Don’t ask what has taken me so long to blog about this fabulous crew. Mom literally booked me a year out for this session so that she could have the colors of the fall. Normally the more children I photograph, the harder the shoot, but not this crew. They were just amazingly easy and so wonderful to work with. I look forward to the chance to do it again!
Peeking back to one of my favorite families from 2011. My first session with them just over the top amazing, I was questioning how I was going to top it. Lucky for me I had 5 camera ready kids and an super stylish mom to help me bang out another rockin session.
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!
This family was not only one of the easiest to shoot, but also one of the funnest. Some of you foodies in the area might recognize Ed and his lovely wife. Ed is the owner and chef at Lola’s Cafe and my favorite restaurant in the Hudson Valley, Crave. Now I am hungry. And their kids, ummmm hello crazy beautiful family!
There was a lot of laughing, and a lot of goofing off during our shoot, most coming from the parents 
When we did their family picture standing amongst the trees, the kids mentioned they felt like they were in a scene of Twilight. I am going to admit, I’ve never seen it. So as long as their are not fangs and blood, I guess we are ok!
When my friend Kara found out she was pregnant with baby 3, she not only told me via instant message, but she also booked me on the spot. I was not only thrilled with the honor, but overwhelmed with happiness for her and her family. I have known Kara for a long time and I know how much of a blessing this baby was.
I have a great past with her kids, one of my favorite sessions when I first started my business. Both of them were fabulous little hams again for me, even thought the weather was a bit brisk. With a late December session, we were glad to get away with a cool breeze versus 3 feet of snow.
The story only starts here, more to come….
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: