Clearly, it’s been awhile since I blogged but I’m over giving you, my beautiful readers (probably just my mom) excuses. Now I’m not saying my blog is going to be consistent this year either; but I’m pretty dedicated in the new year to just write and take pictures in no concrete format. Allowing myself to do what I love to do without restraint of what a “photo blog” is. So, if you do happen to come across my blog you might see a entry about some delicious food I ate, or my natural hair, maybe even a post about traveling in addition to my photo sessions. (But just to clarify there will still be many many pictures)

I don’t really want to “recap” 2011 cause that’s what’s expected but I wanted to share some images from things that didn’t make the blog last year… basically, a recap :)

Oh, Disclosure: this is going to be the longest post you’ve ever read. ever. feel free to just scroll to the pictures. I won’t take offense, promise.

Here we go!

I had the privelage of capturing some amazing, funny, loving families.

The Leek’s

Douglas convinced me to go to Seattle University for college… I kinda resented him initially, don’t worry he already knows that. So to pay me back (well, at least that’s what I tell my self)  He gave me a campus work study job giving tours around campus, which I actually enjoyed doing. I really enjoyed capturing him, his wife Latoyna, and his sister Lorrin. They were hilarious and we had a really good time.

The Zang’s

Katie is one of my mom’s best friends. When she asked me to take her family picture I said “Of course!” The more we emailed about the shoot, number of family coming kept growing and growing! I was kinda nervous but pretty excited at the same time. We ended up with 15 yes, 15 family members.  I must say I had to be pretty creative. In this picture below I think I moved 7 pieces of furniture, I like to call it “photo feng shui” ( I’m totally copyrighting that.) We had fun and in a hour we took a group family photo,  individual family photos, and photos of all the kids! It was a pretty awesome day. Below are some of the group photo’s and some of just Katie’s family.

The Welsh’s

The Welsh’s were the first recipients of a Lloryn Louise Photography Gift Certificate! They put it to use on an absolutely beautiful day. It was really sunny so we tried to find shade, especially for little Henry. It was also my first shoot with an infant that wasn’t sleeping :). With that said our goal for the session was to get Henry’s big beautiful blue eyes looking at my camera! Thankfully it worked a few times and in the end I think we captured some good moments.

The Benjamin Family

I met Tonya through a meet up for ladies with natural hair (more about hair another day) that she organized. In getting to know each other, I mentioned I do photography on the side. Usually, when I mention this fact people say “Oh, I need family pictures!”  I proceed to give them a card tell them to give me a call… It usually ends there. But not with Tonya, I’m pretty sure she called with in that week and I’m so glad she did. She even came prepared with ideas for the shoot! Our session was on UW’s campus in the quad and here are a few photos from our session.

I was honored to be apart of Matthew and Tiffany’s wedding.

This was my first wedding with a large party and over 100 guest. It was a big endeavor for me, and I’m so grateful for this couple allowing me (taking a risk on me) to shoot their wedding. Thank you Matt and Tiff! I had such an amazing time being apart of your union. I now understand what other wedding photographers mean when they say they fall in love with their clients! You know I love you guys! I also want to thank my second shooter Alfonzo. In the middle of preparing for his own wedding he helped me shoot this one, and the day would not have been a success with out him.

They decided to do an after wedding shoot on Alki Beach and here are a few images from that day. for some reason i’m REALLY loving these in black and white.

Styled Shoots

It was one of my goals last year to put together a styled shoot. Proudly, I can say I accomplished that goal, and within that idea came another. To have my own Glam Squad. I decided if clients would like make up, hair or styling services I can provide that for them conveniently. Well, truthfully clients kept asking for make up services and I was empty handed … So I figured why not put a whole team together! There will be more about my amazing squad in the near future but these images were specifically intended to showcase their amazing talent! So excited to offer these services in the New Year.

Ok, ok last thing, but certainly not least. Pursuit 31

Pursuit 31 is a photography workshop for Christian woman. The workshop allowed us to share our goals and dreams, our biggest fears, and how to balance the work/ family life. It was an amazing experience and I left with some sisters in Christ, and sisters in the photo business. Karen Stott and Latasha Haynes our amazing hosts really hooked it up with a styled wedding shoot for us and here are a few images from that pretty cool weekend.

