2011 - It Was a Very Good Year

One year and two days ago, I blogged that one of my New Year's Resolutions was to blog more.  Well...that was my last blog post before this one.  My original plan was every time I photographed an event or anything of interest, I'd share a few photos on the blog and write a few sentences about it.  Simple enough, right?  Apparently not.  I also resolved in last year's blog to lose 15 pounds and, well, lets just say that I already know what my resolutions are for 2012.  :)

I had the opportunity to photograph so many amazing events and experiences this year, but since I didn't blog about any of it during the year, I am fining myself one full vacation day in order to take the time to put this blog post together.  So here is my trip down memory lane for 2011.  I hope you enjoy checking out these photographs as much as I enjoyed making them.

Beginning January 1, I shot a photo every day of the year (well, almost every day) with my iPhone and posted it on my iPhone Photo a Day photostream on my Facebook page.  I plan to detail this project more in a blog post in the near future.

January 20

The grand opening of NASA's Greenest Facility, the Propellants North Administration and Maintenance Facility at Kennedy Space Center.  I was honored to be invited to this event when they asked to use my photo in the new facility.


February 24

My parents and I took a semi-spontaneous trip down to Titusville to view and photograph the final launch of Discovery.  The photo on the top/left was shot by my dad.


February 26

The Rugged Maniac 5K in Bostwick, Florida.


April 06

My co-worker Laura asked if I could photograph her bathroom remodel so she could enter it into a contest for This Old House Magazine.  She did not win the contest, but shortly after, she was contacted by This Old House who wanted to feature her remodel in the magazine!  They did use their own photographer, but I was certainly happy to help Laura get her great remodel noticed.

 

May 07

The first annual Tim Tebow Classic Invitational Golf Tournament.  Pictured below in order is: Tim Tebow, Adrian Peterson, Urban Meyer, Maurkice Pouncey, Fred Taylor, Fred Durst, Scott Van Pelt, John Lynch


May 10

Tuesday at the Players
 

May 16

Endeavour STS-134 launch.  I was very fortunate to be invited to attend the final launch of Endeavour.  An absolutely amazing experience.  The photo on the bottom/left was shot by my dad.


July 04

4th of July Fireworks at Jacksonville Beach

July 29

Shortly after the renovations to Friendship Fountain in Downtown Jacksonville were completed, I took an evening drive to town to shoot a few photographs.  I entered one of the photos into the 2011 Florida Travel & Life Photo Contest, and was able to shed my self-imposed "One Trick Pony" status when it was chosen as the winner in the Cityscapes Category and featured in the magazine!


August 13

Night Photowalk in St. Augustine with the Jacksonville Photography Meetup Group.  It's no secret that night photography is my favorite type of photography.  Check out the Photo Contest I mentioned above.  The photo on the top/left received an honorable mention in that same contest.  :-)


August 27

Surfing Hurricane Irene at Jacksonville Beach

September 11

A few photos I shot from my seat while enjoying the sights and sounds of freedom with my dad at opening day on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

  

October 1

Scott Kelby Photowalk in Downtown Jacksonville


  October 15

I had the privilege of again photographing the Race For Fetal Hope 5K/FunRun/Expo, benefitting the Fetal Hope Foundation, and again I had a fantastic time.  I already have my calendar marked for the 2012 Race For Fetal Hope on September 29.  Please consider marking yours as well.


October 16

I photographed many amazing events this year.  It's hard to choose my favorite but this one is certainly on the short list.  As soon as the Race for Fetal Hope was over, I jumped on a plane to meet my parents in Pittsburgh where we attended the Jaguars-Steelers game.  Thanks to the help and generosity of my brother-in-law, Brett, the trip is certainly one we will never forget.


October 27

My first high school football game.  Flagler Palm Coast at Sandalwood, photographed for Jacksonville.com.  Thanks to Karl Schweinfurth for showing me the ropes.


While photographing around town for Jacksonville.com, I had the opportunity to photograph many talented local musicians.  Pictured below, among others, are members of The Shifters, Radio 80 and Hipp Street.

  I also had the opportunity to photograph many events at Nocatee, including the Farmers Markets and Christmas Tree Lighting Party where I had the opportunity to meet many very nice people. 

December 03

An airplane makes an emergency landing on Interstate 295 South, just before the off-ramp to Interstate 95 South. 

December 20

Just when I thought my photography year was winding down, I was honored and surprised to discover that my Waterway to Orbit Endeavour STS-130 photo was selected as an Honorable Mention in the 2011 National Geographic Photo Contest.  Of 20,989 amazing entries from all over the world, there were 3 winners and 11 honorable mentions.  Wow!  It's been a really cool couple of weeks, watching my photo pop up on so many national websites.  It amazes and humbles me that after almost two years, this photo still speaks to so many people.  Thanks so much to Keith Garrett for encouraging me to enter the photo into the contest. 
 

Finally, thanks to everyone who has supported my photography, and thanks sooo much to my family for putting up with me over the past year!

I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for us!

God Bless and Happy New Year!

Jimmy