Reflections of 2012

Well here we are at the back end of 2012. My goodness what a year it has been and looking back it puts a smile on my face.  

These past 12 months I have put more into photography than any other year. I’m pretty sure not a day has gone by where at some point I was focusing on being a better photographer. I have attended several seminars on lighting, weddings, and business marketing just to name a few. I have watched countless hours of online training and read several books all in the pursuit of raising my photography to the next level.

The year began with a road trip over to Joshua Tree National Park to meet up with some fellow photographers for an overnight camping trip.  We finished up shooting a sunset at the Salton Sea. It was some cold camping but I had a great time shooting with these guys.  Following that I attended my first national conference in Las Vegas.  The Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) conference was a great experience with the workshops and more importantly new found friendships.

As the year progressed I continued shooting weddings, families, and high school seniors. These pursuits have pulled me from my landscape shooting. Of course I still got out and shot my share of monsoon lightning goodness.  But little did I know that I would find a new and even greater love in shooting faces, people, and their special moments in life.  Whether it be the wedding of two people in love, the newborn baby, or the senior photo, these special life events are fleeting and I am honored to have a seat to witness some of life’s greatest moments and capture them on camera.    I look forward to doing much more of this in 2013.

And finally I would like to say “Thank You” to all my photography friends who have helped me along the way.  Rather it be blog comments, out on a photowalk, or through social media you guys have made me better.

Without further adieu, here are some of my favorite photos from 2012. Let’s dance 2013!

(as always click on any pic to see it larger)