Free Press photographers' favorite images of 2023

Detroit Free Press
Updated ·5 min read

Detroit Free Press photographers take thousands of pictures each year, covering everything from breaking news events to high school sports to business openings, plus long-term photo projects. Sometimes, there is one image that just sticks with you. It may be great light and composition that elevates the image, or the moment, loud or quiet, that makes the picture stand out.

We've asked the Free Press photo staff to select that one image that made a mark on them in 2023, and share what makes it special.

A person holding a candle hugs someone at the Clawson City Park during a vigil to honor one of their own, Alexandria "Alex" Verner, along with other MSU shooting victims in Clawson on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023.
A person holding a candle hugs someone at the Clawson City Park during a vigil to honor one of their own, Alexandria "Alex" Verner, along with other MSU shooting victims in Clawson on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023.

This image was difficult to capture, and it had an indelible impact on me. This image, captured at Clawson City Park during a memorial for Alexandria "Alex" Verner, a Clawson native and MSU student killed in the Feb. 13 attack, symbolizes the unity in Michigan, showcasing the community's solidarity as they came together for these families during the toughest times of their lives. Witnessing this collective support gave me hope in what felt like a hopeless period.

-David Rodríguez Muñoz, Detroit Free Press

Detroit Tigers player Miguel Cabrera walks out from the umpires tunnel during the pregame ceremony honoring him in his second to last game before his team took on the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park in Detroit on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Detroit Tigers player Miguel Cabrera walks out from the umpires tunnel during the pregame ceremony honoring him in his second to last game before his team took on the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park in Detroit on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

My favorite image I made in 2023 was this one of Detroit Tigers great — and future Hall of Famer — Miguel Cabrera as he walked out on Sept. 30, in his second-to-last game before he retired.

In the press box before the game, I read that he would come out of this tunnel behind home plate for an ceremony on the field, so I headed to section 327 in the upper deck to be able to photograph this moment, knowing fans would lean over to high five him, or use their phones to take pictures and video.

-Eric Seals, Detroit Free Press

Michigan fans hold "Spartan Strong" signs in the Maize Rage student section to show their support for the Michigan State community before the first half against Michigan State at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Saturday, February 18, 2023.
Michigan fans hold "Spartan Strong" signs in the Maize Rage student section to show their support for the Michigan State community before the first half against Michigan State at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

When I reflect back on 2023, the first thing came to my mind was the pregame of the Michigan State basketball game at Michigan on Feb. 18, five days after the deadly shooting on the MSU campus. The tragedy hit all of us, despite the historic rivalry between the schools — a moment for grieving and respect and unity that brought all of together.

-Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

Taleila Cooper, 35, and Ethan Clemons, 36, both of Detroit share a kiss while taking a selfie in front of the Tiger statue in downtown Detroit during the Detroit Tigers' Opening Day at Comerica Park in Detroit on Thursday, April 6, 2023
Taleila Cooper, 35, and Ethan Clemons, 36, both of Detroit share a kiss while taking a selfie in front of the Tiger statue in downtown Detroit during the Detroit Tigers' Opening Day at Comerica Park in Detroit on Thursday, April 6, 2023

This was my first assignment back after having reconstructive surgery on my ACL, a ligament in my knee, and I was nervous that I would not be able to do my job, that my knee was going to be too painful. Working with Free Press metro columnist Neal Rubin eased my worries, and I got to meet a lot of really happy, interesting people who reminded me why I love my job so much. The couple in the photo, Taleila Cooper and Ethan Clemons, were friends from high school who had recently reconnected. They were on their first date in downtown Detroit at Opening Day on April 6. Clemons took the opportunity of having their photo taken to initiate their first kiss. It was so perfect, it almost seemed planned. I hope this couple is still making memories together.

-Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press

Detroit Prowl Tiera Derrick-Jones has fun with two of her kids Ellie 1 and King Jr. 5 who tries on moms helmet and gloves in the locker room after the win against the Michigan Queens Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Allen Park high school.
Detroit Prowl Tiera Derrick-Jones has fun with two of her kids Ellie 1 and King Jr. 5 who tries on moms helmet and gloves in the locker room after the win against the Michigan Queens Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Allen Park high school.

Tiera Derick-Jones, a linebacker for the Detroit Prowl women's tackle football team, giving her son King Jr., 5, a little encouragement. King couldn't wait to try his mom's helmet and gloves after her big game against the Detroit Queens. His little sister Ellie, 1, watches between their mom's legs. King's enthusiasm for his mom's equipment and watching her play, and the faces of Tiera and her daughter Ellie, caught my attention.

-Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press

West Side Cubs cheerleading coach Myesha Robinson is hugged by Kirsten Adams of Detroit during a practice for the West Side Cubs at McCabe Field in Detroit on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. More than just youth football and cheerleading teams, the West Side Cubs represent a vital community institution with a 66-year history.
West Side Cubs cheerleading coach Myesha Robinson is hugged by Kirsten Adams of Detroit during a practice for the West Side Cubs at McCabe Field in Detroit on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. More than just youth football and cheerleading teams, the West Side Cubs represent a vital community institution with a 66-year history.

My favorite photo is a warm moment between a young cheerleader and one of her coaches.

I enjoyed photographing the West Side Cubs and learning about their longstanding history in Detroit. The positive moment, although quiet in nature, was heartwarming to see. After Adams spent time taking selfies in the stands with other cheerleaders, she ditched the technology to embrace her coach. For many of the adults involved in the program, there is no compensation for taking the time to help. But by the smile that followed, I could see the positive impact the coaches have, and why they do it.

-Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press

Amanda lights a cigarette in her motel room on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022 in Detroit before she distributes what Narcan she has left to motel residents. She had already distributed clean needles to them.
Amanda lights a cigarette in her motel room on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022 in Detroit before she distributes what Narcan she has left to motel residents. She had already distributed clean needles to them.

What makes this my favorite photo is the person in the photo, Amanda, and the year and a half my colleague Georgea Kovanis and I spent following her for a story that published on Dec. 13. We were able to find someone brave enough to allow us to let us into her life, to take an intimate look at the complicated life of a heroin and crack addict in the context of the national opioid and overdose crisis. Amanda is a mother, a daughter, a sister, and she is also a drug addict, part of the problem. She is also the solution. Amanda works as a harm reduction advocate, passing out clean needles, Narcan and other items to help keep her community safe from infection and death. In this photo, Amanda clutches an armful of Narcan that she plans to leave at sites around the Detroit motel where she is staying, where she knows other drug users are also staying.

-Mandi Wright, Detroit Free Press

Rick Hendrick looks over the many cars on display inside of his 58,000-square-foot Heritage Center in Concord, North Carolina, on July 25, 2023. He built it in 2010 and it has grown to be more than a collection of notable cars and famous guitars. It is Hendrick's tribute to his family, representing his life's struggles and successes.
Rick Hendrick looks over the many cars on display inside of his 58,000-square-foot Heritage Center in Concord, North Carolina, on July 25, 2023. He built it in 2010 and it has grown to be more than a collection of notable cars and famous guitars. It is Hendrick's tribute to his family, representing his life's struggles and successes.

This photo of Rick Hendrick of Hendrick Motorsports is one of my favorite images because it was a quiet and authentic moment in a chaotic afternoon of interviews and tours. This moment of reflection as he pauses to look over his 58,000-square-foot Heritage Center in Concord, North Carolina pretty much summed up the story we were there to tell. To me, it is a gift when someone allows us to document these quiet moments and allow our readers to more fully identify with them and understand their story.

-Kelly Jordan, Detroit Free Press

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Free Press photographers' favorite images of 2023