As 2023 winds down, The Banner’s photo staff culled through the thousands of pictures we filed this year to highlight some of our most memorable frames, stories and projects. Here is a selection of our best photos from the past year captured across Baltimore and beyond.

Lamar Jackson throws his hands up in the air as he watches the replay of his incomplete pass.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) reacts after an incomplete pass during overtime against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. (Kylie Cooper/The Baltimore Banner)
Sister Mary Pauline Tamakloe celebrates down the aisle after taking her final profession at Our Lady of Mount Providence Convent, in Arbutus, Monday, August 14, 2023.
Sister Mary Pauline Tamakloe celebrates down the aisle after taking her final profession at Our Lady of Mount Providence Convent in Arbutus on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)
Graduating midshipmen toss their covers into the sky at the conclusion of the U.S. Naval Academy’s graduation ceremony at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on May 26, 2023. The graduating midshipmen are commissioned as either an ensign in the U.S. Navy or a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Graduating midshipmen toss their covers into the sky at the conclusion of the U.S. Naval Academy’s graduation ceremony at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on May 26, 2023. The graduating midshipmen are commissioned as either an ensign in the U.S. Navy or a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)
Wes Moore with son James Moore at the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial to lay a wreath and say a prayer before the governor-elect is sworn in as the first African American governor of the state of Maryland.
Wes Moore with son James Moore at the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial to lay a wreath and say a prayer before the governor-elect is sworn in as the first African American governor of the state of Maryland. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)
People dance around Amal in Patterson Park on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. The theme of this stop was celebrating Latin American heritage.
People dance around Amal in Patterson Park on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. The theme of this stop was celebrating Latin American heritage. (Kylie Cooper/The Baltimore Banner)
Sandra “Pinky” Dorsey puts on her necklace before heading to the grand entry of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro in Maryland on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)
People from all over the world base jump off of the bridge during Bridge Day, an annual celebration of the famous New River Gorge Bridge in West Virgina. The bridge is currently the longest single-span steel arch bridge in the United States and the third highest bridge in the country.
People from all over the world BASE jump off the New River Gorge Bridge outside Fayetteville, West Virginia, on Bridge Day. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)
Carrie McLean hugs Rev. Elazar Atticus Schoch Zavaletta after Family Life in Baltimore, Thursday, June 1, 2023. Family Life, a spiritual gathering with the Good Trouble Church and for those in the in the community to join.
Carrie McLean hugs Rev. Elazar Atticus Schoch Zavaletta after Family Life, a spiritual gathering, in Baltimore on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)
Young Baltimore Orioles fans beg shortstop Gunnar Henderson for autographs after a simulated game at Camden Yards on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. The Baltimore Orioles are preparing for their first postseason game in the ALDS against the Texas Rangers on Saturday.
Young Baltimore Orioles fans beg shortstop Gunnar Henderson for autographs after a simulated game at Camden Yards on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)
Samantha Cleary, girlfriend of the late Capt. Kenneth C. Motsay, USMC, mourns at his gravesite at the Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29, 2023. Motsay passed on Feb. 13, 2023 — two days shy of his 31st birthday. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)
Myron Green walks out of his prom send off party to a crowd of his loved cheering, in Baltimore, Tuesday, May 16, 2023.
Myron Green walks out of his prom send-off party to a crowd of his loved ones cheering in Baltimore on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)
The class of 2026 climbs the Herndon Monument at the Naval Academy on May 17, 2023.
The class of 2026 climbs the Herndon Monument at the Naval Academy on May 17, 2023. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)
St. Frances enters the Under Armour stadium for their game against St. Thomas More in Baltimore, Maryland, on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (Kylie Cooper/The Baltimore Banner)
A streaker is taken down by security guards during game one of the American League Division Series against the Texas Rangers at Camden Yards on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)
Artist B.Lyte poses for a portrait at Artscape on Sept. 24, 2023. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)
Liz Murphy and Linda Malat Tiburzi sit inside of Good Counsel church on Fort Ave. Their friendship has spanned several decades.
