Perhaps you've noticed: I've mostly failed at blogging my client work here this year. I blogged maybe 3 or 4 sessions total. I've blogged sessions of my own kids (most, but not all. Oops.) But the many marvelous clients I see all year long--- they've not made it onto the blog. It was just one thing that had to give, I suppose, when I was figuring out how to have two kids AND work from home AND be creative and crafty in other areas AND still have time for sleep and Joe and making dinner. 

 But while the actual blog posts haven't happened, the sessions HAVE been taking place, and I've had some amazing sessions and clients this year. In honor of them, and in the vein of the "end of year" recap I am enjoying seeing from other photographers I love, I have taken some time to choose one or two favorite images from every last session I did in 2012, and have compiled them all here. Right here. Right now. From my January babies all the way to my Christmas kids. 

Enjoy!

 

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Phew! That was a massive stack of good-looking folks, right?!

To all my 2012 clients (including my own children, who probably suffered most from my camera), thank you for your smiles, your laughs, your cooperation, your trust, your vision, your warmth, your candid moments, your tender moments, and for allowing me to be a part of creating your family history this year. 

I cherish each little one I've gotten to play with. 

Each newborn I've gotten to swaddle and hold close. 

Each mama I've gotten to see in her element, making her own child coo and smile. 

Each daddy I've watched dance like a maniac behind me to elicit a laugh. 

Each set of sweethearts sharing a sweet kiss. 

Each blossoming confident senior playing model for a day.

Every last family shaking off the stress of pre-session prep and letting go enough to allow me to make them relax for their family portrait. 

Every. Last. One. Of. You. 

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2013 will be different.... Starting the new year with a newborn of my own, and easing back into work as I feel the potential for sanity slowly coming back to me.... I know my 2013 recap will not be this lengthy or as varied... But I am excited to see what life is bringing, and oh so grateful for the clients I WILL get to spend my time with in the coming year. 

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. This life, this job, is a deep and true blessing to me. 

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She'mell, My Fierce Beautiful Model {St. Louis Senior Photographer}

Oh Ms. Sha'Mell--- this senior was a delight to play with when we had our session. She came ready to pose, ready to act, and ready to just be gorgeous. Her skin was incredible: rich and totally blemish-free. And she laughed so easily... even when ALL my jokes were lame. Which they always are.

Take a look--- this girl is FABULOUS!

And her EYES? Wow... they were so deep and dark... You could get lost in them!

Her spunky lil' car made a cameo...

Plus, did you see her headbands? This girl is a girl after my own heart. I kinda wanted to borrow them from her!

Thanks, Sha'Mell, for trusting me to navigate our adventure, and for giving me so many FIERCE great looks. :)

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In other news, many of you have asked about Joe and the Bell's Palsy... I wanted to report that after a week or so of steroid treatments, he is feeling nearly 100% again. PHEW! Thank goodness this freak ailment is usually short-term. It was REALLY bringing him down. And plus, it's just nice to see him SMILE again... not just smirk with half his face.

Love that boy.

Also, we are still COMPLETELY in the dark about what comes next for us. Still waiting on four schools to tell us yay or nay... and quite honestly, the longer it takes, the less hope we have. So. Heck-- we may just stay put for a while... While we regroup and figure out a plan B.

That's us... How 'bout YOU?

Lovely Laura {St. Louis Senior High School Photographer}

Laura, spunky senior, let me have a little fun... Let me do a few things MY way...
Let me use my felt/hotglue/popsicle stick "mustache on a stick" on her. Let me pull out a few costume accessories.

Love her! (Love those blue blue eyes!)