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.

Introducing Bryson | Medford, OR Newborn Photographer

You know what I love? I love when I have the privilege of walking with a family through several different seasons in their life. I loved watching Melissa and Aaron's excitement grow during their pregnancy as they anticipated welcoming their first child. And then, I had the opportunity to photograph the newest addition to their family in a newborn lifestyle session, which I just loved every minute of.

Introducing Ember | Phoenix, OR Newborn Photographer

Between November 2012 and April of 2013, I took some time off photography--Justin and I welcomed our second daughter Rebecca in November, and while Becca is just a *joy*, one thing that she is not is a sleeper. For quite a few months there, I was averaging no more than three hours of sleep a night, and I just felt like my brain had completely turned to mush. Ember's session was my first real session back in the game, and I just couldn't imagine a better session to start with. Newborns are usually some of my absolute favorite types of sessions, and Ember was no exception--she snuggled, she slept, and I really enjoyed watching her sweet parents interact with her so conscientiously. I'm so thankful for Ember and her parents, who reminded me that while a bit of maternity leave was a blessing, this is really what I love to do!

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?