Top 11 Photos of 2011

Thanks to everyone who voted on their favorite photos. Here are the top picks, in chronological order. You can click on the photo to view the original post. And thanks to each and every one of you who has followed and commented on my photos throughout the year. I hope 2012 will be even better!

Day 47: A dreary Day

 

Day 102: God is Great, God is Good

 

Day 139: Drumroll Please ... (Italia!)

 

Day 147: Drumroll Please ... (Italia!) (This photo had the most votes.)

 

Day 158: The Intimidator

 

Day 187: Baby Blueberry

 

Day 214: Not Ready to Leave the Nest

 

Day 225: Joplin Tornado Cleanup

 

Day 294: On the Horizon

 

Day 334: Bokeh Holiday Lights

 

Day 362: Time to Fly South?

 

Day 365: A New Year’s Resolution

We spent New Year’s Eve at a house filled with friends. I love hanging out with my friend Mandy, especially when she has her camera out and I’m not the only photographer saying, “Wait, that’s too dark. Let’s try again.”

Three hundred and sixty-five days ago I made a resolution to take a good photo every single day for an entire year. The “good” part is subjective, and some photos were definitely better than others, but I never skipped a day.  I’m happy to present to you the final photo of my 365 Day Photography Project.

I love taking photos of people taking photos. This is my good friend Mandy on New Year's Eve.

Please be sure to subscribe to my blog for Project 52 in 2012, plus a few more surprises throughout the year!

Day 364: The End is Only the Beginning

This photo represents the finale of my 365 Day Photography project. It may be a cemetery, but I don’t mean it to be negative; I believe in life after death. The end of this phase is only the beginning of another. I have learned so much about photography, blogging, and myself over this past year, and I know my photography skills will only continue to grow in 2012. Tomorrow will be my last daily photo before I head into a Project 52 for 2012. Happy New Year!

The sun sets on a nearby cemetary. The end of one chapter is only the beginning of another.

If you have enjoyed seeing my 365 Day Photo Project this year, please subscribe to my blog for weekly photos in 2012. And if we are friends on facebook, vote for your favorite photos for my “Best 11 of 2011″ blog post!

Day 363: One Fine Day

This year may have rang in with a very harsh winter, but it’s finishing out with surprisingly mild weather. Yesterday was another 50 degree day, so I went on my own personal photo walk over lunch. Like most photographers, I try to avoid shooting during the harsh midday light, but I came back with several photos I was happy with. This one was my favorite, because I haven’t posted anything quite like this before.

If you look closely at something as ordinary as an old building, you can find beauty. I love the textures of the bricks, vines, and door.

If you have enjoyed seeing my 365 Day Photo Project this year, please subscribe to my blog for weekly photos in 2012. And if we are friends on facebook, vote for your favorite photos for my “Best 11 of 2011″ blog post!

Day 362: Time to Fly South?

We’ve had unseasonably warm weather in the Midwest over the past few days; and that’s perfectly fine with me. I’m not a fan of sub-zero temperatures, ice freezing inside my windows, or dangerous road conditions. In fact, it’s so warm that these geese haven’t finished flying south yet! I got off work yesterday just in time to head to the park before the sunlight faded.

A Canadian goose comes up from a quick dip.
A Canadian goose flaps its powerful wings in the water.

If you have enjoyed seeing my 365 Day Photo Project this year, please subscribe to my blog for weekly photos in 2012. And if we are friends on facebook, vote for your favorite photos for my “Best 11 of 2011″ blog post!

Day 360: Welcome Home

After three days of Christmas parties, extended family, and leaving our cat behind, we were happy to be home on Monday. (And happy to have the day off work!) Here is one final Christmas photo of the year.

Our red and green Christmas wreath greeted us when we arrived home on Monday.

If you have enjoyed seeing my 365 Day Photo Project this year, please subscribe to my blog for weekly photos in 2012. And if we are friends on facebook, vote for your favorite photos for my “Best 11 of 2011” blog post!

Day 356: Loving Leah

I took the day off yesterday to meet up with some good friends that I don’t get to see very often. Of course, 8-month-old Leah was the star of the show, as it should be! This little girl is already pulling herself up and walking around holding on to things. I predict her to be a child prodigy in a few years.

Aunt Lindsey and Little Leah.

Day 355: Sneak Peak

Yesterday I had the privilege of shooting portraits for a family who was reunited after seven years. I loved getting to know the three generations of George’s and the rest of the family!

Family portraits in front of the fireplace.
Grandpa George and Grandma Carol.
Little George showing off one of his many sweet, goofy faces.
Laura and Andrew - such a nice couple!
The whole gang at the park.
Playful George climbing a tree.