2014 Recap | Meredith Clark Photography

Somehow, I went practically all of 2014 without updating this little old photography blog. In the past, I've truly approached photography as a hobby--something to be pursued *if* my husband was off work, *if* we were caught up on housework, *if* we'd had some weekends for family time, *if* we had nothing else going on, and *if* this closet introvert felt up to being sociable (because the honest truth is that sometimes, I'd much prefer snuggling under the covers with a good book than talking to another living human being).

But this year, I pushed myself a bit more. I carved out more dates on my calendar that I'd accept bookings. I got my ducks in order, and dipped my toes into the water of approaching things as a business, rather than an *if*. Though I'm still operating on a VERY part-time basis, I actually had my busiest year yet with Meredith Clark Photography! That said, in an attempt to make sure that every client received their images by the quoted deadline, I had to let this blog slide a little. And that was okay with me, because my focus in photography has always been on providing families with images that capture the precious moments between them, and delivering that promise on time. The focus isn't on me, or on advertising, or on growing this blog. I'm perfectly okay with that--and I hope that you are too. I do tend to be much better about updating the Meredith Clark Photography Facebook Page in a timely manner, so if you'd like to keep up to date in real-time, that's your best bet!

Over the next couple of weeks, I plan to go back and backdate some posts to get caught up on this 2014 season. In the meantime, here's a recap of what I was up to this year!

And if you or your family appears above, THANK YOU. Truly. Thank you for choosing me to capture these memories for your family. It is a job that I don't take lightly, and am honored to have!

The Barsalou Family | White City, OR Family Photographer

I've known the Barsalou family for several years now, and I was so excited to finally have the opportunity to work with them! Their family recently bought a dental practice in town, and commissioned me to do family photos as well as a batch of landscape photos for the office. After cancelling due to rain the week before, we met at Table Rock on a slightly overcast morning, deciding to just go for it, and I'm so glad we did. I loved everything about this session, from the fact that April brought treats as "incentives" (this is a fantastic trick, by the way!), to the fact that both parents were absolutely game for a silly photo every now and again, even bringing along silly props for an amazing Christmas card photo that I really wish I could show you, but I won't spoil that surprise! I loved how April and Luke really thought about their kiddos, and what would make the photo session really special and fun for them.

Melissa's Baby Bump | White City, OR Maternity Photographer

Melissa and I had been talking about a maternity + newborn package for several months. We emailed back and forth, waited, and then finally had our first session. Melissa and her husband were great--they were relaxed, casual, and Melissa seemed to be absolutely glowing. {Man, if I looked so gorgeous while pregnant, I think I'd do it all the time!} The light at Table Rock was just gorgeous, and so when I arrived home, I excitedly pulled up Lightroom to take a look at some of the photos right away. As soon as I opened up the photos, my husband Justin commented that he actually went to high school with Melissa's husband, but since we'd gone to different high schools, I had no idea! Southern Oregon is nothing if not a small community!

Spires Family | Eagle Point, OR Family Portrait Photographer

Christie contacted me to do photos both for their immediate family, and also as a larger group of extended family that was in town for a limited amount of time. When we scheduled the session towards the end of October, I think we were both expecting perfect fall weather. However, 2012 brought us some of the warmest fall weather that I can recall...which is how it came to be that we were shooting a fall session in 100+ degree weather! In fact, had I not been there myself, I think I would have actually thought that this was a spring session--there's no sign of fall at all!

I've said it before and I'll say it again--I am a *sucker* for black and white photos. They are by far my favorite--there's something just so emotion-filled and classic about them. So, it's not uncommon at all for me to give clients some of my favorite images in both color and black and white. This is one such example--which do you prefer?

Meet William | Eagle Point, OR Newborn Photographer

Missy and I were pregnant around the same time, due about a month apart. So when it came time to do newborn photos for Will, it may or may not have been one of my most emotional sessions ever--I remember just being completely overwhelmed with sweet Will, and also watching this sweet family go from three to four, while knowing that my own family was about to go through the same transition less than a month later. Will's session was also special to me for another reason--it was one of the first times that I departed from strictly formal newborn shots, and began to incorporate some lifestyle photos as well. I absolutely love shooting more formal newborn photos, but I REALLY REALLY REALLY love incorporating a few shots of those special moments between the newly formed family as well!