This session was just so fun.  Not because we got to shoot at Constellation Field or that this family is just. so. picture. perfect.  It was fun because THEY were having fun.  There was not a single moment when this family wasn’t smiling genuine smiles.  They seemed to enjoy every single moment of being together and the camera totally ate it up.  I love it.  I love their love for each other.  I usually say I have a hard time picking favorites and even though I loved all their images, this first one below of mom and her daughter is the one that touches my heart.  It’s a simple photo but aren’t they just lovely?

They were one of my Photo of the Year winners and I’m just now realizing I haven’t shared their session yet!  Here are a few of my favorites.

A gorgeous morning with a gorgeous family!

I just realized I haven’t shared this one yet and it was one of my unexpected favorites from last year.

I very rarely shoot extended family sessions but when I heard that this family wasn’t going to be together again for quite a while, I just couldn’t say no.  So while most of the country was out shopping for black friday deals, I got to spend a relaxing afternoon with this beautiful family on this gorgeous property the day after Thanksgiving.  Everyone was laid back and full of smiles and I hope I get to be there when they spend the holidays together again in the future.

A lovely afternoon session with one of my favorite families

I thought I’d do something a little different this year and invited my amazing clients to submit their favorite image from their sessions this past year for a fun little contest.  Scroll down and take a look at our nominees for 2012 Photo of the Year!

1.  stylin’ | how cute are they with their matching shoes?

2.  class of 2013 | “I really loved the picture where I’m leaning on my elbos with with flowers in front of me.  It was beautifully taken, but most of all, it’s the picture that brings the biggest smile on my parents’ faces and I just love that… ”

3.  daddy’s little girl | “There is just something so special about that picture from their smile to to their pose. Father and daughter relationship is so precious to watch as a mother and wife.” <- I love that!

4.  big sis | there were so many more from this session where she is just loving on her little brother, but I think this one really represents how excited she is to be a big sister.

5.  wonder | “I love this one for the lighting of the photo and the smile that S has but the reason it is my favorite is because of the story behind the photo. S loves the outdoors, whenever we take walks we take a bucket to collect leaves, pine cones, etc. S also adores her Grandma, who lives in Seattle and visits frequently. S knows that her Grandma travels by plane to visit and loves seeing airplanes fly overhead, she calls them “Grandma’s planes.” She even sleeps will a small stuffed airplane. In this picture she is holding her leaf and pointing at Grandma’s plane.”  so sweet!

6.  beauty | there is so much beauty and depth in those eyes.

7.  sisters | there is so much love between these two

Want to see them larger? Click HERE.

Ready to vote?

Voting begins from now until midnight on Saturday, February 2nd.  The winner will be announced on Tuesday, February 4th.  Winners will get the following prizes!

1st Place: 
• 16X20 Gallery Wrapped Canvas of the winning image.
• $500 gift card to be used towards a Premium Session in 2013.

2nd and 3rd Place Winners:
• 11×14 Gallery Wrapped Canvas of the winning image.
• $200 gift card to be use towards a Premium Session in 2013.

Happy Voting!!