As the new year gets underway, we’re taking a moment to look back at the images that helped tell Vermont’s story in 2025. From civic engagement and legislative whispers; surprise federal visits and overlooked municipal drama; to the end of a critical housing program and the expansion of an immigration crackdown — VTDigger was on the ground to capture the scene.

Our veteran staff photographer Glenn Russell selected and reflected on his favorite images of the year.

A group of people stands near vehicles and a plane on a snowy tarmac. A woman in a green jacket and cap walks alongside others.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrives at the Northeast Kingdom International Aiport in Coventry on Thursday, January 29, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

This photo is the result of a tip, a long drive, a long wait, and one frame using a long lens (a 500mm f8 reflex manual focus lens).

A man and a woman sit at a wooden table in a large, ornate room having a discussion. They are surrounded by other seated individuals.
Sen. Anne Watson, D-Washington, chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee, left, confers with Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth, D-Chittenden Central, at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Senate Republicans were attempting to strip Watson’s committee of a bill proposing to repeal the Affordable Heat Act. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

Sometimes, it’s the turn of a head into good light that makes a photo.

A person in a pink hat holds a sign reading "I dissent." at an outdoor protest. Others stand nearby, some with signs. Buildings and trees are visible in the background.
Several hundred people gathered at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, to protest actions taken by the Trump administration. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

Good photos are simple photos.

A group of men seated indoors, with one holding a phone and gesturing. Some look attentive while others appear disinterested. The setting includes bookshelves and a clock on the wall.
Brian Dunkling of Hinesburg asks a question during a public meeting of the Fish and Wildlife Board in St. Albans on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Anglers are questioning new proposed fishing regulations. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

I love these assignments. Real people asking real questions of those in power.

A man in a red hat raises his hand in a crowded meeting room while a woman holds a microphone. Other attendees sit and watch.
Johnathon Johnson raises his hand to ask a question during Lincoln’s town meeting on Monday, March 3, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger
A protester in winter clothing holds a sign calling for the release of Rumeysa Öztürk, Mohsen Mahdawi, and Mahmoud Khalil at an outdoor rally; others and protest signs are visible in the background.
Several hundred demonstrators gather outside the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, to protest the detention of Mohsen Mahdawi. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger
A person stands outdoors, eyes closed, with their hand on their forehead. They wear a black jacket. Snow and buildings are in the background.
Cassandra Torres-McCarron talks about the prospect of having to leave the Motel 6 in Colchester on April 1, when the state’s motel housing program’s next deadline occurs. Seen on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

When I photograph a person in distress, I always wonder if I’m helping or hurting.

Two women stand near a column in a formal room; one holds a red notebook and speaks to the other, who looks down with a serious expression. Other people are visible in the background.
Sen. Alison Clarkson, D-Windsor, right, confers with Sen. Ruth Hardy, D-Addison, on the floor of the Senate at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Friday, May 16, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

This is how the whole thing works. Two people connecting, confiding, conferring, considering…

A man drives a small vintage tractor decorated with an American flag down a residential street, with houses and trees in the background.
A lawn tractor processes up Main Street during the 50th annual Memorial Day parade in Orwell on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger
A soccer player in a green jersey helps a goalkeeper in a yellow uniform who is lying on the field during a match.
Vermont Green Football Club’s Zachary Zengue helps up Lionsbridge FC’s goalie Henry Hampshaw after colliding with him in Burlington on Friday, July 25, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

I’m always looking for sportsmanship when I’m photographing a game, including a championship contest.

A man with a keffiyeh stands on an outdoor stage with his hand on his chest, surrounded by others; a guitar player and podium are also visible.
Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian activist formerly detained by ICE, prepares to speak as thousands of demonstrators gather for a “No Kings” protest rally in Burlington on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

There was a lot going on here for everyone. This looks like the one peaceful moment of his day.

Several people sit at a conference table reviewing documents, with video screens and remote participants visible in the background.
Sen. Seth Bongartz, D-Bennington, speaks as House and Senate members of the education reform bill conference committee meet at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

It gets pretty dry in some of those committee meetings. You have to be paying attention to get a good photo. Little details can make all the difference.

A person bends over to tend to plants inside a greenhouse on a sunny day, with a box placed on the ground nearby.
Volunteer Catelyn Martinez harvests rainbow chard during a gleaning by Community Harvest of Central Vermont at Dog River Farm in Berlin on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger
An older man in a blue shirt adjusts a hard hat labeled "CHAMPLAIN," with two other hard hats resting on shovels in the foreground.
Gus Seelig, executive director of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, dons a hard hat ahead of a groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of construction of 40 affordable apartments at the Cambrian Way housing complex in Burlington on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

Curmudgeonly old photographers refer to these events as Grip and Grins. I was pleased to transcend the paradigm using the compression of a long lens and symmetrical composition. Plus Gus has been working in the trenches forever.

A person wearing a cap cleans the floor of a barn with a rake, sunlight streaming in from an open doorway, with cows in stalls on either side.
John McClain of Howevale Farm in Tunbridge cleans out a stall in a barn at the Tunbridge World’s Fair on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

I love going to fairs and wandering around looking for just the right moment.

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VTDigger's photojournalist.