At The Bend, we’re fortunate to work alongside an incredible team of contributors whose creativity and dedication bring our stories to life each month. Writers and photographers pour their hearts into every detail, and one of the most exciting moments in the editorial process is seeing that first layout proof—watching words and images merge to create a story that resonates.
Behind the scenes, a lot goes into crafting that final product. Countless moodboards and meetings, intricate scheduling, in-depth interviews, unexpected pivots and moments of serendipity on shoot days all play a part. Then comes the photo selection, story editing, layouts, revisions and more revisions until an issue emerges brimming with stories of local dreams, triumphs, challenges and everything in between.
As we prepare to dive into 2025, we can’t help but look back on the past year and the stories we’ve shared. From capturing the personalities of local artists and small business owners to showcasing mouthwatering dishes and stunning Coastal Bend homes, here are 15 photos from 2024 that we absolutely love—and the stories they brought to life.
Moody High School’s Trojanettes perform classic hits. | January 2024
“The Trojanettes Take on Nostalgia”
Photography by Shoocha Photography
Founder of Splendid Aviation, Terrance Davis. | February 2024
“Splendid Aviation Takes to the Skies”
Photography by Benjamin Zaragosa
Local Artist Stan Unser poses with his work. | February 2024
“Anything but Ordinary: A Look at the Artwork of Stan Unser”
Photography by Deux Boheme
A quiet Bayside neighborhood ranch-style home. | March 2024
“A Look Inside A Modern Day Heritage House”
Photography by Jason Page
Local mariachi musician performs inside El Camino. | March 2024
Photography by Matthew Meza
A cake on the cover of The Bend’s 10th-anniversary issue. | April 2024
Photography by Charlie Neuenschwander
A table set with many grocery items you can shop locally. | May 2024
“How to Take Your Grocery Shopping Local in the Coastal Bend”
Photography by Deux Boheme
A neon sign illuminates the vinyl soundbar, OK HI-FI. | June 2024
“OK HI-FI Brings the Listening Bar Experience to Corpus Christi”
Photography by Matthew Meza
Leandra Urrutia poses inside her Corpus Christi studio. | June 2024
“Five Coastal Bend Artists and Their Unique Bodies of Work”
Photography by Matthew Meza
Owner Jonathan Winfrey poses outside VNP. | July 2024
“In Conversation with Entrepreneur, Jonathan Winfrey of VNP Gallery”
Photography by Deux Boheme
Cocktails at Palm Social Club in Port Aransas. | July 2024
“Paradise at the Palm Social Club”
Photography by Deux Boheme
A serene backyard of a Corpus Christi home. | August 2024
“Humble Oil Filling Station Turned Unique Family Home”
Photography by Jason Page
The Coastal Bend Tidal Waves in a celebratory huddle. | September 2024
“Coastal Bend Tidal Wave Makes Waves on the Diamond”
Photography by Benjamin Zaragosa
Local Buti MVMNT expert Angela Acuña leads a class. | September 2024
“The Hidden Cure of Buti MVMNT”
Photography by Laro Pilartes
The HER 2024 Humanitarian, Kayla McMains. | October 2024
“HER 2024: Honoring, Empowering & Raising Up Women in the Coastal Bend”
Photography by Shoocha Photography
Odi’s shares the journey to Neapolitan-style pizza. | November 2024
“Odi’s Pizzeria’s Quest for Napoletana Authenticity”
Photography by Deux Boheme
The beloved owner of Mall Shoe Service, Jesse Ruiz. | December 2024
“In Conversation with Jesse Ruiz”
Photography by Laro Pilartes
Discover more local photos from 2024 by flipping through this year’s lineup of print issues.
