Wow 2011 has been a roller coaster so I thought now would be a good time to look back over the year and thing about what I loved and hated overall. I can’t believe we are less then 4 days till Christmas and I have done pretty much nothing as far as shopping!!! OMG I cannot believe I let it go till this late. I have been so busy pushing out client orders that I have not had time for my own gifts. So yes I will be with the crazy throng of people at the stores this week. Pray for me that I make it!
Love It!
1. Having David home for Christmas! This time last year he sent me an ornament that said Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is my Marine. This year I get to have my Marine home! It makes Christmas extra special and I know there will be no complaints from him about all my cheesy traditions ;). I really can’t wait to curl up on the sofa with him on Christmas Eve looking at the tree and petting our puppies. I plan to enjoy every moment we have together this Christmas!
2. Wonderful Clients! I have been so blessed this year to make new friends and watch them marry their loves. Next year is looking even better then this year, I’m over halfway to my booking goal and we haven’t even hit the big booking season. So if you know someone that is going to pop the question this holiday make sure you send them my way soon or there will be no dates left! Without my amazing clients I would be in a cubicle somewhere slamming a keyboard 😉 Instead I get to do what I love and that is what I love most about 2011!
3. Community! I really am so blessed to be part of a photography community that is so open and willing to share. I have learned from some amazing photographers this year and they have helped me become better for my clients. I plan to continue nurturing those relationships and creating new ones in 2012! WPPI here I come in February along with 3 other fabulous local photographers!
Hate It!
1. Two Deployments! Yes two in less then a year :(. I’m a big girl and I will suck it up and support my husband but it is definitely what I’ve hated most this year. I have at least two 2012 brides that are going through deployments too so we will just have to band together and support each other! I know when their fiances return home I will be celebrating right along side them!
Melissa Arlena is an award winning lifestyle newborn photographer in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia who has earned her Master Photographer Certification from NAPCP in maternity, newborn and family photography. Her natural and simple work has been featured in magazines and online blogs worldwide. She has been named Best Maternity and Newborn Photographer in Richmond and Charlottesville, VA in 2023.
