2010 was a blessing. I had wonderful opportunities to meet and work with many new couples, families and friends. I cherished each and every wedding that I photographed - and feel bonded in special and unique ways to each couple that I've had the privilege to work with - either through engagement sessions or by spending the day with them at their weddings.
I've also enjoyed spending time with the families that I've photographed. After a family session I always feel honored to shared a little slice of their life and to capture their special moments in time.
This was my second full year of business - after years of photographing for personal fulfillment. When I began, I admit I was hesitant - afraid that taking money for doing something that I love might somehow "taint" my feelings about photography. I'm happy to say that my passion has only increased. It really isn't about the hype or marketing or making money. Trust me on this. I don't advertise and I don't market myself the way I probably should. I've been lucky, though. I've worked with some incredible people who refer me to their friends, who refer me to their friends, and so on.
So what is it about the business end of photography that intrigues me? It's about the quest to capture "a moment." It's what I live for. If I'm working with someone, I have that opportunity. I'll admit that I'm hard on myself. Ask my family. And thank God for my family. I see everything I want to do better. They see everything that I've accomplished. They are a wonderful support system. I continue to quest for the moments and am thankful for opportunities that I've had in 2010 and look forward to many more in 2011.
Now for the recap - it was very very hard to choose just one photo from each event - the photos that I chose are meaningful to me in ways that I will describe...
January 2010 was no off season month for me - I photographed three weddings!
Janelle and Kevin - what is so unique about this photo is that Janelle and Kevin kissed for a solid 30 seconds in the freezing cold (kudos to them!), which is how long it took in order to capture this natural light photo of them after dark.
Beautiful Holly, with her classic elegance and soulful eyes. Her mom made this beautiful cape so that Holly would look beautiful while staying warm during their photos in the snow.
This is a "moment." It's not just that Katie cries during the father/daughter dance. It's the look on her father's face as well -- it feels like love, pride and protectiveness to me.
February, 2010
My cousin, Donnie. He's a fantastic musician! This photo is what he chose for the cover of his CD. I loved this session and I loved spending time with one of my favorite people!
Michele and Nick's Engagement Session. It's really hard to find a place to take pictures when it's cold, gray and snowy. Nick managed to turn a "no" from the Botanical Gardens into a "yes" for this session. After spending time with them, I could see why -- he was a down to earth, charming guy. This photo tells me that Michele thinks he is too :-)
March 2010
I had a great time photographing Susan, who was competing in a fitness contest. She worked hard and placed in several categories. The inspiration for the following pose, believe it or not, was Britney Spear's "Womanizer" -- if you're looking -- it was at 2:04 into the video. Very beautiful - very feminine. It was when I saw the lift in the curve at the small of her back, that I knew that if I had the opportunity, I would get a shot like that.
April 2010Sarah and Kevin's Engagement Session. Not only do I love the smile on Sarah's face, but I also loved the placement of her feet and the way she so comfortably leaned into Kevin. It was great moment to capture! I also love the fact that it was early April in Cleveland, but they made it look like a day in the middle of summer.
This was taken at Kyndall's home. When Kyndall's mom told me that she would provide the props, she wasn't kidding! The only thing I added was to digitally create a photo backdrop from her stuffed frog. Love this little girl - she's a natural model.
Mayah entered the world! She was also my first newborn session. The one thing I learned about newborn sessions -- go with the flow. My plan will not necessarily be hers -- and there's noooooo directing a newborn! :-)
Penelope and Sean's Engagement Session -- This was taken at the peak of tree blossoms at Wade Pond in University Circle . I really wanted to get a session in here, so I called Penelope and asked if they would be interested (I was to be shooting their June wedding) -- so glad they were!
May 2010
Eleanor turned 100! In this photo she shows off her dexterity. She's got my dexterity beat. Great for her....sad for me! :-) Her wonderful and loving family celebrated at Breckenridge Village in Willoughby.
Sarah and Kevin get married! Sarah's veil and Sarah's face. Enough said :-) It's definitely a moment.
Brandy's High School Senior Photo Session. This may be my favorite senior pic of 2010. It was a dreary, drizzly day, but she was a trooper and forged ahead with the session. I'm so so glad she did. It gave me the ability to take this beautiful beautiful umbrella shot.
Michele and Nick get married! Dad stopped by just Michelle was getting ready to walk down the aisle. They hugged. As he watched her walk away, he was overcome for a moment and said out loud, "Wow." She turned to look at him.
Christine and Kevin's Engagement Session. Christine and Kevin were the winners of the St. Clarence Silent Auction -- at which I donated an engagement session and wedding. First of all -- sweet, nice and kind cannot even begin to describe this lovely couple. I am so looking forward to their May wedding this year! This photo was taken at Voinovich Park.
Rosemary and Josh Get Married! Fun, bubbly, vivacious Rosemary and suave, mischievous Josh. This couple truly had FUN at their wedding -- I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. What I loved most about them was how natural they were in front of the camera - it was as if I didn't even exist. They were THAT into each other.
Penelope and Sean Get Married! I love everything about this limo photo - the colors, the reflection off the mirrored ceiling, the angle of her body as she leans into him and the peek at the guests outside the tinted windows.
Melinda and Joe Get Married! Hands down my favorite wedding silhouette this year. I was glad to capture this for them -- they were such a great couple, and I was so impressed with how close they were to their family and friends. Their wedding overflowed with love from so many perspectives.
Stay tuned for part two of 2010, and the second half of 2010.
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