Goodbye 2016
I don’t know about all of you but my 2016 has not been an easy one. I’m juggling two full-time photography businesses and one part-time newspaper job (oh, I just signed up to sub in the school system, too, because I am a glutton, or more accurately because I’m paying for college). With problems on the home front, my daughter going off to college, in-law’s passing, owing more than $2,000 in a tax mistake Turbo Tax had a hand in making, and just one sucker punch after another I’m really glad to say goodbye to 2016. But rather than dwell too much on all the hardships of the year I’m going to remember some awesome things that I got to be a part of because of my job as a photographer. Some things I would not change, and that is a big one.
France
When my aunt passed three years ago she left me an inheritance I wasn’t expecting and decided to save for college for the kids, as well as a special trip with them and my husband. We chose two weeks in France for no other reason than we all just wanted to see it. Because I have been swamped since we got back these are all cell phone photos. I will do some blog posts about the full adventures just as soon as I get a chance to actually edit some photos for myself!
Monet’s water lilies
The reflection of my babies in Monet’s water lily pond at Giverney.
Neil & I at Giverney
It was raining the day we visited Giverney but I think it added to the beauty of the gardens. They were just spectacular. I could have stayed there all week.
My girl & I at Giverney
All of us outside Notre Dame
We took a river dinner cruise on the Seine (maybe with just a lil bit of wine…ha ha) and got all fancy dressed up for it.
After the dinner cruise
The catacombs were quite an adventure!
Devin & I at Chinon
Another view of Chinon
Nice is absolutely stunning. I had never been the Mediterranean Sea before. It was perfect.
It was more than I could have hoped for. We left Nice just 3 days before the Bastille Day attacks and we had talked about being there for Bastille Day but decided it would be huge crowds so we went earlier in June. It was a good decision as the truck started right where our hotel was on the main street. We surely would have been on the road during that time. But again I’m going to remember the amazing things we had the chance to do and see and the time I got to spend with my kids–connecting with them again. As they’re getting older and soon leaving the nest full time that was the best gift my aunt could have ever given me. And we were in France on her birthday, and the anniversary of her death, and we all took a moment to remember her and thank her for such a special gift.
Here are a few of my teaser favorites from my Class of 2017 seniors with full blogs coming soon once I find the chance to get them done! I’ll be putting out sign ups about senior modeling for Class of 2018 (my son’s class…ugh I have to go through this again?!) after the new year, and if you’re interested in particular flowers or seasons get on my calendar NOW. I missed almost every game of my daughter’s college soccer debut year and I don’t want to miss them again next year so fall will be a bit more limited. Get on the calendar soon so we aren’t rushing to create the perfect experience and image for you! I love my clients way too much to rush it.
Caleb, William Monroe High School
Tyler, William Monroe High School
Tim, William Monroe High School
Skylar, William Monroe High School
Robert, William Monroe High School, along with Kyle one of three sets of twins I got to photograph this year.
Kyle, William Monroe High School, along with Robert one of three sets of twins I photographed this season.
Katie, William Monroe High School, on windiest day of the year.
Kam’Ron, William Monroe High School
Taylor, William Monroe High School, or a J Crew catalog
Sydney, Albemarle High School
Meagan, Madison County High School
Kristin, William Monroe High School
Kirsten, William Monroe High School
Karin, Albemarle High School
Bailee, Albemarle High School
Ariana, William Monroe High School
Amanda, William Monroe High School braving the heat for the sunflowers
Celina, William Monroe High School and in beautiful fall colors
Austin, William Monroe High School wrestling
Alejandro, William Monroe High School along with his movie star looks
Haley, Louisa County High School headshots
Faith, William Monroe High School
Theo, William Monroe High School
My second Schuyler of the year, King George High School, and the daughter of a woman I’ve known for 30 years.
Olivia, William Monroe High School
Lindsay, William Monroe High School
Jake, Monticello High School
Ryan, Albemarle High School, and with Grace the second set of twins I photographed this season.
Grace, Albemarle High School, and with Ryan the second set of twins I photographed this year.
Michelle, William Monroe High School, along with Michael the third set of twins I photographed this year.
Michael, William Monroe High School, along with Michelle the third set of twins I photographed this year.
Anthony, William Monroe High School
Annelise, William Monroe High School with her beautiful smile
Andrea, Albemarle High School, who braved early morning and mist to have photos with flowers.
Allie, Albemarle High School and an avid reader (OH MY GOD THOSE EYES!)
Alissia, William Monroe High School, in a gorgeous outfit!
Adam, William Monroe High School posing in his “GQ” way
Love
I photographed a wedding this year and it was magical. I love weddings. I LOVE everything about them, but because I know the workload required for photographing a wedding I take on very few each year. I love to do them, though, and this one was extra special because the groom is the son of a very dear friend and the bride is about the most perfect and wonderful woman I’ve met. I adore them both so much! They were married at Devil’s Backbone in Nelson County on one of the windiest days ever. At one point, Jenni’s veil was straight behind her but her smile radiated the entire time. She stuck it out for photos and never complained she was cold. These two have such a love for each other. It was beautiful.
