So here I sit, two and a 1/2 years into my photography career. It’s crazy really … 3 years ago I’d never think myself a wedding photographer. But I’m usually at a loss to think of something more rewarding.

I find these posts difficult because I always feel that the collection of images I create from a certain event/session is far more powerful than any singular image. I love to tell the whole story and I wonder sometimes how just a slice of something translates when set apart. But without getting into that any deeper, here are some 2011 images that caught my eye as I scrolled through my desktop folders last night:

2011 was the year I finally saw my style & work come into their own. The year I stopped looking to other photographers for inspiration or comparison … and didn’t feel a sense of panic that I was doing things wrong. I no longer cared about that; I really finally felt comfortable shooting 100% from my heart. I’m not here saying I’ve sworn-off looking at other photographers’ work. In fact, I believe it’s important to foster that virtual community by being out on friends’ and others’ blogs, leaving comments and encouraging one another in all of this. I keep up with my friends’ blogs, as they’ve become my coworkers, in a sense. And family in yet another way. I do remain inspired by many many other photographers. But I’m no longer mimicking what they do. It’s all part of learning though … I think we all emulate those we admire when we start out.

I have to end this by thanking my clients, without whom none of this is possible, obviously. They’ve flown me all over the country yet again this past year … including to the west coast several times … my favorite place. People are starting to call it my home away from home. Definitely suits me. Thank you thank you thank you to my clients, friends, and other photographers who’ve helped and encouraged me. I’m glad I don’t foresee any end to this most exciting of careers.

Love, AM

Let me tell you a little story about a perfect little morning engagement session in New York City. The sun is rising and I’m walking with coffee & a camera in my cold hands … the West Village still quiet, a stark contrast with just hours before. At the High Line I meet two stylish lawyers who give lawyers a good name. We talk, laugh, shoot, joke … they are interesting and interested. I feel like I’ve known them longer than just a few hours; everything with them is so natural. After a clothing change we’re back out in the city and the noise and activity has all returned to the sidewalks. I love it. Shoot, talk, laugh some more. There is dancing in the glowing light and reminiscing about law school in between. After all that, Melissa and Jordan take me to their old stomping grounds where we have coffee, breakfast and more conversation. I could talk to them all day.

Thanks, Jordan and Melissa, for being perfectly awesome. I absolutely cannot wait for your wedding!

<3, AM

The End.

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These two smart, successful, stylish, and easy-to-talk-to people flew me out to San Francisco to shoot their engagement session on a sunny, 80 degree day. The beaches were packed Orange County style  — a rare site in the area. Stephanie and Don had it all — personal style, ease, chemistry, and an awesome variety of backdrops for the shoot (I especially fell hard for the bright and unique walls all over The Mission). After their session they treated me to some amazing vegan Mexican food at Gracias Madre (I’m still thinking about that meal). I loved hanging out with them both and I cannot wait for their April wedding in Scottsdale, AZ. Should be beautiful.

Stephanie and Don, thank you. Enjoy just a small preview:

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I walked out of the cafe right as Leah and Ben rode up on a tandem bicycle. Leah wore red jeans and oxfords and I was smitten on the spot. We spent the session walking around Wicker Park — getting a taste of Leah and Ben’s daily life in Chicago. We talked of The Head and The Heart and Portugal the Man … Free People and Madewell. We crawled through tiny holes in chain link fences and convinced (potentially?) some random kids that Leah and Ben were celebrities. I always think the best sessions take place in an area rather than one spot. To walk all around and get a slice of a couple’s everyday surroundings (as opposed to a generic backdrop seen over and over) is pretty neat and makes for more compelling and authentic storytelling.

I really don’t want to write too much about Jason & Jessica because, well, I sometimes get sappy on my blog … and I have to see these guys all the time. Jason is one of Troy’s closest friends and I used to think Troy and Jessica were dating (back when I just stared longingly at Troy from afar ;)). They were both there the night I sent Troy a drink (and when I then ran away because I’m shy sometimes). Jason is a talented artist and Jessica is a talented writer. It kinda meant a lot to me that they wanted me to photograph them. I like them a bunch and think they are adorable together. Below are just a few of my favorites from our session together. We started at a favorite place, Mickey’s Tavern, and then walked down the bike path to Tenney Park. The best sessions are the ones where we all just walk around a lot and let the moments come about as they will.

PS — Jessica’s amazing red dress was her grandmother’s. Love that.