If you have followed me at all in the past couple of years, you probably know that I had a bit of an "identity crisis" when it came to my photography business after my son was born in 2016. The transition to being a mom to 4 kids was a tough one for me, and I seriously considered hanging up my camera and calling it quits for a while. I'll avoid repeating the story here again, but thankfully I didn't quit and instead I jumped back in with both feet in August of 2017! I had a super busy fall season and I was so blessed to re-connect with some amazing repeat clients and meet some brand faces also! 

I can't wait to share some of my favorite moments from 2017, but there were SO many that I had to break it down a bit. ;-) 

(Quick side note: I was a really terrible blogger in 2017, so most of these sessions have yet to be shared. I am hoping to get all caught up this winter and finally share all of these in full with you all!)

I want to start off with some of my favorite FAMILY PORTRAITS from 2017! Seriously...could these families be any more adorable!? 

Laura Smith Photography 2017 Kiowa Colorado Family PhotographerElizabeth Colorado Elbert County Family and Portrait Photographer

I also took photos of a LOT OF KIDS last year! At the beginning of October, I spent a week at Waterstone Preschool in Littleton as their school photographer which is always one of my favorite jobs! In total, I photographed 160 little ones between the ages of 12 months and 5 years old. It was exhilarating, fun, and completely exhausting, haha! I can't share most of those photos because they are kept private for the students, but I do have permission to share a few! How cute are these littles!??

Laura Smith Photography 2017 Kiowa Colorado Family PhotographerLittleton Colorado Preschool Photographer

I also photographed a bunch of sweet kids during my fall and winter portrait sessions! 

Laura Smith Photography 2017 Kiowa Colorado Family PhotographerElbert County Colorado Child and Family Photographer

I had the honor of meeting and photographing a couple of really awesome SENIORS this year! I missed most of senior season in 2017 because I was still on my maternity break, but thankfully I still snuck these two in because they were both such incredible people! 

Laura Smith Photography 2017 Kiowa Colorado Family PhotographerElbert county colorado senior photographer

I also photographed a couple of in-home lifestyle newborn sessions this year! These were extra special because I have had the pleasure of photographing both of these families as they have grown over the years. I photographed engagements, weddings, and first babies for both of these families, so photographing each of their second babies this year was such an honor. <3

Laura Smith Photography 2017 Kiowa Colorado Family and Newborn PhotographerElbert County Colorado Lifestyle Newborn In Home Photographer

I don't photograph very many weddings anymore (I did one this year!) but I still LOVE photographing COUPLES! Seriously it is one of my very favorite things! I had the pleasure of photographing a couple of engagement sessions this year, and I also tried to take some "couple's photos" during my family sessions this year because I believe so strongly in married couples getting in front of the camera together. 

Laura Smith Photography 2017 Kiowa Colorado Engagement PhotographerElbert County Colorado Engagement and Couple's Photographer Last, but not least! I photographed so many families this year, and I included some of my favorite "formal" portraits at the top of this post, but my FAVORITE photos from family sessions are the candid and real moments. I couldn't end this post without including MY PERSONAL FAVORITES!

Laura Smith Photography 2017 Kiowa Colorado Family PhotographerElbert County Colorado Family and Portrait Photographer

To every single one of my clients: Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I wouldn't be sitting here without your support and trust, and I am so so thankful for you all! Happy New Year and I hope to see you all again in 2018! 

Cheers! 

Laura