2025 Year In Review - Growth, Reflection, and Gratitude
- rtvdmn
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Already a month has passed in 2026, and before the rest of the year keeps moving forward, I wanted to pause and reflect on some of the moments that defined 2025. It was a year filled with opportunity, connection, and purpose. While there were countless clients, projects, and stories I was honored to be part of, I wanted to share a condensed look at some of the highlights that made each month special.
Whether you are a high-end business, a nonprofit, or someone with a personal story to tell, I am deeply grateful for every opportunity to serve. I hold a great deal of respect and gratitude for every client I worked with throughout the year. The value of my work is measured by the people I get to work alongside and the stories I get to help bring to life. Every project in 2025 was approached with intention, care, and appreciation.
January - Pistons vs. Trail Blazers, Chauncey Billups Hall of Fame Night + Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
January was an unforgettable way to start the year. Shooting the Pistons vs. Trail Blazers game on Chauncey Billups’ Hall of Fame night felt symbolic in so many ways. The alignment of it being the first month of the year, honoring a player who wore number one, made the moment even more meaningful.
For me personally, this night will always stand out. It was the first NBA game I ever shot, and getting the opportunity to meet Chauncey Billups afterward was surreal. He was one of my favorite athletes growing up, not just because of his talent as a point guard, but because of how deeply he valued winning as a team. That mindset is something I connected with immediately and something I continue to carry into how I build my brand and business today.
Later in the month, I had the opportunity to shoot the Lions vs. Vikings game at Ford Field. From a creative standpoint, I was especially excited about how the stadium lights would reflect off the debut jerseys. The neon glow inside the tunnel created a unique visual atmosphere that made every frame feel intentional. With the Lions securing a 31–9 win, the energy in the building made it an incredible game to capture.
February -1 Girl Revolution Event with Kate Milligan JoJo Dries On The Wings of Angels, Sherelle Hogan Pure Heart Foundation
February brought together powerful connections in a way that felt naturally aligned. I already knew Kate Milligan through her sister, and being able to witness the connection between JoJo Dries of On The Wings of Angels and Sherelle Hogan of the Pure Heart Foundation made the event even more special.
Being surrounded by strong women who are leaders in Detroit was inspiring. Each of them brings impact in their own way, and the day was filled with meaningful conversations, shared purpose, and genuine moments. It was one of those experiences that reminded me how important storytelling is when it highlights people who are creating real change.
March - Big Ten Championship Gymnastics
March took me to the Big Ten Gymnastics Championship, and it was an unforgettable experience. I had the opportunity to follow Olivia Karas, a Big Ten analyst, along with Cory Tomlinson, who served as the MC for the day. Watching both of them work, on camera and behind the scenes, offered a perspective I truly appreciated. One of the standout moments was witnessing Olympic gold medalist and TIME Magazine honoree Jordan Chiles as she led her UCLA Bruins to the Big Ten Championship. Capturing moments where discipline, excellence, and history intersect is one of the reasons I love what I do.
April - Amon-Ra St. Brown Youth Camp with FlexWork
In April, I documented the Amon-Ra St. Brown Youth Camp hosted with FlexWork. Amon-Ra represents the city of Detroit with authenticity, grit, and relentless work ethic. Seeing how much he is loved by the community and how intentionally he pours back into it was powerful.
I am incredibly grateful for the relationship I have built with FlexWork. Being trusted to capture moments that reflect both athletic excellence and community investment is something I truly value.
May - David Montgomery Youth Camp with FlexWork
In May, I had the opportunity to capture the David Montgomery Youth Camp alongside FlexWork. Being surrounded by young athletes full of energy and excitement was a powerful reminder of how impactful these moments can be. Watching David Montgomery give back so intentionally, sharing his skills, time, and encouragement with the kids, made the day feel bigger than football. It was about leadership, access, and creating experiences that inspire the next generation.
June - Punta Cana for Interparfums Exclusive Product Introduction Event + Calvin Johnson Camp and Golf Outing
June took me to Punta Cana for an exclusive product introduction event in the fragrance industry, shot on behalf of Vibe Agency. The event brought together people from all over the world, connected by creativity, storytelling, and brand vision. Staying at the brand-new W Resort and being immersed in an industry I had never worked in before made the experience exciting and refreshing. It was new territory for me, and I loved being part of something so elevated and intentional.
