As most of you know, I’ve been behind the lens of a camera for a few years now. I’ve shot numerous events and portraits in my life, rarely for free, but mostly because I loved capturing the moments. Similar to how I ended up being a web developer many years ago, I just couldn’t wrap my head around being paid to do something I loved.

On this day last year I made a decision that I would become aggressive and see if I could turn this passion into an actual business venture. 365 days later my mind has been blown by where we’ve wound up.  Goals were set and thanks to the support of a wonderful group of family and friends we’ve significantly passed all of our goals for the year.

When I say “goals” I don’t want it to come across as if I’m only speaking financially. I am speaking to the clients we’ve been able to serve and the relationships that we’ve built with them.  I’m talking about the types of gigs we are getting now compared to 2 and 3 years ago.  I’m sure I will do a blog about goals for the upcoming year, but I have several lofty ones. Something I have learned without question is that I have to push myself.

I tend to look at my images from 2 and 3 years ago and compare them to where I’m at creatively now. It’s a totally different world. I feel like I’m finally setting myself apart with a specific look and style.  On more than 1 occasion I’ve had clients ask me during a shoot if they can have the “patented Wes Brown shot”…some joking, but serious as well.  Similar to how Zack Arias starts all of his clients on a white seamless, I have things I want to capture every shoot if possible.

I can’t express how thankful I am to everyone who has help spread the word about my work over this year. Whether it’s through word of mouth, Twitter, Facebook, or any other way, it has helped like you wouldn’t believe.  Where I spent 2009 knocking on so many doors, 2010 has been filled with people inviting us into doors we didn’t even know existed.

I expect so much out of 2011 now. I can only do that because of the joy that was 2010.

With that said, here’s a look back to a small portion of my favorite images of 2010.