A year in photos: Images from Wisconsin’s rollercoaster ride that was 2021

In 2021, I documented Wisconsin’s second year of the COVID-19 pandemic as a photojournalist. As vaccines became available to the public in the first half of this year, Wisconsinites were able to engage in some of the things we lost the previous year. Museums reopened, Summerfest returned, schools left Zoom classes behind and sports fans filled stadiums.

As fans watched inside and outside the Fiserv Forum, I was photographing their reactions as the as the Milwaukee Bucks won the NBA Finals. Being able to photograph facial expressions and crowds was something I had missed in 2020.

Wisconsin also suffered heartache this year as six people tragically died during what was supposed to be a holiday celebration in Waukesha. The following day, I photographed the scene as the police continued to work on the parade route. As Waukesha residents gathered at a vigil on a particularly cold winter evening, I was moved as I witnessed a community come together in support of one another. I’m thankful for the opportunity to capture these moments for Wisconsin Public Radio’s listeners and readers.