Nikkels Photography, a San Luis Obispo–based wedding and portrait photographer, shares her 2025 Images of the Year Contest.

As we welcome 2026, I’ve been taking time to reflect on everything 2025 held. From emotional wedding days and adventurous engagement sessions to senior milestones and meaningful family moments, this year was filled with connection, celebration, and stories that deserve to be remembered.

Every session reminded me why I love what I do. Photography is not just about beautiful images, but about preserving how moments felt. The quiet in-between, the big laughter, the people who matter most. 2025 was full of that magic, and I’m so grateful to everyone who invited me into their lives this past year.

Image of the Year Contest

To celebrate the incredible clients and moments that made 2025 so special, I’m excited to bring back the Images of the Year Contest.

This is my way of honoring the stories we created together and highlighting some of my favorite images from the year. The collection below features a curated mix of weddings, engagements, seniors, and families, each one chosen for the emotion, connection, and storytelling it represents.

Now comes the fun part. You get to help choose the images that stand out the most.

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How It Works

Participating is easy.

• Scroll through the images below and choose your favorite
• Leave a comment at the bottom of the page with your vote

Example: “We vote for #3 – Sarah and Jason’s wedding!”

Helpful tip: Each comment counts as one vote, so feel free to invite friends and family to participate. Every vote truly makes a difference.

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The Prizes

What’s a contest without some exciting rewards? Here’s what’s up for grabs:

• Third Place: A $20 gift card to our favorite local coffee shop, Nautical Bean (@nauticalbean).
• Second Place: A $50 gift card to the fabulous Rob & Hammer (@robandhammerrock).
• Grand Prize: A one-hour photo session PLUS a $50 Amazon gift card!

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Important Dates

Round One

• Voting closes Saturday, January 17th at midnight
• The top 10 Images will move on

Round Two

• Voting opens Sunday, January 18th and closes Friday, January 23rd
• The top 5 Images advance

Final Round

• Saturday, January 24th through Thursday, January 29th

Winners Announced

• Friday, January 30th, 2026

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Why This Images of the Year Contest Matters

This contest is about more than choosing a favorite photo. It is about celebrating real moments, real people, and the stories that unfolded throughout the year. Every image represents trust, connection, and a chapter worth remembering.

Whether you are voting for your own wedding photo, a friend’s engagement session, or a senior portrait that makes you smile, your participation means so much to me.

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Let the Voting Begin!

Thank you for being part of the Nikkels Photography community and for allowing me to document your memories. Your support, referrals, and kind words continue to shape this business in the most meaningful way.

Here’s to celebrating 2025, honoring the stories we shared, and starting 2026 with gratitude and joy. Scroll through, cast your vote, and let’s celebrate together.

Want to make some unfortgetable memories in 2026? Our calendar is open and we are booking portraits and a handful of more weddings!!