Best Pictures of 2011

I am incredibly thankful that people put up with me and my camera.  Photos help me remember details of moments that I would otherwise forget. And as I generously sip on my tea and crunch on my popcorn, the details of the last year come alive in my mind as I reminisce through all the images.

I have spent hours going through all of them and with Mikey's help, we've selected our favorites and put them into categories. We hope you enjoy...

BEST FAMILY PICTURE

Winner, Dad and his girls, taken by Callie V 

Runner up, The Wobschall Pyramid 

BEST LAUGHING MOMENT

Winner, Play time with Mama

Runner up, Story time with Carlye

BEST ANIMAL SHOT

Winner, Ellie and her "nookie"

Runner up, Crazy Willie...miss you sweet boy

BEST PORTRAIT

Winner, Miss Kelly - I did a professional portrait session with her

Runner up, The lovely Becca - a beautiful senior photo :)

BEST JUMPING SERIES

(we take jumping pictures wherever we travel...no matter how many people are around to see it) :)

Winner, The Chorley kids on St. Anthony Bridge, taken by Callie V

Runner up, Jumping right off the coast of Point Loma in San Diego

BEST TRAVEL PHOTO

Winner, The 9/11 Memorial in NYC 

Runner up, Coronado Island in San Diego

BEST NATURE PHOTO

Winner, Bird of Paradise in San Diego

Runner up, A gorgeous fall day on the hill at St. Olaf

BEST VIKINGS MOMENT

Winner, Visiting Training Camp

Runner up, A moment between Zygi and Antoine 

BEST WEDDING/ENGAGEMENT PHOTO

Winner, Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Sam Conway

Runner up, Happy in love - Kayla & Andrew's engagement session

BEST SUNRISE/SUNSET

Winner, Paradise - watching the sun rise over the beach in Florida

Runner up, The Setting Sun in San Diego

BEST HADDIE PHOTO

Winner, The Cookie Monster

Runner up, Beautifully Content

BEST CAPTURED MOMENT

Winner, A Stunning Reflection

Runner up, Proud Young Lady

BEST ALL-AROUND PHOTO OF 2011

Winner, A Perfect Creation 

Runner up, It's tiring being so perfect

...HONORABLE MENTIONS from all categories...

Cities 97 Sampler Release Party Action 

Crisp Fall Color 

Taxi, anyone? New York City 

Country Living 

Winter Sunset 

Haddie Lu, taken by Callie V 

Sheila-bo-beila

A Time to Celebrate

What up, bro?

I have found a new love and passion in photography and I am REALLY excited to see what this year has in store...