The “Best of” always features the most fabulous types of food, drink and shopping in the Vally.  However, the arts are very under represented on the ballot.

This year I am really pushing to get more artists recognized fortheir contribution to the Valley.   Although there is no official ballot option, there is a “Fill in your own category”  slot.

I would love for you to consider filling in that slot with:

Surprise Photography, Best Children’s Portrait Photographer

I would be HONORED to be the first in this catagory, and would have to celebrate with my clients in a big way!!!

Here is where I need you HELP!!!

What you need to do, is follow this LINK:  http://www.hvmag.com/Hudson-Valley-Magazine/Best-Of-Hudson-Valley-Ballot-2012/

And at the very end where you see “Fill in your category,”  fill in Surprise Photography, Best Children’s Portrait Photographer

Thank you and lets cross our fingers!!

Also, don’t forget Waddle N Swaddle in the Best Baby Boutique category!

HOTNESS!!! That’s all I need to say!

I love to give myself a project.  My projects are a way for me to step outside of my box and to  have some good creative fun.  Earlier last year, I had someone send me an email and asked if I would ever consider doing a Pin Up Girl shoot.  Let me think, “HECK YA!”  I have eyeying Pin Up for sometime and jumped on the idea.  I got my team on board and off we went.

What I love about Pin Up, is that curves are SOOOOO welcome.   I know body image can be a sensitive issue, I constantly hear, “When I lose 20 lbs, I am so doing that.”   Pin Up embraces curves and helps us LOVE what we got. Marylyn Monroe was a Pin Up girl, and a size 10.

I of course, had a wonderful team behind me:  Bella Luci Salon provided hair and make-up, and Karma Lounge, my hidden gem, provided the location. The ladies provided their wardrobe, and did a killer job!

I look forward to doing this again soon!!

Totally off topic, but I wanted to share this fun treat that I found and made with my own twist.  Being that today is the Super Bowl, I thought I would make a fun football themed treat.  I went on a mad search for the football shaped Oreo cookies, but couldn’t find them in the stores, so I used double stuff.  Just on a note,  this doesn’t work well with Reduced Fat Oreos.  Besides, with this treat what is the point of “reduced fat?”   I am no “PRO” dessert maker, so they do not look perfect, but they sure taste yummy!!!

I am going to admit, although Surprise Photography had a wonderful year, I am looking forward to a fresh start in 2012.  My personal life took some real bad hits with unexpected deaths of friends and family, a dear friend being diagnosis with cancer and Kieran taking about 10 years off my life with two major accidents in one year.  Don’t worry, his is okay.  And although I tried to not it affect my work, I found myself not able to produce a final product as quick as I would wish.  I beat myself up a lot over it but came to realize, I am only human and I do have to put my family first.  I hired a wonderful girl to work with me this winter and plan on holding on to her tight.  She is the reason I survived the holidays season, our busiest ever!

Next year I will be lightening up my schedule a bit.  I will be traveling and doing several educations workshops, and taking several mini vacations with my family.  What I have learned last year, is that I need to put my family first, enjoy as much time with them as possible, enjoy life and take adventures, and surround myself with good positive people. A happier me will only make for a better Surprise Photography.

Again, I can’t thank you enough for being apart of our family this year. Here is a look back at some of the wonderful faces that we had the honor of capturing this year:

It has been almost 2 months since Live Love Learn and I am proud to announce that this past Thursday, our group of fabulous ladies presented a check to the American Heart Association for $5182.00.  Yeah, how awesome is that, double of last year!!  I want to thank everyone who came out not only for the event but for the boudoir and Little Love Mini sessions as well, that was a nice added bonus to our check!

So next year, be sure to watch out as hopefully we are able to double this donation!

Extra special thanks to Cosimo’s for the wonderful food, Essence Photography for the wonderful photos and the DJ Solution for the great entertainment!