If there is one part of the LIFE network we're known for - more than any other - it would be our massive photo library. We take thousands of photos at hundreds of events each year, from sports to shows to graduations and community gatherings, we took some great shots in 2015 - our best year for photos yet!
Take a look at some of our best galleries and relive some great moments from 2015!
Merrillville's Phantom of the Opera
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The LIFE photographers have shot many high school productions across the region, but one gallery in particular really stood out from the rest. Merrillville High School took on the Phantom of the Opera for their spring play, and really delivered in all areas - the set designs, lighting, and costumes made it easy for us to capture some great photographs.
In the end, the whole gallery is fantastic, but the photograph of Christine and the Phantom in the boat is one of my top five top photos of 2015.
Chesterton vs Merillville Boys Basketball Sectional 2015
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Though neither of these teams clinched the sectional title earlier this year, the semi-final match between Chesterton and Merrillville was one of the most dramatic games of the 2014-2015 season. With Merrillville going in confident that they would defeat their DAC rivals, Chesterton clinched a win within the last few seconds after a quarter filled with only a few points difference.
The gallery has many dramatic photos to match. It's certainly a game that's still fresh on the mind of Merillville's team this year, and it's a great gallery to look back on and relive the moment.
2015 Whiting Mascot Extravaganza
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Ever needed photos of high flying acrobats, cute kids, and high-energy mascots? This gallery has it. On a gorgeous summer day the city of Whiting hosted the Whiting Mascot Extravaganza, an event that brought together some of the most famous mascots together for a afternoon full of fun.
The photos of Benny the Bull running through red streamers and taking a go at the spring board has to be some of the greatest smile inducing photos we produced all year, and I can't help but get a become happier as I look through this gallery.
Welcome Home Sargent Dave Evans
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In the realm of the good news business, heartwarming stories can be found in every corner of our communities. For 2015, though, there was one story that stood out from the rest. We had the honor to be on hand to document the homecoming of Stargent Dave Evans, who returned to his home in Crown Point after months being deployed in the Middle East.
The Indiana Patriot Guard Riders and his family orchestrated a truly wonderful homecoming parade for Sargent Evans, and there's no wonder why this gallery is one of our top for the year.
2015 Northwest Indiana Graduation Station
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LIFE photographers were all over the region to cover every graduation we possibly could during the month of June!
By taking a quick look at these galleries you notice that the graduating class of 2015 is a diverse group of people, all of which who worked incredibly hard to be where they were on their big day.
Crown Point Grand March 2015
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Crown Point High School's Grand March was one of many pre-prom marches we covered this spring, but it was the grand march that gave us some of the most dramatic photos in it's category. With it's Grease theme, a singular spotlight that followed the students down a colorful runway, and the glittery dresses all combined together to make a atheistically pleasing group of photos.
In addition, photo #147 in the gallery was one of our most talked about photos on social media this year, and we couldn't be happier that the photo was celebrated by the Crown Point community.
The J Spot Comedy Hour at Majestic Star Casino
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Though a smaller event at the Majestic Star Casino, this gallery is one that immediately stood out against the others in the entertainment category. The posed shots are some of the most color rich photographs that were produced all year. The strong purple, yellow, and the clear focus on the subjects all combine together to make some enticing shots.
For example, the photo of the musician on the saxophone waving his hand up in the air clearly shows how much fun the band had that day playing in front of a full crowd. This gallery had a lasting impact on me this year.
Up In the Air: The Gary Air Show Offers Fun and Entertainment In the Air and On the Ground
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How many times can we say we took photos out of a helicopter while tens of thousands of feet up in the air? Not very often. For the 2015 Gary Air Show we got to experience that rare opportunity while up in the skies with the US Army Golden Knights.
That wasn't the only part of the Air Show that we documented, though. We were also on the ground at Marquette Beach to get the full experience of this fantastic region tradition.
Whiting High School Football Team Wins Semi-State
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One of my favorite stories of the year was the grit, determination, and fairytale like journey that came from Whiting High School's football team. The 2015 season started off with tragedy, but ended with a record breaking run. The pinnacle and culmination of the team's efforts can be seen in the gallery of their historic Semi-State win.
With a snowstorm covering the field only hours before kick-off, and cold winds cutting through the crowd during the game, the now nick-named "Ice Bowl" ended with the team and it's city on cloud nine. From action shots of the players, to pictures of overwhelming happiness, this is one of our top sports galleries of 2015.
2015 Hammond Holiay Parade
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As the fog lifted and the sun began to shine through on Saturday morning, the feel of community and Holiday cheer was in the air in Hammond. Hammond hosted their annual Holiday Parade. The chill in the air did not stop families from lining the streets to see the parade.
Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. and the Hammond City Council were the hosts of the parade today. Mayor McDermott and his family were not in attendance or participating in today’s parade due to a family matter. McDermott still had a float in the parade with his personnel representing him and his family.