Here we go again — another year-end wrap up of my favorite images. In compiling this year’s collection, I revisited my Best of 2011 set of images and felt good. Good because I feel like I’ve finally hit my groove with my photography business. Those early years…shew, talk about inconsistencies! Now when I look at my work, I feel confident and — I’ll admit it — proud of the portfolio in front of me. I worked hard this past year to continue my goal of nailing a consistent look and feel to my imagery (one I’d describe as classic and colorful, with an editorial flair). I also made 2012 the year I built a business that worked for me (see more on that topic here). And while 2013 will hold fewer wedding and family bookings than in years past, I am so excited for what is in store in the months to come.

Looking over this past year’s work was a powerful reminder of just how much I love to make these memories for people. And why, even though I’ve only had my son in front of my camera for the latter half of the year, I feel I can still call myself a photographer. So here we go 2013…we’ve got a few more months before my business is back in swing, but I can’t wait!

And, without further ado, a resharing of some of my favorite images of 2012, in no particular order:

I think I’ve already shared how much I love these two as part of their sneak peek, yeah? Nevertheless, let me just reiterate it was wonderful to have Gaylena and Kevin step in front of my camera one more time. This session was bittersweet for me as it’s my last photo session I’ll be blogging for the remainder of the year. Which means, I’m all caught up!!! OK, well, not so fast…still working on a website overhaul that will be SO awesome. When it gets here. Which, fingers crossed, may or may not be before this baby decides to arrive (if his mama has his way–we’ll have to see!)

So now that I’ve dangled that carrot in front of my readers, let me move on and share these photos! Gaylena and Kevin, I know it’s been 3 years since your wedding, but the way you two look at one another? Well, it shows me you guys are in it for the long haul ;)

(Oh and one quick note about the location of these photos — we took these at the Kitselman House, a property owned by Ball State University (my alma mater) where Gaylena and Kevin also went to school. The house is where these two met as part of a semester-long project they worked on together (and coincidentally, the property is right down the street from my house——fun fact!) so they wanted to capture some photos together at the place where they first fell for one another. How sweet is that?!!!)

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

Among the photo assignments I took on in August, I photographed a few professionals (who also happen to be friends) for updated headshots. It was such a great experience, as I love giving people the gift of new, updated images of themselves to use for promotional purposes in their line of work.

Just wanted to let all of you know that I’ll be booking a limited number of headshot sessions in 2013. If you are interested in being put on the waiting list until I return from maternity leave in the spring, please email me at gail[at]gailwernerphoto.com to inquire about availability and pricing. Thanks!

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

After photographing the Lea family earlier this year, I was delighted when Kerry asked me if I would be willing to capture her sweet young kiddos one more time in 2012 before I took my maternity leave from shooting.

It’s amazing to me to see how big her children are, just from when we last got together in March! Little Bradford is turning the big 2, and impressed me a million times over with his vocabulary and knowledge (how many 2-year-olds know that the shape of a school bus stop sign is an octagon?! Are you kidding me!!?!!) And baby Cora is still a precious little thing, but not quite the brand-new newborn she was when I first met her.

Kerry and William, thank you again for welcoming me into your home! And Kerry, I wish we were neighbors — I know I’d come down and visit you every day for some motherly advice as I prepare to enter my own world of motherhood :)

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

As I shared earlier in the week, my sweet friend Betsy (whom many of you already follow, I’m sure!), took some fabulous maternity photos for me and my hubby last month. To repay the favor, I had asked her if I could shoot a family session for her and her own man, John, and their adorable (and Internet famous) kiddos, Miles and Jocelyn.

Bets said she was in for the idea, but explained that, at 5 and 2, her kids are at an age where a traditional photo shoot would be the equivalent of herding cats. So we brainstormed on it and I suggested the idea of documenting a night out with their family, doing something fun. That’s where miniature golf came into play! If you live in Fort Wayne, Ind., I feel like you can’t claim your residency in the city without a venture out at some point to Putt Putt Golf and Games. To the point where, people in Fort Wayne would never say, “Wanna go to play mini golf?” No…no…no…the question would be “Wanna go to Putt Putt?” I was tickled to think that Miles’ first experience (and Joss’s too!) at Putt Putt would be captured by me.

And OH man did this family have a good time! The kids made the most of the night out, Miles couldn’t get enough of being on the green (he wanted to play a second round!) and the whole family indulged in some yummy treats. Pouring over these images, seeing Betsy and John’s mega-watt smiles around their kids, capturing the youthful exuberance of these children, well… I’m so glad the night turned out the way it did. Bets and John, I hope you love seeing this night out again as much as I did! :) Love you guys!

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