What a year it has been! I can’t believe 2023 has already come and gone, yet the new year begins in under 36 hours.

Rather than doing a new entry for In Review for December, we’ll be taking a look back at the whole year of 2023. To say it has been an exciting year would be an understatement, and so much has happened over the last twelve months. So with that, let’s jump right in and take a look back at the year that was.

Up next for this project is to compile all the best images with some additional information on the birds and put it together in a book - my hope is to release that before the end of March 2024, so stay tuned for future updates on this final stage of the Birds of Delmarva Project!

The year wouldn’t be complete without thinking back to all the amazing experiences I had at Assateague Island either! To have such a magical place so close to home is a real blessing, and I enjoy each and every trip I make to there. It isn’t just about the horses either (though they definitely play a big role in what draws me there). The landscapes and sights are equally as amazing, and the mostly untouched wilderness of the island offers so many opportunities to capture amazing landscapes from unique points of view. Of course, documenting the wild horses is fun and exciting as well, and no matter how many times you capture them on camera you can almost always expect an exciting encounter with them.

Adventures aside, this year was the first full-calendar year I spent doing photography full-time. It has been full of ups and downs, but I sort of expected that - running a business is never smooth sailing, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. The business has done better than expected, and I ultimately made about $5,000 more than I projected this year. 2024 looks to be even better yet, and I can’t wait to apply some of what I’ve learned this year to continue growing the business and successes of 2023.

It was through the business side of my photography that I also set out to donate at least $1,000 through the Photographer’s Promise program - the philanthropic side of my business. Ultimately, the donations only reached about half that goal ($495), but to know that my work contributed to the efforts of organizations like the Assateague Island Alliance, MERR, and the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays still makes me proud.

Looking ahead to 2024, I’m extremely optimistic about all the new opportunities and excitement on the horizon.

I’ve spent some time the last few weeks trying to get myself set up and organized to make it an even better year than 2023 was, and can’t wait to get started working on growing as a photographer and person.

Thank you all for taking the time to check-in and read this latest edition of In Review. It has been a wonderful year, and I am so grateful that you’ve come along for the ride with me.

Here’s to another year full of adventures in 2024. Happy New Year!

- Tyler

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