Anne Miller

I’m sure there comes a time, or many times over, in a photographer’s journey that we come across people who leave us feeling so whole and fulfilled. Well, that was exactly how I felt after spending an afternoon with this wonderful family on that chilly, November day.

I have been so excited to share this very special collection with you! I didn't want to spoil the Christmas surprise for this family, I do love surprises but now that their family holiday celebrations are over and gifts are given, I can share! When the mother of this sweet family and I talked about their session, she told me she hadn't had professional pictures taken of her family since her daughter was born. Time was slipping by so quickly and she wanted so bad to preserve this time in their lives. Memories for them to display around their home, to give as Christmas gifts to loved ones, and for them to look back at to cherish forever. FOREVER.

Being invited into a family’s home, into their private space is such a privilege and something I don’t take for granted. Every time I feel such a rush of deep gratitude for being welcomed with open arms and open hearts. This family’s backyard is a lake, which was the perfect setting for our session. Casual, comfortable and special to their hearts.

When I arrived, the kids were so excited to show me around their bedrooms and pointed out all their cool posters of dirt bikes, their guitar, drum set, and dolls. Adorable, right! These two beautiful children stole my heart. They are also by far the raddest kids I've ever met. They have such a gift of self-expression, confidence and sweet manners…asking to take my coat when I arrived, I mean really??!! A direct example of their fabulous parents!

After we wrapped up, we all went inside and I was surprised with a gorgeous bouquet of white flowers that the kids were so proud and excited to give me. The sweetest gesture. When I woke up the next morning, and walked down my stairs, I had the biggest smile on my face thinking about the special afternoon we shared together. I met these two little loves for the first time but by the time I left, it felt like we were family, like we've known each other forever. What a beautiful gift they gave me…yes, the flowers, but more so the lasting impression this incredible family left on me and the connection we made. A beautiful family so full of love, warmth and compassion.

Here are some of my favorites from their session! And I cannot forget to mention their fur-family member, Vida, who was the sweetest lab! I have a major obsession with labs so of course I had to capture her first :)

xoxo

anne

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To learn more about booking your family portrait session, please contact anne at annemariephotographyct@gmail.com

For some time now, I have been reflecting on a year I am so very blessed and grateful for. When I think back to December of 2013 I remember the feeling of wanting to unleash my deep passion for photography and finally listen to my heart and do something every, single, day to reach my personal goals. At the time, I did not know HOW this was going to happen but I just knew it HAD to happen. I knew I had to stop making excuses for a life I wanted to live and the joy I wanted to feel. I knew I had to put all my trust in my faith that I was doing the right thing.

So at the end of last year (2013) I wrapped up a maternity shoot, shot a baby shower, shot a bridal shower, did my first family portrait session and shot two newborn sessions. I shot at every family gathering and drove my family nuts. I was consumed in reading photographer’s blogs, studying their work, learning and was addicted to growing my passion.

Heading into 2014 I made the most important and impactful decision for my business. A decision I am beyond grateful for because it forced me to go outside of my comfort zone and put myself out there. To make myself official and make myself accountable to dig deep and follow my heart. I attended the Beginnings Workshop{http://annemariect.blogspot.com/2014_03_09_archive.html} with Ashley and Chris of Ashley Therese Photography {http://ashleytheresephotography.com}. Life-changing workshop! It was an amazing day, I met the most incredible photographers who have become my friends, my cheerleaders and people who have been so willing to help and encourage me throughout this year. I will never forget that day and the unbelievable experience. I remember wrapping up our full-day workshop on that freezing, icy, February day, getting into my car to drive an hour home and instantly balling my eyes out. And I don’t mean just a few joyful tears, oh no, I mean waterworks, hysterical, hyperventilating tears. I called Justin before I left the parking lot to tell him I was on my way and his obvious question to me was “how was it?”. My response, as I could barely get a word out “babe, I can’t do this. I don’t have it in me. I’m not good enough”. After he calmed me down, I started my trip home. When I got home, I walked through the door and Justin greeted me with open arms and I fell into his arms and cried my eyes out for the next several minutes. When I finally caught my breath and was able to speak, all I could say was “I want this so bad, it hurts” followed by “I don’t have it in me to make this happen”.

After several sleepless nights, tossing and turning, I slowly started to crawl out from under my fear-paralyzed hole and began to do something, every. single. day. Sadly, exactly a week after the workshop, I got a phone call from my Aunt telling me that my Grandmother passed away unexpectedly. I only share this because ever since her passing, my Grandmother has pushed me in ways that have been so inspirational to me this year. We talk often and she continues to show me signs when I need them the most.

So this time last year, I told myself that 2014 was going to be a year of incredible change. That 2014 was going to be a year I finally followed my heart and my gut. And yes, scared doesn't even come close to describing how I felt. Well, here I sit writing my last blog post of 2014, reflecting on a year that the person I was a year ago would have never thought would have been possible. I sit here in complete awe and can’t stop asking myself “did all of that really just happen?”. I sit here pouring my heart out because it’s no secret that’s what I do. I told myself in the beginning of 2014 to do two things:

…to lead with my heart

…to do something every single day to learn and grow

Oh and to breathe…a lot!

I’m beyond grateful for the incredible families and couples who have invited me into their lives and into their hearts to capture their most precious memories to treasure for generations to come. I cherish our time together and the relationships we have built. I’m also grateful for my mentors, my teachers, Ashley & Chris who challenge me, keep me focused and hold me accountable.

I am proof that you are in charge of your own destiny and only you can make it happen. I enter 2015 with clear objectives and excitement for a year of new opportunities, incredible families and beautiful couples. I’m working towards some really exciting things in the year ahead and I am so grateful for all of the support along the way. I have only just scratched the surface of building my business and have a lot ahead of me, but what’s different about this year than last is that all those feelings excite me and push me to work harder, to do more and continue to grow in my craft. I would be lying if I said I wasn't fearful or scared but the difference this year is that those feelings are pushing me and fueling my fire within instead of paralyzing me. More than ever before, I am determined and trust that those feelings are powerful and a little fear is healthy when the reward is so sweet.

And of course, no reflection would be complete without a few of my favorite images from this past year. The fun of looking back is seeing how much I've grown this year and choosing my favorites from the beginning of the year to the most recent from the past couple of months. All of these images represent amazing memories and a beautiful year that I hold so dear to my heart. But what you can’t see is a photographer who smiled every step of the way, shed a ton of happy tears and grew in ways she never, ever, expected. A photographer who pushed herself, stepped WAY outside her comfort zone and challenged herself to follow her heart. Yes my friends, I’m here and ready for 2015!

Happy New Years friends. Let's make it a great year together!
xoxo

anne