PHILADELPHIA —We asked our team to pick their favorite photos from 2025 and give a little insight into what made them so memorable. Whether it was the people, the place, or the moment itself, these images represent the stories and experiences that defined our year!
Joe G's Favorites
It’s a joy to review one’s work over the course of a year. I’ve been doing this for 20 years now, and it’s always fun to take a moment and reflect. I originally had many more images, but these are images I thought our network would enjoy.
This marathon finishing image feels like a pure form of victory, what victory with grace looks like. Runners finish in all kinds of ways: some collapse, some slow to a walk and drift off. I’ve spent years photographing races, and the marathon in particular, always trying to find something new within something so familiar. This image of a Everlyn Kemboi finishing the half-marathon felt graceful and complete, strength without excess, effort without theatrics.
Run the Bridge offers a fabulous opportunity to photograph something rare, because the iconic Ben Franklin Bridge is shut down to traffic for the race. With the drone in the air and the roadway empty, there’s calm and beauty without vehicles. The color contrast pulled me into this frame: runners set against the cool blue tones of sky and steel. This was my second year shooting from the bridge, and once again, the bridge, Camden, and Philadelphia work beautifully together.
The next images are from a Philabundance event at Citizens Bank Park. A longtime Philabundance employee was chosen to catch the first pitch, thrown by actress, comedian, and The Office’s own Kate Flannery. I captured the moment just after he secured the ball—a moment of joy I hope he’ll never forget. Kate was pure energy, fully engaged and playing to the crowd, who loved her. She’s a native of the area, and she loves Philly sports. I followed her around the field, letting her gregariousness lead the frame. It was an exceedingly enjoyable experience, and we still text.
Al Roker brought national news coverage as he promoted the value of walking to everyday health. He led a group of nearly 300 people, and keeping pace with him wasn’t easy. He stopped without issue, for photos, conversations, brief check-ins, and to let the rest of the pack keep up. He was pushing that pace hard. The joy of the mascots and crowd at the Rocky Steps was extra fun, and highlighted the City of Philadelphia!
At a CreativeFuture event, I photographed Lisa Ann Walter from Abbott Elementary mingling with other movie industry representatives at an event in DC. She was there on behalf of SAG-AFTRA, helping unite major unions to advocate for the value artists contribute to this country and why that work deserves protection and support. I have a lot of images of members of Congress holding Thor’s hammer, too, that I won’t share — but they always give me and my team a smile.
Parades bring their own kind of chaos. Photographing Mayor Cherelle Parker during the Puerto Rican Day parade with El Concilio was our first time covering the event and our second project with the organization. It was a joyful celebration rooted in music, dance, and a deep sense of collective pride and neighborhood connection.
Ken Burns, speaking at the Museum of the American Revolution stood out for different reasons. The timing around the event couldn’t have been better, coinciding with what I consider the strongest exhibit the museum has ever mounted, along with his release of the American Revolution series on PBS . Watching him enjoy the story and tour was a joy, and it gave me a chance to thank him for his work promoting PBS as I work to extend my own documentary series, Grown Up Dad , beyond Season 1.
Danella Companies is a utility construction firm wearing many hats. They are our longest-standing corporate client, now 15 years –and I’m always looking for new ways to tell their story. This recent assignment focused on their mechanics keeping hundreds of vehicles running across the country. And me being me, I love to laugh, and I saw this moment with the mechanic’s head in an odd place, and shot a few clicks. It may never get used, but I love finding small moments of levity within an industry that is more Chevy Truck than SNL.
And then the great Patti LaBelle, performing for the Navy’s 250th anniversary for Office of the City Representative and Special Events The anticipation in that space was unmistakable. You could already feel energy building—history, celebration, and pride converging in a single moment. It felt like a preview of the greatness of what’s to come in 2026, as the country reaches its 250th birthday.
