As 2022 comes to an end...
And my books are closed for the year, I thought it would be fun to take a look back and give out some awards! It was my first full year back here in Ohio and it's been a year of adjusting to a new home, new friendships and new beginnings, and growing this business from the ground up again! I'm so thankful I was able to take a trip back to the ATX and see some of my favorite clients! Over the course of just THREE days I shot 13 sessions- it was exhausting but ah-mazing! And I'm hoping to make another trip out in 2023 <3 I am truly so thankful to all of you for trusting me to provide you with images to cherish for years to come. Spending time with you and your loves is such a joy to me, and a gift to be able to witness love in its purest. A huge THANK YOU and I look forward to all of our adventures in 2023!
And the moment you've all been waiting for....
Loren gail photography awards: the best of 2022
Most Romantic session
When we moved to Ohio, we were blessed with the sweetest neighbor, Sandy. Her now husband, surprised her one weekend with an ELOPEMENT of her dreams! They didn't get photos and so I was able to take some photos of them and their new family afterwards. I love getting to capture the small moments, the day-to-day love, but being able to take these photos for Sandy and Drew was just so special for me! And such an honor to capture photos that will mark the beginning of their forever <3
Most nerve-racking session
I cannot remember the last time I was SO NERVOUS for a session. Cory had reached out to me saying he wanted to PROPOSE to Julia during a session. We planned it all out, I even brought hubs along to take a video, and even still I WAS SO NERVOUS!!! This kind of moment you can't miss and whew, that pressure is intense!! Cory and Julia arrived at Devou Park and as soon as we start IT STARTS RAINING! But they were committed to whatever would come and Cory totally NAILED THE PROPOSAL! This session not only gets the award for most nerve-racking but also for the most weather changes during a session-rain, sun, cloudy, clear skies, misty! It went great though and I'm so happy for them!!!
Best Dressed [& Best Hugs!!]
I am a sucker for simple and neutral and this mama totally nailed it. I know just how hard it is to find outfits for a family of five and I just loooooooooove how simple and sweet their outfits are! Absolutely cannot go wrong with light and neutral *insert heart eyes* And I got to see this beautiful family again and I was showered in THE BEST HUGS by the twins! I'm still smiling thinking about it :)
Best baby rolls
Who doesn't love a squishy babe?! Baby girl had the rolliest thighs and juiciest cheeks- ADORABLE!!!!
Favorite Image of mom
This was a hard one because I make sure to always take photos of mamas with their babes at every session, so to pick just one was tough! But I do have one I adore- it's just so beautiful. With my own children I can remember when they are newborns laying on my chest like that- napping for hours- and then to feel them grow and grow and now they are as big as me if they lay on my chest. The joy, the moment, the safety of a mother, the beauty- all things I love about this image. I've added a few other favs from this session too!
Wettest session
This one shocks me! Usually I have a few lake sessions, but not this year! So wettest session goes specifically to Little Man at Brushy Creek!! I am all about the adventure, the come what may, the barefoot in the creek, the getting dirty! Goals for 2023- more water sessions! I mean look at how cute he is drenched from head to toe!!
Most Liked on instagram
Ya'll already know social media is NOT my jam, but gotta give a shoutout to my most liked reel on the gram! I was blessed to be able to take Michelle and Irfan's maternity photos and newborn photos! And baby girl brought in all the likes *heart eyes*
Favorite blooms
Fall in Ohio has to be one of my favorite times to photograph- and its not for the leaves! I'm obsessed with the Goldenrod and Queen Anne's lace [yes, I had to google what they were called lol] This sweet nook at Sharon Woods not only has beautiful blooms but great light as well- a photographers dream!! And to top it off this beautiful family just made this spot *chef's kiss*
most meaningful session
This one is personal. Before passing away over 10 years ago, my grandpa lived in a condo on the beach in Naples, Florida. We visited multiple times a year, it was my favorite place. The beach, only a quick walk away was a place that made my heart feel still. The waters were calm and clear and the sand was perfectly white. Before my family sold the condo, the timing worked out perfectly for Harrie and I to spend our honeymoon there! All this to say, this place is SPECIAL to me and it had been a dream of mine to take my kids there one day. Well, this summer we made it happen and my parents, sister and niece also joined us on the adventure making it that much more special! We spent the days meandering from the pool to the beach and back to the pool- it was THE BEST VACATION. And I'm so happy I was able to share a place that means so much to me with my kids. So, of course, a family session on my beach was a must! I'm so thankful for these photos to remember this place with my most special people.
