The Best of 2012: Portraits

If I was being honest ... and I try to be on this humble, little blog ... I would tell you that I was petrified. In the fall of 2011, when I finally decided to go solo with this whole photography thing, I couldn't see farther than right in front of my face. I had just signed up to advertise on Wedding Wire and I really thought no one would contact me. I wouldn't call myself a perfectionist but I have this fear of putting myself out there before I feel 100% ready. And I didn't think I was ready. Slowly I'm learning that no one is really, truly ever ready. I realize now that sometimes you have to dive in with as much courage as you can muster and say, "Hey. This is me. Like it or leave it, but at least I'm gonna try." Lucky for me, this solo photography thing has worked out. And I couldn't be more grateful. Really. Truly.

Valerie and Alex were the first ones to contact me, just a couple days after I created a Wedding Wire account, and they gave me so much more confidence than they will ever know. From there I've been blown away by how many of you have believed in me to document your weddings, your itty-bitty newborns, your families—all the most important parts of your life. I know it's hard to give up control, I know you have pictures in your head of how you want it to look ... and I cannot say it enough: THANK YOU for choosing me.

I've been looking back at some of my favorite photos from the past year, and I want to share them all with you over the next few weeks. First up are my favorite portraits of 2012.

I've watched Baby Lane grow (newborn, 3-month and 6-month):

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Amanda and Nathan (of Amanda Weis Photography) welcomed a baby boy into the world, and I got to take their maternity photos:

Cleveland Maternity Photographer

Travis and Zach graduated:

Cincinnati Senior Photographer

My second shooter, Emily, came into my life (yay!), and we practiced taking portraits with her sister, Katie, and Katie's boyfriend, Kyle.

Cleveland Photographer

Beautiful Baby Brenna was born:

Akron Newborn Photographer

And so was cute little Connor:

Cleveland Newborn Photographer

I met the Porter family:

Cleveland Family Photographer

Ashley and Justin got a puppy and I did my first-ever pet session:

Cleveland Pet Photographer

My best friends Nicole and Kelby had a little boy named Owen:

Cincinnati Newborn Photographer

The B family had portraits done before dad was deployed overseas with the Navy:

Akron Family Photographer

And last but not least, I got to hang out with Adrina and her family on a beautiful fall day:

Cleveland Family Photographer

 

Adrina & Family

Akron Family Photographer I had so much fun hanging out with this sweet, little two-year-old and her family. Adrina wasn't too interested in the camera or me (until she almost got in my car at the end of the session!); she much rather wanted to pick up rocks and sticks. I think this girl will be hanging with the boys as she gets older.

My philosophy when it comes to children/family photography is just to let the kids do their thing. I shoot on location for a reason ... to keep the kids in their element and give them some freedom ... so why not take advantage of it? In 20 years, I want families to be able to look back on photos and remember exactly how the child was at the time, rocks and all. :)

Adrina, Ashley and Derek, I had such a good time with you guys. Thank you for trusting me with your family photos!

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See, she's picking up rocks ... with a cute bow in her hair.

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Love this!

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She loved swinging and would sneak a peek at the camera while she was in the air. :)

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My favorite!

Akron Family Photographer Akron Family Photographer To see more from Adrina's session, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:

The B Family

Akron Family Photographer Does this family look familiar?? Let me give you a clue ... Ashley and Justin. Yep, Lindsay is Ashley's sister! And I must say there's a family resemblance. :) I absolutely love photographing families because they're always so genuine. Kids aren't afraid to be goofy in front of the camera and you get to see how great mom and dad are with the kids. This family was definitely no exception.

Ben is in the Navy and will be deployed in the next month. Lindsay wanted to make sure to get some pictures with him and the kids since he'll be serving our country overseas for a year. Plus, they're expecting their third child in a few months. So much going on for this sweet family!

Enjoy my favorites and make sure to watch the slideshow at the end!

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Love that little smile on Damien's face! So cute!

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Love that one above!

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Then we headed inside because it was too cold. Those family photos are my favorite!

Akron Family Photographer Akron Family Photographer Akron Family Photographer Akron Family Photographer To see more from the Baran family's session, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:

Baby Lane | 6 Months

Akron Baby Photographer Baby Lane is 6 months old! And he still has that hair ... even after a hair cut. :) It's been so fun watching him grow, and I feel like I'm learning a thing or two about babies through these sessions. You know, for waaay down the line. ;) Enjoy my favorites from this session, and make sure you scroll a little way down to see the family dog licking Lane. SO CUTE!

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Get ready for these next two. They crack me up ...

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Lane loves his dog. He didn't want to let go. And she was such a good sport about it. :)

Akron Baby Photographer Akron Baby Photographer Akron Baby Photographer Akron Baby Photographer To see more from Baby Lane's 6-month session, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here: