And what a year it’s been.

This year was the first year I got myself a studio, which turned out to be one of the best decisions I’d made to grow my business. While it’s been a scary milestone, I am so proud of this space that has come to represent my “style”, if there ever was one. When someone looks at a picture I’ve taken and is able to recognise it as my work, it is because of this space. It has allowed me to develop this “brand”, if you will and for that, I am truly grateful.

This was also the year I invested in my journey back to film. In that, I made so many new friends through Film is Not Dead. This was a pivotal point in my career as a professional photographer, the decision to incorporate this beautiful medium into what I truly believe now represents the soul of what my work has become. While I won’t ever give up on digital, I am arriving at a happy fusion of the two that not only is magical but makes me happy. And that has become essential to keep my going for art is a passion that burns fierce and too hot sometimes for me, so much so that I am easily burnt out (forgive the deluge of metaphors!). It is hard to stay genuinely inspired in a market saturated with the same ideas. However, each time I get a scan back, each time I commune with my fellow film shooters, this passion is reignited. For that, I thank my dear friend Catherine. Thank you for introducing me to your world, without which I would forever been content wandering idiotically through a wasteland of tacky mediocrity. And thank you, Jon, for being so REAL about it all.

Thank you to my family for enduring another year of half-assed being-there but always backing me 100% without fail because for SOME reason, you still believe I am capable of so much more because I AM.

Most of all, thank YOU, JTPA friends, new and old. I must also apologize for having sometimes been overzealous in my desire to please and to be perfect, and in that, succeeded miserably in achieving neither. I’m afraid the passion is also the poison.

Auld lang syne, 2011 and hola 2012.

Surprise me

There’s nothing quite like having a new baby. And a first baby.

The daily surprises (good AND bad). The constant wonder. Nothing else in this world changes your world from one second to another quite like having a baby. One minute you’re just plain Andre and Jessica. The next, you’re parents.

Welcome Baby Brooklyn. Your family is so happy you’re here.

(please sit back and wait a while for the slideshow above to load. Click on the numbers above to advance. thanks for watching!)

I knew that chalkboard bubble would be of good use!

I’ve always loved the name Madison, and looking at mom Jenn, you can tell she’s going to be a gorgeous one!

Aren’t those shoes just the cutest?

The light was just all sweetness this evening. See you in a month, Jenn. Hang in there!

Fellow photographer Sareh of Awen Photographic contacted me a few months ago for some maternity pictures. It’s always a lot of fun shooting photographers because we get to talk shop a little while taking pics. And for one to be in front of the camera instead of behind it!

Here are some highlights of our shoot today at Golden Gardens. There was an extraordinary sunset because of all the smog thanks to forest fires from the drier parts of Washington. Still, the skies were blue this evening and we could not be more happy.

You two are just so sweet together. I can’t wait to meet baby girl Hunt Thanks for letting me make these pictures with you!

Where: Duvall WA
When: June 2009

Where: Duvall WA
When: June 2009

Where: Seattle WA
When: June 2009

Check out Baby A’s pictures, born July 2009!