As I reflect on 2024, I find myself grappling with the duality of a year that was both incredibly challenging and deeply rewarding. It was a year of personal loss, creative achievements, and self-discovery—a rollercoaster that left me bruised and battered but with a stronger sense of resilience and mental clarity than ever before. Throughout this blog, I will share some of my favorite photos as I talk through what happened, offering a visual journey alongside my reflections on the moments that shaped this transformative year.
The toughest personal challenge was losing Baylee, my best friend and loyal companion of 16 years. Baylee was by my side through countless adventures, offering unconditional love and support. Even now, the loss feels too raw to write about fully, but her absence has been a constant reminder of the depth of love we shared and the importance of cherishing life’s connections.
"Through photographing animals, I don’t just capture their beauty—I find moments of stillness and healing, a reminder that nature holds the power to restore and soothe the soul."
Despite the grief, I’ve found immense solace and healing through photography. My main goal this year was to focus on healing my mental health and processing the grief of losing my Mom. My spiritual coach’s advice—“Go for walks, take your camera, and learn to really see the world around you”—became my guiding mantra. And it worked. Slowly, through viewing the world through my lens, I rediscovered the beauty and resilience of life. Over two years, I’ve learned that no matter the challenges, I can make it through anything solo.
"Through the lens of wildlife photography, I found a sanctuary for my grief—a space where the beauty of nature gently whispered that life, in all its fragility and resilience, continues to unfold."
2024 was also a year of milestones and accomplishments that I’m proud to celebrate. Highlights include:
Having my work featured in two conservation magazine articles (with my own photos!)
Earning three wins at the Saanich Fair
Receiving a CAPA award
Collecting seven Gallery Ring photography awards
Seeing one of my photos published in the international magazine F-Stop
In addition, I:
Completed 100 photography adventure blogs
Photographed 83 different species of urban birds
Posted 30 YouTube Shorts as an experiment, just to see if I could
"Switching my camera to black and white felt like seeing the world with fresh eyes—stripping away the distraction of color to focus on texture, light, and emotion. It reminded me that sometimes, to truly see, you have to let go of what you're used to."
All of this happened while navigating personal health challenges, including surgery. Looking back, I’m reminded of how much strength it took to push through, but also how rewarding it was to come out on the other side with new perspectives and achievements.
"Through capturing the essence of animals with my camera, I uncover not only their beauty but also a profound sense of calm; each photograph reminds me that nature heals and offers solace in life’s challenges."
I couldn’t have made it through this year without the unconditional support of a few key people (you know who you are). Thank you for standing by me through every challenge, for listening, encouraging, and reminding me of my strength when I needed it most. Your support meant the world to me, and I am endlessly grateful to have you in my life.
"Each bird in flight and each quiet moment with a curious creature reminded me that healing is not a destination but a journey of connection—one that taught me to find hope in the smallest signs of life."
Through it all, I was fortunate to have a few special friends who supported, encouraged, and reminded me of my own strength. Their words and actions reminded me that I am, indeed, a “badass” when I focus on self-improvement and blazing my own trail.
So here’s to 2024—a crazy, challenging, and rewarding ride! As the year ends, I’m filled with gratitude for the growth, the lessons, and the moments of joy that came my way. And as I look toward 2025, I’m ready to blaze even more trails, embracing each day like a sunset—unique, fleeting, and filled with its own beauty. Here's to discovering new horizons and continuing to explore the wonders of this incredible world.
Cheers to a new year full of opportunities, adventures, and healing!
What a wonderful summary of the year just past. And because of your persistence,you will be that much stronger to meet whatever challenges you have in the year ahead.
This! This is amazing! A powerful testament to your strength, resilience and passion! The pictures add to your unique and personal insight during different points of 2024. Phenomenal work, Jen! More awards for you in 2025 for you!!
Incredible