{reflecting on love} 2010: A Year in Review

Over the past few weeks I have seen many photographers putting up year end posts, reflections of all they’ve done in a year. I thought I would venture out and do the same.

When I started to look through my images this year, I was amazed/proud/humbled by my year and how far I have come. To say that this year has been full would be an overwhelming understatement. I can’t believe how quickly this year went and yet how much went into it for me professionally, emotionally, and relationally. I think it also has something to do with being in my 20′s but I hardly know the girl who started this year! I’ve learned so much.

This isn’t just about my photos. I have to make this a reflection on my life this year too because my art reflects my life just as I try to reflect your life in my art. And as I want to be as honest as I can: in life, in love, in art.

I started this year a little lost. Trying to understand where I had been and where I was in order to map out where I wanted to go. My confidence was shaken from trying to be all things to all people. I was burnt out, exhausted, and desperate for new things. So I started my “Joy a Day” journey, taking one photo every day of something that gave me joy. Although I didn’t continue the project much longer than a month, I remember a feeling of blessing each day when I reflected on what joy looked like and how I could capture it with my camera. This is something I hope to continue on into the new year in some way.

Over this year I’ve made many mistakes. I’m the first person to make you a list of them all and show you all the ways I didn’t live up to expectations. One thing I know, is that my expectations of myself are overwhelmingly high. This year, I learned that I can’t live up to myself or anyone else all the time. And that’s okay. : ) So, this year I may have let some people down but I’ve also brought joy. I’ve accomplished a lot and I’m going to be proud of where I am!

So celebrate with me! These photos (inspired by my friend Shannon Yau‘s year-end post) are my favourites of this year. Some of them are probably not technically perfect or awe-inspiring to anyone but me. But these are photos that brought me joy in my reflections and I want to pass on some of that joy to you!

Thank you for sticking with me to the end of this post. Now stop reading and look at some photos!

xo elyse

well done friend! It’s been quite the year. My favorites: the veil in the wind and matt & kate in the church.

Thank you Shannon! You’re always a great inspiration for me! xo

So lovely!!! Love your editing and super creative perspective in these shots! Hope to run into you at P & S soon so you can meet our little boy!

Thanks so much, Tara! Hope to see you and your little boy soon! xo