[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!

[Couples: Brian & Oksana ... Pt2.]

Brian and Oksana ... part 2.

... we continued through Yaletown.  It was quiet and perfect for this shoot ... and with Yaletown being so close to the water, we decided to head that way - but still take advantage of all the nooks and crannies around ... 

... aren't they lovely?

I love the way he looks at her ... and you can see such strength in her eyes.

And soon enough, they were looking forward to a good cup of coffee and a quick "wardrobe" change for Oksana ...

Then down to False Creek for some water shots.  

... it was time to go and head back to reality *smile* ...

And what was it that had Brian on the phone as soon as we got back on to the train?  Making sure that his new IPhone 4S was ready for him so he could pick it up that day ... of course *grin*.

Brian, Oksana ... first off - thank you for choosing me to snap these images for you.  Secondly - you two are beautiful, inside and out.  I pray God's richest blessings all over your lives ...

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

[couples: Brian & Oksana ... Pt.1]

Their story, their faces ... too beautiful to have only one post.  So they shall have two *grin*.  

I've known Brian and Oksana for a number of years.  Brian sang in a group that traveled to different churches, with a focus on raising funds for Russia.  I, too, was with this group at times - and traveled to Russia with Brian twice.

Oksana ... well.  She's Russian.

Are you seeing where this is going?  *grin*

Ok ... I'll get back to that in a minute ... you came to see pics, right?  Well ... my camera started shooting almost from the moment we met at the Skytrain station.  Oksana really wanted a "city" shoot ... she comes from one of the greatest cities in the world, Moscow, and Vancouver in the fall is a pretty close second *wink*.

We took the train all the way to Yaletown ... and the day was absolutely perfect.  As were these two ... The chemistry between them was undeniable.  Married for several years, Brian and Oksana have an ease about them.  Smiles came naturally ... 

When Brian was in Russia, Oksana had been one of the translators.  Oksana remembers her girlfriends noticing Brian - although Oksana wasn't too sure.  But their courtship began quickly and they were married, despite the complications of their two countries ... 

Changing countries is not an easy thing.  My own mother is from another country, and I remember growing up with her being torn at times between her love for her homeland, and  her love for Canada.  

Oksana is definitely a Russian beauty, and is so very proud of where she's from.  She has grown to love Canada and her new life here ... but it wasn't easy.  Changing everything, moving your entire life, for love - it's a pretty amazing thing.  It speaks of her love for Brian.  Brian knows it ... and trust me; he feels just the same.

We now all go to the same church, and Oksana has even joined our Christmas ensemble this year.  So every week, her and I sing our little hearts out at the practice in preparation for the four presentations ... She was so excited to be apart of it - and it's going to be a great time ... 

I love this series of images ... I love how relaxed they were - especially Brian.  Being photographed seemed to come naturally to Oksana - but most men are a little apprehensive about the whole process.  Not Brian ... he was willing to do anything.  He knew that these photos were so important to his wife.  Not one grumble, not one eye-roll (which is pretty common with men *grin*) ... he was a Saint.

We had actually booked this session for last December ... and it never happened due to poor weather.  And Oksana didn't want a summer shoot; she loves the city in the fall.  She decided to wait.  Well - I'm happy that they had been so patient and waited for almost an entire year for this to happen - because i had a blast during this shoot ... 

I have a whole other post that I'm preparing for tomorrow ... so please come back and check it out.  We headed to a coffee shop, and the waterfront for some true "Vancouver" pics ... there was a stint with some pumpkins, and the cityscape with kisses ... 

So.  Tomorrow.  More.  See you then!

For all enquiries, please contact me by heading to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch."

Thanks!