The end of the year is a great time to look back and reflect on the memories of your life. My 2015 was a very momentous year, personally and professionally. If you have been keeping up with my blog, then you probably have no idea what has been going on in my life. I’m totally to blame for that, but I will make it a point to be more active on the blogging front in 2016. Promise!
This year was the first year I had my work shown in galleries. During the month of February my photo – “Bombs Bursting in Air” was part of the first ever Lancaster County Photographer’s Photo Show at Perfect Image Camera Downtown. Also, during this past November and December I had multiple photos displayed at Annex 24 for the 8th Annual Winter Artist Exposition. Some photos were framed and hanging on the wall and others just matted to flip through in a rack. Fortunately I was able to sell a few prints and anything left will either hang on my walls at home or be given to a family member or friend. It has been great to see my work printed out and displayed. I look forward to more opportunities like these.
I have also been more active on the social media scene this year. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have been my additions. I stopped using Flickr, but want to be more active there again. Instagram is probably my top choice right now.
“If Facebook is Lucky Charms, Instagram is just the marshmallows.” – Casey Neistat.
I really have met some great people through these platforms and was able to join in on some neat photowalks. One in Lancaster City awarded me honorable mention for a shot of a gentleman sweeping outside of his home. Another photowalk in Strasburg had prizes for each stop along the way and my photo of an old scooter from the antique market was given first place.
Personally speaking 2015 was a roller coaster. My wife and I split in September. It was not without heartache, but it was for the best for both of us. It has given me a renewed outlook on life and a 
motivation to do what makes me happy – Family, friends, photography, being active and travelling. Just in the last quarter of 2015 I have made trips to New York City, The Adirondacks, Philadelphia, Reading, and Baltimore to name a few (my photos page has my most recently shared images). I have also played in a few volleyball tournaments and have been to more open gyms than I can count. While not doing my own thing I have been spending quality time with my family and friends. My parents live across the river in York, and Mom is always happy to host a dinner for us every week or two (and leftovers yay!). I have been spending more time with my brother and his family as well. Last and most certainly not least,Chase is still the #1 part of my life. Many people don’t know it, but Chase is not my biological son. I legally adopted him back in 2012 following the year his “real dad” passed in a car accident. I have cared for him as my own since he was just over 1 year old. Chase t
urned 10 this year and I can’t wait to make new memories with him in 2016. I’m glad that we have the relationship that we do and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Love you buddy!
In 2016 I am planning on showing more photos at Annex 24. I worked a deal with the owners and part of it included me redesigning their website which should be launching in 2016 (stay tuned!). I am in the process of painting the extra bedroom and eventually turning it into an office/studio, which I’m very excited about. I will also do some travelling to some new locations as well as revisiting some previous spots. I also have some plans for new photo projects in the works, but I don’t want to let the cat of the bag just yet. With all that said I’m ready to ring in 2016 without looking back. But first I can’t go without thanking everyone who has been part of my life this past year and the memories I made with them. The roller coaster of 2015 ended on an incline and I know there will be more drops along the way, but I’m going to ride it screaming at the top of my lungs while stretching my arms out as far as possible into the sky!!!
The above image was from the firework display last evening at Reading. Prints can be purchased here.
Adam, Very well said. I love your outlook on all that has happened to you this year. It has made you a very special person. You have so much talent and you have taken a bad situation and turned it into something good. That is very admirable. I am glad that I got to know you and so happy that you have shared with us on your blog. Thank You for sharing. Peggy
Thank you for your kind words Peggy! 🙂
Glad to here you are starting fresh. Your attitude seems great. I absolutely know from personal experience that we learn, we grow, we love even more and we become better people from our personal miscalculations.
Glad Chase is there to keep you both feeling loved.
Greg, thanks! I know what you mean….getting to “start over” let’s you pick the pieces you want to carry on and leave behind those you would rather not.
great blog Adam, I look forward to seeing more GREAT photography out of you in 2016!
Thanks Chad…. The photowalk you put together in Strasburg was great. I hope to see more of those in the future! Thanks again!
Hi Adam, as someone who inspired me to set up my own web page, I’m glad to see your blog and wish you all the best. Your work is beautiful! Having been at this for 2 1/2 years now (hard to believe!!), I am starting to critique my own work much more and love the growth process. We have 2 great photography Meet Up groups here in Tampa, and it’s a great way to connect with other photographers. I am headed to Baltimore next weekend to see Jen and Heath, bringing my mirrorless with me 🙂 Would LOVE to come to DC for a photowalk so if you ever find one let me know! Have a great 2016 🙂
Kelly, thanks so much! I’m so glad to hear you have been continuing with your photography adventure and your meetup group experiences are as positive as mine! I just visited Heath and Jen the other week….their new house is awesome. I would also love to shoot in DC…maybe for the cherry blossoms??