2012: The Photo Year

What a year 2012 has been!

I have had an amazing year, both in the photography world and in "normal" life as well.  My boys, even though they exhaust me, light up my life every day with the new things they are learning and who they are becoming.  My writing, though put slightly on the back burner, has still moved forward.  I have made friends, loved family, and laughed much.

As for photography: Oh my goodness.

2012 started out nice and slow.  I was still working on getting the hang of my lovely DSLR, not to mention still gathering the nerve to put myself "out there" as a photographer.  Then, in April, I decided to take part in a 30 Day Photography Challenge.  Remember that?

I sure do!  It was amazing.  I learned so much in those 30 days, and am still madly in love with the portfolio of photographs that came to be because of that challenge.  And what's more: It got your attention.  

In came the sessions.

More sessions than I had even imagined doing this year.

And I clicked away.

I also began a new, ever growing personal project titled Places That Mean Something To Me.

I am tired.  Staring at the computer monitor for hours, editing away, does a number on your eyes and bum.  My trigger finger is stronger than ever.  I think I can see the muscles flex.  But what's more: I am happy.  I have learned so much this year.  Grown, in my opinion, leaps and bounds.  Gathered an amazing clientele and was able to be a part of so many amazing moments.

The final count?

38 sessions

Breakdown:

Family/Sibling: 9

Baby/Child: 8

Senior: 1

Portrait: 6

Maternity: 1

Engagement: 6

Wedding: 3

Personal Projects: 2

Thank you so much to everyone who trusted their memories in my hands this year.  I would be no where without you. 

Photography is not just a skill.  It is not a casual talent or a thing to take granted.  Being a photographer is a life-style.  It is a means to remember each smile and tear and moment, even after the day is done.  I am so grateful to have this in my life.  It made 2012 a year to remember.   I cannot wait to see what 2013 holds in store for this photographer lady here.  

Now, just for fun:  Here are some choice photos from a large majority of 2012's sessions.  Enjoy!

30 Day Photography Challenge (view Facebook album)

Vince | Portrait (view Facebook album)

Britania | Portrait and Sibling (view Facebook album)

Makenzie | Portrait (view Facebook album)

Nora | Springtime (view Facebook album)

Melody | Something Pink (view Facebook album)

Sarah and George | Engagement (view Facebook album)

Kinley | NICU (view Facebook album)

Alyssa and Chris | Sibling (view Facebook Album)

Vince and Melody | Daddy-Daughter (view Facebook album)

Mason and Porter | Sibling (view Facebook album)

Nora | 4th of July (view Facebook album)

Elianna | Two Months (view Facebook album)

The Andersen-Thomas Family (view Facebook album)

George and Sarah | Wedding (view Facebook album)

Nan | Trash the Dress (view Facebook album)

Merritt Cousins (view Facebook album)

Jake and Relissa | Wedding {Candid} (view Facebook album)

Jeff and Brianna | Wedding (view Facebook album)

The Demarce Family (view Facebook album)

Nora | One Year Old (view Facebook album)

Alyssa | Senior (view Facebook album)

Caiden and Lyndsey | Sibling (view Facebook album)

Places That Mean Something To Me {Project} (view Facebook album)

Adam and Katie | Engagement (view Facebook album)

August and Mary | Engagement (view Facebook album)

Jason | Two Years Old (view Facebook album)

Grace and Lucas | Sibling (view Facebook album)

Joe and Samantha | Engagement (view Facebook album)

The Taylor Family (view Facebook album)

Michael and Rachel | Engagement (view Facebook album)

John and Ashley | Engagement (view Facebook album)

Taylor | Maternity (view Facebook album)

     HAPPY NEW YEAR!     

The Places That Mean Something Project

I have created a personal project.

While I love doing sessions for my clients, I decided I needed to do something for myself as well.  Even if it is every so often and never planned, I needed something to exist.  So I sat back and thought.  I wanted a project that meant something to me.  A project that would challenge me, entice me, and in the end: Make me happy. 

That is how The Places That Mean Something Project came to be.

What is it?  It is simple:

Places that mean something to me.  There are places, locations, spots in the road that define us all.  A house where a memory lies.  A road that we once crossed.  A tree that we climbed, fell out of, and climbed again.  I want to remember those places.  Nothing lasts.  A building is torn down.  A road is replaced.  A tree is chopped.  While our memories never change, the places do.  So while I have the chance, I want to document those places that truly mean something to me.

There is a story behind everything.  And I will share it with you.  Through these places.

Maybe you will learn something new about me.  Maybe you will just enjoy the photo then walk away.  But I know what this will mean to me.  And I am beyond excited to collect my memories, one place at a time.

A Quick Hello

Why, hello there!  Life sure has been busy in my little corner of the world.
If you have been following me on Facebook, you see what I mean.

This summer I photographed 3 weddings.  Had numerous other sessions scattered in between.  Got bookings set for the summer of 2013.  Then last week I visited the island and somehow managed to squeeze in about 8 photo sessions in a one week vacation.

