There are several things that are considered when looking at the top images of the year. Of course, we look at the “technical stuff”, composition, lighting, etc. However, the emotion behind an image holds major weight. But most of all, sentiment trumps everything else. Check out the top 20 images from 2022!

#20 - The Mone Boys

The Mones!!! Y’all, these boys have THE BEST hair out of any client of mine!! Lawanda is such a solid supporter of BP! I love watching her boys grow over the years. But these smiles!!! I was drooling just taking these photos.

#19 - The Magazine Family

Bring me the Ralph Lauren Christmas magazine!! This family is picture perfect. Brittany showed up looking like a model!! This was one of my favorite styled fall mini sessions, she had a vision and she made it happen!!!

#18 - Bring the Guitar!

YES! The answer is yes, bring the guitar!! Kat is a fellow photographer who wanted to be in front of the camera for once. I don’t take this lightly. As a photographer, we have a certain eye and a certain desired “look”. I was honored that she asked me to take these pictures. Celebrate with your love!

#17 - All the Blossoms!

I hope there is never a year where the Garrett’s aren’t on the top 20 blog. Trust me. There won’t be. Katelyn will be the first one at an 8am session looking like she walked off the runway, Turner’s hair will be perfect and Robert’s positive dad personality is something I wish all dad’s had!! They were born for Cherry Blossom photos!!

#16 - Yoga

Amie is a nurse and yoga instructor that is also working on her PhD. These headshots were SOO FUN and so unique. I knew from the moment she did this pose that I would be in love with these images. Don’t let the term “headshots” make you think of a 90’s glamor shot that people see for 20+ years on your email icon. Regularly updating your headshots to showcase your personality is SO important and will bring in more clients/business that you could imagine!

#15 - Japanese Gardens

Let’s be honest…most maternity sessions do not end up in the Japanese Gardens at Maymont just because of the walk. WELL. This stunning couple did it…in JUNE!! The richness of the foliage and the contrast and Chelsey’s white dress makes me love this picture SO much. The coloring is one of my favorites!

#14 - ALLL the Summer Vibes

The composition of this image just stops me in my tracks. Courtney is always styled so beautifully and has every detail taken care of!!! I ALWAYS look forward to taking pictures of this trio!

#13 - A Mama and Her Girl

OH! Emily and Ellie Grace. This was not only one of my favorite images from the year, but also one of my favorite sessions. This simplicity of white bed minis is one of my favorites but the matching dresses and these special moments. I see Ellie Grace looking back at these pictures and FOREVER treasuring them. Wouldn’t you have loved an image like this of you and your mom?

#12 - Emily + Brendon

Did you really think that The Clarks would not be in the top 20 images?! This was such a perfect picture wedding. Emily has to be one of the most easy-going, low key brides I have ever worked with. She put 100% of her trust in me and had effortless beauty the entire day. I’m still dreaming about this stunning day.

Venue: Waverly Estate

Florals: One Sweet Day in May - Michelle Schmidt

Planner: Johanna Milby

Makeup:Emily Rooney

#11 - The Embrace

This was one of the most glowy, emotion filled photos of the year. The sun was hitting just right!! Believe it or not, my original spot was taken by people grilling out on the shore but I am thankful for the small change in location because it forced me to be creative and shoot in a new-to-me spot!!

#10 - The Cookie Monster

Ok. Seriously?! I don’t think a single image from the entire year made me smile as much as this one day. Grayson is a HAM!!! He is the most adorable little boy, but the glasses are just icing on the cake. This is a picture I can’t stop staring at.

#9 - Stunning Senior

Miss Julia was a SUPER fun 2-part Senior Session!! I just knew that one of her images would make the top 20 and it was SO hard to pick just one. She works at a local boutique so she was styled for her session so beautifully. I love her smile!

#8 - My Cover Duo

This year, we added an additional set to our Christmas minis. Believe it or not, this photo of Brycen and Raelynn was taken in July! ;) These were the promo photos that made for my most bookings and busiest photography day of my career. This one in particular holds such a special place in my heart!

#7 - Puppy Kisses

Puppy fever anyone?? This puppy’s mama is such a sweet photographer friend of mine!! This year’s Red Truck/Tree Farm minis were at O’Neals tree farm! If this photo doesn’t just make you smile, I don’t know what will??

#6 - Never Give Up

Well…there aren’t enough words to express how much I love the Smith family. Shannon is one of BP’s most faithful supporters. Niall is a huge answer to prayer and a reminder of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. I was honored to help freeze these moments for this new family of 5. This session was done on one of the most rainy, dreary of days but this stunning window in the nursery made for the most perfect photo.

#5 - Mama

This session was my first time shooting in Fredericksburg. Alejandra lives in Washington DC so we decided to meet halfway. She threw on this hat and this was the most unposed natural picture and it is stunning…SHE is stunning. The session was a BFF maternity session and I can’t wait to meet her and Maria’s babies in January.

#4 - A Daddy’s Love

This is one of those pictures that stops you in your tracks. The emotion. As a fellow Daddy’s girl, I feel this deeply. There is such a special bond between Emily and her daddy. I love that we were able to freeze this treasured moment.

#3 - Z + S

Swoon worthy!! This photo holds a top spot for several reasons but the composition of this image is what grabs my attention. The low lying tree, diffused Fall sunlight shining through, the love that Savannah and Zach have and Savannah’s stunning smile. It’s all total perfection!

#2 - Family Goals

OH give me all the glowy summer light!!! The Allgood’s are ALL GOOD! This session was so much fun! Owen and Libby were making mama's dreams come true with smiles and laughter. The sun was definitely showing off! This snap in time shows this family is their most natural state, pure joy!

#1 - TOP IMAGE OF 2021

It breaks my heart that there weren't more photos taken of The Lucas family in 2022. However, that wasn’t The Lord’s plan. This image will always hold such a special place in my heart. The love that Austin had for Amelia was unmatched. Tommy looks at his baby girl and wife with all the love in the world. Little did anyone know, baby Ava was growing inside of her mama here. Just a treasured moment that will always be remembered.