Exploring 2024: A Captivating Journey Through Tourism, Adventure, and Conservation Visuals with Wilkinson Visuals in Lexington, KY

“This ain’t no hill for a climber.”

I’ve come to cherish this quote from Demon Copperhead throughout the last year. It resonates with me deeply—not solely because I’m a climber, but also due to the multitude of challenges that have tested my limits, both physically and mentally, as well as financially. There were times when it seemed the hurdles I encountered were unmanageable: injuries that hindered my progress, monetary pressures that strained my determination, and periods of uncertainty that obstructed my concentration. However, through it all, I’ve discovered that even the steepest hills are not as unattainable as they appear. Indeed, they are simply part of the ascent.

In navigating these trials, I’ve persistently pushed ahead, and along the way, I’ve produced work that fills me with genuine pride. This year was anything but straightforward, yet it served as a reminder that true development frequently arises from the toughest obstacles. To quote a wise young person I encountered during a documentary shoot, “challenging situations foster positive transformation.”

Reflecting on my photography and videography endeavors from 2024, I recognize that every single one—each capture, every sequence—was an achievement that motivated me to continue ascending. I logged approximately 65 days of filming, with a total of 57 days spent traveling, creating content for over 20 clients. Video projects constituted 63% while photo shoots represented 31%, and drone operations accounted for the remaining 6%.

None of this would have been achievable without the support of the following partners and non-profit organizations: Kentucky Tourism, I ❤️ New York, the American Youth Foundation, Michigan IceFest, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, The Nature Conservancy of Kentucky, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nadus Films, PM Advertising, Powell County Tourism, Wolfe County Tourism, Red River Gorge Vacations, Memphis Rox, and VisitLex, just to highlight a few.

Special acknowledgments to my entire team and collaborators as well: Gary Martin, Eleanor Shelton, Brady Trapnell, Justin Skeens, Jonathan Moore, Hazen Woolson, Amon Focus, Kyle Cahall, Brandon Cooper, Ryan Trenkamp, Tommy Marshall, Josh Van Der Merwe, Hayley Lynch, Kelby Miller, and Laura Gregory.

With all that said, here is a retrospective look at images from a year that pushed my limits, but also demonstrated that as a climber, there is always a path to the summit.