A Review of 2010

As I sit down and try and plan for 2011, I thought it'd be a good idea to review some of my favorite photos from 2010. Of the 12 photo shoots I did this last year, 4 were for family, 2 were for friends, 2 were to help high school seniors in need, and 4 were honest to goodness business building shoots. As I go through these photos’s I can see how I’ve improved. I can see the mistakes I’ve made and how I’ve corrected some of those mistakes. I am still working on setting my goals for 2011. But I do know among those goals I want to improve my photography more and to build my business.

I loved working with all my clients this year . . . . and I'm looking forward to a year of growing my business even more. :)

These pictures of my nephew were done to help build my portfolio. However, I forgot to check my camera settings before the shoot. Turns out I had my settings all messed up . . . these were the only 2 pictures from the shoot that turned out. You can be sure . . . . I check my settings before every shoot now!

                 I love the light in this one . . . Perfect!

This one still makes me giggle . . . . Rachel and Travis, I love you guys! :)

A lot of my favorite photo's from the wedding (like this one) were taken by my friend Angie Abbe. For using a DSLR camera for the first time she really rocked her first wedding shoot. Thanks Angie!!

Another favorite of mine that Angie shot! Look at the expression captured on the brides face . . . . that's what shooting weddings are all about . . . Capturing the Emotion!

This one is one of my favorites because I have a hard time getting people to relax (probably because I can't relax) and give me natural expressions. However with this shot I was able to capture a very natural expression on my sister-in-law's face. And I just love her smile! :)

She wore her Grandmother's pearls

The week before Thanksgiving I had the honor of shooting my sister-in-law's wedding. I've watched her grow from a teenager to a wonderful young woman. She met David in school. If I remember the story right, she was giving a speech when he saw her . . . and laughed at her. But in the end he won her heart. 

Congratulations Jana and David! I am so glad to be part of your family and am excited to see where your new life takes you.  

Last year I found out about a year long photography scholarship opportunity. But I found out the day of the deadline. So I waited paitently all year for them to open the scholarship again. Finally they opened the scholarship. I'd really love to win. The program consists of year long mentoring in the areas of photography, business and marketing. Not to mention tons of product. Part of the entry process is a 90 second video. After thinking about it for a while I came up with an idea for the video. So I called my sister for help. We spent and afternoon filming, then she edited the video. I think she did an amazing job. :)

Baby Asa

Eleven years ago I was asked to help photograph Rachel and Travis's Wedding. Since they were such good friends I said yes. Earlier this year Rachel called and asked me to take her maternity pictures. Again I said yes. Then 2 weeks ago I was able to take photo's of Baby Asa, Rachel and Travis's first baby. It has been so much fun to participate in all these special events for some very good friends. 

Rachel and Travis, I appreciate our friendship very much. I think the two of you will make wonderful parents. And if Asa's photo session is any indication you will fill his life with love and laughter. Congratulations!  

Playing Cards and a Bowler Hat

So the other night Dawson and Devin were bored. So what do pre-teen boys do when they're bored? They wrestle . . . . very loud! Lenny didn't want to listen to the noise any more . . . so he came up with a game. He put his bowler hat in the middle of the room and gave each of the boys a deck of cards. What happened next left my living room floor full of cards! They were tossing one card at a time to see how many they could get in the hat. I loved the explosion of colors  . . . so of course I had to take a photo. :)