I have amazing clients. It's such a privilege to photograph real life. A moment in time. I love to stop time and focus on emotions and relationships. With all the social media and electronics, we easily forget to be intentional about "in your face" real life relationships. I took time to re-visit every session from 2012. What a blessing. I decided to share some of my favorites with you. I picked 25, which was difficult. They were chosen for many different reasons. They are listed below in no specific order. Read on. 

1. This family suffered an incomprehensible loss in 2012... sudden loss of a loved one... and they decided life is short... and they wanted to make capturing their family a prioirty. What an honor... 

2. She radiates beauty. Inside and out. Her family is from the south and I enjoyed their accents so much. Such a fun session with RR tracks, graffiti barns, and old town character. 

3. This mama wanted family pics for her birthday. A woman after my own heart. She wanted something fun and different, so we headed to Seattle. Sometimes getting kids outside to play is just the ticket. 

4. I like me some boys. Brothers are even better. They sell out the others secrets in effort to make each other laugh. I love humor. And grunge. 

5. Capturing kids in their element is a great way to get kids to smile. This family scheduled a lifestyle shoot. I was able to join them at the beach for a great playdate. I captured so many beautiful moments. It was one of my favorite sessions from the year. 

6. If you know me at all, you know I preach.. color..color.. color. Color photographs well. This family nailed the jewel tones. And, as a side note, this family has been with me since focal point photogrpahy opened its doors. They are super loyal and we always have fun. They were a natural for the year in review post. 

7. Don't you love fall. Oh. my. goodness. These 4 get to live on this beautiful property. It was an obvious location choice for the photos. 

8. Who wouldn't love these blue doors!! Mama did a great job with colors and matching patterns and solids. {ok, and they ARE related, so they MAY have had favoritism points}

9. Senior sessions are a blast. What a crazy time in a teens life. Getting ready to graduate and leave the nest. Enter the big world. This senior is poised and confident and amazing. She is sweet and full of integrity. And smokin hot. Who wouldn't die for this hair?  

10. Some good old fashioned fun. The look on younger brothers face says it all. 

11. Do you want to guess how hard it was to wrangle these boys? Acutally, they were angels... we have been working together for years. What a fun time in the sand. Happy family. 

12. Creative locations makes fun photos. And adorable kids helps too!

13. Sometimes senior boys are scared to death for pics. I love to talk them off the ledge and my goal is they enjoy the session. This photo screams manly man. And, I am a sucker for sun flare. 

14. Often times parents just want pics of the kids. I beg to differ. I forced mom and dad and grandma to take just one. Now, doesn't this photo bring a smile to your face? Sometimes a little forceful peer pressure is worth it's weight in gold. This will be a family keepsake for years. You are welcome :)

15. Just to make sure, I do love me some girlies too. These sweet little sisters are breathtaking. And I have to shout out to mom for picking such great accessories. They really add a lot to this photo. 

16. Speaking of coordinating outifts and layering and accessories. I love this. Its a great example. See how put together they look? Scarves, boot socks, headband, brooch, and layered shirts. Atta girl. 

17.I love photos that are not posed. They are my favorite. I know some are still stuck on posed only, but these seem to bleed emotion and relationship. I hope to convince my clients to do more of these in 2013. 

18. This family also lost a loved one and decided to get photos taken in his honor. Even though getting everyone together can be difficult. They made it a priority. Some flew in from Alaska. Good job! 

19. Aren't they cute? They met in Conway. That was the obvious choice for wedding pics. We walked around town and got some great shots. What a fun memory. 

20. Never quit shooting. Photography rule #23. Unplanned moments happen all the time, and I love capturing them. Kids grow so fast, Dad won't be able to do this much longer. 

21. I just love this photo. Orange and pink photograph well, but many are not brave enough to try it. These kids are adorable. This awesome two-some is about to become 3. 

22. Boys + toys + mustaches = priceless

23. This is a keeper. Mom planned this ahead of time. She brought an item to represent what each kids is into at this age. A book, toy gun, stuffed monkey, and a doll. LOVE. And look at her color coordinating. A+

24. More color. Love. And I have known her since I was seven. Have to include her. The gorgeous Trendi Wendi. She makes amazing accessories. Many are in the above photos. 

25. Last but not least... the rope swing. Many ask or talk about going on it during a shoot. None have ever tried. Until now. His older brother went out and made it back. So, he HAD to try. He swung out and back and then couldn't get his foot back. Isn't this the sweetest? Younger brother stretching out a hand for help. Good boys. And in case you want to know how this cliff hanger ended....

He jumped into the water and swam to the rocks and climbed up. And loved every minute of it. Boys will be boys. 

Thanks for sharing in part of my year. There were so many other great photos. And since I am REALLY going to start blogging... for real this time... you will have opportunity to see more. Thanks for a fantastic year. Thanks for being patient with me while I moved. 

p.s- if you want to make this list next year... we need to take your photos... contact me for spring photos...