In the film Cast Away, Tom Hanks portrays Chuck Noland, a brash and resourceful FedEx troubleshooter who finds himself stranded on a deserted island after a harrowing plane crash. Armed with little more than a handful of salvaged items from washed-up packages, Chuck confronts relentless challenges to survive. Over four years of solitude, he is transformed—humbled and grounded by the experience. When he finally escapes the island on a self-built raft, he returns home with a profoundly altered perspective, ready to embrace a new chapter of life.

While I never felt alone or deserted, this past year often felt like my own version of Chuck Noland and his journey—waves of changes crashing against my resolve and every success a hard-won resource uncovered in the wilderness of uncertainty. I learned to build shelter in my craft, finding stability in creative experimentation, and gathered inspiration like fresh water, one drop at a time.

Life’s unexpected twists demanded the same resourcefulness and resilience Chuck relied on during his time on the island. Like him, I learned to transform setbacks into opportunities, turning moments of uncertainty into clarity. Just as Chuck built his raft piece by piece to navigate the open seas, I pieced together my own path, using creativity and perseverance to move forward. Looking back now, I see not just survival but a year of profound transformation—a journey of growth, discovery, and the unyielding pursuit of light, even in the shadows.

2024 began with the incredible news that my wife Colleen was pregnant–and it helped us refocus on creating safety and space for our new family. After over a year of looking for a home, one text to our realtor led us to a 120-year-old house that immediately felt like home, its character and imperfections telling stories we wanted to be part of. We purchased and closed on a home in February, a decision that carried a comforting sense of permanence, knowing this home would be our sanctuary for years to come.

Last year marked a turning point, much like evaluating the terrain before forging ahead, it began with the completion of a personal project for Anchal, an award-winning non-profit that uses design and collaboration to provide economic opportunities for marginalized women to empower themselves. The project evolved from just a small idea into a five-week exhibition at KMAC Contemporary Art Museum, showcasing nearly five years of photographs from Louisville, Kentucky to Ajmer, India. With the collaborative efforts of many the project culminated in a stunning grand opening of Stitched in Strength attended by over 400 people. This milestone not only celebrated creativity and connection but also gave me the space to reflect on the broader picture of my life and career.

With Colleen in her second trimester, my focus shifted to finding fresh opportunities—work that would sustain us as we prepared for Cecilia’s arrival. 2024 brought a new stream of clients, offering diversity and excitement just when I needed it most. While I turned down several projects to prioritize family, the work I found adapted to our changing life. Like sourcing fresh water in a new landscape, these opportunities were vital and life-giving, fueling both my career and our growing family.

Cecilia Cook was born on September 10, 2024, at 8 a.m., weighing 7 pounds, 10 ounces. Her arrival came after an exhausting 38-hour labor—a challenge I wouldn’t wish on anyone, last of all the love of my life. In what can only be described as a miracle, our daughter entered the world exactly one year after Colleen’s mother Elizabeth’s passing. As we welcomed Cecilia, we felt the profound blessing of her grandmother’s presence and we hope to honor her memory by loving our daughter with the same heart she poured into her own family.

In the months after Cecilia’s birth, our family focused on tending to the fragile flame of a new life, finding joy in the shared task of keeping her alive and thriving. I took time off for paternity leave, fully committed to supporting Colleen and doing my best to share the load she carried. During that time, Cecilia became the center of our world, and we threw ourselves into learning her rhythms, establishing routines, and staying vigilant in the monumental effort of keeping her happy and healthy.

It was an intense period—one of the most challenging we’ve faced together. There were moments of uncertainty and exhaustion when I once again felt like Chuck Noland, shouting "Wilson, I'm Sorry!" into the unknown. But through it all, Colleen led the way, shaping how we step into this new chapter of parenthood with so much grace.

Now that I’m easing back into work, it feels as though we’ve finally found steady ground after what felt like navigating a vast, unpredictable adventure. The past few months have been about establishing routines, carving out a sense of normalcy, and conserving energy for the tasks that matter most. We’ve settled into a new home, upgraded the family car and, of course, there’s the bliss of embracing life with a baby and the comfort of daily rituals that bring peace amidst the chaos. This year demanded a shift in how I approached everything. I discovered a deeper sense of grounding—the steady warmth that comes from building something together, a feeling I’ve come to cherish as a parent.

In many ways, this journey has felt like starting from scratch—gathering resources, piecing things together, and building the sense of peace we now feel. Along the way, we’ve learned the value of slowing down and being intentional, knowing that each small step contributes to a foundation that will support us for years to come. But every decision, every adjustment—big or small—has brought us to exactly where we were meant to be.

In 2024, my crew and I captured over 100,000 photographs and traveled nearly 75 days on production for clients such as Wild Turkey, Maker’s Mark, Herradura Tequila, Nebraska Tourism, Louisiana Tourism, Pennsylvania Tourism, Frazier History Museum, and Kentucky Tourism.

I hosted my first exhibition and launch party for “Stitched In Strength”, a personal project dedicated to the women behind the award-winning non-profit Anchal.
I photographed the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby.
I created a custom hat with Wild Hats.
We visited Yellowstone National Park.
We purchased a new home.
We gave birth to our first child, Cecilia

Behind the brand is a collection of people whom I owe a debt of gratitude for 2024: Colleen Clines, Mom, Dad, Missy Lynn, Jeff Lynn, Tom Clines, Maggie Clines, Tommy Clines, Brittany Myers, Dave Cobb, Jonathon Chi, Adam Mescan, Zach Browning, Rachel Waters, Ryan Grant, Omar Miranda, Craig Oppenheimer, Jordan Hartley, Thomas Ingersoll, Megan Fleming, Stacy Swiderski, Lindsay Thompson, Nicole Poulin, Liz Wolf, Jeremy Richie, Coury Deeb, Ryan Galanaugh, Andrew Robinson, Fabiane Lash, Sara Rounsavall, Lambsey Reeves, Tyler Anderson, Courtney Anderson, Mike Brady, Chris Jackson, Nichole Jackson, Tyler Zoller, David Bongiorno, Kelby Miller, Emilie DeLong, Margaret Horlander, Cynthia Kendrick, Dan Waymack, and Sol Perry.

2024 - REVIEW

LIFE BEHIND THE LENS