Labels: babies and toddlers, family, other

I love this time of year, celebrating Christmas with family and friends. We have a few family parties, two of which we are hosting at our home, and of course we still have preparing to do. We even have a gift or two left to buy, but I'll leave that to my husband who is willing to shop on Christmas Eve!

This morning though, I'm trying not to think about all the things on our to-do list for the next 48 hours. We're blessed with two children who have made Christmas more magical than I ever remember. I look out the window and see our friendly neighborhood blanketed in white, and I am sitting in a warm, happy home with a cup of coffee and can't think of a single thing I need, other than a break from all the hustle and time to reflect on a wonderful year.

I still have not totally processed what an awesome year this was - I think I will save that for later! It wasn't perfect. I did some things right, and I did some things wrong, but I learned so much. I was honored to photograph so many special people, kids, new babies, soon-to-be graduates, couples at the beginning of their journey together, and couples who have already been through so much. I met other photographers and made new friendships I truly value. I never would have guessed that my first full year would be so busy, and there is already so much on the horizon for 2010! From the bottom of my heart, I am thankful to everyone who hired me, and those who taught, listened, gave support, shared ups and downs, second shot, or brought me along, and made 2009 so amazing! Happy holidays to you all! See you next year!

Labels: other

I have started editing a set of wedding photos, and it got me thinking, before I post photos I have something to say...

As I take on more clients, including brides and grooms, I find it difficult to put everyone into the same box - regarding how their photos should look when I am through editing them. I know photographers eventually find their signature style, although there are a few that seem to have more than one kind of look to their work. I think I am still in the process of figuring out what works for me, but ultimately I believe that every client and every event is unique and their photos should be as well.

I know photographers are sought out because they have established a style and that is why they were hired in the first place! Since I've only been at this for less than a year, I have tried a few different things and so far people have been happy. Getting creative with pictures is so much fun. I look at so many photographers' blogs and I am constantly inspired, and it's easy to play around with personal photos (of my kids, for example), which I often do. Most importantly, when I get home with a set of photos and sit down to work on them, it is the personalities of the people and the feel of their event that leads me in one direction over another.

I have usually tended toward bright "true" colors and high-contrast black and whites. I love punchy, vivid images - especially with childrens portraiture. However a few times I have tried more vintage looking images, and something about that keeps tugging me back, especially for engagement sessions, maternity sessions, and weddings. I love it, and I don't want to stop creating images in that style for the sake of consistency and predictability. Beyond the "normal" colors and the "vintage" approach, I don't know that I will venture off in any other directions...

I have a few sessions I still need to blog, but I wanted to put this note out there before I put up any photos. I want to try to find my own personal style, but a big part of me is more concerned with your personal style. I am torn. I love so many different things, but I don't want to confuse clients about what they can expect from me. Ultimately I just want the people I photograph to be thrilled, and if there is a certain style they want, that is what I want to give them. Maybe in the future I will have my "one" way. I'm not certain yet. It's all a process and I am just at the beginning.

Labels: other