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

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. For the most part it’s chill and not about buying stuff or running all over to parties and whatnot. This week I’m racing to get all my print orders, album designs, and DVDs done so I can sit and enjoy a day with family and football and food. I have a lot to be thankful for and I’m definitely thankful for the amazing and talented friends I’ve made since beginning this photography journey.  Nikki N is one of my favorites.

She has a new website launching in the coming weeks so we spent 30 minutes hanging out with her awesome car, house, and boyfriend … just capturing some relaxed images for the new site. Nikki said she wanted photos that felt like we were just hanging out and I love to shoot that way (I hate posing and don’t even really know how to do it) … so it was perfect.

VIEW MY PORTFOLIO * LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK * FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER

So much love for this wedding and especially for these people. What a great, welcoming, warm, giving, FUN group! As I drove into Dillman’s Bay Resort the fall colors were at their peak and the air was astonishingly warm. The cabins and grounds were bustling with laughter and anticipation … the tent was being readied with antique china, teacups, lace tablecloths, Scrabble namecards, kegs of WI beer, tons of decorations made with DIY love. Every turn of every viewpoint was gorgeous for this outdoor wedding on a Northwoods peninsula. I wanted to wrap everyone and everything up in a little bundle and take them home with me.

While every photographer loves shooting a gorgeous wedding like this one … it’s the people that make or break the day. And these people?? MADE MY DAY!  I’ve never seen a dance party like this dance party. A bluegrass band at a wedding is some sort of brilliant. My favorite memory of any wedding so far will be everyone gathered around Amber and BJ, singing Old Crow Medicine Show’s Wagon Wheel at the top of their collective lungs. Beautiful.

Congrats, Amber and BJ — I just think you two are amazing. Thank you so much for having me there!

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.

Where to even begin? Jennie and Dave are two of the sweetest and nicest people I’ve worked with. It’s obvious they truly cherish and adore one another and they treat everyone around them with respect and kindness. They actually got the wrong cake (discovered upon cutting into it) and just brushed it off and laughed. I was so inspired shooting their city wedding — I love how they took a yellow taxi as opposed to the standard limo. I was obsessed with the wind and the water during portraits … two of my favorite things.

Congratulations, Jennie and Dave! I’m so happy we’ve met. Enjoy just a small taste of your wedding images:

Shout-out to Jennyface for making the girls all look gorgeous. And to daffodil*parker for being the most talented florist yet again.