When we’re doing our jobs correctly, images that The Day’s four staff photographers take capture something new. That ability to reproduce a moment that brings clarity and a realization through timing, mood, composition and light is what separates photojournalists from the barrage of images we see daily.

It’s the same for dramatic breaking news or an assignment we cover annually; we’re looking for something telling and informational. We work to make pictures which produce a response and because of the strong bond with Day print and online readers, we often get one.

Every day brings the chance for a surprise, the joy of the profession – a new experience captured to share. These are the days veteran photographers exhibit the attitude of the innocent. Even when we think we’ve seen it all, we haven’t. And for that, we’re grateful and renewed.

Among the end-of-year highlights:

Chief photographer Sean D. Elliot covered the metamorphosis of the Charles W. Morgan from its restoration to launch. Seeing the Morgan surrounded by innumerable sailboats, fishing boats and fishing trawlers as it sailed through the hole from Vineyard Sound into Buzzards Bay, Elliot thought the Morgan looked like a movie star surrounded by her adoring fans.

On Veteran’s Day, Tim Martin captured all of the emotion in a split-second salute of a hospice volunteer, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, to a 92-year-old bedridden veteran. Tim Cook, whose ability as a spot news photographer is well known, showed a New London firefighter’s humanity with an injured driver after a summer rollover accident on Bank Street.

Even in the commonplace, there’s surprise. Dana Jensen worried about producing something different for yet another weather feature. On a foggy January day, departing seagulls flew into the white wall obscuring the Thames River.

After a year of hard work, it’s invigorating to look back and select the best of photography compilations from each of The Day’s photographers. With the approach of the new year, we can’t wait for more surprises in 2015.

-Sally Stapleton, Managing Editor/Online, Photography