Top 7 of 2011: #1!

It's here! The last day of 2011, and the reveal of my favorite photo from the year. Looking back at all of my work from the past year has been such a reminder of how blessed I am to do this job. I could not love my clients any more without being creepy! In all honesty though, they mean more to me than they probably know, and I am reminded of this as I look through their photos.

If you follow me on Facebook, my number 1 photo probably won't be much of a surprise, as I have used it for my postcard for the upcoming Portland Bridal Show with the Maine Wedding Association. It is from Abby and Jay's wedding in Deer Isle in early August. Picking just one photo from their day was nearly impossible. The scenery and unbelievably genuine nature of Abby and Jay and their guests made their wedding one of my all time favorites. The simplicity of this photo is something I am incredibly proud of (they thought I was nuts for being so excited about the boat!), and I keep coming back to it and feeling all dreamy. I'm happy to share it with you as my favorite photo from 2011.

I wish you all a safe and happy New Year. I hope you enjoyed this year's Top 7!

Top 7 of 2011: #2

We're almost there!! I'm so excited about my top two photos. It was nearly impossible to choose between the two. But the runner-up slot goes to this ring shot from Kelsey and Ryan's wedding in November. There are many reasons I chose this shot. I love the color of Kelsey's parents' deck with the ring and the leaf. I also love that their adorable dog was hanging out with me while I was laying on the deck setting up this shot. I'm sure she was thinking "who the heck is this lady?" And, I also have learned in the past few years how difficult it is to get a ring shot that truly shows the cut and clarity of the ring. It's not an easy task, and to be honest, this one isn't even perfect, but I think it's pretty darn close, and I definitely squealed when I saw it on the computer screen for the first time.

Number 1 tomorrow!

Top 7 of 2011: #3

We're getting closer to my favorite photo of the year! Number 3 is another engagement shot. I honestly think it could be a tie between my top 3..they all make me swoon in their own ways. This photo is of Tedda and Jeff during their early November engagement session in Portland. I love absolutely everything about this photo - the simplicity of the colors, the way their outfits fit perfectly with the backdrop, Tedda and Jeff's pose, and the winter beach feel of the washed up log. Beach photos can be beautiful at any time of the year, and I thank Tedda and Jeff for being willing to tromp around in the sand in November so I could snag this shot.

Top 7 of 2011: #4

As we get closer to my favorite photo of the year, I am excited to revisit Meredith and Chris' engagement photos from back in June. We took their photos at Meredith's parents house and private pond in Parsonsfield Maine, and this shot was a fast favorite from our afternoon. I love it not only because of their expressions, but also because of the story behind the shot. I had them laying on their backs on the dock at the pond and the sun was staring them directly in their eyes. Looking up was not doing us any good so I asked them to quickly look at each other. I snapped one shot, disappointedly said "this isn't working," and we moved on. Lucky for me, that shot was a hit, and it is my 4th favorite photo of 2011.

Top 7 of 2011: #5

Number 5 is a detail shot, and one of my all-time favorites. Amber and Alex were my first Peak's Island wedding and I spent quite a bit of time with Amber and her girls before the ceremony at a cabin they had rented on the far side of the island. I actually remember gasping as I opened the door to the bedroom upstairs and saw the perfect backdrop for dress photos. With the help of one of her wonderful bridesmaids, we hung her beautiful dress from one of the rafters and I snapped away grabbing this shot. To me it screams "Maine coastal wedding," and I have spent lots of time staring at it with a nostalgic smile of Amber and Alex's amazingly fun wedding day.

Top 7 of 2011: #6

My #6 photo this year is of the L family, whose pictures I took on a crazy 70 degree day in early October at the Royal River Park in Yarmouth. The light that afternoon was just incredible and I was literally in my glory as I watched them interact on this bench in the park with the sun spilling over them. The combination of the light, and the genuine candidness of this photo still makes me smile, and it secures it's spot as one of my favorite photos from the year.

Number 5 tomorrow!

Top 7 of 2011: #7

Merry Christmas!!

It's that time of year again! I'm so excited to share with you my top 7 favorite photos from 2011. Choosing just 7 photos seems to me an impossible task, and to be honest, I still haven't completely decided them all, but looking back through all of my shoots from the past year is so fun, like getting to hang out with all of my awesome clients all over again!

Number 7, is a photo I have shared a few times. It's from Memorial Day weekend in Boston. I was meeting Preston and Laura for their engagement photos, and when I got off the T at the Public Gardens, I about fell over when I looked back and saw literally thousands of American flags lining the small hill overlooking the city. It was one of the most amazing sights I've ever seen, and I still get chills looking at the photos.

I hope those of you who celebrate Christmas are enjoying a wonderful day with family and friends. Check back tomorrow for number 6!