2010 Faves | A New Year

As I sit here staring into 2011, looking back on my first year of business, two words come to mind: wow and thanks. wow, this photography thing wasn't so easy at first. wow, I kinda suck at the technical stuff but maybe my "creative side" will save me. wow, I really did it. It didn't matter how much money I would make or how busy I'd be, I did something outside of my mommy duties that made me feel useful again, the way I felt when I first graduated from college. A purpose whaa? And a deep thanks... to the peeps, family, God, and clients who had a semblance of faith when I wasn't so sure.

So here are just a few of my personal faves that I didn't get around to posting. Some aren't necessarily ones that would make it onto the mantel or Grandma's wall. They're the ones that make me grin a little; sigh inside. They evoke something in me that makes what I do all the more challenging and keeps me searching. You know what they say about a picture. It's true.

The "R" family:

(when the top of her flower broke off...)

The "P" brothers:

The "P" family:

The "R" family:

The "D" sisters:

The "G" brothers:

Cheers to you and yours in the new year. I hope it is everything you want it to be (and a smidge more).

A Beautiful Day

There's nothing quite like those crisp, cold days when the sun is shining, and you get to spend the afternoon with a family like this. They're amazing inside and out. These twin beauties are four and ready to take on the world.

Mom and Dad, as you can see, are gentle on the eyes and dressed for success. J. Crew called and they want their ad back... hallelujah!

Off for a little hot chocolate and java to warm the hands...

We ended the day with these. I'm so glad we got a few of just Mr. & Mrs. to remind them that there is a "them" even with little ones. I think we all forget sometimes.

I've been in a good but slightly overwhelmed state with the holidays (I see nodding heads) and can hardly wait for the next two weeks to spend with the family. I hope to do a 2010 highlight/recap of some awesome clients soon. Wishing everyone out there a safe and blessed holiday season! xoxo

Kelly Moore Bag

I've been eyeing these Kelly Moore camera bags for a while. They're functional and stylish and don't scream "photographer in the house!" in any way. It might conveniently show up on my Christmas wish list along with the 25 other gadgets that a girl with a camera desires. Happy shopping!

Birthday Bubba

I first photographed Hayden when he was six months old. He just had his first birthday, and I didn't think it was possible he could get any cuter. He's so full of personality and energy that by the end of the session, my face hurt from all the smiling. Hayden's parents are in for it as he just might (will) break some hearts one day.

His mom thinks he's a little ham, which I can't deny:

His dad wanted some pics in the new puffy coat:

Red chard, anyone?

Dear Hayden, I hope you'll look back on these someday and know just how much your parents -- and everyone else who's around you -- adore you.

P.S. Please be easy on the ladies.

Sneak Peek: "L" Family

Gasworks Park on a cloudy day with a fun and easy family = my kind of session.

I'm still catching up on posts from a few weeks back and hope to have some more up this month... maybe even this week. Thanks for stopping by!

New Ornament Cards

Honestly, I am not one to get holiday cards done this early, but I made an exception this year when I saw ornament cards making their debut. These are available at Tiny Prints, and they offer a nice new spin on the traditional photo card. Hopefully I will be receiving a few of these from friends myself. Such a cute idea.

For other awesome designs, check out Design Aglow. It's mainly for photographers, but my friend Tangie is offering five of their designs, so if you're interested, drop me a line and I'll see what she can do!

Here are some of the other pics my husband and I liked - including outtakes - that didn't make the final cut, but ones that we'll be happy to have in years to come. Like all other parents, taking pictures of my own kids is NOT always easy. I take 50 snaps to get "one." They whine. They do the fake smile. And I will have to pay them soon. Just get out there and do it... because it's them, and they're yours (at least until they're 18).