Monday, December 31, 2012

It's a New Year

There's a lot to wish for, a lot to look forward to, and a lot to be proud of but I think sometimes sharing accomplishments gets old so today I'm just going to share some Instagrams from the past six months. They are a perfect representation of my life and what I've done. 

Happy New Year's Eve! Dream big and don't let anything stop you this year.






Friday, December 28, 2012

Jessie | Crozet, Virginia Portrait Photographer

Jessie is the one who got me interested in photography. When I was at Fall Weekend for Young Life in 2009, she had her Nikon DSLR and was shooting around with it as we waited in line for the big swing. Little did either of us know that me seeing that would basically change my life. I was enthralled with that camera. I had never even seen a DSLR before so you can imagine how excited I was to play with it and how attached I became. Haha. Holding something so big compared to my point-and-shoot and being able to control the outcome was fun to me. That's where it all began.

So all this happened in October and that December, I asked for a Canon and sure enough, I got one! I got my Rebel XSi with the kit lens and a 55-250mm telephoto. Jessie and I became camera buddies after that. I think we've been on about six photoshoots together since then and every one has been a blast. If you search 'Jessie' in the search bar, you'll find all those posts. :)

After going through some old pictures the other day, I started thinking about how it had been a while since I had photographed her so I asked if she was up for a little exploring/photoshoot. She was free and I'm so thankful because we had a wonderful day, even though it was freezing. We found a little winery in Crozet which ended up being an even better location than I anticipated. We made friends with some horses, we shot in an open field of golden grass, and I got to test the limits of my 85mm. It was fantastic. Jessie, you're way too gorgeous. Thank you for coming with me to take two hundred pictures on that windy Sunday.





























Thursday, December 27, 2012

Anna + Quinton | Staunton, Virginia Family Photographer

Last week I got the privilege of photographing Anna and Quinton. Anna and Quinton are siblings and my family has known them for quite sometime, thanks to soccer back in the day. Those were great years but now Quinton is about to graduate from college and Anna just finished her first semester at Mary Washington! When everyone starts to grow up, it seems like pictures become less of a priority so I'm very glad I was able to help them make their mom's wish for pictures of them come true. Thank you both for allowing me to do that for you! I hope you love them!














Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Christmas Scenes

It's all over. This year's Christmas has come and gone and I'm thankful for so much. I promised myself I would write a list of as many things as I could think of that I was thankful for on Christmas Eve and I held myself accountable, surprisingly. Now, I'm going to add onto that list since I sit here and think of even more I'm thankful for. 

I'm so thankful for being able to see my brothers and for having heart-to-heart talks with my mom. I'm thankful for feeling God's presence in the midst of my fear and doubt. I'm thankful for last night's warm, delicious meal and a dog who loves me just as much as any person possibly could. I'm thankful for the realization that my differences make me special. I'm thankful for blogging and the ability to share my work with people who care. I'm thankful for my new bicycle that will bring me great joy (and motivation). I'm thankful for today, I'm thankful for who God has made me to be, and I'm thankful for the future that's in store.



Guys, I picked out something really special for my first Anthropologie purchase. I got a coaster. For eight whole dollars. Am I a bargain shopper or what?


Well, I love my purchase, if you were wondering. :)



The new baby that I was so excited to buy. Finally added an L lens to my lineup!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

B&H Gift Card Giveaway

Good morning and merry Christmas!!! Hope you all are having a fun-filled, happy day so far! My whole family isn't even awake yet so who knows when we'll start opening gifts. All I know is that there is a bicycle in my living room.... 

But what I'm really here to announce is the giveaway winner!! WOOO! I can't even express how thankful I am for everyone who entered! It's always a relief when I have people to actually give something to. :)

Without further ado, the winner of the B&H gitt card is Madison!! Congratulations, girl! I hope you can use this gift card to put towards something you need! Please email me at meredithsledge@yahoo.com with your address.