Hello bloggers…

Today is the last day of 2011, to some a day off, to others pressure to finish unaccomplished goals, to me, none of the above (especially not the time off) but a day when writing this post, helps me reflects on everything that has happened during 2011, and to re-fuel my inner drive to thrust me into the next year with bigger visions, tougher goals, and greater expectations.  Every year I think that life cannot get any busier, and that what’s expected of me cannot stretch anymore, and then reality hits and multiple life changing events appear and force me to do more and more and more.  I’m a believer that focusing only on the positive is the only way to thrive forward, and that spending any measurable amount of time thinking about the negative will weight you down if trying to reach to higher goals and dreams.  

Soooo much happened this year, and as you can guess, not all positive, but that’s all I choose to think about, reflect on, and improve upon.  This year we moved into our dream studio, built from scratch with every note, experience, and wish over the past 7 years.  This new studio will allow us to accomplish three personal resolutions for 2012.  One is to increase our in-studio shoots with more creative and emotive portraits.  Number two is to teach others this beautiful art.  Number three, and most importantly, is to give back to the community, and I’m not just saying that.  2012’s Christmas will be a time for “giving back” at our studio, and plans to ensure that are already in the works.

I want to take a moment to thank my team for backing us up during this tumultuous year.  I know I can be tough some times, but know that my team is everything to me.  Without them, I’d be lost, and we couldn’t have gotten to where we are today.  And to my clients, you are my source of inspiration, you are fuel, you are my drive.  You, the clients, have gotten us to a point in our career where we can chose the clients with whom we work, so rest assured that we wanted to work with you as much as you wanted to work with us.  We appreciate you more than you can imagine, and we look forward to fulfilling your expectations each and every time.

And now to the best thing that happened to us this year, and quite frankly the best thing that has happened to me in the past 31 years, and certainly the inspiration to be a better man and professional each day.  This I’m happy to say we did without our team, or cameras, or computers, but a whole lot of organic love.  On November 15, at 10:45  am, the biggest blessing came into our lives to overflow our lives with joy and emotions.  A big beautiful boy weighing 9.6 pounds and measuring 21.25 inches.  Parker Alen Martinez, my new addiction, my new inspiration, my everything.  Last year I did a post with a shot from each session I did, but this year this story below overshadows everything I’ve ever done, and it is my pleasure to share it with you all.

May you have the happiest 2011 holiday season and the healthiest and most prosperous 2012.

With Love, Alain Angie, Parker and the entire Alain Martinez Photography Team