One thing that draws me to the medium of photography is the way in which photographs seem to change with time. What was captured today can represent something or someone completely different tomorrow.

For the last three years, I’ve had the opportunity to create many, and edit virtually all, of the images published by the Rivard Report. The task of compiling the year’s most compelling photographs always brings with it a sense of the passage of time, and with it varied emotions. This year we saw the departure of photographer/videographer Kathryn Boyd-Batstone, who left to pursue a masters’ degree in her home state of California, and the arrival of Bonnie Arbittier, a talented young photographer from Pennsylvania who joined us in March.

These images include photos that touch on celebration, loss, heritage, and family. Most of all, the images comprise a historic record to be defined and redefined over and over again.

January
San Antonio Rampage forward A.J. Greer (No. 24) skates into an opposing player of the Ontario Reign. Credit: Kathryn Boyd-Batstone / San Antonio Report
Architects tour Brackenridge Park in anticipation of the landscape conference in San Antonio on March 3.
Landscape architects tour Brackenridge Park in anticipation of the landscape conference in San Antonio on March 3. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
Ron Nirenberg with his wife Erika Prosper Nirenberg at a recent campaign fundraiser.
Ron Nirenberg and his wife Erika Prosper share a moment during a campaign event in January. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
February
Performers of the Confucius Institute of UTSA prepare for the stage.
Performers of the Confucius Institute of UTSA prepare for their performance. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
Josué Romero reunites with his father José Francisco Romero after being detained by ICE and driven to a detention center.
Josué Romero reunites with his father, José Francisco Romero, after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and driven to a detention center. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
Albert Thomas, 87, at his home which he has lived in for 55 years sustained damages following an F1 tornado along his street.
Albert Thomas, 87, observes the damage an F1 tornado did to the home in which he has lived for 55 years. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
March
Children from Sinclair Elementary run through the new playground of the Schaefer Branch Library.
Children from Sinclair Elementary run through the new playground of the Schaefer Branch Library. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
Attendees on bicycles depart from Yanaguana Garden for Blue Star.
Bicycle riders head from Yanaguana Garden to Blue Star during the Place Changing Transportation Game Night hosted by the Rivard Report and Glasshouse Policy. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
The cascarones committee gathers once a week at Steves Homestead to make over 50,000 eggs throughout an entire year to sell at NIOSA.
The cascarones committee gathers once a week at Steves Homestead over an entire year to make more than 50,000 eggs to sell at a Night In Old San Antonio. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
An American Ninja Warrior trainer stands at the top of an obstacle overlooking San Fernando Cathedral.
An “American Ninja Warrior” trainer stands at the top of an obstacle overlooking San Fernando Cathedral during a taping of the television show. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
April
Adolph Hoffman follows through after connecting with the ball.
Adolph Hoffman, 94, follows through after hitting a baseball in his senior league game. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
The Daughters of the Republic of Texas president Susan Riedesel (right) and her granddaughter Karley, 9, bow their heads in prayer during the San Jacinto Victory Celebration in Alamo Plaza.
(from right) Susan Riedesel, president of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and her granddaughter Karley, 9, bow their heads in prayer during the San Jacinto Victory Celebration at Alamo Plaza. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
King Antonio XCV Dr. Michael Casillas.
King Antonio XCV Dr. Michael Casillas. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
Actor Josie Dulzuro is assisted with his makeup before performing in Cornyation at Charline McCombs Empire Theatre during Fiesta.
A makeup artist gives actor Josie Dulzuro fake eyelashes prior to his performance in Cornyation at Charline McCombs Empire Theatre during Fiesta. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
May
Mayor candidate Ron Nirenberg walks through a neighborhood seeking votes on election day with Deputy Campaign Manager Juany Torres.
Councilman Ron Nirenberg walks through a neighborhood seeking mayoral votes on election day with Deputy Campaign Manager Juany Torres. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
Stable Master Jonathan Deeley rubs the neatly trimmed mane of a Caisson horse.
Stable Master Jonathan Deeley rubs the neatly trimmed mane of a Caisson horse at Fort Sam. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
Scott Albert's violin-making tools line his workshop walls.
Scott Albert’s violin-making tools line his workshop’s walls. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
A young girl listens to a trumpet playing TAPS before the funeral of firefighter Scott Deem.
A young girl listens to a trumpet playing taps before the funeral of fallen San Antonio firefighter Scott Deem. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
June
Mayor-elect Ron Nirenberg stretches his arm to shake a supporter's hand after Mayor Ivy Taylor concedes defeat.
