Happy one year anniversary, Delaney Taylor Photography blog!
2017 was a banner year--over 40 blog posts, more than 800,000 photos taken, and countless, priceless moments of beauty, genuine emotion, love and happiness with so many of you, new and returning friends. To celebrate, I'm thinking it's time for a new tradition to mark this year-a-versary, so I'm sharing with you some of my favorite shots and moments of 2017. :)
Rebekah
I often feel pressure to throw these softer focus images out for the sake of clarity, but it's actually the reason I kept it! The dreamy softness of Rebekah's smile and her beautiful eyes take my breath away, so the style complimented her perfectly.
Mary + Ben + Baby
Originally, I took this shot from the ground--then to mix it up, I went for an above shot. I love the overlapping rings of their arms and the closeness and love they portray that was so true of Mary, Ben + Baby's shoot.
Emily + Bryan
Emily loves tulips. We saw this pretty little patch of them and the sun peaked out from behind the clouds at just the right moment to add extra sparkle to their eyes. A magical moment and a lovely photo!
Weed Family
One of my favorite parts of the Weed family's session was following this little man around. This wasn't a shot we had planned, but this moment just summed up childhood wonder for me.
The Francis Family
The blossoms were in full glory when I went out with the Francis family. We were figuring out where everyone was going to stand and they instantly locked hands. I love the connection in this photo.
The Popin Family
I had just taken some amazing group shots in the Popin's home when I took some time with James and Margaret. B was telling me about her toys in the back room as I took this shot and she photobombed it so perfectly! I thought, this must be what parenthood is like. lol.
SVU Graduation
Although I knew several of the graduates at this ceremony, Rebekah's face brought it all together--when the pomp and circumstance is over and you have your diploma in hand, this is the relief, pride and joy that comes with it.
Bekah + Skyler's Wedding
In the middle of all the reception activities, Bekah and Skyler had a minute for their 'first dance' and these magical night shots under the twinkle lights came to be. We lit it with, get this, cell phone flashlights. It was amazing the way everything melted away and there stood before me two people who were just so happy, at peace, whole... because they were finally and completely together.
The Sutton Family
The Sutton Family was full of laughs and fun, but these two shots really read 'family' to me--there's no pretense, just love, tickle fights, and hugs that occasionally knock you backwards (in a good way, most of the time).
Grandpa's Funeral
Despite the sadness of losing my Grandpa, taking this photo made a lot of the hurt subside. My mom and her siblings haven't been in one place maybe since I was a kid, and it's even more difficult for them to travel now. Something historic happened by having them all here for a photo, and it was incredibly special to me to take it.
Duck Pond: Delaney + Stephen
While in Utah for my Grandpa's funeral, my husband and I walked around the same duck pond where we spent our honeymoon. I love double chins as much as the next girl--but this photo was us in that moment: happy and blinded by how much we have to be grateful for. (Loves, babe!)
Cori's Graduation
Just before the big ceremony, Cori and I took some photos to mark her big achievement. "How does it feel to graduate?" And this happened---appropriate, yes.
Lucy + Cory + Baby
No filter--seriously folks, the light on this shoot was amazing and it loves Lucy, Cory and baby. So excited, so in love, so much warmth, I "Wow"-ed when I saw this shot even before I added my own edits to it. (And baby is a little light in of herself--maybe that's her in the corner ;) )
Anna's Mission
Anna is a theatre buff, and Hamilton is quite the hot topic, so when Anna decided she wasn't going to "miss her shot" I found this photo capitalized on everything Anna--determined, effervescent, scrappy ;) and full of optimism.
Duke Gardens
This year, I discovered Duke Gardens and fell in love. I love how dreamy and real this shot is at the same time. BRB, I need to go back to the gardens now.
Lincoln Street
This year I introduced real estate photography to my services! That sky is real, folks. No drop in here. I felt this shot epitomized the ideal home setting--sunny, lush and inviting.
KWH Potluck
I stepped out with both my hats on this year--the CPA firm where I work my day job in Raleigh had a potluck, and I took some photos of the team (and yes, a print of it is still on their fridge!) GO TEAM! (Let's hope we survive this tax season ;) )
MacEwan Family
I loved this unscripted moment! Wendy and Robert leaned in to share a kiss and Weezy decided she wasn't going to miss out on the love fest--we all burst into giggles and it made for a beautiful, genuine moment in a photo.
Heidi
Every girl needs that shot that says 'I am everything I have ever imagined or wanted to be.' And this was the alpha shot of Heidi's session. I adore Heidi's sense of style, and this vogue shot immediately read "Cover Girl" to both of us.
Michaela
Dance shoots were my beginning in photography, so going back this year was amazing! This set of three photos with the lovely, talented Michaela was like witnessing an artist before the show, warming up in the wings. It's a story so rarely seen of artists; I'm so grateful Michaela shared that 'space' with me.
Kat + Allen
As a songwriter, I have a song called "Under the Tree" that's all about that moment when you realize you're in love. Kat and Allen definitely knew they were in love before, but you can't miss it here! So, naturally, I adore this shot.
Duke Japanese Arboretum
Tranquility is a theme I found throughout the Japanese Arboretum at Duke Gardens, and when this Grey Heron landed so gracefully in the pond here, the moment encapsulated walking through the breezy boughs and bamboo.
The Cragun Family
The Craguns returned with their beautiful baby girl to have a family shoot with me and this shot nearly made me cry. The simple beauty of three loves--love of child, love of spouse, and love of life. It was everything Choose your love, love your choice means to me. No wonder they're the cover of our Welcome Guide in 2018!
Thank you, 2017.
2018, may you choose your love, and love your choice as ferociously as my peeps from 2017!