coldest session
I'm still adjusting to not being able to shoot outdoors year round here in Cincinnati! My last outdoor mini sessions of the year- November 13th, was a cold one! The Kelp family, my last shoot of the day braved the cold and snuggled in close for some precious moments captured! And look how cute Bingo is!!!
most calories burned at a session
This mostly has to do with how HOT it was, but between the short walk to the location and chasing little man around, I'd say I got a workout in! Nothing like taking fall themed photos in the HEAT of AUSTIN SUMMERS lol The last time I saw this family was when little man was in mama's belly and its always SO FUN seeing your families grow and watching y'all turn into some of the sweetest parents.
Favorite location *AND* sweetest big siblings
This session had to get a double award- the Hehemann family at Summit Park! They also win most kids at a session, with their four beautiful babes! Triple Whammy! Summit Park is at the top of my location list these day! I love the blooms, the fall leaves, the trails- it's pretty central, easy to get to annnd a super cool playground to bribe the kids with after! And while I had lots of sweet big siblings- these big kids ADORED and OBSESSED and even lovingly fought over their baby sis!!! It was SO STINKIN SWEET. The whole family was full of love for one another, and such well-behaved kids! This was one of my favorite sessions of the year.
happiest baby
I was so bummed that I missed most of this guys first whole year of life! His mom and dad have been some of my favorite clients- always down for the adventure! I've watched him grow up on instagram and was so sooo soooooo happy to finally meet him in person, and y'all, SUCH A HAPPY BABY!!!!! And so sooo soooooo loved <3
most fun session as a third wheel
I'm always saying a couples session is like a fun date! I love how at the beginning of a session its all cute and cautious and by the end of the session the walls have come down and your love for one another is on fiyahhh! Hanging out with Shelby and Michael was full of laughs and just an authenticity you don't come across every day. And on top of that, I'm obsessed with EVERY. SINGLE. IMAGE in their gallery!!!
sweetest newborn session
Honestly, all my newborn sessions are just the sweetest- I mean what is not to adore about a new baby! There was just something so overwhelmingly sweet about this little family as they spoke to one another, cared for their baby and simply existed together. It was also my first outdoor newborn session here in Cincinnati, and I am here for it!!
sweetest mother and son bond [and best hair!]
I had the joy of photographing this duo twice this year! And they are just an amazing example of a mothers deep love for her son. The bond between these two runs deep and it shows. They also take the cake for BEST HAIR! I'm a sucker for curls and mama's hair is stunning as well!
Most snack breaks at a session
Those of you with kids know that it is them that leads the show, and if they need to eat, well, then we eat! lol While I always suggest making sure the babes are well fed before a session, sometimes life just happens and when babe wants food, babe gets food! Baby girl nommed away on her cherrios and raisins, and nommed away some more, and more, which gave me the perfect excuse to catch up with her mama, my childhood best friend!! And just look HOW CUTE SHE IS- those eyes are going to melt her daddy's heart for the rest of his life and her mama is going to cherish those sweet snuggles forever.
Smiliest Pup
Your fur babes are always welcome and while all the pups were ADORABLE and so well behaved this year, there is one pup who's smile just made me so happy! This little guy was ready to go and totally rocked his family photo session! And he matched his families outfits PERFECTLY *heart eyes*
Best baby hair
Isn't he just the cutest? This little guy breezed right through his session! Sometimes newborn sessions last for hours, and other times they are easy peasy lemon squeezy like this one!
most loyal
Building a business in a new city is HARD. Clients who come back year after year, clients who share and tag, clients who refer and leave reviews are so helpful to building back up my clientele and for that I am SO THANKFUL. The Mercer's have done all of that and it means so much! I also love love love that during a session they are up for anything!
favorite image of 2022
This photo has ALL of my favorite things: an adoring couple, beautiful golden light, the dried grasses, fun composition and neutral tones!
And that's a wrap for 2022!
I am so grateful for all my clients and the amazing sessions we have had this year! I cannot wait to see what 2023 brings! Thank you all so much. See you next year!!!
