Favorites of 2015!

Every year these posts get harder and harder. All I mean by that, is that it’s harder to narrow down the photos so that I don’t make you look through a blog post that has over 500 photos. ;)

 

This year has been such a beautiful one! I’ve enjoyed every bit of it! Even the bit where I fell and sprained my left ankle and tore a tendon in my right foot. Okay, well I didn’t necessarily enjoy when it happened, and I didn’t enjoy the unbelievable pain, and I REALLY didn’t enjoy having to cancel on 2 weeks worth of photo shoots and I still don’t enjoy that my right foot hasn’t completely healed. But, I’ve trained my mind to see the positive even in difficult situations. So, when I say that I enjoyed every bit of my year, including the month that I spent half of being immobile and the other half limping around, I mean it. Because what I enjoyed was the two weeks I spent in a lounge chair learning to rid myself of my pride while having to ask others for help… for EVERYTHING. I’m thankful for that. During those two weeks, I also enjoyed watching WAY too many romantic comedies with my mom, who I couldn’t have made it through that time without. I’m SO grateful for that. I also enjoyed the relief I felt after hearing back from the clients I had to cancel on, and realizing they were all completely understanding. And I’m thankful for an experience that reminded me that it could always be worse, that I actually have it pretty darn good. ;) I still have my feet… one of them just still needs a bit more fixing, but I still have my life that I love, so I’m thankful for the hard times. And the truth is, the fact that my injury is the worst thing that happened to me all year, makes me realize what a truly BLESSED and BEAUTIFUL life I have! :)

 

As for the highlights of my year… well, you’ll some of the photography highlights in photos below. But to name a few… spending my summer in Seattle was incredible! I drove up to Seattle with my sister and brother-in-law, we had the BEST time! When I got there, I explored (even with my limp) and soaked up the beauty of the city! I love exploring a new place and meeting new people and seeing new sights! It gives my heart such joy! :) After my amazing two months there (which I still can’t believe I never blogged about, perhaps I should still do that, if anyone still cares… haha) I drove back down to Phoenix by myself! I was only slightly worried, but I was mostly EXCITED! Driving alone has always been one of my favorite things to do! Especially, if the weather is nice, because that’s when I roll down the windows and blast the music as loud as I can, so that I can’t even hear myself sing. ;) I also attended my first every photography conference (or photography anything) in October! It was so amazing to be able to come together with so many talented and kind people in the photography industry! I met so many people and made a BUNCH of new friends, can I please sign up for next year’s SHOWIT United? :)

 

I also decided to start exploring with landscape photography this year. Okay, well, not so much landscapes, mostly sunset and moon photos. Haha. But there have been a few actual landscapes thrown in the mix. I’m not very good at this kind of photography, but I’ve decided to not let that stop me from trying! ;)
 
But the absolute best parts of my year… are the quiet and simple moments. The moments that usually aren’t captured in a photo. The moments that are kept in the heart. The times with great family and friends… and the times that I learn more about myself… and the times that I draw closer to Jesus. Those are forever my favorite moments of every year! :)
 
I’m BEYOND grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had this year and I’m thankful for EVERY SINGLE PERSON that I’ve had the chance to photograph. THANK YOU for choosing me and trusting me to take photos of you and the special times and special people in your life. I’m in awe that I get to do something that I truly love and it’s not something that I take for granted. Looking back on last year’s favorites and the year before, it seems like forever ago. Lightyears ago. I’ve learned and grown so much. As a person and a photographer. But I’m NOWHERE near being done. I have PLENTY more to learn. TONS. And I’m looking forward to every single bit of it! :)
 
**DISCLAIMER: These photos are not photos from EVERY shoot I’ve done this year. I’ve done well over 100 shoots this year (I didn’t even realize that until I JUST added them up) and that’s why I haven’t included every single shoot in here. But don’t be fooled, just because it’s not pictured, doesn’t mean I didn’t LOVE the shoot AND the people in the photos! Because I promise you, I did!!! :) These photos are more about how I view my artistic abilities and photography skills than anything else. ;)