My Top 10 Favorite Portraits of 2010

Wow, what a year.  It's hard to believe we're at the end of 2010 already.  This year has really been a great one, and I am grateful for all of the things I was able to experience this year.  I learned so much this year and grew in so many ways.  Most of all I have to thank my husband Blake for encouraging me, helping me through the hard days, and believing that I can do anything.  I would never have started my business if it wasn't for him.
I thought it'd be fun to choose my top 10 favorite portrait and top 10 favorite wedding pictures from this year.  Each one of these photos are ones I am proud of, and I think they show my style and who I am.  I hope you'll enjoy looking back on 2010 with me.

My Top 10 Favorite Portraits of 2010

#10: Chelsa's senior portrait

I love the drama in this photograph.  Her hair blowing back just perfects it.  The green everywhere is stunning, and I am in love with those ferns (I wish we had ferns in Utah!)  

#9: Larsen family portrait

 

In case you don't know, this is actually a picture of me, my husband, my parents, and my siblings.  I know it's kind of silly for me to put this in here, but I really do love it.  I set up the camera on a tripod and then ran as fast as I could into place.  What I love about this picture is the expanse of green above us, as well as the color scheme of our clothes.  We spent so long trying to figure out what to wear and finally I came up with this look.  It just clicked.

#8: Owen family portrait

   

I love how just plain silly this is.  I mean, who thinks to play Hide and Seek at their family session?  I love how the turquoise and lime look with the surroundings.  Again, I love the ferns, and the light coming through the trees is almost magical.  

 #7: Byron family portrait

  

 I love the surroundings here, especially the texture of those mossy pebbles on the ground.  I think it's beautiful.  But the thing I love most about this photograph, is that I really didn't think I could pull it off.  You probably can't tell, but they were standing in dark shade, and the water and land behind them was in the brightest noon-day sun.  It would have been so easy to over-expose and ruin the background.  I was so scared that I wouldn't be able to make this picture happen, but with the help of Blake and some flashes, I pulled it off.  So now this one is one I am quite proud of, and it's made me more confident in my ability.

#6: Holland family portrait

  

I think what I love most about this one is how funny this family is, and them doing a super 'bad' pose like this just cracks me up.  But the thing is, they actually look good doing it.  The black and white tops it off.  Way to go guys.

#5: Stanger family portrait

  

If you've been following my blog you'll know this is actually an engagement session.  But I thought I'd count it as a family portrait, because that's kind of what it is.  I love how cute the baby is, and I love how in love the couple looks. Having it in black and white really accentuates the emotion portrayed here.

#4: Chelsea's model portrait

 

I think this girl is so beautiful.  I love the way she put her hand through her hair.  The grass popping out of the rocks pretty much makes the photograph.  I think her gaze is mesmerizing.

#3: Anna's portrait

 

Oh the colors!  The turquoise she's wearing looks perfect by the yellow wall, and the fact that her eyes are blue and her hair blonde (yellow) make it all the better.  And isn't she just a cute little girl!  

#2: The Christensen kids

 

Let's talk about fabulous.  The purple color scheme works great with the other colors surrounding them.  I love the lush greens and the beautiful flowers.  The fact that I captured four kids and a dog looking great in one photograph is awesome.  And to top it all off, this picture was taken in their backyard.  Gorgeous.

And Now......

The #1 Portrait of the Year...

 Gracie's portrait!

   

 It may be a sin to have her as number one and number two, but hey, just look at her.  She is seriously the cutest thing ever and this picture captures her just as I remember her: an absolute doll.  Her pose is perfect, but I didn't direct her at all!  She seriously just posed herself like this when I told her where to sit.  The flowers around her set the perfect scene and her adorable little outfit looks perfect.  This photograph is just overflowing with cuteness.

I hope you enjoyed, and be sure to stay tuned for my top 10 wedding photograph picks for this year!