Jonah S's Favorites
This photo stands out for a few reasons. It may be the last record of this gym in its current state, but it was also my first real opportunity to notice the mural inside. Standing there, I couldn’t help but wonder what the renovation will bring: what will be transformed, what will be preserved, and what will be reimagined. Boxing is synonymous with Philadelphia, yet like this rec center, it was a part of my own neighborhood I’d never stepped into, unfamiliar territory right in my own backyard.
During the shoot, I met someone else who grew up here. We walked through the rec center together, and at one point, he stopped and said, “I didn’t know this was here.” Turns out I wasn’t alone; we were both uncovering new corners of our neighborhood for the first time.
The next image was also taken at Happy Hollow, this time during the ribbon-cutting ceremony—an event that stayed with me. It was my first time photographing Mayor Parker, but more than that, this is my neighborhood. My family still lives here. Watching her up close, I understood why people respond to her the way they do. It didn’t feel like a standard podium speech. The crowd was fully engaged, reacting to her stories about the rec center, even singing the “Happy Hollow” song together. There’s a palpable difference when people are truly present, when a speaker isn’t just delivering remarks but genuinely connecting with the room. Her ties to Uptown and the Northwest were clear, and as you can see in this photo, everyone felt at ease, enjoying the moment.
Some of my favorite shoots are the unexpected ones. The Laurel Hill meditation walk changed how I see cemetery spaces, really, all of the photo and video work we’ve done for Laurel Hill has. This image stands out because it’s uncommon: the red of her hat cuts takes center stage in the frame, almost like a bird’s beak against all that green. It works because of the context, and because there’s something special about these unorthodox captures.
This next image is also from a Rebuild PHL event. I’ve always struggled with photos where community members—especially kids, like the young boy here—look directly into the camera or acknowledge it. I prefer to work as a fly on the wall, letting moments unfold naturally rather than inserting myself into them. That isn’t always possible. When a subject breaks the fourth wall, I often don’t take the shot. This time, he kept staring, and eventually I gave in and pressed the shutter. It forces me to reflect on my presence at these shoots, how visible I am, and how I adapt in those moments. Despite that internalized tension, I love photographing community engagement events like this one. These are real activities, not staged lectures, hands in the dirt, literally, as neighbors garden together.
Ribbon cuttings are standard work, but when kids are involved, you get real moments. The same is true for community events, whether it’s Mayor Parker in Germantown or Councilman Mark Squilla elsewhere; the energy shifts when locals show up and feel invested.
The Starfinder Foundation alumni golf event was particularly fun since I’m affiliated with the organization outside of JPG, Veracity. Photographing people I know, Mo, and others, always makes the work easier. This photo captures the unconventional game they created, with Mo getting special treatment by using his feet. When people are comfortable, it shows.
Donor events offer something different: they’re smaller, more personal, and often quieter in their impact. Video work was another major highlight this year, traveling to new locations for new clients like BrightAI keeps things fresh. And yes, we covered the Eagles, obviously. This is Philadelphia.
What connects a cemetery walk, a youth golf tournament, and a neighborhood gathering is community, not as an abstract idea, but as a lived experience. The best images may just happen when people forget I’m there.
Jonah VB's Favorites
This image comes from my first editorial project shoot at JPG, Veracity. Moon was incredibly welcoming, generous with her time, space, and trust. I was already familiar with Chabaa Bistro, but the collaboration went beyond expectations. She was deeply involved in the shoot, which always makes a difference, and the space itself did a lot of the work: natural light pouring through large windows, a calm, intentional atmosphere. She even sent us home with tea for the entire office. It was one of those shoots where everything aligned, and seeing it in print afterward didn’t hurt either.
The next photo takes us to Manayunk, my first time shooting this location for the marathon. The pace was fast, the energy high, and the entire neighborhood felt like it had poured out onto the streets. Manayunk confetti made an appearance, less than usual this year, but still unmistakable. It was a fixed course and a challenging space to navigate, but also a rare opportunity to experiment in a new location and work within those constraints. And when a community shows up like that, the images almost make themselves.
