Weekly Photo Challenge: My 2012 in Pictures

What better way to end the year than going back through all the photos taken and reminding yourself that, despite ups and downs, there was a lot to celebrate.   Thank you Weekly Photo Challenge!

Many of my ups have been posted in the form of sneak-a-peeks and highlights of the many photo sessions that are the integral part of my job. (Absolutely no regrets taking photography to full-time status!)

Reminiscing, I limited my photos to 1 per month (a challenge in itself!)

January…  capturing a moose has long been on my list of desired images.  Sadly, they’ve been elusive creatures for me – butts disappearing into the bush; standing silhouetted in a distant field flipping the proverbial bird;  or racing across the road in front of my parked car – while I was changing lenses.  A family trip to the Royal Alberta Museum‘s wildlife exhibit gave me my only good shot to date.  Their fascinating diorama setups give lifelike backdrops to the various animals.

February… watching our son compete in the Alberta Winter Games judo competition.

March…  a family visit to the auto show – some dreams, some potential reality, and some novel family photo ops.

April… a family visit to Las Vegas – a firing range, the Red Rock Mountains, Glitter Gulch, outlet malls and a view of the gorgeous Bellagio Fountains from our hotel rooms were just a few of the highlights!

May… Watching my daugther compete in her first 4-H Club events.  Anyone who knows horses, knows how challenging it is to get them to stand nicely – particularly when a camera is around.  Silver was a trooper!

June… Ozzie, the big lovable 80lb ‘puppy’ (only 10 months old), adopted from Oops A Dazy in May knew all the tricks to ensure his place in the family!

July… so many outdoor activities, but a family outing to The Calgary Stampede watching the Tails show was one of many highlights.

August… a beautiful summer had us out and about but, despite receiving my first ever wasp sting, I really enjoyed the smalltown Millarville Rodeo and Fair.  (Nothing outshone my being part of the Globalfest 2012 photography team though!)

September 2012… thought we’d try one last family picnic while the weather held.  Discovered Sheep River Falls which I’ll be exploring more at a later date. Typical family photo attempt!

October… changing seasons, a little warmth, a little snow, a little cold, and glorious colours.

November… visions of Sugarplums dancing in my head – or at least an Aston Martin ready gift-wrapped.  Sadly it didn’t appear under my tree despite subtle hints dropped. 😀

December… I’ve never been a big one for New Year’s celebrations, but my ‘party animals’ (Ohinga, Matlock, Ozzie & Mew hiding in the basket) did it for me.  HAPPY NEW YEAR one and all.  May 2013 bring you health and happiness.