My submission for the Aminus3 Photography prompt, Favorite-2025. The concept of “favorite” is something I have had difficulty with my entire life. I cannot properly quantify a favorite of anything. However, I can find a photo that I deeply enjoy due to the memories tied around it. That made it a little more difficult for me to pick a frame from this year, because 2025 was memorable for me.

This past July my wife had some time off from work and we drove out to the mountains to explore western Maryland. We had driven out the night before and slept in our truck in a Sheetz parking lot. When we had woken up and started our real trip it was still before the sun was up, and we had been driving through light fog. I crested a hill and saw this scene, so I drove down to the McDonald’s parking lot and turned around. I found an equipment rental place that I pulled into their driveway and got my camera out.

I think that’s what really excites me about my photography. I shoot a lot, and only a portion of what I shoot is to be shared. Much of my work is for me to bridge myself back to a time and place that I was fortunate enough to freeze, just so I can remember everything that the frame doesn’t have in it.

2025 was exciting for me. My wife was stationed at the Pentagon, and we relocated to Arlington VA. I have spent a lot of time exploring the surrounding area, but modestly so I could save to go to Texas for my daughter’s wedding earlier in December. Now I am going to push myself this next year, more than I did this one, and I am excited for the possibilities that 2026 offers.

I do hope that everyone moves into this new year safely and healthy.