See the best photos of 2023 from Charlotte Observer visual journalists

The Pham
·3 min read

A single image is time frozen or a moment captured, a memory seized. For The Charlotte Observer’s visual journalists, capturing that perfect moment is a combination of careful observation and technical skills. Here are some of the Observer’s visual journalists’ favorite images in 2023 that balanced both.

This collection is just a taste of what you’ll see from the Observer’s award-winning team of visual journalists at a special event Jan. 10, 2024 called Captured Memories: A Year in Photos with The Charlotte Observer.

In partnership with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, the event will take place in the Wells Fargo Theater at the ImaginOn Library in uptown Charlotte. Doors open at 6 p.m. for light refreshments, and the program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m., and last until 8 p.m.

The event is free to attend, but registration is required at charlotteobserver.com/yearinphotosevent.

Artist Georgie Nakima poses in front of her wall mural entitled: Vision at East Town Market on Milton Rd
Artist Georgie Nakima poses in front of her wall mural entitled: Vision at East Town Market on Milton Rd

Artist Georgie Nakima poses in front of her wall mural entitled: Vision at East Town Market on Milton Road.

— Jeff Siner

The Harvest Moon appears to sit atop the Clock Tower of Lake Park Village in Union County on Friday, September 29, 2023. The Harvest Moon signals that fall has arrived and is the last super moon of the year.
The Harvest Moon appears to sit atop the Clock Tower of Lake Park Village in Union County on Friday, September 29, 2023. The Harvest Moon signals that fall has arrived and is the last super moon of the year.

The Harvest Moon appears to sit atop the Clock Tower of Lake Park Village in Union County on Sept. 29, 2023. The Harvest Moon signals that fall has arrived and is the last super moon of the year.

— Jeff Siner

Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges is reflected in the glass of suites during first half action against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC.
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges is reflected in the glass of suites during first half action against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC.

Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges is reflected in the glass of suites during first-half action against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 at Spectrum Center.

— Jeff Siner

A family sits on the porch of their tent at Rock Springs Camp Meeting in Denver, N.C. For more than 200 years, families have gathered there to worship. These days, it’s a destination where they come from near and far, evolving from a bygone era but the event ​has since evolved from a place​ where settlers in covered wagons sought religious revival
A family sits on the porch of their tent at Rock Springs Camp Meeting in Denver, N.C. For more than 200 years, families have gathered there to worship. These days, it’s a destination where they come from near and far, evolving from a bygone era but the event ​has since evolved from a place​ where settlers in covered wagons sought religious revival

A family sits on the porch of their tent at Rock Springs Camp Meeting in Denver, N.C. For more than 200 years, families have gathered there to worship. These days, it’s a destination where they come from near and far, evolving from a bygone era, but the event has since evolved from a place where settlers in covered wagons sought religious revival.

— Khadejeh Nikouyeh

Sullivan Falcons Joe Schmidt leads a huddle during practice at Sullivan Middle School in Fort Mill, S.C., on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Jo is 13-year-old Girl who plays quarterback, middle linebacker, defensive end, kicker as well as a running back.
Sullivan Falcons Joe Schmidt leads a huddle during practice at Sullivan Middle School in Fort Mill, S.C., on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Jo is 13-year-old Girl who plays quarterback, middle linebacker, defensive end, kicker as well as a running back.

The Sullivan Falcons’ Joe Schmidt leads a huddle during practice at Sullivan Middle School in Fort Mill, S.C., on Oct. 24, 2023.

— Khadejeh Nikouyeh

Mike Dumas adjusts his goggles before his swim meet for his neighborhood swim team. He competes for the boys team and is often one of the better swimmers. Mike is a 12-year-old transgender, and wants to continue gender-affirming care. NC lawmakers are trying to stop it.
Mike Dumas adjusts his goggles before his swim meet for his neighborhood swim team. He competes for the boys team and is often one of the better swimmers. Mike is a 12-year-old transgender, and wants to continue gender-affirming care. NC lawmakers are trying to stop it.

Mike Dumas adjusts his swim cap before his swim meet for his neighborhood swim team. He competes for the boys team and is often one of the better swimmers. Mike is a 12-year-old transgender boy, and his family is concerned that his gender-affirming care is being threatened by politicians.

— Khadejeh Nikouyeh

Jose Valentin Ramirez Cardiel stands in front of his mural at Maria’s Mexican Restaurant on South Boulevard. Cardiel, received a $20,00 grant from the city and $3,000 from ASC to create public murals in Charlotte that celebrate Latin culture.
Jose Valentin Ramirez Cardiel stands in front of his mural at Maria’s Mexican Restaurant on South Boulevard. Cardiel, received a $20,00 grant from the city and $3,000 from ASC to create public murals in Charlotte that celebrate Latin culture.

Street Culture Arte, a collaboration of Latinx artists led by Jose Valentin Ramirez Cardiel, received a $20,000 grant from the city and $3,000 from the Arts & Science Council to create public murals in Charlotte that celebrate Latin culture. His latest, and first, of several murals is currently on display on the side of Maria’s Mexican Restaurant on South Boulevard.

— Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez

“As I continue to do the lighthouse piece, I will continue to shine my light out to the world,” says Mattie Marshall, a longtime resident of the Washington Heights neighborhood and president of the Washington Heights Community Association in Charlotte NC.
“As I continue to do the lighthouse piece, I will continue to shine my light out to the world,” says Mattie Marshall, a longtime resident of the Washington Heights neighborhood and president of the Washington Heights Community Association in Charlotte NC.

“As I continue to do the lighthouse piece, I will continue to shine my light out to the world,” says Mattie Marshall, a longtime resident of the Washington Heights neighborhood and president of the Washington Heights Community Association.

— Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez

Carolina Panthers place kicker Eddy Pineiro, center, is hoisted by his teammates after making the winning field goal against the Texans at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 29, 2023. The Panthers beat the Texans, 15-13.
Carolina Panthers place kicker Eddy Pineiro, center, is hoisted by his teammates after making the winning field goal against the Texans at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 29, 2023. The Panthers beat the Texans, 15-13.

Carolina Panthers place kicker Eddy Pineiro, center, is hoisted by his teammates after making the winning field goal during the game against the Texans at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023. The Panthers beat the Texans, 15-13.

— Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez