Reflection 2012

2012 started off with a bang. I had a brand new beautiful camera. This was going to be a game changer for the way I approached photography.  I thought I would share with you some of the highlights of 2012, mixed in with some personal recounts of what proved to be a roller coaster of a year. 

In the beginning of the year, I really wanted to push myself, to be a better photographer and person. I learned about the Inspire Photo Seminars that were taking place in Sturbridge, Ma. There I learned some great information about the business I was slowly getting into, the art and met some great people. You can read about my experience here http://kristinesoares.blogspot.com/2012/04/inspire.html, if you'd like.

That learning experience wasn't enough for me. When I got back from my trip, I learned from another incredible photographer, Spring Smith(now McKenney congrats on the wedding! http://www.springsmithstudios.com/) that she was hosting her first "Newbies" seminar, in North Conway, NH. I of course, needed to jump on that opportunity too. There, we not only got to have hours of her mentoring, but we also got to practice our skills at a styled shoot. I absolutely love her style presence and all the little touches she puts into making something beautiful. 

Next up, I had the delicious (literally) job of photographing food for Tavern in the Square, in Salem Ma. http://kristinesoares.blogspot.com/2012/04/tavern-in-square.html

This is just a sample of some of my favorites.

Next, I was asked to work the biggest job I've ever been asked to do. I got to shoot at Fenway Park. This was such a honor, that I had to bring along a special "assistant". This job easily became a highlight of the year for me, because it created an amazing memory/moment for me and my Dad.

In 2012, I started a little project called One Love. I wanted to showcase different couples and draw some inspiration from them on what makes a relationship work. Here are some of the images I absolutely love!

In addition to some awesome couples, I got to photograph some awesome kids! I decided to take on my very first mini-session marathon, called "The Places You'll Go!" In just a matter of a few hours, I managed to grab some incredible shots (and totally had a blast doing so) of some really really cute kids. 

A few weeks later my family got exciting news, that we would be adding on to our little family of 3 (not including our cat!). 

Ironically, after that big news, I had a wedding to 2nd shoot with my good friend and mentor Kelly Mintz of SEE Shore Photography (http://www.seeshorephoto.com/index.html). This would be a big test, shooting while battling morning sickness. Once I got to the wedding, my game face was on and I had a blast photographing a beautiful military wedding. 

One thing I really try to do as a photographer is to show true beauty. A lot of women, including myself, have a very skewed perception of how they look. Before my own wedding 3 years ago, I decided to be daring and have a very tasteful "unwrapped" shoot done with the lovely Leah Haydock (http://leahhaydock.com/). This boosted my confidence and now I want to pass on that same feeling of empowerment by creating what I call "Dare to Bare" sessions. Here, two brave models(my close friends) were my guinea pigs. The second shoot went on to appear in Pretty Pear Bride magazine!(http://prettypearbride.com/)

During the year, I had the chance to meet a number of new families that turned into friendships. One, family included a set of infant twins.

What was an eventful, fun year, took an expectant turn for the worse. At my 18 week appointment, we received devastating news. Our little baby was sent to Heaven before she was born. This shook my world upside down. I had to explain to my 2 year old son, that our little "baby bean" went to be with God. I spent what felt like ages, grieving. I tried to be strong for my little boy and keep busy, because he needed his Mommy. 

And time moved on. I became determined that through this tragedy, I would be a better wife, mother and overall person. I was not going to wallow in the dark forever. I needed to be a strong person for my daughter, who is looking down on my every move. I need to make her proud. I picked myself up and started eating even healthier and started an exercise routine. Before I knew it, I had lost over 12 pounds and counting. I am determined that there is hope to grow our little family when the time is right and my body will be the healthiest it's ever been. 

In memory of our little girl, we planted a Dogwood tree. In the spring, when she would have been born, we will watch as her tree spreads beauty at our home. She will always be a part of my family and forever in my heart. Olivia, is my Angel baby.

I will not say that 2012 was a terrible year, or that I am happy that it is over. I look back and am proud at the work that was accomplished both professionally and personally. I will continue to challenge myself and overcome any struggles that are thrown my way. I count my blessings every day. I have a beautiful support group of friends and family. I have a passion for creating art and hopefully touching lives. And most importantly, I have a new found strength in myself.

With all the pictures that I have taken over the past year, I will leave you with a few of my most treasured. And those are of the ones I love. 

Matthew's best buddies. And both of their moms are my best friends too!

Matthew's humor blossomed over the year. And he continues to make me smile and laugh every day. 

He turned 2!!!!

We saw Grammy (who lives in Portugal) for the first time in 2 years. This was such a great moment.

Here is my own little family who mean the world to me.

So for 2013, I wish all of you the best of luck. Maybe you'll want to follow along in my journey. Maybe you too, would like to create more memories and I would be happy to capture them!

Most of all, I hope you find magic in every day. Try and find one thing, one little blessing to make what appears to be a bad day, into a good one. We only live one life, so we have to make the best of it. Every day can be a good one, if we just close our eyes, open our hearts and believe.

With Love,

Kristine