There’s no way I could narrow it down to 10. I just couldn’t. This year I had so many great experiences with so many amazing clients. From thousands and thousands of photos, I have picked my favorite 15. And I’ll tell you why each one made the list. Interestingly enough, or maybe not, most of these photos are my favorites from the year because of the emotion expressed or my emotional connection to the people in the photo. Some of these photos are not technically my best work, but in the end of the day, they portray an emotion that speaks to me in volumes.

In no particular order.

Andrea & Drew

This photo was an instant favorite because of the way the light wraps around Andrea and Drew. This shot is pretty much SOOC (straight out of camera) and I love my composition and lighting with this photo. Plus, these two just had me laughing the entire shoot so I am connected to this photo for sentimental reasons as well. I cannot wait for their wedding this next year!

Lisa & Andrew

Gosh, this lady can work it! Lisa owned that little seductive smile and those beautiful shoulders. She trusted me without question and, as a result, I was able to get this and so many others that I wanted to add to this “favorites” collection. I also love how the light skims over her and then hazes in the bottom part of the photo. And her eyes. Oh, her eyes…

Sara

This is my best friend, Sara, and we made a day of this fun styled shoot. I went over to her house and did her hair and makeup, then we, along with her sister, went out around town to take some photos. I wanted to make her feel comfortable and beautiful and, in the end of the day, we were laughing more than anything; that’s how much fun we were having. Sara is gorgeous and I could’ve put any one of her photos in this collection. I love this photo particularly because in my head I can see Hanna, Sara’s sister, to the right helping make the “breeze”. 

Tara & Jake

Oh my gosh, this photo captures the essence of happiness to me. Tara and Jake’s smiles makes me smile! This was shortly after the ceremony, on the way to the reception, and I spotted this glass wall and asked them to stop in front of it. I’m so glad they did!!

Dana & Blake

Dana and Blake’s wedding was on a blisteringly hot day, but you’d never guess it by seeing these two. Even during their engagement shoot, it was very evident that Blake adores Dana and I love how this photo captures that. I love everything about it; the way her hair falls over her left eye, his little smile against her forehead, her blue eyes…

Midori & Aaron

It was spot-light sunny outside for Midori and Aaron’s engagement session, but I had to get a photo of them sitting on the dock where he proposed. By having them lean together, I was able to expose for their faces and get just what I wanted…and more! Their smiles are so natural and, since I was using a long-zoom and shot from quite a distance, I couldn’t hear anything they were saying. So this photo will always make me curious what was said between them to get this beautiful reaction from both of them.

Emily & Brian

Right before the doors were opened for Emily and her dad to walk down the aisle, I snuck this shot through the etched glass in the door. It was happen chance timing that Emily looked at me right when I clicked the shutter and I just love everything about her expression; the excitement, the happiness, the nervousness, the giddiness. The emotion in this photo is enough to solidify its placement among my favorites of the year.

Karissa & Brandon

Karissa and Brandon were so much fun to hang out with! Karissa gave me the prettiest smiles and Brandon had no problem snuggling up to her. Though both of these are favorites, I love, love, love how she’s looking up at him in the photo on the right and easily they fall into each other. 

Amber & Travis

Her eyelashes, her smile, his hand on her neck, the gorgeous bouquet in the background; there’s nothing in this photo that I don’t like! (Yes, that was a double negative; sorry!) I adore this photo. Enough said.

Amber got into 2 of favorites. The back of her dress was exquisite and I love the composition of this photo, with the focus being her dress and then a surprise of  just a little of her face visible. When I look at this photo, I think of elegance.

The Young Family

I had this idea in my head, but not even my idea could compare with how tender this photo came out. I love the light spilling over them, I love how Jackie is holding Baby S’s little fingers, I LOVE every emotion in this picture. When I was thinking of favorites from this year, this was a no brainer. 

Keri & Drew

Their expressions here are magical. I loved their wedding from start to finish and this capture was the cake topper for me. Seeing this image of them so magically in the moment and in love makes me smile every time I look at it. 

Alison

She was born to be a model. Honestly. She’s naturally so sweet and genuine and beautiful. The green in the evergreen trees behind her pulled the perfect skin tones and her eyes are captivating. I could photograph this girl every single day. As easily as she does this serious face, she equally breaks into a gorgeous smile.

The Hoeper Family

The light was edible. So I just asked them to hold hands and walk to our next spot, a few trees ahead. I don’t even know that they knew I was taking a picture, but I love their body language in this picture. I can see their personalities in the way they are walking; the leader, the follower, the dreamer…it’s all there! I want to run up and catch them and give them all a huge hug. Which I’m pretty sure I did right after I took this.

Abi & Harrison

Abi has perfect styling and the pop of her red coat was all that these photos needed. It makes me love the muted, natural tones in the background. These two brought so many ideas of their own and let me bring them to life. I can’t wait for their wedding because I know it’ll be even more fun (is that possible?) than their engagement session!

I can’t wait to get started with 2012! It’s going to be a great year; I know it already.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!