Our Top 25 Photos of 2025!
Every year we take on the daunting task of trying to narrow down the hundreds of thousands of photos that we take as a studio to a top photos of the year list. This year, we present the top 25 photos of 2025 (with some honorable mentions thrown in for good measure). This will get a lot easier in 2099. The photos are chosen for many different reasons. Some are chosen for the photographic quality of the image, some for the story behind the image, and for some it’s just the level of cuteness. We hope you enjoy this collection presented in no particular order; it represents images taken by Julia, Colleen, Jenn, and Sean.
Click on any image to see it larger on your screen.
R6 MkII, RF24-105 4.0, Tv 1/200s f4.5 iso125 @50mm
Keep Being Awesome!
While in Jamaica in January, Melissa and Sean met this dude who just seemed to embody the island in one photo. Sean saw him from across an open square and focused like a lion going after prey, went to take this shot. We spent a little time with him, and he was an interesting person for sure. If you look closely, you can see where he drilled his own tooth to put an earring through it. This shot was chosen as one of 80 finalists at the Roberson Museum Regional Art Exhibit of almost 900 entries.
R5 mkII, RF24-70 2.8, M 1/200s f5.6 iso100 @24mm, Profoto Strobes
Generations
This one pulls at the heartstrings. Kristin, one of our seniors this year, was having a session and we had the idea to try to bring in something a little extra special. We arranged to have her grandfather at the session, who was also a member of FFA. We posed them together in this image with his FFA jacket from the 1960s and hers from today. You can feel her love for her grandfather when you look at this portrait and it is clear that he could not be any prouder of her.
R5 mkII, RF28-70 2.0, M 1/25s f2.8 iso800 @43mm
The Lights of the Holidays
This is one of our favorite images from the holiday season. The vibrance of the lights, the glow of the book on their faces, it’s just perfect.
R5, RF28-70 2.0, M 1/125s f2.5 iso1600 @28mm, Profoto Strobes
Quinceañera Amazing
One of the great parts of having our studio at the Roberson Museum is the ability to capture images like this in the mansion. What could be a better backdrop for a dress this amazing than the grand stairway of this beautiful mansion?
R5 mkII, RF70-200 2.8, Tv 1/250s f73.2 iso1250 @200mm
Gianna Stealing the Show
We try very hard to not have one person represented on this list more than once, but Gianna earned this honor for sure. If you didn’t see Johnson City High School’s presentation of Mamma Mia this year, that was a HUGE mistake. Gianna’s performance as Rosie was incredible. She owned the stage, giving a performance that was a cut above anything we have seen in the dozens and dozens of high school productions we have photographed over the past 10 years. I recommend going to the JC musical this coming spring to see what she has in store for this year. You will see one of her senior portraits coming up soon on this list as well.
R5 mkII, RF70-200 2.8, Tv 1/4000s f2.8 iso320 @70mm
No, That’s Not Photoshop…
…that is John driving a golf ball right over Sean’s head at full power. Is this a smart thing for Sean to do, no. Does it make for an amazing shot, yes. Was it worth the risk of severe injury, yes. Did Sean tell Melissa he was going to do this ahead of time, no.
R5, RF28-70 2.0, M 1/200s f7.1 iso100 @38mm, Profoto Strobes
If you know Imran, you know why.
This man is the kindest, most generous person we know, and we know that this couple is going to give their child all the love in the world. They are truly special people, and this is a truly special image of them.
5D mkIV, EF24-70 2.8, M 1/200s f6.3 iso100 @28mm, Godox Strobes
Starting out with a bang (and a yell)!
This was Jenn’s first session with us after joining the team. Her specialty is dramatic lighting with smoke and water effects, and this one kicked it off in a big way!
R5 mkII, RF600 f11, Tv 1/250s f11 iso6400 @600mm
15 Minutes Old
Sean and Melissa were treated to this surprise in the neighbors’ backyard this summer. The fawn is about 15 minutes old at this point. It stumbled and fell over and over, but before too long it was solid on its feet. We have been watching it grow up throughout the year since.
R5, RF28-70 2.0, M 1/200s f7.1 iso125 @70mm, Profoto Strobes
Surrounded by Books
Tameshia was a great subject on our book wall background. We love the composition, lighting, and the look from behind an antique book.
R5, RF28-70 2.0, M 1/200s f2.0 iso800 @38mm
By a Glowing Window
This is the second time our huge half-round window is represented in the list, but this time with a VERY different look. It’s framed perfectly, but our favorite part is the look that the little girl in white is giving the one in black.
