Speaking in terms of growing and progress, 2011 was a stellar year for my photography skills and experiences.  Among what seems like hundreds of sporting events, I shot weddings and brides, graduates, historical events, and many family functions.  When I review my work, it is so easy to see how much I have improved, yet I still find lots of room to better myself.  For reference, here are two shots:  the one of the left was taken shooting in fully automatic mode in 2006 with a Konika Minolta DiMage Z3.  The one on the right was taken shooting in full manual mode with my latest investment:  a Nikon D7000.  (I <3 this camera!)  I wish every picture I possess was taken with my D7000.

The year began with some aerial photography… my first ever!  This was so (scary) much fun!  I am not intimidated by heights and I love roller coasters.  But, I wonder what kind of an ordeal this would have been if the preceding sentence were not true.  It probably would not have happened.  (Top Photo Credit:  Theresa McAllister, JISD)

The year continued with a few senior sessions which were so much fun!

I shot some beautiful weddings.

My work was displayed in an art show in Austin at the Flatbed Press.  (Photo Credit:  Fred Jimenez, One Louder Photo)

I took some amazing sports photos that absolutely stopped time.  Notice the drops of sweat below Brent Tymrak’s helmet.  And can’t you totally feel your hands and knees scraping on that track?

I finished the year with a some sweet shots of family and friends.

The last photo I took in 2011 broke my camera.  Yes, my beloved D7000.

So, tonight I have to celebrate New Year’s Eve… cameraless.  This makes me sad because I love to capture life’s moments.  There’s this piece of my heart that believes if I don’t “capture” it, it’s gone forever.  Maybe I’ll take a trip to Wally World and get me a point and shoot.  This is sure to help me survive the night and while I wait for my D7000 to get fixed.

By standing, posing and competing in front of my lens, you make me happy.  You make me excited to capture and preserve your life’s moments.  Thank you for allowing me to do this and helping me to grow.  Again, I just want to think all my subjects for being a part of my life in 2011 and I hope to also be a part of it in 2012.

Stay safe tonight!

_______________________________________________________________________________

I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings worldwide. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget.  As professional photographer, my sole purpose is to provide you the absolute best photography experience.

I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling, reading, and listening to Elvis!

The post, Photography Goals Review of 2011, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.
m>