WOW!  Can you believe that this year is about to come to an end?  My year has had plenty ups and downs, challenges and disappointments. However, as a photographer, this has been an AWESOME year and I was able to capture a good portion of it!  I had so many new and fun experiences, what a GREAT year!  I was blessed to travel throughout the year, which is another passion of mine.  I stepped out of my comfort zone and challenged myself with so much, I was unable to keep up with writing and posting about my photographic adventures.  I still haven’t had the opportunity to review the 1900 photos from my Dubai trip last April! However, it is one of the first things on my 2016 To Do List!

Highlights of 2015  – Although 2015 was full of activities, here are a few that I was unable to post timely!  Here goes…

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Of course Dubai was the absolute highlight!  It was a ten-day adventure with over 20 friends and family in attendance to celebrate the 70th birthday of a dear friend.  I really enjoyed capturing images of the Grand Mosque during our day trip to Abu Dhabi. I am still going to write about my United Arab Emirates adventure because the photos below do not begin to tell the story! It was an experience of a lifetime!

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

I went to Puerto Plata to celebrate my cousins 40th birthday!  It was my first time in the Dominican Republic and I will definitely be returning.  It was absolutely beautiful with perfect vacation weather, hot but not uncomfortably hot. I even got in a couple of photo shoots!

Horse Back Riding Lessons 

I hadn’t been on a horse since young adulthood.  The last time was at my uncles ranch in Val Verde, CA, outside of Los Angeles. My BFF and I went to Miles Ahead Ranch and had a horse back riding lesson.  It brought back so many memories, and reminded me of my fondness of horses.  I LOVE HORSES, who knows maybe someday I’ll own one.

My First Derby

In May I attended my first derby, HAT and all!  What a fun-filled day at the Virginia Gold Cup! I purchased a ticket from a non-profit group that included a continental breakfast with champagne, a catered BBQ lunch, and a bus ride to and from the race track.  It was a very exciting day because I saw beautiful hats (most who know me know that I love to wear hats and have a hat collection) and beautiful horses. The food was good too!

Girl’s Night Out

I hosted my first Girl’s Night In at my home with close friends. We had an absolute blast!  The evening started with appetizers and a signature cocktail, which was followed by a four course meal prepared by me, Chef Marilyn!  Each guest was presented with a gift box of goodies! The event ended the following afternoon at the Linganore Wine Festival where we enjoyed the festive sounds of Caribbean bands.

In summary there were a number of other events or adventures that I enjoyed, for example my trips to New York, Detroit, and New Mexico, as well as the many restaurants I dined at but didn’t blog about.  Time just got way from me!  All of this year’s photographic experiences elevated me to another level, enhancing my skills and technical acumen.  All in all, 2015 was a FANTASTIC photographic year!

I can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store for me! I am so EXCITED! I’m looking forward to all of the new adventures and photo ops!  STAY TUNED!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Have a FABULOUS 2016 everyone!