[talk: The Best of 2011.]

So ... I've been noticing that a lot of photographer's blogs have been dedicated to their "top 10 of 2011" or something like that.

I'm too afraid to do that *squinted eyes*.   I mean, I don't want to offend any clients by not choosing from their photoshoot.  And the truth is, I have a favourite from EVERY shoot.

So ... I decided to post my one fave in each category ... here 'goes ...

ENGAGEMENT:  Zane & Tanya.

This couple is getting married in 2012 ... and we had a BLAST during their engagement shoot.  Full of laughs and hot moments *grin*.  My fave kind of shoot ... 

WEDDING:  Joel & Avin.

There were SO many great weddings this year, but this portion of the wedding shoot stood out to me.  Bride, groom, and a car.  Avin's legs went on forever, and Joel couldn't stop bursting into random songs ... a total highlight.  And I like the pic too *grin*.

COUPLES:  Brian & Oksana.

This Yaletown shoot made me LAUGH.  We had so much fun ... wandering the streets of Vancouver, pretending we owned it.  And I loved the chemistry between these two ... one of my faves, for sure.

FAMILY:  The Pue Gang.

So ... this may not be the most creative pic, or candid to boot.  There were some fantastic moments captured this year during the family shoots ... but this one stood out to me for one reason:  I was told it would be impossible to have all three little guys look at the camera.  But - I got it ... a sheer miracle *grin*.

MATERNITY:  Sawyer Family.

Angie was willing to do anything ... and I was able to capture this shot of her with her two kids while her hubby looked on ... I love this concept and her children really made it work!

NEWBORN: Cindy with Jayce .... and Vanessa with Caleb.

Sorry.  I had to choose two ... I just had to.  A mom with her newborn does something to my heartstrings.  

KIDDIES:  Natalia.

I took so many pics of this little one this year ... and her most recent shoot proved to have my favourite kiddie image this year ...

And my fave image of 2011?  Well ... after looking through every photo and feeling like I'm trying to choose which child I like best (as IF) ... I decided on this one.  Why?  Because there was nothing else like it ... and it was an honour to be chosen for this shoot ... 

Fave Image of 2011:  Hannah & Adrienne.

Yes ... so those were some of my favourite images from 2011.  But I will tell you that I've just gone through my site here and been, like, "OH!  I forgot that one ... and THAT one.  Awe man, and thaaaaaat one.  Shoot."

The Daveyduck shoot, the Bralovich shoot, the Melissa's Family shoot ... Ruthanne and her girls ... then there's the weddings, the newborn shoots ... list goes onnnn and on.  Really, I'm feeling yucky that I can't choose them all.

So, thank YOU so much, so-so-much, for letting me be the one who you chose to capture these shots.  I still can hardly believe that I get to do this ... to be creative, to meet fantastic people, to do something I love.  I am so blessed ...

And I cannot WAIT for 2012.  It's gonna be goooooood *grin* ...

For all enquiries, please head to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch."  Thanks!

[talk: Merry Christmas.]

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Oh.  Is it over?  Why yes, I guess it is.

Our tree is down, the Christmas village put away ... kids toys are in the process of being sorted through (notice I said "in the processsssss") ... and my bazillion photos are being uploaded for yet another bunch of pics to sort through.

And I am HAPPY about that. 

December/January are pretty calm for me, which allows me to spend ample amounts of time on my personal stuff.  Eek.  That REALLY does make me happy.

I'm working on one project right now, finishing it up for the second week of January.  And so, I thought I'd share my own family Christmas card with my RHP viewers ... just to hold you over for a bit *wink*.

Oh!  And a photo that I can share now.  I took a few family pics of them while we were away together for the weekend ... and my friend asked if I would hold-off in sharing this one until her Christmas cards were out.  And yup ... Christmas is over, so I can share *grin*.

Here's their family pic:

And here's the front of my own family Christmas card for 2011.  I love designing our Christmas card every year, I'm a bit of a fanatic about it.  Photo courtesy of Matt Kennedy Photos ... thanks to him, I didn't have to bring out my tripod this year!

For all enquiries, please head over to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch."  Thanks! 

[kiddies: Natalia - First Birthday.]

For the last year, little Natalia has become a special client.  I've gotten to see her every 12 weeks (on the dot, right Nicole? *grin*) ... and have had the privilege of documenting her first year.

Natalia's parents were actually in a bit of a transition with their home, and so her mom made special arrangements for this shoot at a friends' house.    It was her ACTUAL first birtdhay and Natalia was in good spirits, the lighting in the kitchen was perfect ... and so out came my camera.

Those EYES. 

It wasn't terribly "Canadian Cold" outside ... so off to the front porch we went.  And Natalia did really well ... until she realized she could crawl away *grin*. 

So, mom Nicole came to the rescue - and I convinced her to get in for a few photos.  As a mom of four - three boys and this little pink bundle - Nicole has her hands full.  She handles it with such grace.  And a big smile ... 

 Natalia was getting tired.  Or bored ... hard to say which *wink*.

Then we headed inside for the "cake smash".   Nicole made a perfectly-pink-and-purple butterfly cake ... it was super cute - and ready to be demolished.

 But in true "girl" fashion, little Natalia daintily picked and tasted.

 ... not even a crumb.

Finally ... after some persuading ... she went for it.  Well.  In "girl-fashion".

Jeff, Nicole ... wow!!  A whole year ... and I'm gonna miss seeing you and your family in twelve weeks time.  Thank you SO much for trusting me with this project ... I had a great time making and capturing memories of your little girl.

Are you SURE you don't want any more?? *grin*

For all enquiries, please head over to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch."  Thanks!