Oh! One more thing. This is my Mom. She’s AMAZING. Seriously, if she wasn’t my mom she’d be the play aunt who’s house I was always at. She set a goal at the beginning of last year to lose 100 lbs. and on 12/31/11 she had lost  73lbs. See what I mean, AMAZING. I’m SO proud of you mom!

P.S. about this picture, ignore the matching hairstyles.. my mom (Love you mom) is what we call a copy cat.

And the GAG REEL…

Taryn reached out to me because she is an aspiring photographer and wanted me to help her learn her camera so she could get past the point and shoot phase. Although she’s a Nikon girl ;) I was honored, and more than happy to shoot around with her.

The day of the shoot Taryn came ultra prepared with her  friend Tiffany who modeled for us! It was such a fun time!  Taryn set up all the posing and we just shot side by side she asked questions, I made sure slowed down and took pictures with thought behind them. Taryn, I hope you actually learned something from me… But that’s the beauty of photography you will never know everything you just keep working at it. I’m glad to be helping Taryn in her process as I continue to receive help in mine. Here are my images from that day hopefully I’ll be posting some of Taryn’s soon as well!

Taryn getting all her settings right …

Taryn working the different angles

Taryn took advantage of all areas of the small park we were in… she’s definitely got the eye!

So this below is Taryn and I trying to model… you know be all fierce like Tyra and stuff.

Yeah… I’ve decided to stay behind the camera.

Thanks Taryn!

Gotta love when clients get the giggles lol

So proud of you Lull, You inspire me more than you realize. You’re the (little) big brother I never wanted, but really happy I have ; )

Insert stomach aching laughter… here.

So Troy has a pretty hilarious sense of humor as well, I actually really enjoy this picture below even though he’s not seriously being serious … 

… That feeling came and went more times than I can tell you.

Mid last year when I was laid off, I told my self this was my opportunity to make this business work and maybe make it full time. But the motivation behind this thought was absolute bologna . Don’t get me wrong I worked at it, HARD. But when the weeks turned to months and I was running out of money I had to face reality and find a “real job”.

See, the problem was I was completely focused on the wrong thing, I wanted to make money, cause I was out of money. I wanted clients, cause I wanted money. I wanted success, cause I wanted money…. you get it.  I wasn’t focused on my clients, or my quality of work which are of course the most important parts of any business. But beyond the business, I lost sight of what I wanted to do. That was and still is to hone the craft of photography, make beautiful images and have fun while doing it.

Because my motivation was all off, I was producing a lack luster results. I wanted to give up, because LLP was becoming something I didn’t want it to be, well at least that’s what I told my self… “it’s attracting the wrong clients, it’s not making any money, it’s not producing great images.” It sounds silly now typing that out. As if LLP is some odd entity, doing poorly on it’s own. Duh Lloryn, I created LLP, I am LLP, it’s me and me alone in this endeavor.

So i’ve taken a few weeks to think about the past year and where i’ve gone wrong, and right and here’s what i’ve learned. {Disclaimer} Some of them are so simple it’s laughable so don’t judge me ;).

1. Treat clients the way you want to be treated (… DUH, right.)

2. If some one ask you do something you don’t wanna do say no, regardless of the money offered.

3. Your business is a serious thing, if you don’t treat it as such no one else will.

4.  Stay consistent, being whishy washy is so annoying

5. Take the time you need to better your craft

6. PRAY

7. Be open and receptive to feedback

8. Have fun, if your not having fun who’s fault is that?

9. You can’t fit into someone else’s “box” your creativity is it’s own box so don’t feel pressured to mold.

10. Don’t succumb to fear, you have a gift stand firm in it.

Ok this might be the longest post ever, BUT all these reflections have inspired a new Lloryn Louise Photography one that loves what she does, and who’s motivation is back on track.  who’s shooting because she loves it and is making her own “box”. I’m very grateful for my first year. It taught me so much and that’s what the first year is all about right? So here’s to year two!

Shadows. Lines. Shapes. : Seattle Art Museum Sculpture Park; Seattle, WA

I did say he’s a funny one right… lol