great year, with some trips already planned, as well as the possibility of a couple of others.

Thank you for continuing on this journey with me. Have a wonderful holiday season!