This is Our Life: Project 52 [Week 1: Evening Ritual]

I wanted to do a 365 project last year, but somehow never got around to it. So, for 2013, I am going to be following Paint the Moon's "This is Our Life" project (see more info HERE). After looking through my files from last year, I realized I had taken very few personal photos. Granted, we don't have children (just the puppies) but it's nice to look back on the past year and reflect, so this year I thought would be a great time to start documenting the every day moments (but only once a week, as I have to be realistic about my time commitments!).

The first week's theme is "evening rituals". We have many, but one that has been a regular occurrence since Clara joined our family in April 2012 is documented below. Sock hunting, one of her favorite things to do since she figured out how to launch herself into the laundry basket. This is a nightly ritual, though I neglected to take any photos of the disarray she leaves in her wake as she drags them all over the house.

What are your evening rituals?

Best of 2012 (Maternity, Newborn, Child/Family) Contest!

To show my immense appreciation for my maternity, newborn, and child/family portrait clients, I have decided to hold a contest on Facebook (click HERE to view all of the entries)! Every session that falls into one of those categories is represented by a photo below (unless it was requested that their photos not be shared on Facebook), so if you did two sessions with me you get a bonus entry! :)

The photo that gets the most "likes", comments, or "shares" will win, followed by the second and third most - so make sure to tell your family and friends! Contest will run for 1 week (ending Friday, January 11th at 12 noon), and the winners will be contacted the afternoon of Friday, January 11th via email.

The prizes are:
1st place - One complimentary session (Session must take place in 2013, and must be scheduled 2-4 months in advance for spring/fall dates, does not include the month of May 2013 as I am FULL. Does not include any mileage fees that may apply outside of a 30 mile radius, or prints.) 
2nd place - A 16x20 gallery wrap (Photo is your choice, can be applied to a future session's print purchase if you prefer, must be redeemed by December 31st, 2013.) 
3rd place - A $50 print credit towards a future session (A gift certificate will be provided to you, must be used before December 31st, 2013.) 
Here's a preview of the photos that made the contest! Don't forget to place your vote by liking, commenting, or sharing the photo that you love best! 

A look back at 2012...

I don't know about you guys, but 2012 seemed to fly by in a blur. I don't know if it was the fact that we never really had much of a winter, or the summer was so hot that it blew by in a haze of humid days and too much time in the air conditioning. I do know that my days were jam packed with weekday obligations and activities, and I filled my weekends up with photographing families, babies, and weddings. I met so many amazing people, and was given some opportunities I'd secretly hoped for but never believed they would happen...until they did (thanks Mindy!!!).

In my down time, 2012 consisted of traveling to Denver to meet my new niece in February, getting a new puppy in April, our 5 year wedding anniversary, participating in the Color Run, and being a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding. 2012 was a year of many gains, peppered with a bit of loss as well when a good friend moved away in June, and we reluctantly said good-bye to a dear family friend in September.


It's hard to say what 2013 will bring with it, but I hope that it brings continued happiness, health, and opportunities. I know that it will be full of adventure, photography, and love. Here's to a wonderful 2013!