Reflecting on 2025: Highlights and What I’m Chasing in 2026

Looking back on this past year, I find myself scratching my head in wonder of how time has slipped by so quickly. As I sit here writing this, I can’t help but to look up and see the snow covered ground through the windows and be brought back to early last winter making plans for what 2025 had in store. I remember taking a trip with my girlfriend to New York City for a mini getaway and visiting B&H and purchasing a Gimbal for some realty jobs I had scheduled later that month. I remember it being very cold, but a great time of year to walk around because the lack of tourists compared to warmer months. I brought my camera along for that trip and took some photos while we explored the city as well.

While the snow was still around earlier this year, I had the chance to do an awesome engagement shoot in front of Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton, Maine. We walked out onto the slush covered ice on Moose Pond and had a great time capturing the couple moments after proposing. Looking back it’s kind of funny because of how warm it was out, but still able to go out onto the ice.

I had the opportunity to photograph some 8x10 black and white portraits for the managerial staff at a local Hannaford, which are displayed throughout the store. I had planned to use two strobes with my Grey Screen Style backdrop, but the space I was shooting was tighter than anticipated so I only used the one and used the wall beside it to reflect as a fill light. I almost didn’t go with the Grey Screen backdrop because it is a bit heavy and not the most portable backdrop ever, but the ease of use once you get it to where you need it made it a good choice and just the right size. The size/weight of the backdrop did make me consider investing in a decent cart to bring to shoots in the future so that I can cut down on multiple trips to and from my vehicle.

The previous year (2024) I had shot a band that my a friend of mine was playing bass in. The singer of that band is also a great Blacksmith and so when I saw that he was going to be doing a local Blacksmithing exhibition, I reached out and asked if I could photograph him at work. He agreed and I got to learn a bit about blacksmithing, its history, as well as get some great photos of him in the process. This actually was a part of an ongoing effort that I’ve been making to start doing my own Documentary style photography projects. I did have a few others roughly planned, but fell through because of time and commitments, but I plan to tackle a lot more of those going forward (more on that later).

I had the opportunity to photograph some beautiful weddings in 2025. It always amazes me how intimate a wedding can be and the inside look that I get as a photographer. As a photographer you kind of get the behind the curtain look as well as experience what the guests are also experiencing by being there witnessing the couple getting married. I’m looking forward to photograph many more weddings in the coming 2026 and beyond. I photographed many portraits this year as well, from Family and couples portraits to Senior Portraits and business portraits. Can’t wait for portrait season to start ramping up again 2026.

I had the opportunity to create commercial portraits spotlighting local franchise owners in a national campaign. I’m excited to see them featured prominently as it rolls out.

One thing that keeps me passionate about photography, even after more than a decade behind the lens, is that there’s always more to learn. You can always push yourself into new territory by trying techniques or subjects that feel a little outside your comfort zone.

In 2025, I leaned on a lot of tried-and-true methods that have served me well over the years, but I also picked up new tricks and discovered fresh ways to create. For me, 2026 is going to build on exactly that: keeping the core of what I love and do best, while weaving in some exciting new approaches that might even change how I shoot and edit entirely.

I’m simply excited to take more photos in the coming year. One big focus will be experimenting with light in my portraits and playing with mood, direction, and creativity in ways I haven’t fully explored yet. It’s easy to fall into familiar routines that reliably get the job done, but stepping outside those habits often leads to the most interesting results and real growth as an evolving photographer. Just this past month, I’ve already shifted one part of my editing workflow, and I plan to keep refining it in the months ahead.

I’m thrilled about the weddings and portrait sessions already booked for 2026, and I can’t wait to dive into more documentary style projects. I’m still mapping out the exact subjects and timelines, but I’m committed to getting that ball rolling early in the new year.

If you’re planning a wedding in 2026 or 2027 and looking for a photographer, I’d love to chat: https://matthewrichardsphotography.com/weddings-and-events

Need family portraits, senior shots, headshots, or something custom? Let’s set it up: https://matthewrichardsphotography.com/portraits-booking

Thank you for following along this year. I’m grateful for every client, collaborator, and connection that made 2025 so memorable. Here’s to more light, stories, and moments in 2026.