The Best of 2015

The Best Photo Events of 2015:  A tie between the Great Smokey Mountain’s Nature Photography Summit and His Light’s “Christmas in the Smokies” with Joe McNally & Anne Cahill.  Much hand wringing took place before the Summit, but with a stellar team of instructors, hard work by April Love and our full team, it was a smashing event!  The time with  Joe and Anne in the Smokies was my most anticipated event!  I love both of them dearly and it turned out to be more wonderful than even my greatest expectations!  These two events reminded me of why I love beings photo education so much!

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Portrait of Jim by Joe McNally

My Spiritual Mentor of 2015 (and for several years prior)!  Jim Haverstock has been my sounding board, patient counselor, photo buddy and my dear friend.  We all need someone to just be our friend, to listen quietly, but speak boldly when we need to hear it.  As Bruce Willis would say, he’s that guy!  Thank you Jim.

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The most exciting outreach of 2015!  This new group of brothers and sisters in Christ are going to reach thousand of people for Him.

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The Best Films I’ve Seen this Year:    A tie for Number 1, War Room and Woodlawn, followed closely by number 2; Do You Believe.  All three of these Christian Films are first class films, with incredible messages.  The Christian Film industry is catching up with Hollywood on quality and has raced way passed them on substance!

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Proudest Moment for Harlan, Kentucky and Best Song of 2015:  Jordan Smith wowed America with his wonderful voice, and steadfast service to God and witness for Him.  I’m so proud of him and happy for him!  Finally a good guy wins!  Best Song:  Mary Did You Know?

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My Best Moment Alone in the Wilderness:   On the trip out of Zion, all of us driving in our own vehicles,  I was alone and found one of my favorite spots at the perfect time of day for the light on the Red Rocks.  I’ve photographed this scene many times, in snow, rain and bad light.  This day was different, it was near the end of a long season and near the end of a long workshop, I was alone, just standing there looking at one of my favorite scenes in any national park, it was a great moment.  This is the best part of being a shooter!

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22 Great Reasons for my being thankful, every day, for the life God has given me!  Can’t wait to see what He has in store for 2016!

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My favorite new toy.   I picked up an X30 for those moments when I don’t want to carry a full size camera. Once I started using it I was so impressed it is a constant companion.  The lens a 28-112 zoom is very sharp, the features are substantial, but gladly the camera is not!!!!

Blessings and Happy New Year,

the pilgrim

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Almost forgot, best new lens of the year!!  The Fuji 90mm f 2  What can I say, everyone that has shot with it buys it, enough said!  Built like a tank, sharper than you can imagine, and just plain fun to use!