Later in the month, I captured the Calvin Johnson Youth Camp and Golf Outing. Calvin is someone I have always respected, on and off the field, and seeing him pour wisdom into the next generation was powerful. His message around consistency and hard work applies far beyond football. The golf outing brought together many influential figures from Detroit to support the Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation, and documenting that collective effort for such an important cause was an honor.
July - Lomas Brown Jr. Foundation Golf Outing + Jameson Williams Youth Camp with FlexWork
July was highlighted by the Lomas Brown Jr. Foundation Golf Outing, a massive and meaningful project. I have been serving Lomas for nearly ten years, and seeing his foundation take over hosting the annual outing at Detroit Country Club felt like a full-circle moment. With former teammates like Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson in attendance, the event raised over $200,000 to support underprivileged youth across Southeast Michigan.
That same month, I worked another youth camp with FlexWork, this time with Jameson Williams. He brought along Kerby Joseph, and together they created an energetic and impactful experience for the kids. Watching young athletes connect with professionals they admire and feel seen and encouraged is always one of the most rewarding parts of this work.
August - Jaden Ivey Basketball Camp + Kerry Carpenter Baseball Camp with FlexWork
August was filled with youth camps, starting with the Jaden Ivey Basketball Camp and followed by the Kerry Carpenter Baseball Camp, both in partnership with FlexWork. It was incredible to watch kids meet professional athletes and realize that their dreams are possible with dedication and passion. These camps were about more than sports. They gave kids a chance to believe in themselves, to see what hard work can lead to, and to understand that investing in what you love is always worth it. Capturing those moments of excitement and inspiration is something I never take for granted.
September - The Louie Lee Show Opening for Uncle Cracker
September brought one of the biggest crowds I had seen at a Louie Lee show, as he opened for Uncle Cracker. It was such a cool moment to capture, especially knowing how much Louie has worked to get to that stage. Opening for a legendary artist created an opportunity to expand the fan base and introduce Louie’s music to a wider audience. The energy was high, the crowd was engaged, and being able to document that growth and momentum was incredibly rewarding.
October - Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals
+ Michigan State vs. UCLA
+ OPmobility Troy Grand Opening
October was packed with variety. Shooting the Lions at Bengals game was my second NFL game overall and my first of the season. Away games are my favorite to photograph. There is something special about the feeling of your team against an entire city. When your team wins, you get to bring that victory home, and every time feels surreal.
I also photographed my first college football game, Michigan State vs. UCLA. While it was different from the NFL, the college atmosphere was electric. I did not attend many college football games during my own college years, so experiencing and capturing that environment felt special.
Later in the month, I worked with OPmobility for the second time, photographing their Troy grand opening on behalf of Auditoire. It was an honor to continue building a relationship with a company I deeply respect.
November - Wedding in Japan + Exploring Bali and Thailand
November was deeply personal. I got married on 11.11 at a hotel near Mount Fuji, surrounded by both my Japanese and American friends. Watching those two worlds connect, seeing my American friends embrace Japanese culture and my Japanese friends experience an American wedding, was incredibly meaningful. It felt like a bridge coming together in real time. The month also included time spent exploring Japan, Bali and Thailand, experiences I had once thought I might never have. From ancient temples to moments of stillness and reflection, the trip reinforced lessons around gratitude, balance, and slowing down. It was a reminder that creativity and inspiration often come from simply being present.
December - Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Rams
December wrapped the year with the Lions at Rams game at SoFi Stadium. After attending a game there as a spectator in 2023, returning as a photographer on the field felt full circle.
Even though the Lions did not take the win, the atmosphere inside SoFi is unmatched. Being part of that environment and capturing such a high-level game was an incredible way to close out the year and a reminder of how far this journey has taken me.
Looking back on 2025 Year In Review, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for every client, collaborator, and opportunity that trusted me with their story. Each project, whether big or small, played a role in shaping a year I will never forget. Being invited into these moments is something I never take lightly, and I am thankful for everyone who made this journey possible. As I step into 2026, I am excited for the new relationships, stories, and experiences still to come. To those who have been part of the journey and to those I have yet to meet, thank you for allowing me to do what I love.
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