On Christmas Eve, amid family hustle and social media’s negative review of 2016, I choose gratitude. Reflecting on growth at LPJ Photography, I’m thankful for clients who trusted my creative vision. I believe in appreciating the year’s hidden treasures and I’m ready for a hopeful 2017.

Competitive youth sports often attract entitled parents living through their children, yet my experience taught me responsibility, inclusivity, and the value of hard work. The lessons learned, enduring bonds formed, and fun had made sports an invaluable part of my upbringing and family life.

A photographer reflects on her empowering experience with an extraordinary but shy client, Kristy, which inspired them to share their work broadly, resulting in a published piece. They encourage others to take risks and value their unique contributions.

The photographer, a life long sports fan, reflects on the deeper significance of sports rivalry beyond winning or losing. Even in sports rivalries, it’s the relationships, not just the games, that stir her passion, culminating in a sentiment that, regardless of the outcome, she wins through her connections with both teams.

A lifelong Tar Heel, I’ve surprisingly developed affection for the East Carolina Pirates, influenced by work covering their athletics. Through photographing ECU’s various sports as a stand-in for my mentor, I’ve grown to admire their welcoming and impressive D1 spirit and eagerly anticipate future opportunities.