It’s a few days into 2025, and the possibilities of the new year have me fired up. But before I dive headfirst into what’s next, I’ve got to take a moment to reflect on the whirlwind that was 2024. It felt like a fever dream—one moment racing through it, the next trying to piece it all back together like fragments of a surreal story.
Let’s rewind to the beginning. The year kicked off much like others before it: me, in my trusty Chevy Spark, cruising Ulsan’s coastlines in search of fresh perspectives to shoot. After exhausting new spots, I returned to familiar haunts, seeking unique angles and ways to reimagine the places I know so well.
A Year of Teaching and Growth
As winter thawed into spring and then summer, I ramped up for another year of teaching photography at the Foreign Support Center in Ulsan. The Saturday class has become a cornerstone of my year—a community of eager photographers, many returning for another round of creativity and exploration.
Every Saturday brought new energy. Once a month, we took our cameras on the road, venturing to iconic spots and hidden gems across the city. We even tried the hop-on-hop-off city tour, which was both an adventure and a logistical circus. But hey, we got the shots.
Of course, success attracts its fair share of drama. One of the center’s staff seemed intent on wrestling control of the class for reasons that defy logic. Then, there was the time another photographer barged into my class, attempting to take over. Picture this: me, teaching, while someone who wasn’t even a student tried to hijack the room. It was as absurd as it sounds.
Battling Challenges
Mid-year, life decided to throw a few curveballs. A group of trolls on Reddit targeted me, dredging up personal details and lobbing them my way anonymously. It left me feeling powerless—like my identity and work were under siege by people who clearly knew who I was but chose to hide behind a veil of anonymity. It’s hard to put into words how much it shook my confidence as a photographer. My work is my passion, my purpose, and to have it dragged through the mud like that? It felt devastating.
What’s even sadder is the realization that these weren’t just faceless critics—they were likely people living and working in Korea, people who should understand the challenges of being an expat here. Instead of camaraderie, they chose cruelty. That’s what stung the most.
Coupled with family health crises—my mother’s battle with cancer, my brother’s diagnosis of leukemia, and my mother-in-law’s heart surgery—I was on the edge. It was a period of deep self-reflection, where I had to remind myself why I do what I do. The trolls didn’t win. They may have knocked me down, but they didn’t take me out.
Lessons in Resilience
Still, 2024 wasn’t all grit and grind. The photography class remained a source of joy and purpose. Designing lessons, mentoring students, and seeing their growth kept me grounded.
A failed attempt at organizing a photography workshop in the fall was humbling but enlightening. I learned that success demands time and preparation—something I didn’t give myself enough of. The lesson stung, but it’s a mistake I won’t repeat.
Closing the Year
As the year drew to a close, the photography class culminated in our annual exhibition. This year’s theme, “A Special Day in Ulsan,” took visitors on a visual journey through the city from dawn to dusk. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, though one student took issue with the framing of their photo selections. I bit my tongue—there were bigger battles to fight with everything else happening in my personal life.
Still, the exhibition was a triumph. It showcased the city’s beauty, my students’ talent, and the power of storytelling through photography.
2024 also brought some personal milestones: my interviews aired on TV, and I found my name in the pages of The Korea Times.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The new year holds promise. I’m eager to elevate my photography and teaching skills and to cross a few destinations off my bucket list. This year, it’s all about growth, adventure, and staying true to the craft.
From here in Ulsan, I wish you all the best in 2025. Keep your batteries charged, your shutters clicking, and your eyes open to the beauty in the everyday.