2023 was a year that felt a lot more … normal … than the previous few had been! And, for that, I’m so thankful.
I have selected 372 of my favorite photos of the year to share with you here. Some of you may think that’s way too many but I can’t possibly narrow it down any further because I know the stories behind each of these photos — a big brother holding his new baby sister, new parents welcoming TWINS into their previously calm world, two families coming together in marriage with guiding principles written jointly BY THEIR TINY KIDS, muddy feet, an exuberant hora, tight squeezes, a quiet prayer before lives were joined, a bride and groom DJing their own wedding, a grandfather taking videos of his entire family on the dance floor at his grandson’s wedding, and so many more.
When I select images to share, I always use my guiding principles – the principles I bring with me to each and every shoot all year long. They are:
1. That the images document and hold emotion. I want you to REMEMBER how you felt when you look at this photograph in 10, 20, or 50 years. How did it feel when you held your baby for the first time? When you saw your new husband’s face for the first time on your wedding day?
2. I want the images to be reflective of who you are in this moment. They need to feel like YOU, like YOUR life. Because when you look at this photograph, you’ll only love it deeply if your sweet people are doing what only your sweet people can do.
3. I want the images to be timeless. I want you to love them today, tomorrow, and in 50 years.
Curl up. Make a realllllly warm cup of coffee or tea. Click on the video below. And I hope you’ll enjoy the next eight minutes!
P.S. To all those who invited me into their spheres in 2023, THANK YOU. It was an incredible honor to document your life.
You can see favorites from previous years here (and forgive me for missing 2022 and 2021!): 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010.
