Wow – I know everyone says this, but I can’t believe another year is over! 2011 was the fastest-moving year of my entire life, I think! It’s not surprising though: with a full-time corporate job, my photography business even more successful and busy than last year’s, a new fitness regimen, along with helping Otman with his limo business, and balancing a home, marriage, work life and family and friends, I have barely had time to breathe! I’m not complaining, though. This year has left me even more blessed than the last, and it just shows me how amazing God is.  The more I am grateful for what I have, the more blessings He bestows on me. I am SO TRULY GRATEFUL AND BLESSED.

I have met AMAZING people through my clients this past year who have become more than clients – they are my friends, I have enjoyed my long-standing friendships with friends who are family to me, and grown with my husband in a truly fulfilling and happy marriage. I can’t believe or understand how amazing my life is. I only hope my gratitude shows through my actions and my art, and will do whatever I can to let it shine through my photography.

Let’s take a small look at the past year, shall we? Here is my photographic year in review. This post is super long, so have fun! Stay tuned for my iPhone year in review coming up!

For New Year’s and my birthday, I spent time with friends and family:

 

This was the the year where I began my fitness journey! My husband and I joined Gold’s Gym, and I began focusing on fitness and eating right at the end of June of this year. The photo below shows my journey! The picture on the left shows me on my birthday, January 1, 2011.  The picture on the right shows me just a few weeks ago. I’ve been working super hard and am really proud of myself! I know I’ve got a looooooong way to go, but this is not a fad – it’s a lifestyle decision. I try to eat organic whenever I can. I’ve quit all sodas and even tea, and only drink water. It feels great!

We had snow this past January, and had a blast! Hopefully we’ll see some this year, too.

I finished my very first 5K this year. What a great feeling!

I got to photograph Heather and Jake as they joined hands in marriage… What a great family this is!

We went to Las Vegas and the surrounding desert for our first anniversary!  I captured a bride on her wedding day in the middle of the Valley of Fire:

I had a great time with Elizabeth and our carnival photo shoot:

I photographed Audrey’s 5 month old portraits, one of the photos from this session won a photography contest through Sandy Puc! You can read all about it here:

Tara and Herbert had a gorgeous wedding that I was so happy to be a part of:

Of course, Otman can’t get away from my camera!

Courtney’s boudoir session was so much fun! She is so beautiful!

Had a great time at the zoo with Kim, Ellie and Michael:

 

Elizabeth’s beach session was UHHHH-amazing!

Lisa’s boudoir session – I love this girl!

Went out and saw my friend’s band play:

My friend Valeda is awesome!

 

Spring and I had a blast for her boudoir session. She is so photogenic!

I was blessed enough to spend time with Emily and Rich as they were waiting on their little one to be born…..

and even more blessed to meet and photograph Little Grady a few weeks after he entered this world:

I had the pleasure of meeting Rebecca and photographing her boudoir session. She radiates with love and life, and I’m grateful to know her!

Melissa’s vintage boudoir session was so sweet and unique! We had such a great time!

Aidan and Mike’s engagement session was full of life, vitality and love:

Had a great time with Wensi when she visited from San Francisco:

The Austin family photo shoot was SO MUCH FUN! These kids are absolutely hilarious.

Allie and I didn’t stop laughing when we were photographing her head shots.

What’s a blog post without my furry little babies?

Otman’s limousine business is really the best in the state!

Finally took some family photos with my parents and sister!

Whew! Thanks for hanging in there! I’m hoping next year brings even more memories and clients to photograph!!!!

If you like this article, I encourage you to share it via Twitter or Facebook! As always, I would love to hear your thoughts through your comments below.
South Carolina Wedding Photographer, Portrait Photographer and Boudoir Photographer
For more creative and interesting photography, please visit http://www.stephaniesnyderphotography.com!