Each December I review my year’s photos and select ten that left a lasting impression. . . not necessarily the best, but ones with meaningful stories or moments. This annual tradition has become a way of remembering, of honoring the small and extraordinary scenes that shaped my year. I’m grateful to share my 2025 favorites once again.

Wesley Chapel – London – My wife Nancy, and I attended church at the Wesley Chapel in London. Wesley was an English theologian who was the principal founder and leader of the Methodist Church. A key step in Wesley’s ministry was to travel widely and preach outdoors, which evidently inspired my early ancestors. My early ancestors, including Rev. Cook, whose grave and story are pictured below, were among those deeply influenced by Wesley, shaping our family’s spiritual legacy. Wesley’s Chapel opened in 1778 and still conducts worship services today. Wesley believed Christians are called to grow continually in holiness, not perfectionism, but a life increasingly shaped by the love of God and neighbor. Sitting in the original wooden pews and gazing at the stained-glass windows, I felt a tangible connection to centuries of worshippers who sought to live out Wesley’s message.

Rev. Charles Ellison Cook’s Grave – Micanopy, Florida – Charles Ellison Cook, my great-grandfather and namesake, was a third-generation Methodist Circuit Rider in Georgia before becoming pastor at Micanopy Methodist Church in 1921. He served several more churches in Florida before he retired from ministry in 1941. I spent some quality time at his grave in historic Micanopy. I discovered visiting a loved one’s grave can evoke a sense of spiritual presence and reflection on personal legacy. It was time well spent.

Big Ben – London England – Capturing famous landmarks like Big Ben in a fresh way can be a challenge for travel photographers. During our visit, after taking the usual shots, Nancy and I went to a nearby pub for lunch. From our table, I unexpectedly found a unique view of Big Ben framed perfectly by the vintage window. Often, the best photos are right in front of us if we stay observant and open-minded.

The Way Within – King’s Manor – York, England – Labyrinths, like the one we found at King’s Manor in York, England, have served as spiritual paths for centuries. Their non-linear routes reflect life’s unpredictable journey; while you can’t see the entire path, moving forward gets you to your goal. There are no shortcuts or wrong turns, just an experience that reminds us life is more about the journey than the destination.

The Road Between Songs – Iona, Scotland – While walking a country road in Iona, Scotland, I saw a couple who smiled as they passed, seemingly prepared for a long walk. I wondered about their destination and journey, imagining them simply traveling between songs. I admire how carefree and adventurous they seem, always looking forward to what’s around the next bend.

Highland Coo – Isle of Mull, Scotland – With its shaggy auburn coat and sweeping horns, this Highland cow stands like a gentle sentinel in the green lushness of the pasture. There’s something timeless in its gaze. . . half-hidden behind a curtain of hair, yet quietly aware. These creatures, bred for the rugged landscapes of Scotland, carry a kind of earthy dignity: resilient, unhurried, and beautifully out of step with the rush of modern life. I didn’t just photograph an animal — I met a calm presence.

Navigating the Caledonian Canal – Corpach, Scotland – Navigating the 29 locks of the Caledonian Canal aboard the Lord of the Glens through the heart of the Scottish Highlands is more than an engineering marvel. It’s a passage through history and breathtaking beauty. Nancy and I watched the landscape unfold at a slower pace inviting us to notice the human ingenuity and the historic geological forces that enabled this unique waterway.

Josef – Bernkastel, Germany – Getting to know the locals is one of the most meaningful parts of traveling abroad because it opens the door to experiences you simply can’t find in guidebooks. Conversations with the locals can reveal the heart of a place far more deeply than any landmark. They offer stories, perspectives, and everyday wisdom that help you understand not just where you are, but who lives there and what matters to them. When you travel. . . the world becomes a smaller place. You learn that most people are very much like you and fundamentally want the same things in life. Those connections turn a trip into something richer, more human, and often unforgettable. We stepped into a small restaurant in Bernkastel, Germany and were immediately greeted by Josef, who wanted to know where we came from and to write in his photo album of visitors. Turns out, Josef had many stories of the people he met from all over the world. We visited the restaurant for a simple meal; we left with a whole new perspective and friend we will not soon forget.

Murdock – Murphy, NC – Meeting Murdock felt less like being introduced to a dog and more like encountering an old soul who had simply been waiting for us to arrive. At ten years old, he carries himself with a quiet wisdom. . . the kind of gentle awareness that makes you wonder if he’s lived more than one life. There was something in the way he looked at us, calm and knowing, that made our visit with our friends feel even more meaningful. Spending time with him was a reminder that some animals don’t just share space with us; they meet us on a deeper level, as if they understand more than they can ever say.

Two Tickets to Everywhere – York England – Nancy and I have been traveling together for over 48 years. This photo, taken on Platform 8 in York, is more than a snapshot. . . it’s a quiet celebration of the life we’ve built, the places we’ve wandered, and the joy of always having a companion beside you. Whether we’re crossing oceans or waiting for a train, the real destination has always been looking out for each other. “Two Tickets to Everywhere” isn’t just a title. . . it’s the way we live.

As I look back on these ten images, I’m reminded once again that photography is less about capturing perfection and more about paying attention. . . to light, to people, to fleeting moments that reveal something. Each of these photos carries a story that stayed with me long after I pressed the shutter and sharing them is my way of inviting you into those moments too. Thank you for taking this journey through 2025 with me. Here’s to another year of seeing with curiosity, traveling with gratitude, and finding beauty in both the extraordinary and the everyday.

Chuck