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Writer's pictureSavannah Agee-Allen

Beyond the Shutter: My Best Shots of 2023

Updated: May 19

As the sun sets on another year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey my lens has taken me. Join me as I delve into the background of my top 20 favorite photos from this year!



Important notes: "Best" is being used relatively here. I went through all my albums and chose the photos that spoke to me at the moment. The photos are not in any particular order.

 

#1 - Framed By The Sun

Pictured: Erik & Esther


Snapped this gem in a field just outside Beaumont, Texas. Nothing beats stumbling upon a moment like this. No clue what the sun had in store that day, but man, it felt like God himself was playing photographer, shining a light on two of the sweetest people I know.


My Instagram handle is @staygoldensavannah and capturing photos like this helps me feel like I am living up to the name.


#2 - See Right Through You

Pictured: Kinlee Kahla


When I caught this shot, I straight-up screamed. Knew it was a winner right off the bat. Sunlight, flash, and major props to Kinlee's modeling game—it's all in there. What grabs me about this pic is Kinlee's eyes locking onto you through the screen, like she’s about to spill some juicy secret. It's just plain awesome.




#3 - Unencumbered

Pictured: Mist Batiste


This photo radiates confidence and grace, and every time I see it, I’m hooked on Mist's look of sheer assurance. Met Mist at a Southeast Texas Women of Influence meeting, and she took a gamble on me as her photographer. Major props to her for kickstarting my portrait gig.


#4 - Giddy Love

Pictured: Natalie Messer & Trevor Chandler


Natalie rolled up with a vision for her engagement pics, and we nailed it. I was over the moon with how these turned out. For this one, I stepped outside the store and shot through the front window. Love the reflections and the light—it adds a cool touch.


Burns Antik Haus was kind enough to lend us their store for the evening. If you are local to the Beaumont, Texas area, I urge you to check them out! They have beautiful antique finds for people of all walks of life. I have found many a trinkets there! They also have an online shop if you are not local, info below:


INSTAGRAM

@burnsantikhaus

PHONE&WEBSITE

ADDRESS


#5 - Down in Orangefield, Texas

Pictured: Zach Morgan


Zach, my best friend’s little brother, all grown up and graduated high school. The dude’s a natural in front of the camera, and I’m digging the angle of the trees behind him, following their line without even trying.


#6 - If only it were just the two of us

Pictured: Esther & Erik Salazar-Rodriguez


This photo hits differently. Maybe it’s 'cause I know these two, and their love is like pure gold. The emotion in this shot makes it feel like it's just them in the world. Almost like I stumbled into their private hangout. Seriously, why are you still staring? Scroll away!



#7 - Infinite Bliss

Pictured: Nick, Claire, & Luna Harvey


I don't have kids myself, but if I ever need to explain the love a parent has for their child, I will just show them this photo. This makes me feel things.


On the techie side, love how the light and colors play together, giving it that kinda vintage vibe.


#8 - Classic Beauty +some

Pictured: Rachel Dooley

 

The light, the hair, the face—everything in this pic clicks. It's a visual treat, plain and simple.


#9 - Multi-Talented Queen

Pictured: Kinlee Kahla


Kinlee’s a model who never misses, and I’ve snapped over 10,000 pics of her. This one captures her beauty, strength, and all-around awesomeness. She's a dancer, a weight-lifting champ, and more. It's been a blast watching her grow.



#10 - At Last I See The Light

Pictured: Kaitlyn Hatten


Super stoked about this pic 'cause I took a risk that day at Lamar University. The lighting, the backdrop, Kaitlyn's dress—all came together perfectly to capture her joy. It's a reminder that sometimes stepping out of the comfort zone pays off big time.


#11 - Ray of Sunshine

Pictured: Claire, Nick, & Luna Harvey


These shots went down in my itty-bitty backyard, and I was clueless about what the sun had in store that day. But, oh boy, it's like the heavens opened up just for Luna. This pic wraps me up in warmth. You can practically feel the love that Claire and Nick shower on their little one radiating through the image.


#12 - Blessed With The Gift

Pictured: Rachel Dooley


Rachel? A natural-born model. She’s got her angles down to a science. In this shot, she's channeling some serious Greek Goddess vibes, and I'm all about it. It's just one of those pics that sticks with you, you know?



#13 - Natural Energy

Pictured: Kinlee Kahla


Kinlee’s not just a stunner; she's a born model. This pic's a personal fave. She's not really posing, but there's this something in her eyes that's like a direct line to the viewer’s soul. It’s that magical connection that takes a pic


#14 - Orange, White, & Blue

Pictured: Zach Morgan


The directness of this shot hits different. Crisp foreground, with the Orangefield field house a bit hazy in the background.



#15 - Feel The Moment

Pictured: Mist Batiste


This pic of Mist screams freedom. Her energy, the twinkle in her eyes, the smile, and that little hair flip—it’s a happiness bomb waiting to explode.



#16 - Up To Something

Pictured: Kinlee Kahla


First shoot with my new travel flash, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer. Kinlee takes center stage, popping against the lights and a hint of sunset in the backdrop. It's a recipe for visual gorgeousness.


#17 - In The Valley of Red Birds

Pictured: Natalie Messer


Clicked the shutter, and I was obsessed from the get-go. This one's a top 3 if I had to choose favorites. The colors, the sunlight, the whole vibe with Lord Farquaad's Castle chilling in the background—it’s perfection in a frame.


#18 - Aspiring to Shoot for Esquire

Pictured: Michael Laidler


Michael rolled up for some creative headshots for his brand, and he meant business! Digging the background dimensions, the hues of his suit, and that easygoing look on his face. Everything just clicked, creating a seriously beautiful image


#19 - Looking Onwards and Upwards

Pictured: Kathryn Gilbreath


Shooting at "The Head" at Lamar University isn’t easy, especially with Mirabeau B. Lamar hogging the spotlight. But Kat and I put our heads together, and voila—a chic graduation portrait. I’m loving the vibe with her front and center, the Setzer Student Center blending into a blurry, but totally cool, backdrop.

#20 - In Unexpected Places

Pictured: Erik & Esther Salazar-Rodriguez



This pic is all about the cozy vibes and love. I’ll be honest, when we went to this spot, I had my worries about how the photos would turn out. The background had me second-guessing, thinking it might not be good enough. But you know what? Turns out, the simplicity of that backdrop made Esther & Erik pop in the most beautiful, uncomplicated way. It's proof that sometimes less is more, letting the real stars of the show shine in their simple, gorgeous glory.



 

As we wrap up the album of 2023, my heart overflows with gratitude for the privilege of being a storyteller, capturing the world through my lens. Each photograph isn't just an image but a snapshot of the experiences, the faces, and those fleeting moments that wove together to make this life truly extraordinary. To each of you who shared in this visual journey, thank you for being a part of it. Here's to these photos echoing and inspiring, as we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the ever-changing tapestry of life.


Happy New Year!


Savannah Agee - Allen


I am proud to offer my photography services in a wide range of cities and towns throughout Southeast Texas. My service area includes Beaumont, Nederland, Port Arthur, Lumberton, Orange, Vidor, Bridge City, Groves, Port Neches, Silsbee, Kountze, Winnie, Jasper, Liberty, Anahuac, Dayton, and Cleveland.



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