As Thanksgiving arrives, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on the blessings, accomplishments, and connections of the past year. Here at photoPXL and Rockhopper Workshops, our hearts are full of gratitude for the incredible community we’ve built together. Whether you’re a long-time follower or a recent addition to our photography family, this message is for you.
A Personal Note from Kevin and Debra Raber
This Thanksgiving, Debra and I will enjoy a quiet celebration at home with a small family gathering. The aroma of a roasting turkey fills the air, and the warmth of our loved ones reminds us of what truly matters. Our faithful dog, Maggie, is undoubtedly hoping for scraps from the feast, while our three cats—Nova, Ansel, and Jupiter—gracefully supervise every preparation.
This serene setting also provides a moment for reflection. Over the past year, photoPXL has continued to grow as a hub for photographers of all levels, and it’s all thanks to you—our readers, contributors, and supporters. Whether through your engagement with articles, participation in workshops, or feedback on how we can improve, your passion fuels our mission to create a vibrant, informative, and inspiring space.
Highlights from the Year
The past year has been filled with milestones and memorable experiences that deserve a moment of gratitude:
photoPXL Growth
Your support has helped us expand our content library with reviews, tutorials, and thought-provoking essays. We’ve tackled everything from gear reviews to discussions about the artistic process, all aimed at helping photographers elevate their craft.
I am rededicating myself to providing more content. Lots of ideas and products to look at. I just wish I could find more hours in the day.
Rockhopper Workshops
From the majestic landscapes of Antarctica to the rugged beauty of the American Southwest, we’ve had the privilege of sharing unforgettable photographic adventures with you. Our new Fine Art Print Workshops have been a great success. We have moved into doing private workshops as well as consulting and that has been quite rewarding. Watching participants grow in confidence and creativity during these trips and workshops is one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do.
RaberEyes
RaberEyes has opened new avenues for exploring the art and craft of photography. Through this venture, we’ve showcased innovative perspectives and techniques, enriching the way we approach our work. This is our online Gallery and it’s about to make a big change in 2025. Stay tuned.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Thanksgiving is also a time to look forward. As we savor this day of gratitude, I’ll take a moment to think about how we can make photoPXL even better in the coming year. Some of the ideas on my mind include:
• Expanding Educational Content: From in-depth tutorials to live webinars, we aim to provide more opportunities for you to learn and grow.
• Enhanced Interactivity: Creating more ways for our community to share their work and connect with one another.
• Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Offering a closer look at the process behind our workshops and projects, giving you a deeper appreciation of the craft.
- More videos and articles on new products and techniques
- Exciting new one on one interviews
- A great list of great guests for our BiWeekly Photo Chats
- More use of video to accompany our articles
- In addition, I’ll be offering some exciting in-person photo events that you may want to be part of at the Indianapolis Art Center – Stay tuned; I’m very excited about this. We have recently remodeled the auditorium of the Art Center with a new incredible Klipsch Sound System, a New theater digital projector, new seating, and a theater-quality screen. We are in talks with some amazing speakers. What an amazing place for events.
- We recently received a generous gift from one of our readers, and we will be updating the Digital Studio at the Art Center with new gear for photography and digital printing.
- If you are local to Indianapolis, Indy Captures, a quarterly evening of photography events, will be starting up again.
- Plus, Rockhopper has some amazing workshops already posted, and we are going to offer more in 2025 and 2026. In addition, we will be offering one-on-one consulting and special private workshops.
Gratitude for Our Community
To our readers: Thank you for spending your time with us. Your enthusiasm for photography and desire to explore and create drives us to keep innovating.
To our workshop attendees: Your adventurous spirits and willingness to learn inspire us. Whether you joined us on a windswept beach at sunrise or captured the glow of golden hour in a remote canyon, your presence made every experience special.
To our contributors and collaborators: Thank you for your talent and dedication. The articles, reviews, and photographs you share enrich our platform and elevate our collective knowledge.
A Toast to the Photography Journey
Photography is a journey, not just a destination. It’s more than capturing the perfect shot; it’s about seeing the world differently, connecting with others, and telling stories that matter. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s also celebrate the beauty of this art form and the way it brings us together.
From Our Family to Yours
From Debra, myself, Maggie, Nova, Ansel, and Jupiter, we wish you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving. May your day be filled with love, laughter, and perhaps a bit of photography—because every family gathering is an opportunity to capture memories that will last a lifetime.
Here’s to the year ahead, the photos yet to be taken, and the moments that inspire us. Thank you for being a part of our story. We can’t wait to see what we’ll create together next. It’s been another year of challenges. No matter what, though, I am thankful to be doing what I love and surrounded by a strong and loving family.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Warm regards,
Kevin and Debra Raber
photoPXL, Rabereyes & Rockhopper Workshops
Kevin Raber
November 2024
Elevate Your Vision
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