On Christmas Eve, amid family hustle and social media’s negative review of 2016, I choose gratitude. Reflecting on growth at LPJ Photography, I’m thankful for clients who trusted my creative vision. I believe in appreciating the year’s hidden treasures and I’m ready for a hopeful 2017.

A photographer reflects on her empowering experience with an extraordinary but shy client, Kristy, which inspired them to share their work broadly, resulting in a published piece. They encourage others to take risks and value their unique contributions.

A photographer reflects on a lifeguarding job that revealed a talent for teaching, shaping their approach to coaching clients in posing for photographs. Different techniques create optical illusions and are employed to craft a beautiful and natural images, reinforcing the idea that photos can indeed lie, but with purposeful and skilled guidance.

After resolving to voice positive thoughts, this person discovered the uplifting power of compliments. They learned to counteract negative self-talk and realized their value. Their photography serves as an extension of this practice, visually amplifying affirmation, and fostering self-esteem in both their subjects and themselves.

As summer break concludes, high school seniors anticipate their final year with activities like Friday night football and senior photo shoots. This photographer offers pre-shoot preparation tips. Outfit and prop guidance cater to individual style while ensuring photos reflect the senior’s identity and interests. These sessions aim to capture the essence of the student’s senior year.

The photographer, a life long sports fan, reflects on the deeper significance of sports rivalry beyond winning or losing. Even in sports rivalries, it’s the relationships, not just the games, that stir her passion, culminating in a sentiment that, regardless of the outcome, she wins through her connections with both teams.