Liz Murphy and Linda Malat Tiburzi sit inside of Good Counsel church on Fort Avenue. Their friendship has spanned several decades. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)
Fans showed off their fashion game at the CIAA Basketball Tournament. Kim Bailey of Virginia was all attitude in her glasses, hat and pink coat. (Kirk McKoy/The Baltimore Banner)
Paul Milewski of Wisconsin, Robert Koontz, 79, of Waldorf MD, and William Bach of South Carolina, compete in the 100-meter at South Fayette High School, in McDonald, PA, during the National Senior Games, Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
Paul Milewski of Wisconsin; Robert Koontz, 79, of Waldorf, Maryland; and William Bach of South Carolina; compete in the 100-meter at South Fayette High School in McDonald, Pennsylvania, during the National Senior Games on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)
Scenes from the Strut Fashion Show hosted by Aziza PE&CE, a local non-profit that uses fashion, music, fitness and mentoring to help girls and LGBTQ youth cultivate personal development and creativity.
Scenes from the STRUT fashion show hosted by Aziza PE&CE, a local nonprofit that uses fashion, music, fitness and mentoring to help girls and LGBTQ youth cultivate personal development and creativity. The fashion show took place at The Hippodrome and it was the first time an African American youth program was hosted there, as well as the first time a fashion show was hosted there. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)
Myrtle Watts with Kingdom Life Church Apostolic leads a prayer near Glade Court in Brooklyn after a shooting in the early morning of July 2, 2023. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)
Blair and Brandon Dottin-Haley, husbands, poses together for a portrait around Mount Vernon, in Baltimore, Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
Blair and Brandon Dottin-Haley, husbands, pose together for a portrait around Mount Vernon in Baltimore, Maryland, on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)
Kinsley Aaron, 10, holds a muskrat for the skinning demonstration.
A child holds a muskrat for the skinning demonstration. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)
The crowd shouts “We love you, Pava” while holding up their phone flashlights during a vigil for Pava LaPere at the Washington Monument on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023.
The crowd shouts “We love you, Pava” while holding up their phone flashlights during a vigil for Pava LaPere at the Washington Monument on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. (Kylie Cooper/The Baltimore Banner)
Emmanuel Sofowora, 12, of Baltimore hits are hard turn on a rollercoaster at the Maryland State Fair, in Timonium, Friday, August 25, 2023.
Emmanuel Sofowora, 12, of Baltimore, hits a hard turn on a rollercoaster at the Maryland State Fair in Timonium on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)
Mica Saunders, the founder of Moxie Movez, poses with her group, Moxie Moves Grannies +1 Grandpa Dance Troupe, that just finished performing at PoleCon International, at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, Saturday, June 17, 2023.
Mica Saunders, the founder of Moxie Movez, poses with her group, Moxie Moves Grannies +1 Grandpa Dance Troupe, that just finished performing at the International Pole Convention at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland on Saturday, June 17, 2023. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)
Adnan Syed invited reporters to his parents’ home in Baltimore County for a presentation making the case for his innocence in the killing of his ex-girlfriend and classmate at Woodlawn High School. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)
Teammates watch each other flip across the mat during a morning practice on October 12, 2023.
Teammates watch each other flip across the mat during a morning practice on Oct. 12, 2023. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)
The Baltimore Krampus is photographed with a slow shutter speed and red gel.
The Baltimore Krampus at the Fells Point Krampuslauf on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (Kylie Cooper/The Baltimore Banner)
Program director at Hilton Field House, Aaron Maybin, poses for a portrait at Hilton Field House, in Baltimore, Thursday, January 5, 2023.
Hilton Recreation Center program director Aaron Maybin poses for a portrait in Baltimore on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)
Founder of the Baltimore Banners, Noel Acton, helps adjust the skates of Donteze Branch, before a game at Mimi DiPietro Family Skating Center, in Baltimore, February 5, 2023.
