Hope Photography - The Best of 2009!

Happy New Year everyone! It's hard to believe that 2009 has come and gone. Even harder to believe that the first decade of the new century has already passed. Time flies when you're having fun right? We have had a great year thanks to all of you, our clients and friends. Thank you!!

I'm usually not big on doing year in review type posts and not because I don't think they're a great idea. It's just that I have a hard time picking my favorites AND by the time I finally have the opportunity, it's already two or three weeks into the new year. But this year, I wanted to try something different. Here's the backstory:

Earlier this year, one of our past brides mentioned in casual conversation her favorite photo from her wedding. I had to stop her because I wanted to know more. See, her favorite wasn't what I would have thought was her favorite. She explained that the image she and her new hubby loved the most was a photo I took of them dancing during the reception. I don't even think it was the first dance; just some dancing later on in the night.

I looked up the photo and I was puzzled. It was a nice photo, for sure. But to me it was a standard photo of a couple dancing. The bride did have a sweet giggle-smile, the light and composition were nice, but other than that it was pretty unremarkable to me. I began to wonder if she was thinking of the same image I was looking at. Danielle and I took some great portraits that day and captured some wonderful moments. I would have picked 100 different photos that I would have thought would have been the couples' favorite image before this one. Curious, I asked for an explanation and she gave me the skinny... that was their favorite because the groom had just said something to the bride and it made her laugh. It wasn't a big guffaw, but it brought a smile and a giggle to the surface. And the instant they saw that photo, they remembered exactly what he said and they both laughed again. She said that every time they look at the photo now, they smile. And that was why it was their favorite.

What was said? I don't know; I didn't want to pry. What fresh newlyweds discuss while embraced during their reception stays between the newlyweds. :) But this whole scenario was a wake-up call for me. I'll admit, like most artists, I probably tend to be somewhat self-centered when it comes to my work. I have my favorites and I expect everyone else loves the same images I do. I don't know why that is, but I have a lot of photography friends and I bet you it's the same with them. I'm sure some psychiatrist has written a book about artists and their egos, but I think it simply comes from a pride in our work. We pour our hearts and souls into our work and we become emotionally attached to an image for our own reasons. We like the lighting, the composition, the post processing (aka, the funkiness), the moment, the whatever it is that we think sets that image apart from the millions of photos out there. But we have to remember that each image is highly subjective. What's the saying, "one man's trash is another man's treasure"? That over simplifies it, but you get my point (and no, I'm not calling any of our images trash. ;) ). We, as photographers, have to remember that our subjects have a completely different experience from a wedding or portrait session than we do. And it's our responsibility to honor those experiences and deliver the best images we can.

I know, that's all kind of deep for a new year (I applaud you for making this far if you're still reading). I guess it's the whole "time to be reflective and introspective" thing about the passing of a year. So having waxed on and toyed around with the closet philosopher in me, let me get on with it... It's time to share some favorites!! But unlike all the other posts we do from each session showing you *our* favorites, this post is dedicated to our clients' favorite images that we made of them in 2009.


Rachel and Hugh Austin, wedding: "We love this photo because it captures the romantic and nostalgic spirit we had envisioned for our wedding. Plus, we think we look great in the picture! It's fabulous!"


Becky and Medardo Ambriz, portrait session: "I have a lot of favorites, but this image is my "favorite" I guess because of the pose and the background, a little different. I like the way I'm leaning into Mac but still looking at the camera."


Caroline Klotzbach, senior portrait session: "In the past, I have always hated my picture being taken, but this was the best experience with photos that I have ever had.  I believe I look relaxed and not posed, the angles and lighting Wes and Danielle caught are amazing.  Thank you for a great experience with my Senior pictures."


Betsy Cox, family portrait: "Who knew this beautiful stone wall was tucked away at the Greenbelt in 
Maryville?  My kids say this looks like an album cover."


Curt and Dawn Davis, wedding: "Wes and Danielle took some amazing images that day. It was hard to pick a favorite, but we both agreed we loved this particular one.  Nothing about it was forced or posed, it was simply a very natural, beautiful moment that they captured in their lens."


Karen and Darren Dunlap, wedding: "I love the light and colors of that photo."


Elizabeth and David, engagement session: "Our favorite pic is this one because of the heart. It's unique and shows our looooooove. :)"


Amanda Bishop, one-year portrait session: "This is our favorite because it captured Ellie Kate's sweet face perfectly and it reminds us that she wasn't quite walking on her own yet :-)"


Raven and Jeff French, wedding: "It's our favorite because the sky in the background makes it even more gorgeous.  And it shows how much we love each other and maybe a little of how relieved we were just to have the wedding planning over with!"