At the Museum of the American Revolution Gala, the moment centered around Wes Studi, the honoree of the evening. An iconic Native American actor, known for roles like The Last of the Mohicans, stands alongside Broadway performer Sky Lakota-Lynch, from The Outsiders, who delivered a powerful vocal performance that night. Despite the formality of step-and-repeat photos, Wes was remarkably down to earth, greeting everyone, fully present, genuinely happy to be there. It was one of those reminders that presence matters more than pageantry.
The following image was taken at National Council for Mental Wellbeing , an event defined by deeply personal stories around mental health. The conference as a whole carried a lot of emotional weight, and this particular frame captured that collective pause, a deep breath, a moment of reflection and a joyful smile. Patrick Kennedy was also in attendance, his story I hadn’t heard previously, but was grateful to. You could feel the impact of the conversations well beyond the room.
Then there’s Saquon at the Philadelphia Eagles Superbowl Parade. When he appeared near City Hall, I knew exactly where we were and sprinted ahead as fast as I could, they were moving quickly, traffic everywhere. Somehow, the moment slowed just enough. Getting this image, Saquon holding hands with his family, felt quintessentially Philadelphia. Iconic, grounded, and human.
The final image shows Nick Sirianni pouring a beer into Mekhi Becton’s mouth. You could read a lot into that moment, Becton’s early struggles in the league, the shift after joining the Philadelphia Eagles , and what the gesture suggests beyond celebration. It’s a citywide win, alongside a quieter personal journey and trust unfolding in the background. Taken together, these images aren’t really just about events or outcomes. They’re about people showing up, in their spaces, their communities, their work and the trust that makes those moments possible. Whether it’s a restaurant owner opening her doors, a neighborhood filling the streets, a honoree fully present, or an athlete grounded by family each frame reflects something quieter. The kind of moments that only happen when there’s time, access, and mutual respect and when you’re paying close enough attention to see them.
Pat's Favorites
This shoot for The Philadelphia Citizen offered something refreshingly different. I try to highlight the vendors, especially if there is enough time, to showcase the teamwork and collaboration needed to make each event a success. As a vendor myself, I’ve really come to appreciate all the staff who make these events happen behind the scenes, and I like shining a light on that.
I love the Philly Goat Project . What a novel idea for getting rid of your Christmas tree. It’s always fun to work with animals, though coaching goats isn’t exactly realistic. Thankfully, the handlers were there to help. It’s always interesting photographing subjects who aren’t great at following directions or who just go their own way entirely. The Laurel Hill location is one of my favorites in the city.
Rebuild PHL shoots are genuinely cool to me. There’s something special about seeing a sense of community come together to celebrate the work being done in Philly, especially when it affects neighborhoods I live in or have lived in. Hearing about these projects and seeing the city in a positive light as it grows, it’s just great. This sweet kid was really interested in being at the podium and ended up being a staple of the event. He was a neighborhood kid, and it was cool to see actual community members show up. This isn’t your typical podium photo, it captures an authentic moment and the true benefactors of these great revitalized spaces – the kids.
The silhouette plays with the information being presented, showing the work behind the people. It was a very informative event, as are all The Philadelphia Citizen events. I learned a lot. For this image the information is the priority here, and I wanted to give a clear read on that. It’s great to see people coming together to find solutions for Philadelphia that will actually work.
I love me some puppers. I’m an animal lover of all shapes and sizes, and I’d love to do more work with shelters to showcase our furry friends. I think it’s a quintessential shot or maybe a must-have that if an animal is present at an event, I will get that photo. Don’t worry.
Another great shot from the El Concilio event. The energy was there, super vibrant. I love this frame in particular because I was able to get on stage and really capture the hype of the crowd and hype them up too! Location is essential here, the people create the horizon line. Lots of energy, lots of food, lots of people. I live for the chaos. I also had friends in attendance, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
My last photo, also from El Concilio. We meet a lot of celebrities, but Ivy Queen is someone I would never have imagined photographing. I know this was a huge appearance for the community, her being an icon and all.
