2019 Year in Review

Wow, another year has already passed?

2019 started off a little rocky...

This time last year, I was struggling to find myself after retiring from the Navy.

I even blogged “I’m the only one holding me back...look out 2019, I’m ready to step up my photography game!”

Well, two resignation letters, and a few tears later, I took that leap of faith and went full time with the photography.

The first thing I did was to sit down with a talented graphic designer  (Dennis Belmont) and freshen up my logo to something a little more professional.


Then I proceeded to spend the year focusing on my Veteran Brothers and Sisters, either by offering professional headshots or documenting their ceremonial milestones. I enjoyed mentoring those Veterans who were also transitioning and assuring them there are plenty of opportunities on the other side.


Over 135 Veterans met Laura’s camera in 2019



2019 Included Photographing Five Navy Retirement Ceremonies & One Change of Command Event


If I had to choose my favorite event for the year it would have to be the United States Naval Academy Induction Day, or “I Day” which was held on 27 June 2019.  The day started at 530 am for me and continued for another 13 hours. I documented 1200 young men and women going through a life-changing transition from civilians to military college freshmen, also affectionally known as “Plebes.”

10 hours of photographing, 1600+ images, 3 days of processing and 700+ final edited images, all neatly bundled into a motivating 7 minute video.  It was a true labor of love, considering I was one of those freshmen, over three decades prior.


Other memorable highlights from the year included celebrating historical anniversaries and milestones with some living legends, like some of the Battle of Midway survivors and the 2019 Naval Academy Distinguished Graduate Award Recipients.


77th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway


2019 USNA Distinguished Graduate Award Ceremony

2019 also included a few published photos in several magazines, calendars and a book cover.






























































Lastly, the icing on the 2019 cake was opening my photography studio in Old Town, Alexandria, VA. The love and support I received from my friends and family was truly overwhelming.





It was truly a busy and rewarding year and I’m looking forward to great things in 2020.



Laura Hatcher is a retired Naval Officer, Mother, Harley Rider and Published Professional Photographer located in Northern Virginia.  Her Studio is on 218 North Lee Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

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Comments

  1. Laura you are an inspiration! Your work and heart are incredible and I wish you continued success. Cheers to 2020!

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