I realize that it’s the people that matter most. The people I meet, connect, and work with are what this thing called life is all about. It’s my clients, friends, and family who make this all possible. To you people who have made this possible, I want to say thank you for supporting me in what I do.

Below are my personal favorite images from 2011 in no particular order.

There is no place quite like Key West, and there are no people like Nicole and Zack. I knew within five minutes of hanging out with them, that we were the perfect fit. We hung out, shot engagement photos, had a few beers, and made a great connection going into the wedding. I really felt like I’d known them for years prior, and believe that we’d all be great friends if we lived in the same area.

There wedding was awesome. All of their friends, and family treated us like one of their own. This time I spent in Key West is definitely going to be a day to remember forever, and I have Nicole and Zack to thank for giving me the opportunity, and putting their trust in my photography.

Then to top it off, I had my friend Nirav Patel take the time out of his busy schedule to come hang out. Not only is he an incredible photographer, he is also a big inspiration to myself, and now somebody I consider a good friend. It was great to have somebody there who was up for the full experience, and make this extra special for Nicole and Zack. We shot photos non-stop in Key West, and connected with some awesome people. A lot of the photos below are his, and I can’t thank him enough for his contributions.

I’ll share more from Key West soon, but I wanted to get this wedding up before the end of the year. I also have quite a few weddings that will I will share in the upcoming months that were shot in 2012. Stay tuned, and thanks again for this experience Nicole and Zack.

I can’t thank my daughter Sophia enough for agreeing to our little “appointments” we make from time to time. These are a few photos from late summer shortly after she turned five. I’m a proud dad, and this little girl means the world to me.

Brett and Audra were some awesome people to work with. It was a pleasure to shoot their wedding in Dubuque, at the Grand River Center.

Late in the summer I had the idea of trying out a fashion/model shoot for the first time. I have to say, I owe this one all to Wannette for making this so easy.

Thank you Wannette for being such an awesome model, and friend for letting me try this out. I can’t wait until we do this again.

Just one frame from Jenny’s bridal session. Not sure why, but I really love this image.

I actually met Rachel and James for their rehearsal the day before, and felt accepted and welcomed from the start. Everybody was so kind and genuine, while sharing their interest and love in my photography. That feeling of trust in what you do is like steroids for a passionate photographer.

All day I had a smile on my face, just knowing how special of a wedding and celebration it was. The wedding ceremony was at the Salisbury House, and the wedding reception was at the Teachout Building in the East Village.

Thanks for having me be a part of your day Rachel and James. Hope our paths cross again someday.