These highlights capture what I love most about this work: the people, the energy, and those unexpected moments from community groundbreakings to fun-loving goats that remind me why I do this.
Justin's Favorites
The parade images came from my second Super Bowl Parade coverage, which has quickly become my favorite kind of assignment. I approached my equipment pack out a little differently this year, leaning into a super wide lens, and staying close, just a few feet away, to keep things intimate without ever feeling uncomfortable. The energy made it easy. Everyone was having a blast, completely present, genuinely happy to be on camera. Year two felt different in the best way, players and fans everywhere, moments constantly unfolding. It was hard to miss a good one. If they win every year, I’ll keep photographing it and stick with the same two-camera, two-lens setup, but definitely wear better shoes.
The Fourth of July shoot at Loews Hotel was all about the view. It was my first-time photographing fireworks from that location, and the vantage point really mattered. I’m usually viewing them from home, but here I had a unique perspective. The focus shifted to framing. I am a big fan of this image, particularly the foreground and how the framing itself supports the scene. Despite how it may appear, it’s not the easiest to get fireworks in focus.
Philadelphia Water Department green inlet testing was completely new for me. I spent time thinking through composition and angles while trying to capture the movement of the water. It was a big team and a real learning experience. I walked away with random but useful facts about water management, things you don’t always retain, but give you a greater appreciation of how infrastructure projects work in Philadelphia. Even after all these years working with PWD, I learn something new on every shoot.
BrightAI was just fun. It was the first travel project JPG / Veracity I had done in nearly ten years, and it felt good to be back on the road, working alongside the video team. The client was great, the feedback was really positive, and the project itself was genuinely interesting.
The American Red Cross x PAC-MAN collaboration was small but memorable. I walked away with a token and a great sense of nostalgia. Growing up in the ’90s obsessed with Ms. PAC-MAN, getting to work on a licensed PAC-MAN project was surreal. Eleven-year-old me would’ve been completely stoked.
Vestergaard at Sher Rockee Farms was my first time working in agriculture. The team was incredibly hospitable and easy to work with, and the space itself was interesting but challenging, dark, wood-heavy, and tight on time. We made the most of what we had, mainly for video. On shoots like this, especially working with a video crew, it’s about reading the room, knowing when it’s your moment to jump in, being quick on your feet, and staying flexible. It always helps when everyone’s happy to be there.
The F1® Arcade US shoot was chaotic in its own way. A lot of moving parts, an understanding that the photo wasn’t the top priority, and long stretches of waiting. When the window opened, though, I made it count. Despite the challenges, the staff were stoked, kind, and easy to work with, which made a big difference.
Engine Ladder 2 was another Philadelphia Water Department assignment, this time testing water at the fire department. It was a younger team, full of energy and clearly passionate about the work. We shot at an older firehouse and did a few portraits, all lit with natural sunlight thanks to perfect weather. Some situations call for lighting setups, this one didn’t. With PWD, you never really know what to expect, but it’s always refreshing to see that level of pride and care from their team.
The final image came from an Human Rights Campaign event featuring Wanda Sykes. I’ve photographed similar events in the past, but it had been a while. She’s a comedy legend, and her speech that night, when she was being honored, was sharp, thoughtful, and funny. There was a time when you couldn’t turn on a TV in the ’90s without seeing Wanda, and it was great to be able to capture a really great photo of her.
Taken together, these images are less about individual events and more about showing up, paying attention, and working within the moment. Each assignment came with its own pace, constraints, and opportunities, and the work lives in responding to those conditions honestly.
As we begin 2026, these images remind us of the moments that make our work meaningful: the unexpected, the joyful, and the powerful. From shared celebrations to small acts of connection, it’s the people and their stories that shape the year. The year ahead is full of stories, and we’re ready to capture them all.
