Despite its recent backlash, 2016 presented itself with an incredible array of opportunities. As I began to sort through and review my photos from this year, I’m still baffled at the people and events I encountered, mostly in part because of The Michigan Daily. From photographing presidential candidates and our future president, some of my favorite artists, and sitting on the turf of the Big House, my camera and I traveled through the state of Michigan and even ventured out to Iowa.
Through much self-reflection at the end of this year, I’m humbly reminded again that I would never be able to continue producing photos without your continued support. I want to extend a sincere thank you to all those who still believe and encourage me. I couldn’t do this without you.
In no particular order, I present to you my favorite 16 frames of 2016.
Senator Bernie Sanders (VT-I) speaks at his campaign rally in the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, MI, on March 7, 2016.
It was incredibly interesting to see three different presidential candidates speak. At Bernie's rally in Ann Arbor, the overwhelming demographic was young, college-aged students since it was held on the University of Michigan's campus.
Brittney Eyerly poses for a portrait in Benton Harbor, MI, in October 2016.
This year, I did a few portrait sessions for my friends and family. Usually my nemesis, I had a great time on this shoot with one of my friends from high school.
Redshirt Senior Blanca Barrio jumps for the ball against sophomore Jackie White during a game in Ann Arbor on September 9, 2016.
Although this was never used for The Daily because the focus was on the UC Riverside player, it's one of my favorite photos from the soccer games I shot.
A Tri Delt Sorority member poses for a portrait on Bid Day in Ann Arbor in September 2016.
Bid Day was quite the experience. I didn't expect it to be as overwhelming as it was, but the girls were all more than ready to have their photos taken by a stranger with a camera.
Members of the University of Michigan football team warm up for a game against the University of Iowa in Kinnick Stadium on November 12, 2016.
I had the privilege of traveling with a few other Daily staffers out to Iowa City to cover Michigan's tough loss. After the game, I was swallowed up by the fans who stormed the field. This image is the calm before the storm during warmups.
A child smiles during Vacation Bible School at the St. Joseph First United Methodist Church in July 2016.
I've photographed VBS for my church at home for a few years now, and the preschoolers' faces and emotions are always the most genuine and pure.
Lexi Funk performs on the beam during an exhibition meet against Eastern Michigan University in the Crisler Center on December 10, 2016.
Women's gymnastics is, by far, my favorite sport I've shot since beginning my journey with sports photography. The beam is my favorite event to shoot, and I always opt for this spot against this lights while the other photographers prefer shooting into the crowd.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh points to his team’s new jerseys by Nike and Jordan Brand at the Ford Piquet Avenue Plant in Detroit on August 2, 2016.
When I arrived to a random factory in Detroit, I had no idea I'd be two feet away from Jim Harbaugh and his team. Many times this year, I found myself thinking, 'What am I doing here?' This was one of the most prominent moments of this thought.
A couple smiles on the way to their wedding reception in August 2016.
This summer, I photographed my first wedding for some wonderful family friends. They were such a joy to work for and I was humbled that they allowed me to take part in their special day. Despite the rowdiness on the way to the reception, the two shared a quiet, intimate moment as the trolley barreled down the highway.
Forward Moritz Wagner reacts to a win against Central Arkansas in the Crisler Center on December 13, 2016.
One of the happiest members of Michigan's basketball team made my first men's basketball game more enjoyable.
Running back Ty Isaac scores a touchdown against Iowa in Kinnick Stadium on November 12, 2016.
The only touchdown scored by Michigan on a chilly day against Iowa. It's always interesting being in the position of a journalist at a sporting because of the expectation to remain neutral. I've discovered the joy in capturing the raw emotions of players and their fans, and their undying love for something like football.
Former Ohio state senator Nina Turner speaks at the Bernie Sanders rally on March 7, 2016 in the Crisler Center.
I had no idea this photo was taken until about a week after the event. At the time, I was drooling over Nate Ruess who was about to perform at the rally, and I turned around for a split second to see the speaker that everyone was clapping for. Turner was speaking about the tragedies in Flint, and how the state of Michigan and the United States needed someone like Bernie to lead.
Defender Luke Martin looks for the puck against the US U18 Nationals team on November 18, 2016.
Hockey has always been my favorite sport to watch, and photographing Michigan hockey has been a joy as well. This game was interesting because Michigan's opponents were all under the age of 18, made more apparent by the significant height difference between the teams.
Hillary Clinton speaks at a rally for her campaign at Wayne State University in Detroit on October 10, 2016.
In contrast to the Trump Rally, Clinton's rally was held in a much more intimate venue- a gymnasium at Wayne State University. Unlike Trump and Sanders, Clinton wore a smile for most of her speech, even when a protestor attempted to disrupt her.
Running back De’Veon Smith scores a touchdown against the University of Illinois on October 22, 2016.
Shooting my first Michigan football game was an incredible experience. I will always remember walking into the Big House on that Saturday in October hearing the fans cheering for their team. Seeing and hearing hundreds of thousands of people cheering and united for one common cause was fascinating.
Then Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump speaks at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, MI, on September 30, 2016.
Like most Americans, I had no idea that this man would be our future president. The Trump rally was one of the most memorable events I've ever covered; the moment where the crowd turned and began to shout and point fingers at the gated off journalists after Trump called us words like 'disgusting' and 'liars' will always resonate in my mind. This frame was taken at a high shutter speed, allowing most of the audience to be lost in the absence of the light shining on Trump.