So I must say, I am astounded at the amount of votes that the Best of 2009 contest has generated so far! We’re only a few days into it and we’re already up to 173 votes and counting! It’s a close match with the top three within 18 votes of each other. So make your pick if you haven’t yet and remember to spread the word since you can only vote once!
And definitely don’t forget to leave a comment here after you vote for your chance to win a mini photography session. With only 12 comments now, you’ve got pretty good odds! I know you’re out there, so leave me some blog love! I adore feedback and communication and would love to know who is reading this little ol’ blog of mine! So jot me a quick note and let me know who you are.
I’ve got several sessions coming up that I can’t wait for, but today I tried to snap a few pictures of my own children. That’s definitely a New Year’s resolution of mine–to remember to photograph my own kids. It seems silly, being a children’s photographer and all, that it would slip my mind to capture images of my Abby and Jacob. But trust me, it’s harder than you think. It’s also difficult (as any professional photographer with kids would tell you) to get natural looking pictures of my very unwilling children. My kids run every time the see the camera. Seriously…run! Or scream at me, shake their finger, or collapse into a puddle on the floor. You may think I’m being dramatic, but believe me–it’s not a pretty sight. And I do feel for them. Honestly, I do. They have been subjected to numerous lens testings, backdrop try outs, and countless “just one more!” pleadings from me.
So when it appears that I might, just possibly, have a willing subject, I bust out that Nikon faster than you can say “cheese!” (which you will never, ever hear me say at a session, by the way. Saying cheese is a surefire way to get forced and strained looking pictures of your little ones. If you have to say something to coax a smile out of them, opt for “candy” or something that produces a somewhat more natural grin). Jacob was a good sport and even offered a smile or two for me without any pleading, begging, or bribing on my end. So I’m quite pleased with the resulting image of my little man.
And would you believe me if I told you that we’re up to 607 votes for the Best of 2009 contest? I seriously cannot believe how this has taken off! My poor blog has been like the Little Engine that Could, “I think I can, I think I can.” I apologize to anyone who had problems loading the pages yesterday–the site has been experiencing some major traffic as everyone casts their votes. Keep it up! Voting ends this Friday!
And on a side note, would you believe me if I told you that our little 
Mom–thank you so much for meeting up with me this week (even in the cold, wet, rain!) I hope you enjoy your sneak peek! I’ll have your gallery up and ready for you very soon!