The Best of 2013 | My Story in a Year of Weddings

I've wanted to do this post for a very long time.  Fear drove my complacency; as it does in many of our lives when we are standing in front of a huge project.  2013 was a year of awakening for me.  My life changed with too many moments to count.  I visited the shores of Normandy which gave me an undying perspective of just how thankful I should be; it also gave me a real life vision of history.  Those beaches I'd read about in pages of books came to life.  The art of my work also took a change at the beginning of the year and on.  2012 was the year of finding my place among this amazing community.  Wedding after wedding, late nights, a lost relationship, and long flights home.  2013 was different.  I was focused.  Every 3 months I set a new goal.  From finding my own way to tell the story of a beautiful bride, making a groom stoic, focusing on the details details details; I slowly started began to feel comfortable in my own skin.  I stopped looking at other peoples work.  If I did, it was the likes of Avedon or Winters.  I focused on my work; I also had an amazing woman supporting me who also happens to be a photographer.I asked a potential groom today to describe what drew them to my work.  His response hit me hard and reminded me what a shit ton of hard work, sacrifice, and attention to detail will give you..RESULTS.  He said, "It was a wedding on a small ranch.  You followed them throughout the day.  I felt like I was present.  Like I was apart of their family.  As I was reading a novel.  You told a STORY."This is why I do this.  To tell stories.  I am not blessed with the ability to paint, draw, nor dance (according to my girlfriend + erick).  God has blessed with me the ability to tell a story through my eyes; and it be enjoyed by several people.  I'm not sure what else I could really ask for.  I truly am the luckiest man alive.My idea for this post was to do just that.  Tell a story; through my eyes.  This is my 2013.  This is my growth.  These are my goals right here in color & black and white.  These are my wonderful clients who trusted me to tell their story.  Who welcomed me into their private circle of loving family and friends & treated me like their own on a day like no other.  To you all; I am humbled.  Thank you for all the wonderful people who helped me throughout the year:  Cameron, Melissa, Stephen; just to name a few.  This was my 2013.[audio:https://www.josephwashere.com/music/slideshow.mp3]