Isn’t it great how approaching the beginning of a new year always brings about feelings of excitement and optimism for a fresh start? I love that about this time of year… everyone thinking back on the past 12 months and planning for the next. Traditionally, the end of a year is a time for reflection- a time to look back at the previous year to analyze experiences so that we can prepare for the new year with appropriate hopes, goals and ideas for the future. I have spent some time over the last week reflecting on what 2009 was for me and I am happy to say that professionally, creatively and personally, 2009 has been a year of growth, exploration and accomplishment. I have learned so much about myself as a photographer and businesswoman and, most importantly, about myself as a person. This year, I learned to really experience and appreciate the good moments- the simple moments throughout the day that, for whatever reason, bring a smile to my face, which I believe have made me a better photographer, and person, overall.
Earlier this year, I was on a flight home from Northern California along with about 40 fourth graders who were also returning to LA after a quick overnight trip to explore Sacramento and San Francisco landmarks. I had been looking forward to a quiet flight and being able to get some reading done. Needless to say, that wasn’t going to happen with 40 10-year-olds on board. I happened to sit next to a young girl named Ryann who wore a headband and glasses and simultaneously wore all five of the necklaces she bought for people as souvenirs of her trip. And who, unbeknownst to her, made an impact on my life forever. Before the plane took off, she told me she was afraid to fly and politely asked me to close the window shade to help put her at ease. I obliged and we started talking… about life. She had just had her 10th birthday and had such a vibrant, energetic and optimistic energy that impressed me so much I still find myself thinking about her and the conversation we had. It was a simple conversation that involved the Harry Potter book she had in her lap, visibly worn from the number of times she had read it, and the cats that were waiting for her at home. It was simple, but it reminded me of childish optimism and the ability to cherish the little things in life. This is just one of those simple, good experiences I learned to cherish this year… the kind that aren’t expected, can’t be planned, and that enrich your life with perspective.
Other things this year happened not by chance, but by my hard work and dedication to this career I have chosen- the career that is truly a dream for me. I am so lucky to do what I love, work with people who inspire me and to work for clients who trust and encourage me. This time last year, I sat down to write my goals for 2009. I wrote reasonable goals and those that were quite far-fetched but gave me motivation to continue to better myself. While I consider these goals to be private- for my eyes only, if you will- I will say that I accomplished many of the goals I set… and those that I have not yet achieved are currently being transferred to the “2010 Goals” list I recently started to write. 
Looking back, 2009 has been an incredible year for me and while I don’t want time to go by any faster than it already is, I am so eager for 2010 and all the possibilities I know are just around the corner. I’m here with open arms, ready to accept the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities I know are ahead.
To celebrate the end of a great 2009, I have selected five wedding images of the year that represent to me some of my best work. It’s an impossible task to select just five favorites from all of the weddings I shot this year… I have far too many favorites to even compile a list. But, the following images were chosen because they each represent something that I hope to capture in every wedding I photograph.
Love.
Happiness.
Spontaneity.
Environment.
Uniqueness.
I hope you all are just as excited about the new year as I am! Here’s to a happy, healthy and successful New Year for everyone!
xoxo Heather
