Dear Friends,
As 2025 comes to a close, I find myself pausing—not to rush into what’s next, but to truly reflect on what was. And what was… was meaningful, humbling, joyful, and deeply human.
To every family, couple, and individual who trusted me this year: thank you. Thank you for inviting me into your lives, your celebrations, your quiet moments, your giggles galore, and your love. It is a profound honor to witness people as they are—to freeze fleeting moments so they can be returned to again and again.
This year was also deeply personal for me. In the spring, my husband suffered a massive heart attack. The odds were stark—a 2% survival rate—and for a while, everything else fell away. Time slowed. Priorities sharpened. Love became visceral and immediate.
I’m incredibly grateful to share that not only did he survive—he has thrived. Through physical therapy, a healthy diet, and the unwavering love and support of family and friends, his strength and vitality have returned in ways that continue to amaze us. It has been a profound reminder of resilience, community, and the power of care.
In the midst of that journey, returning to my work—to you—was not just welcome, it was necessary. Photographing loving families, editing images late into the night, revisiting laughter and tenderness through my screen… it grounded me. It reminded me why I do what I do. Creativity became both refuge and renewal.
2025 also brought moments of incredible growth and joy. I was honored to be included in the international magazine Artist Closeup, a milestone that still feels surreal. Read the blog at https://www.artistcloseup.com/blog/interview-carolyn-strong
I spent time reaching for the stars—literally—while attending an astrophotography workshop in Glacier National Park, standing beneath vast skies that remind us how small we are, and how luminous life can be when we look up.
Through it all, your trust carried me. Your stories mattered. Your love mattered. And I don’t take that lightly.
As we step into a new year, my wish for you is simple and expansive all at once:
May 2026 be filled with love and light.
May there be deep breaths, shared meals, strong embraces, and unexpected joy.
May you reach for the stars—whatever that means for you—and may you feel held while you do.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me to do this work, to grow alongside you, and to bear witness to what matters most.
With profound gratitude,
Carolyn
CStrong Photography
AND…y’all know how much I love a slideshow…”2025 in Review”
https://cstrongphotography.pic-time.com/_pt_WzhCQmZLosLCA
