2010 Recap: Favorite Wedding Photos

In 2010, I was lucky enough to shoot my first three weddings. It's not exactly an impressive number, but it's a number I'm proud of all the same. I was the second shooter at the first, and the primary photographer at the other two. Each wedding was such a learning and growing experience, and I'm incredibly thankful to the brides, grooms, and their families who welcomed me into their important life events. Part of why I didn't more actively pursue weddings at first was that I wasn't sure if I would enjoy working these sometimes stressful events. I can now confidently say that I love it. I really can't think of anything I'd find more rewarding than documenting these awesome celebrations of love. I thrive on the adrenaline-fueled breakneck pace.

Here's a peek back at my three 2010 weddings.

Raquel Cesar:

Sara & Trenton:

Kate & Greg:

I've already booked four weddings in the first half of 2011, and I'm incredibly excited for each of them. I already knew one or the other member of most of these couples, but I've loved getting to know them and their fiances better at their included engagement sessions. I know the weddings of 2011 are going to rock my face off. Can't wait!

2010 Recap: Favorite Solo Portraits

I shot a variety of solo sessions this last year. Sometimes paid, sometimes for my own enjoyment. Many of these have not yet made it onto my blog, but I'm doing my best to get caught up on blogging. As previously mentioned, I don't really do New Years Resolutions, but my non-resolution is to get back on the blogging wagon.

Here are some of my favorite solo shots from 2010, many of which you'll see more of soon. Some are Senior Portraits, some are Bridals, some have more of a fashion direction, and many were just because I had a hankering to shoot and a friend conveniently at hand. One of my favorite sessions was for my sister's Roller Derby draft application.

Caitlyn:

Kristi:

Trish:

Christina:

Sara:

Casey:

Ryan:

Jessie:

I get to work with such beautiful people. :)

Mary

2010 Recap: Favorite Family Portraits

I think one of the things that surprised me most in getting my business going this year was discovering just how much I love shooting family portrait sessions. I especially love chasing around ambulatory munchkins. It's like the adrenaline rush I get at weddings, but with much more giggling.

Here are some of my favorite portraits of children, families, and pregnant ladies (because baby-on-the-way is still a baby in a roundabout way).

Elise:

Coffee:

Kayla:

Rylan:

Allison:

Melissa:

Will:

Drury:

Kayla (again):

Lily (and Kayla):

Will (again):

My husband and I are nowhere near ready to bring any kids into our lives, but I love getting to spend time with kids with my camera in tow. It sort of scratches my baby itch and keeps me content to wait another long while. I'm lucky enough to live in a neighborhood with a ton of young families and some beautiful parks within the neighborhood itself. It's really the perfect set-up for child photography. Here's hoping I shoot a ton more family sessions in 2011!

Mary

2010 Recap: Favorite Engagement Portraits

Happy New Year everyone!

Although we've already entered 2011 (crazy!), I'd love to take a moment to look back on some of my favorite moments of 2010. It's not lip service when I say I love my job as a photographer. It naturally follows that some of my happiest days this last year have been shared with my photography clients. I don't generally set official New Years Resolutions for myself, but I did challenge myself to launch a photography business in 2010 and see where it took me. I started off with some free sessions in January to build my portfolio, and it's been awesome to see the organic growth that's followed. In 2011, my business is taking an even higher priority and I'm so excited to see what growth I'll be able to look back on at the beginning of 2012.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from sessions with couples in 2010. The vast majority were engagement portraits, and the one couple that wasn't engaged has since hired me to shoot their wedding in Austin in July, 2011. Actually, my husband and I are hanging out with them tonight since they're briefly in town. I love the connections that come with this job.

Charles & Alyssa:

Kate & Greg:

Aislinn & Sean:

Jada & Jon:

Anna & Harper:

To every client who let me document part of their lives this year, thank you so much for your faith in me. I have more recaps to come, with your gorgeous faces included.

Mary