2015: A Year of Photos in Review

Panoramic view of Washington, DC taken during rooftop event
As 2015 comes to a close, I can barely believe how fast the year has gone by. So many events, headshots, commercial shoots, landscapes, and portraits have been fit into this year. Based on the image count in my Lightroom catalog, it looks like I made over 200,000 images in 2015. Many of those images will never see the light of day, but throughout the year I’ve looked at every single of those images to decide what meets the standards that I’ve set for myself and that my clients have come to expect.

2015 marks the first full year (January through December) that I’ve worked as a full time, self employed, small business owner. I couldn’t have done with without the support of friends, family, and clients (both old and new). I’m incredibly grateful to my ongoing clients who continue to work with me to help them build their brands, and my new clients who have taken a chance on something different.

I’ve been afforded some amazing opportunities. This year alone I photographed President Obama and a dozen members of his presidential cabinet. I traveled to Georgia, California, Florida, New York, and Tennessee on assignment — I suppose you can count next door neighbors Virginia and Maryland too :-). I’ve photographed events ranging to a few dozen in size to over 4,000 attendees. I’ve worked with non-profits, international organizations, universities, publications, startups, and multi-national corporations. I’ve met and chatted with Steve Sasson, the inventor of the digital camera (pretty cool, huh?).This has all occurred because of the trust that my clients have given me, and I am immensely grateful for it.

Most importantly (for me and my clients), I’ve grown as a photographer and continue to grow. Next year’s images should be better than the last year’s, with each year raising the bar. And though I’ve been privileged with access and opportunities I never dreamed of, what’s more important than who I’ve photographed is how the images have turned out. A good photo is a good photo, regardless of whether you know the person in the photograph. I hold this principle at the core of my work, and give every subject my all, wether I know them or not.

I have some big ideas for 2016, and ways to continue to momentum of creativity.

Thank you for everything you’ve done, even if it’s just visiting this site and looking at this post. I’m looking forward to seeing you in the New Year!

If you’re new to my site and are interested in discussing ideas in 2016 for your organization’s event photos, marketing and advertising images, or headshots just send me an email at jason@jasondixson.com.

President Obama speaks to the National League of Cities in Washington, DC
President Obama speaks to the National League of Cities in Washington, DC
First Lady Michelle Obama
Vice President Joe Biden in Nashville, TN
Vice President Joe Biden in Nashville, TN
Malala Yousafzai speaking at an event in Washington, DC
Malala Yousafzai with children at an event in Washington, DC
Malala Yousafzai autographing a young girl's book at an event in Washington, DC
Secretary of State John Kerry accepting the Diplomat of the Year Award
President Obama greets people walking along the photo line
Excited youth at the NLC conference
Energy and enthusiasm on-stage at the NLC Conference
3500 youth at BBYO's 2015 International Convention
Youth gather at BBYO's 2015 International Convention
Flo Rida performs for a youth audience
The National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Ronald Reagan Building
Candid moment at the National Cherry Blossom Pink Tie Party
Mark Jackson, winner of the 2015 Cafritz Award
Ruth Trocolli, Ph.D., winner of the 2015 Cafritz Award
Commercial photoshoot for Ithaca College
Rooftop party at sunset overlooking the White House
Formal event at the Ronald Reagan Building
Frankie Muniz and a member of congress at the Ronald Reagan Building
Enthusiasm at a formal dinner
Formal dinner gala at the Ronald Reagan Building
Composited group photo for the winners of the 2015 Cafritz Awards
Mayor of West Hollywood, Lindsey P. Horvath, speaking in Los Angeles, CA
Lobby day in Washington, DC
Environmental headshot for the Ronald Reagan Building
Environmental headshot for the Ronald Reagan Building
Festive party photo
Launch party for technology startup, Split, in Washington, DC
Launch party for technology startup, Split, in Washington, DC
Owl at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, VA
Sunset at a fundraiser for the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, VA
Sunset at a fundraiser for the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, VA
Campfire smores at a Smithsonian fundraiser
Corporate photoshoot for Oracle
US Trade Representative Joshua Froman
Handsom beagle pet portrait
25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for the at the Newseum in Washington, DC
Commercial photoshoot for ride sharing startup Split
Commercial photoshoot for ride sharing startup Split
Personal project making portraits in San Francisco, CA
Personal project making portraits in San Francisco, CA
Commercial food photo shoot for Wise Sons Deli in San Francisco, CA
Commercial food photo shoot for Wise Sons Deli in San Francisco, CA
Commercial photography shoot for a software developer training program in San Francisco, CA
Commercial photography shoot for a software developer training program in San Francisco, CA
Celebatory toast during an event
Photo of environmental cleanup day at a National Park
Selfie at a party
Port Lockroy, Antarctica
Two Gentoo penguins in Antarctica
Icebergs in Antarctica

I've been shooting professionally since 2009—ever since I bought my first DSLR and realized I love making images. Since then, photography has been nothing short of a passion for me. Regardless of what I'm shooting or who I'm shooting it for, it's important to me that my client is satisfied and feels that the photos represent them in the best possible light. Making a photo is a personal experience. That's why I do what it takes to make sure that my subjects' personalities shine through an image—whether it's a portrait, corporate headshot, fashion line, music festival, family photo, or product shot, every image is sincere and true to self. A little more about me: I'm a Californian, born and raised. I grew up in L.A. before moving to the Bay Area to attend undergraduate and graduate school at UC Berkeley. My interests in policy and photography brought me to Washington, DC where I'm currently living and loving it. Outside of photography, I love dark beers and new gadgets. My studio is in the neighborhood of Columbia Heights, near Adams Morgan. I'm always excited to talk about photography and work with new people. If you want to chat or get a price quote, drop me a line through the contact form and let's get started.