R5 mkII, RF28-70 2.0, M 1/125s f4.0 iso100 @49mm, Profoto Strobes
Stone Cold - Flaming Hot
Gianna makes her second appearance on the list with a much different look from the Mamma Mia shot above. She loves softball just about as much as she loves the theater, and this shot has the bad-assery turned up to maximum. (Sean did find out, after it happened, that it is real flame, not Photoshop…)
R5 mkII, RF24-70 2.8, M 1/200s f9.0 iso500 @24mm, Profoto Strobes
The Piano Men
What can you say about Jeff Lake and Rick Pedro? We were lucky enough to be asked to take a series of promo shots of them for an upcoming show at the Firehouse stage called the Piano Men (sorry, the show was in July, so you missed it), a tribute concert to Billy Joel and Elton John. The show was fantastic, and this shot brings back memories of that show every time.
R6 mkII, RF28-70 2.0, M 1/200s f7.1 iso100 @47mm, Profoto Strobes
Too Messy
We love it when customers come in with a concept for a session, and this family sure did that. The photos started out with a little paint here and there and then culminated in this unbelievable mess that just looks so great. The family had a blast, and Colleen had a blast, well, until cleanup that is…
R5 mkII, RF24-70 2.8, Tv 1/800s f3.2 iso160 @38mm
This One Got Sand All Down My Back
Sean met Carson at the Chenango Commons course for his senior portraits, and come to find out, they do not have a single sand trap to get that cool sand flying shot. What they did have was a mound of sand in the corner of the parking lot, so we got this one. Of course, the overspray of sand all went down the back of Sean’s shirt….
R5 mkII, RF70-200 2.8, M 1/200s f4.0 iso100 @119mm, 4 Profoto Strobes
Media Day at BG
We went up to Bainbridge Guilford for a media day session with the JV and Varsity Volleyball Teams. We did a whole bunch of cool shots, but this one seemed to sum up the session. Lights, smoke, gels, reflections, the perfect toss, it has it all.
R5 mkII, RF24-70 2.8, Av 1/80s f2.8 iso2000 @40mm
Survivor
She beat cancer. She has lived a life. You can just feel it.
R5 mkII, RF70-200 2.8, Av 1/4000s f2.8 iso100 @86mm
Senior Sessions will Give You Wings
Madison got her wings. On a beautiful (warm) fall day, we took Madison’s senior portraits at Chenango Valley State Park, and we captured the perfect water wings. This was just the start of her getting soaked in the lake and then in the waterfall.
R5 mkII, RF24-70 2.8, M 1/250s f9.0 iso400 @50mm, Profoto Strobes
The Performer
Kayla is ready to perform. This one looks like it should be on a movie poster: the staging, the posing, the lighting— it’s all on point.
R5, RF28-70 2.0, M 1/200s f18 iso100 @28mm, Profoto Strobes
The King and his Crown.
Zahir was a legend at the long jump as a senior at Johnson City, placing highly in Sectionals and States, and he was a king in the studio. We love this shot of him tipping the crown.
R5 mkII, RF24-70 2.8, M 1/200s f9.0 iso100 @38mm, Profoto Strobes
Service
Jonah continues the dark and dramatic theme with this shot of him in his turnouts at the fire station. We love photographing firefighters; all of the gear and the trucks make for dramatic and amazing photos.
R5, RF28-70 2.0, M 1/200s f7.1 iso100 @50mm, Godox Strobes
Favorite. Headshot. Ever.
For the past several years, we have been doing headshots for the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute (say that 3 times fast), and for every professional-looking one, we encourage a fun one with props. Well, Damond, the pastor at Trinity AME Zion Church, understood the assignment and hit this pose that will go down in the history books as the coolest headshot ever.
R6 mkII, RF24-105 4.0, M 1/250s f4.0 iso125 @91mm
By the Falls
There is something almost haunting about this shot of Lauren in her senior session. We loved the location, the light, the pose, the expression.
R6 mkII, RF24-105 4.0, M 1/120s f7.1 iso100 @32mm, Profoto Strobes
Chef
Look out, Chef Jay; Chef Thomas is coming to town. Thomas did an amazing senior portrait session centered around his passion for cooking that involved food, flames, and this awesome shot.
Settings not available
If you know, you know…
Makenna, who got her high school senior portraits done by Sean back in 2021, has now gotten her college senior portraits done by Jenn this year. If you know Makenna and you know her story, this photo will bring a tear to your eye. She looks amazing!
Honorable Mentions
Because it is just impossible to get to only 25, here are a few more that we give the honorable mention to.
R6 mkII, RF24-105 4.0, Av 1/800s f4.0 iso100 @31mm
A new ABC for Us
The nickname “ABC Islands” refers to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. This year, Sean and Melissa visited C, Curaçao, and it was stunning. Here is a shot of an alleyway in Willemstad that just had a great look. While there, they heard a story about a former politician on the island who spearheaded a new law that said that every building on the island had to be painted a color other than white, which had been the traditional look. Over a few years, every home and business was painted a bright, vivid color. It makes for a stunning look as you walk about. It was only found out years later that the politician was a silent partner in the paint store on the island, and he made bank.
