Because I’m going to be able to say twenty-ten when referring to the new year.  Because my husband and I are going to be kid-free and enjoying some grown-up time tonight.  Because I have loved each of my clients and sessions this year.

Simply: Because. I. Can. 

I want to bring in the new year with a little somethin’ somethin’ for the people that have helped make my year great!  So, I’ve chosen my personal favs – well some of my personal favs – from the photos I’ve taken this year.  Wow.  What a task that was!  However, I’ve narrowed it down to my top 15 17 favorite portraits.  I couldn’t stick to just 15.  I tried.  I failed.

Just for fun, I’d like to have a voting contest!  The client of winning portrait will receive a complimentary session to use in 2010 (or as I like to say, twenty-ten) and a complimentary 11×14 of the winning image.

To vote, simply add the number of the portrait you like best in the comments below.  The image with the highest votes will win!  You may, of course, vote for yourself.  Send the link to this post to all your friends and family!  The more votes your image receives, the better your chances of winning!

To make this even more interesting… after all the comments are in, I’ll do a random number draw on random.org and that comment will also win a complimentary session to use in twenty-ten!  Woot-woot!

Voting ends at 11:59pm on January 8, 2010.  Only one vote per person please.  Also, there will be only two votes allowed per IP address. Leave a valid email address in the comment form (so I can contact you if your comment is drawn for the random drawing).

So, without further ado… here are {some} of my favorite portraits from 2009 (in no particular order):

#1 – A Mommy and her Baby 

#2 - Gorgeous Eyes 

#3 – A mom and her two handsome sons 

#4 - Miss D 

#5 - Love those piggytails 

#6 - A few sweet moments with a bride & groom 

#7 – Miss M 

#8 – Waiting on Daddy 

#9 – Mr. A 

#10 - Miss H 

#11 - A bride a few moments before her wedding 

#12 – The P children 

#13 - Sibling love 

#14 – K & J 

#15 - The C children 

#16 - Just walking with Mommy & Daddy 

#17 – Whoo-hoo!  I’m a senior!   

We had perfect weather for a session yesterday.  They trusted me and were willing to do what I asked of them.  Well, Mr. A might have thought I was crazy, but he was a trooper and still did what I asked.  We had a fabulous session and got some great images.  I couldn’t wait to get home and pick out my favorites to post for a sneak peek. 

M, H & A – thank you for meeting up with me yesterday.  I had a great time!  Here are some sneak peeks.  I’ll have the rest of your images processed soon.  Enjoy!

The C children had a blast raking some leaves into a pile and jumping in it.  Of course, leaf throwing is a great way to pass the time when you’ve got a pesky photographer in your face!  We had lots of fun, despite the fact that it was C-O-L-D!!! 

P and T, you have a beautiful family and it was my pleasure to photograph all of you.  Enjoy this sneak peek!  I’ll have the rest of your images ready soon! 

So, I was beyond excited to photograph J & K!  We had a great time laughing and capturing their love for one another on camera.  They completely trusted me and did as I asked… after a few reassurances that it would be ok.  I mean, who really lays on the muddy wet grass while their photographer is laying (with my face literally touching the gravel!!) on the ground getting the perfect shot???  J & K… that’s who! 

Enjoy this sneak peek, J & K.  I’ll have the rest of your images processed soon! 

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Josh and Christy.  Christy and I met about ten years ago through my college roommates.  It was so much fun to create beautiful memories in the midst of old friends.  I truly have the best job.   

Josh and Christy, thank you for choosing me to photograph your wedding day.  I wish you all the best!   

It was  a gorgeous day out yesterday.  And the bride was equally as beautiful.  Here are just a few sneak peeks from their beautiful wedding day.  Enjoy!