Charlene Hardy Photograpy

I love light.

Winter is a hard season for me,

Not enough light in the day.

Here in Washington we have had snow, plenty of it. I love the unexpected joy of waking up to school being cancelled, my husband’s work closed and all after school activities called off, giving us lots of time to play, laugh and snuggle.

I love the New Year, a sense of starting fresh and renewed energy! This year as an artist I have the goal to shoot more personal work, to help me grow and define my voice. I am excited about this goal and the opportunity it gives me to experiment and try new things. This picture is from a session I was able to do in Nashville this past week, I love how different it is from my “normal.” It feels refreshing to break out my creative side with such a beautiful 10 year old girl. Thanks Kaelin for trusting me and my vision and helping me out with this shot.

Funny thing about this shot was it was taken in the hallway leading to an elevator at a hotel. The weather wasn’t wanting to cooperate so we went inside and explored the light there.

I have some winners to announce. Before I start with the winners, I want to thank everyone who participated in my contest. I loved so many pictures from the past year, it was so hard to narrow it down to one photo per session. When I look back at each photo, I am reminded of the amazing families I have had the opportunity to work with this past year. I am so thankful for the people who have been brought into my life through my business, I have literally laughed, learned and cried during sessions. I am so lucky to now call my clients friends.

The votes were so close the entire week. The first place winner switched spots so many times, it was so much fun checking on my page and seeing who was ahead.  I would have never guessed how many people would take part in this contest, I had a lot of fun hosting it and hope everyone had as much fun as I did!

1st place- Woodward Family

20×24 canvas of their beautiful daughter Clara. I love this picture because when photographing a two year old it is difficult, sometimes impossible to catch those quiet moments.

2nd Runner up- Sorenson Family

One free session (including cd of proofs) Not only are their 3 daughters beautiful, the parents are amazing. Don saw how close I was to 1000 likes, a goal I have had for some time and worked so hard to get me those likes. I am forever thankful for all of his hard work in helping me reach my goal.

3rd Runner up Reese Family

A mounted 8×10 of their beautiful baby. I am in love with this session, when the session was booked, I really was worried about how many poses I could get her into because she was an older baby. Not only was she beautiful but her parents were so nice and allowed me to take the extra time to really work on getting amazing photos.

Everyone else who was featured in the contest will be receiving a letter with a coupon in it, which they can share with a friend or use it for an upcoming session. Thank you to everyone who made it such a wonderful year.

2011 was a great year! It was filled with many milestones- becoming a Certified Professional Photographer, shooting more sessions, finally breaking into the commercial market and meeting so many fantastic families from the Tri-Cities. I couldn’t have asked for a better year. In celebration of having such a great year, I have decided to have a fun giveaway. Posted below are my personal favorites from this past year, one of these images will be made into a 20×24 canvas for the family that booked the session. In order to vote for your favorite image go to my facebook page, “like” my page and then like the photo you are voting for. Please only one vote per person and be sure to “like” my page, in order to have your vote count. You have from today until Friday, Jan. 13th to vote. The winner will be announced on Monday Jan. 16th. Spread the word and let all of your friends and family members know to vote.

(Facebook is not endorsing or have anything to do with this contest. The final decision will be made based on the number of votes. Charlene Hardy Photography will make the final decision. Charlene Hardy has the right to disqualify anyone. The canvas made will be of the picture that wins, no substitutions allowed. Please play fair!)

Here are my favorites in no particular order…