R5, RF24-70 2.8, M 1/200s f7.1 iso320 @60mm
Congratulations, boys!
We designed this banner shot for the Chenango Valley boys soccer team, who won Sectional IV, then the regional championship, and made it all the way to the state semi-final game against Lafayette. Great job, guys!
R5 mkII, RF24-70 2.8, M 1/200s f16 iso200 @48mm, 1 Profoto Strobe
A Walk in Surprise
Charles was a walk-in headshot one day. He arrived and wanted on-the-spot headshots taken. We were able to accommodate, and boy, we are glad we did. His look was unique and amazing!
R6 mkII, RF70-200 2.8, Tv 1/500s f3.2 iso6400 @200mm
A Solo Effort
A free throw comes down to a player, a ball, and a net. The crop on this shot eliminates all of the distractions; it is just her and the shot. It feels lonely but also focused just on the action.
R5 mkII, RF70-200 2.8, M 1/200s f13 iso100 @200mm
Two Worlds Combine
Miley had this concept for a shot that was just perfect. Bringing her formal side and her softball side together in one image that is just great.
R5 mkII, RF24-70 2.8, M 1/60s f5.0 iso125 @62mm, Profoto Strobes
Bring it On
Chris from Bainbridge had this as part of his senior portraits. We love the mix of water spray and smoke.
R5, RF28-70 2.0, M 1/100s f76.3 iso500 @28mm, Profoto Strobes
Word of the Year
When we did a group shot of the studio team this year, we did a formal one, and the middle schoolers in us came out for a “6-7” photo. There is so much going on here to look at, but possibly the funniest part is how Jenn (farthest to the right) is having none of this nonsense and refused to do anything other than roll her eyes.
R5 mkII, RF24-70 2.8, M 1/30s f8 iso400 @70mm, Profoto Strobes
Turn the Cuteness up to 11
What can you say about this photo other than awwwwwww…..
R5 mkII, RF28-70 2.0, M 1/160s f4.5 iso100 @41mm, Profoto Strobes
Football is Life
Tim came in for a senior session filled with dramatic images, smoke, and fire. This one is striking and is a textbook lesson on rim lighting.
R5 mkII, RF70-200 2.8, M 1/200s f3.5 iso100 @124mm, 3 Profoto Strobes
This is bowling. There are rules. You mark that frame an 8, and you're entering a world of pain. You mark that frame a 9, you're entering the twilight zone!
Nate rocked some great frames while we captured his senior portraits. (He was also on the CV soccer team above.)
R5 mkII, RF70-200 2.8, Av 1/1000s f2.8 iso100 @100mm
The Swing
Here is one from Ayla’s senior session. Mom decorated the rope on the swing, Ayla’s job was to pose perfectly and she did. It truly paid off, adding a little something extra to this shot.
R5 mkII, RF600 11.0, Tv 1/1250s f11 iso1250 @31mm
A Delicious Treat
This photo of an ant having a very bad day courtesy of an Easter Bluebird was captured up in Maine.
R5, RF28-70 2.0, M 1/200s f7.1 iso100 @70mm, Godox Strobes
Smoke and Lights
Also from the CV soccer team above, this one of Zachary was captured in the studio this senior season. I believe we ended up with 4 seniors from that team in the studio this year.
R5 mkII, RF28-70 2.0, M 1/125s f8.0 iso125 @65mm, Profoto Strobes
One Ring to Rule Them All
To close out, we have this awesome conceptual shot for a Tolkien lover.
"One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them"
Thank you!
Thank you to all of the amazing people who worked behind the lens or behind the scenes in the studio in 2025 to make all of this happen. Colleen, Correy, Courtney, Jenn, Jim, Julia, Madison, Margaret, Meghan, Melissa, Nichole, and Sara.
Thank you to all of our amazing subjects. Our seniors, families, athletes, students, headshots, commercial partners, and more.
Thank you to the school districts and organizations where we are honored to capture school and/ or team photos. Afton, Bainbridge Guilford, Crescent Academy, Greene, Johnson City, Maine Endwell, Newark Valley, Northeast Bradford, Susquehanna Valley, Windsor, Vestal Rec, Town of Union, and many more.
A special thank you to the AAP Chatters. You are a force to be reckoned with.
Thank you to Michael, Matt, Amy, Sullivan, Staci, Michael (yes, there are two of them), Thomas, Shannon, and all the amazing people at the Roberson Museum for helping us through the year and renting our amazing studio to us.
Thank you to our community for voting us the Best Photographer in the Binghamton Community Choice awards for the 5th straight year.
And lastly, and most importantly, thank you to you, our fans. We love what we do and we are thrilled that you appreciate our work, our passion, our photography. This is the best job in the world and for you to appreciate it means so much.
Now, your job is to go to our Facebook post and comment with your favorite photo from this year’s list.