Councilman and Mayor-elect Ron Nirenberg shakes a supporter’s hand after winning the June 10 runoff election against Mayor Ivy Taylor. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
A competing charro participates in piiales at the 70th anniversary Charreada.
A charro participates in the roping competition at the 70th anniversary of the Asociación de Charros San Antonio. Credit: Hannah Whisenant / San Antonio Report
Diego Guzmán age 14 wipes water from his eyes the new waterpark at Morgan's Inspiration Island.
Diego Guzmán, 14, wipes water from his eyes at the new water park at Morgan’s Inspiration Island. Credit: Hannah Whisenant / San Antonio Report
Basketball players show their excitement at the basketball tournament held for the Stand Up SA peace initiative in Lockwood Park.
Basketball players cheer on their peers at the basketball tournament held for the Stand Up S.A. peace initiative at Lockwood Park. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
Mayor-elect Ron Nirenberg moves a box into his new office inside City Hall.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg moves into his office located on the first floor of City Hall. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
Midland Rockhounds outfielder B.J. Boyd blocks the sun from his face during the second inning against the San Antonio Missions at Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium.
Midland Rockhounds outfielder B.J. Boyd blocks the sun from his eyes during the second inning against the San Antonio Missions at Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
John Gomez and Cynthia Marmolejo embrace after reading the announcement of the death of Police Officer Miguel Moreno at Public Safety Headquarters.
John Gomez and Cynthia Marmolejo embrace after learning of SAPD officer Miguel Moreno’s death at Public Safety Headquarters. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
July
Malachi, 10, smiles after being baptized during the 2017 convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Freeman Coliseum.
Malachi, 10, is baptized during the Jehovah’s Witnesses convention. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
Jamar McCracken dresses his horse as a pegasus for the PRIDE Bigger Than Texas Parade.
Jamar McCracken dresses his horse as Pegasus for the PRIDE Bigger Than Texas Parade. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
The Confederate monument raises 40 feet above the ground and is centered directly in the middle of Travis Park in downtown San Antonio.
A Confederate monument stood in the center of Travis Park in downtown San Antonio before being removed by the city. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
An officer kneels on the ground after becoming overheated.
An officer kneels after becoming overheated at the funeral of fallen SAPD officer Miguel Moreno. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
(From left) Alaska Martinez, Jimmy Martinez, Jimmy, 2, and Mary Martinez prepare to leave after spending an hour running around the track at Thomas Edison High School.
(From left) Alaska Martinez, Jimmy Martinez, 2-year-old Jimmy, and Mary Martinez prepare to leave after spending an hour running around the track at Thomas Edison High School. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
Yogis practice a pose during a session of bunny yoga at Mobile Om Base Studio.
Yogis practice a twist during bunny yoga at Mobile Om Base Studio. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
Dancers line up to practice for their final performance at the Carver’s Summer Dance Intensive Program taught by Dallas Black Dance Theatre professional dancers.
Dancers line up to rehearse for their final performance at the Carver’s Summer Dance Intensive taught by members of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
Barney Smith explains different pieces in collection at Barney Smith's Toilet Seat Art Museum.
Barney Smith explains different pieces in his collection at the Toilet Seat Art Museum. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
August
Orlando, 9, lights candles placed at the vigil.
Orlando, 9, lights candles placed at a vigil for the 10 human smuggling victims at a Wal-Mart parking lot in San Antonio. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
Harley, 10, watches for fish at Family, Fishing and Friends at Acequia Park.
Harley, 10, watches for fish at Family, Fishing and Friends at Acequia Park. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
After allegedly receiving death threats, This is Texas Freedom Force and the Alamo Militia members escort colleagues to and from the City Council Chambers on Wednesday evening.
Members of This is Texas Freedom Force and the Alamo Militia escort colleagues to and from the City Council Chambers for a citizens to be heard session on removing a Confederate monument from Travis Park. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
September
A fisherman takes large steps across wetlands outside of Port Aransas, Texas as a beached boat washed onto dry land.
A fisherman takes large steps across wetlands outside of Port Aransas, Texas as a beached boat washed onto dry land folliowing the damage caused by Hurrican Harvey. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
(From left) Juana Arellano and Casandra de Leon hold one another while listening to speakers protest the Trump administration's decision to end DACA.