Founder of the Baltimore Banners, Noel Acton, helps adjust the skates of Donteze Branch, before a game at Mimi DiPietro Family Skating Center in Baltimore on Feb. 5, 2023. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)
Nick Culbertson, close friend of Pava LaPere’s, hugs Kory Bailey, another close friend, during a vigil held in her honor at the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon on Sept. 27, 2023.
Close friends of Pava LaPere hug during a vigil held in her honor at the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon on Sept. 27, 2023. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)
Tawanda Jones wipes her eyes at the ten year anniversary memorial gathering to honor Tyrone West held on the corner of Kitmore Road and Kelway Road on July 18, 2023. West was killed after being pursued by two officers of the Baltimore Police Department after he fled a traffic stop in 2013.
Tawanda Jones wipes her eyes at the 10-year anniversary memorial gathering to honor Tyrone West held on the corner of Kitmore and Kelway roads on July 18, 2023. West was killed after being pursued by two officers of the Baltimore Police Department after he fled a traffic stop in 2013. (Dylan Thiessen/The Baltimore Banner)
A vigil was held in West Baltimore for Dylan King, 8, who was shot and killed on Dec. 30, 2022. King’s mother, Marlena Cook, is pictured. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)
Friends and loved ones gathered to remember Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five, on the Ma and Pa Heritage Trail in Harford County on Aug. 19, 2023. Morin’s body was found on the trail on Aug. 6 after disappearing on Aug. 5 while hiking. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)
Anthony Wicks, 39, describes his experience. Wicks was grazed by a bullet during the mass shooting that took place on Sunday, July 2 while he was sitting in his backyard with his daughter, Myracle, 6. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner)
A protester climbs on top of a traffic light to wave a Palestinian flag as others march through downtown Washington, D.C., in support of Palestine, with organizers calling for a ceasefire in Gaza on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)
Bobbie Dickens of Harford County watches the horse races with friends at the George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico on May 19, 2023.
Bobbie Dickens of Harford County watches the horse races with friends at the George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico on May 19, 2023. (Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner)
Randy Perez plays with his 6-year-old son, Noah, as they both dance during DJ Zack Bia performs at Preakness Live in the infield before the 148th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 20, 2023. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)
Juan Batty gets his beard trimmed by barber Derel Owens inside the TIME Organization’s Barber Shop on July 11, 2023. Owens joined the non-profit organization to focus on cutting hair while also counseling clients so they feel their best physically and mentally.
Juan Batty gets his beard trimmed by barber Derel Owens inside the TIME Organization’s Barber Shop on July 11, 2023. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)
House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones collects her personal belongings before leaving the podium as confetti and balloons fall to signify the end of the 2023 General Assembly session on Monday, April 10. Any bill that doesn’t get completely passed by midnight on this final day of the session, also known as Sine Die. is effectively dead, and lawmakers will need to try again next year.
House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones collects her personal belongings before leaving the podium as confetti and balloons fall to signify the end of the 2023 General Assembly session on Monday, April 10. Any bill that doesn’t get completely passed by midnight on this final day of the session — also known as sine die — is effectively dead, and lawmakers will need to try again next year. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)
Maryland’s Shyanne Sellers (0) reacts after scoring at the XFINITY Center during a tournament game between the No. 2 Maryland Terrapins and the No. 7 Arizona Wildcats. The University of Maryland beat the University of Arizona, 77-64, in the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)
Drew Wolcott, the Orioles’ head groundskeeper at Ed Smith Stadium, gets a kiss from his dog Thatch on the ballpark’s field on March 4. Thatch accompanies Wolcott each day as he and his crew work on the field. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)
J.K. Dobbins goes airborne to score a TD in the first quarter of the Ravens game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. (Ulysses Muñoz)
Fireworks light up the sky around the Washington Monument during the 52nd Monument Lighting at Mount Vernon Place on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
Fireworks light up the sky around the Washington Monument during the 52nd Monument Lighting at Mount Vernon Place on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)

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