I hope every photographer takes the time to compile a best-of-the-year collection of images. In doing so, you take the 20 minutes you never give yourself any other time of year to really look at all you’ve accomplished. Here I sit, having pulled together some of my favorite captures of 2011, and all I can think is, “YOU took all of these. YOU made these memories come alive.” It’s easy to get down about one’s talent, to think you’re never good enough or that someone’s work or that next blog entry you spot on Facebook is always better than your own. Lord knows I do it all the time. But it’s this post, every year, that makes me look at the sum of all the “parts”. And then I realize, if I just keep my head down, do the work, and focus on my clients (not my perceived shortcomings), then as an artist, I, too, can truly do something great.

Take a few minutes this season to hit that sweet spot of remaining humble yet grateful and full of wonder at what you’ve done this year. You—and me—have come a long way in 2011. It’s when we take a breather like this that such a realization comes full circle.

And without further ado, a resharing of some of my favorite images of 2011, in no particular order:Thank you to ALL my clients in 2011 who made this year such an incredible one! I appreciate your trust and faith in my work more than you could ever know!

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.