(from left) Juana Arellano and Casandra de Leon hold one another while listening to speakers protest the Trump administration’s decision to end DACA. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
A group of children admire Mission Concepción before the sun sets and Restored by Light begins.
Children admire Mission Concepción before the sun sets and the Restored by Light World Heritage event begins. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
Eva Ybarra the 'Queen of the Accordion' performs alongside her band at the Institute of Texan Cultures following being honored as a National Heritage Fellow from the National Endowment of the Arts.
“Queen of the Accordion” Eva Ybarra performs at the Institute of Texan Cultures after being honored as a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment of the Arts. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
October
Briana Zapata, 17, (right) holds out her arms at the bottom of the slide to catch her daughters (from left) Natalie, 3, and Daniella, 1, at the SJRC Texas Pregnant Parenting Teen Program.
Briana Zapata, 17, (right) holds out her arms at the bottom of the slide to catch her daughters (from left) Natalie, 3, and Daniella, 1, at the SJRC Texas Pregnant Parenting Teen Program. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
(From left) Brian Levin, 8, Axel Peterson, 7, and William Abag, 7, smear chalk and paint onto Houston Street at Chalk It Up.
(From left) Brian Levin, 8, Axel Peterson, 7, and William Abag, 7, smear chalk and paint onto Houston Street at Chalk It Up. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
Cynthia Harris and children throw fluffy balls imitating pollen up into the air during the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival.
Cynthia Harris and children throw imitation pollen up into the air during the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
Attendees raise their hands, phones, and a cowboy hat into the air during a performance by Carnage.
Attendees raise their hands, phones, and a cowboy hat into the air during a performance by Carnage during the Mala Luna Music Festival. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
The Hays Street Bridge at sunset.
The sun sets over the Hays Street Bridge. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
November
Natyanjali Kuchupudi Dance School dancers stand backstage at Arneson River Theatre during Diwali San Antonio: Festival of Lights.
Natyanjali Kuchupudi Dance School students get ready backstage at Arneson River Theatre during Diwali San Antonio: Festival of Lights. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
Pastor of Believers Christian Fellowship Laura Torres adjusts balloons that are left at a cross among the 25 others at Sutherland Springs.
Pastor of Believers Christian Fellowship Laura Torres adjusts balloons that are left at a cross among the 25 others at Sutherland Springs. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
Roses are placed over chairs in memory of parishioners of the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs.
Roses rest on chairs to memorialize the slain parishioners of the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
Samuel Clemens Dance Team Dancer Kyleigh Koster, 17, helps unroll blankets to construct the world's largest blanket fort for autism awareness at Toyota Field.
Kyleigh Koster, a member of Samuel Clemens High School’s dance team, helps unroll blankets to construct the world’s largest blanket fort at Toyota Field. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
Madeleine Burroughs, 13, a dancer in the Alamo City Dance Company, stands on the Nutcracker barge in preparation for the Ford Holiday River Parade.
Madeleine Burroughs, 13, a dancer in the Alamo City Dance Company, stands on the Nutcracker barge in preparation for the Ford Holiday River Parade. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
Local artist Cruz Ortiz shares a live stream as the last section of the Dream Song Tower is hoisted towards the top of the structure.
Cruz Ortiz shares a livestream as the last section of his work Dream Song Tower is hoisted to the top of the structure. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / RIvard Report
December
The gathering pavilion.
The gathering pavilion at Confluence Park. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
Johnny Alvarez, 10, slides at Pittman-Sullivan Park in the Denver Heights neighborhood.
Johnny Alvarez, 10, slides at Pittman-Sullivan Park in the Denver Heights neighborhood. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
Santa Claus poses for a photo with Alamo visitors.
Santa Claus poses for a photo with Alamo visitors. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
San Antonio Police Department’s Mental Health Detail Officer Shannon Purkiss sits with her children Will, 10, (left) and Hannah before the Baptist Health Foundation Grant Awards Ceremony.
SAPD Mental Health Detail Officer Shannon Purkiss sits with her children Will and Hannah at the Baptist Health Foundation’s Spirit of Health awards. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report
San Antonio Amputee Foundation Founder and Executive Director Mona Patel (right) takes a selfie with Gayle Fisk at the San Antonio Amputee Foundation Annual Holiday Luncheon.
San Antonio Amputee Foundation Founder and Executive Director Mona Patel (right) takes a selfie with Gayle Fisk. Credit: Bonnie Arbittier / San Antonio Report

Scott Ball is San Antonio Report's photo editor and grew up in San Antonio.