Flashlight art on New Years Eve
As 2009 creeps to the horizon, I'm taking a moment to think back and hand pick 20 photos that sum up my 33rd year on planet Earth.

I'm talking about the memories and stories here - if you find technical prowess in the photos, it's just coincidence because I picked these for multiple reasons. We managed some superb trips and massive memories. Brooke trained for, and competed in, her first triathalon. I managed to make this website a reality. At the top of the "2009 FAIL" list: Chloe, our 2-year-old, isn't potty trained yet. It's not for lack of trying.

Shot with the Tokina 19-35mm
Mark makes the transition from shooting film to joining the modern age of digital photography.  He says, "When the Canon 5D emerged with that famous full-frame sensor, I eyed her like a stalker, behind my wife's back. How could I possibly break the news that I wanted to spend a few thousand bucks on a camera?  'No, really, we can sell the washing machine.  Why can't you just use a washboard and bucket?'"

My buddy Bobby once declared to me, "My pictures suck. I want a better camera."

Like many hopeful lensmen weighing their first camera against their first 8 gigs-worth of digital photos, he was thinking man, I didn't spend enough money on a quality camera.

I just had to tell him that the problem wasn't the camera, but him. We're friends.  I can take that risk. By the way, that's not Bobby to the right.  That's K.C. practically getting off on his new Canon G9.