Am I crazy?
Oh, you know I am.
And I love it.

Now I am busy busy busy on that backlog.  I will try to hop on here more often to show you sneaks, previews, and more from the sessions I am working away on.  And if you notice an extended silence, just check my Facebook.  I live there.  Literally.  It is a nice home.

To leave you today, here is a lovely peek of Brianna on her wedding day.

Just A Little Hello

I know I have been very bad about keeping this blog.

This summer has been a crazy one, and the sure thing to fall to the back burner of my checklist has been my blogs.  Learning to balance mommy life, with photography life, with Indie author life... and still manage to sleep somewhere in there has been quite a feat!

Still, I wanted to stop by and say hi.  I am currently working on updating photos on my website.  Along with editing like a mad woman.  And drooling over lenses.  And booking more sessions.

Have I mentioned that I love my clients?

Well, I do!

By the way: Once my Facebook page gets to 200 likes, I will be opening up a giveaway for one FREE photo session.  If you haven't already seen that announcement, now you know!  Make sure you like my page.  And get your friends and family in on it too!

Well, my kiddos are running around like mad so that must be my cue to get off this computer and tickle the little monsters.  I promise I will update here a little more regularly.  As soon as I get some sleep.

In My Camera Bag

I have seen other photographers do this, many times, and always thought it would fun to add my bag to the mix.  As you know, I have been working on filling that bag.  And I finally got the kick to tell you what is in it.

Why?
Because I finally own my first L lens!
*commence happy dancing*

That's right.  A friend of mine was selling her 70-200mm f/4 L, and I couldn't resist.  It was a good deal for the lens, and now it has a happy new home alongside my growing lens family.  I am trying to think of a good name for it.  It deserves one.

Camera phone pic of my pretty new baby

Below is the list of what is in my camera bag.  Of course, it will keep changing as I am able to upgrade and add to this amazing collection.  So, to make sure you always know what I am toting around, I am making a page on this blog that will always be up-to-date.  Just look to the right and click "In my Camera Bag" and you are good to go!

Now, without further ado, let's dig around this bag!


Body:

• Canon Rebel T2i

Lenses:

• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II (Nifty Fifty)

• Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (Kit Lens)

• Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L

• Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III

• Zeikos Super Wide Angle lens w/ Macro Converter 

Flash:

• 430EX Canon Speedlite Flash

Accessories:

• Stofen Omni-Bounce Flash Diffuser (For 430EX)

• Fotodiox 6"x8" Softbox (For 430EX)

• Zeikos ZE-LH58 58mm Soft Rubber Lens Hood (for Kit and 75-300)

• Fotodiox Dedicated Lens Hood (for Nifty Fifty)

• Ravelli Professional 65" Ball Head Tripod

• SanDisk Extreme 16GB SDHC Flash Memory Card (2 of them)

• Canon LP-E8 Battery Pack (2 of them)

And... The Bag:

• Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack

Of course, my wishlist will always exist.  Here are the top lenses I am majorly drooling over and cannot wait to add to my bag.  Someday.

My Lens Wishlist:

• Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 (Or even better: Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L)

• Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L (Or even better: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L)

• Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS

• Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye (Or even better: Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye)

• Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II

So, what's in your bag?

My Site is Official!

I originally planned to add just a few photos to my website portfolio.  That was the plan.

A few hours later, I had changed up the layout.  Fixed my Smug Mug page.  Cleaned up, switched around, fiddled and tweaked.  (Yes... and added more photos...)  There are still things to add and change, as always.  Still, I got much more done today than I even thought I would.

And best of all?

I officially registered my domain!

That's right.  I have been meaning to for some time, but kept dragging my feet.  Why, I have no idea.  It was just one of those things that ended up being: "Oh, I will get to that... someday."  Of course there was no reason for the wait.  I was just being internet lazy.

Today, I did it.  It is official.  And pretty.  And awesome.

So, make sure to check out the fully official Jenni Merritt Photography website.  (And pass the link on!)

www.JenniMerrittPhotography.com

Sarah and George | Engagement

The love, adoration, and fun that fills engagement sessions is one reason why I love doing this job.  Sarah and George's session is a perfect example of that.  These two are so in love, and so much fun, that I never wanted this session to end!

We headed out to Seaside on a gorgeous May day, revved for the shoot.  After visiting the carousel, we headed out to the streets of Seaside to enjoy the sun... and get some photos!  (As you will tell, I had a hard time narrowing down just a few photos for this blog post.  Enjoy!)

Won't she be a stunning bride?
With our street shots done, we decided to hit the beach.  George is a kick boxer, and they brought along some fun to capture.  It was hilarious watching them fight in the sand.

Alright, back to the more "engagement" style photos.  After changing once again, we fully hit the beach.  The sun was warm, the breeze cool, and these two were so perfect together I have to admit: I got quite click happy.

Yes, that's right.  They threw each other into the ocean.  Just from this snippet of photos, you can see how much fun these two are.  There is no doubt in my mind how in love they are, and I feel so blessed that they allowed me to capture these moments for them.

I can't wait for their big day!