A Look Back on 2010

Wow, a whole year has gone by, was it just a year? So many things have happened, good things and learning experiences. I developed a quick "highlight list" that sort of captures those things I like as well as the shots I enjoyed. I hope you enjoy too!

--I dropped HRO Photography. It just was not me.

--I launched a new website, got a Logo, launched this blog and I love it all.

--I actually left my home office and attended "Shoot the Shot" workshop held by Isabel March Photography. It was great to learn from her, do some relaxed shooting and make contacts. It was a fun day.

--Leaving my comfort zone, I hopped on a plane to Las Vegas and went to "Summer School". I do believe that you need to do something each day that scares you, and for the first time in a long time, I was scared to death. Who would I meet, were there expectations? Would I get the big L for loser girl? It was an educational opportunity to further hone my skills and hear leaders in my new field speak about their art and business. When I returned, my mind was spinning. It was the best investment in myself I have made in a long time.

--Through all the above, and in the spirit of doing things that scare me, I really have been attempting to network. As outgoing as I am, I just like to be genuine, to be real, to be me. I have always thought of "networking" as being the polar opposite of myself. However, I have found that meeting people of common interests, such as Photography, Weddings, Event Planning and the like are really people just like me. We are all creative people, it seems that we are all creatives, with our own sense of style and individuality. So, I was referred to join a group called "Photo Betties". Women just like me.

Oh, so without further delay, here are some shots that I have LOVED this year. You will see the love, laughter and emotion that I enjoy in my work...

The Wedding of Steph and Randy = Sneak Peek!

Baby, it was cold outside. But these two have each other to keep warm.

Naughty or Nice?

And that is the face. The one that drives me insane. The one that does not seem to be quite Santa or Easter Bunny repellent. He may have just been told "No" or perhaps, "time for Bed". Whatever it may be, he's not happy. The moment I see it, I swear my blood pressure goes up.

How did my cute, sweet cherub, who was so Nice, turn into this Naughty little boy? Granted, he still gets good reports from Preschool, that he is the classroom model of politeness and sharing. Oh my, who knew?

But it is just this crinkled face he does. It is like he knows how to try my patience, to push my buttons and slowly drive me insane. Does he not know that Mommy is already insanely crazy for him? Why ruin it my boy, why ruin it? Besides, I will note all issues you give me to Santa anyway.

Something About Flower Girls

While going through some previous Weddings, I found these images. I was able to shoot this Wedding with Amanda Young of Swoon Over It and we had a great time with the whole Wedding party. Look at this sweetheart...

An Inspirational Day that Forever Lives on

You may not think much of this shot to the right. To me, it is a beautiful man about to embark on an incredible journey. While the Day the Japanese Attacked Pearl Harbor is a Day that forever will live in infamy, it was a day that inspired my grandfather to line up and immediately enlist.

You may think that in that day, this was a noble thing to do as many young men did. I will agree with you. However, this also inspired him to marry my grandmother, his five brothers-in-law went to war as well and everyone at home was waiting.

What he is holding here, was probably one of the last times he did so. This was probably from when they were practicing for a great effort to be made in France. I am still thankful that I did not know this when I saw "Saving Private Ryan", as for some reason Gram-pop, told me he was a cook. When I was telling my Grandmother about the film and the horrific opening scene, she paused, made a face, waved her hand and said, "ah, your grandfather was in that." I nearly fell over. My next words were, "He survived?" Dumbfounded she answered, "Well, you are here." You see, he made a switch to be a Medic. So, his job was to not only be part of that perilous swim to the shore, but to give care and collect dog tags to those fallen soldiers.

This really sent my mind reeling. Just remember today, those that came before you and how they could truly make you who you are today.

Oh, and P.S,, I mentioned my five great uncles. They all returned.

Shoot us while we Shoot

The Tornoe Family is awesome. Love them and their dog. For their family portrait shoot, the weather was quite frigid.

I took a step back and told them that my goal is to capture you enjoying one another, not braving the Artic winds. With that, they thought and thought some more. Do you guys use the pool room? I had two excited boys, well, three if you include the grin on their dad's face...

We got some fun shots and details inside! They loved it and so did I.

Oh the bribing of Children

It's true, getting your picture taken is hard work. The Utz boy's parents thought if they took them to an outdoor train set up at Morris Arboretum, they would have it made! But alas, not with these guys.

They were so on to their parents. Who thought that a little lollipop negotiation by, yours truly, would work to produce smiles? Not just from the boys, the parents too!

So in the end, I guess the sugar high was what the doctor ordered for these kids. The dentist, not so much.