Sara and Neal Guthe, wedding: "We love it because it captures us in the moment on our big day. It is a candid shot and shows exactly how we were feeling."


Jenna and Josh Bryant, engagement session: "Well, it is impossible to pick a favorite out of the wedding photos since I love different ones for different reasons. So, I chose an engagement photo. This is my favorite picture because it looks so romantic and I love the way the sky looks. It is also a very sentimental location since we went there alot when we first started dating.


Rebecca and Wes Jones, wedding: "It's just a great picture. It's simple and just captures the happiness of that day. And Wes likes the use of negative space!"


Katie and Will, engagement:"First, I just want to say that Will and I are so happy with our pictures. We have shared them with our friends and family and have received tons of compliments! And we love so many that it has been really hard to narrow it down! But we have decided on this photo and here's why... Will and I love nothing more that just being together and being silly. This photo captures our carefree attitudes and the fun we always have together."


Kristal and Charles, engagement session: "It was so hard to pick a favorite! But we finally decided on this photo. It's one of our favorites because it shows the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains that we both love so much! And because we look incredible thanks to your awesome skills."


Jay Bernard, toddler portrait: "I'm going to go with the close up of Lily on the swing set with her eyes wide open, cheek next to her hand on the swing, looking right through whomever is looking at the picture.  You guys did this one in a big, black and white box photo for us, and we love it. WHY? It's the epitome of a little girl who is secure and happy, innocent on her swing, knowing not and caring not what's going on in the sordid world of golf these days."


Shannon McCloud, family portrait: "It's our favorite because it is rare that we get a really great picture of the two of them together.  Also, we have a similar picture of them together that was taken 4 years ago and it's nice to see the progression.  Even though they act like they can't stand each other, I know they will really appreciate these photos when they get older."


Carrie Myers, family portrait: "This photo is my favorite because it reminds me of how blessed I am to have a such a wonderful family. Thanks again for the wonderful treasures you provided us with!"


Misty and Matt Richards, wedding: "How fun!!! Neat idea. We love this photo because it combines elegant and rugged while throwing in the playfulness of romance and still leaving a little mystery to the story."


Robinella Bailey, family portait: "It's my favorite cowboy and baby Beau!"


Amanda and Jason Shockley, wedding: "This is one of our favorites because it really shows off our personalities. We found it interesting that Jason's friends are jumping all crazy (boys will be boys) and all of mine look exactly the same. We wanted our friends to have a great time on our special day and this shows it off!"


Nikki and Andrew Tuft, wedding: "Wow. This is tough. I wouldn't have said this a few months ago, but I think this is my favorite. I love how it captures the lights in the Foundry and I love the emotions you captured on my face. There really are so many that I could pick, but that is the one I am feeling today :)"


Amy Whaley, family portrait: "We LOVED the one you guys took on the bridge of Colton and Dillon looking down at the water. That was one of our favorites because it just screams, "BROTHERS". One of these days when we're old and they're grown, we'll look back at that picture and remember when they were our little fellas who loved watching that water. :-) Ok, I was just instructed by Jeremy to change our favorite pic to the one of them sitting on the steps leaned over on each other smiling facing the camera... We loved so many of those pictures, it's hard to pick just one!" (I chose to include both to prevent marital strife in the Whaley household. ;) )


Brittany Conner, family portrait: "We love the colors of the fall leaves and Wyatt's expression."

And the client I love the most (but who never buys anything!), Danielle, wanted to share two of her favorites of our girls...

"I LOVE it because it is so dreamy.  It just exudes little girl and the light makes her seem like she is in some kind of magical Wonderland!"


"Also, I love this shot of the two of them because I think it says "sisters" and it makes me see a bond in them that I have never been able to feel being an only child and it makes me feel so blessed and happy that we have been able to give them that kind of relationship to share with one another!"


So there you go folks, some of our clients' favorite images from 2009! Danielle and I have had an amazing year thanks to all of you! We are deeply indebted to each and every one of you who have chosen us to photograph you and your families. We are blessed with a wonderful business, great friends, an awesome family, and the best clients in the world. The relationships we've been a part of this year have changed us for the good!

We have some big plans for this year. Next week we head to Nashville for one of the coolest wedding photography conventions around. We're planning a big contest to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. And there's so much more. Here's hoping 2010 kicks as much booty as '09!!

Happy New Year!!
Wes