2010 – Highlights of the Year

The end of the year is almost upon us. I usually sit down and rethink all the wonderful memories of the last year before moving on to the next one. It’s my way of being thankful, to see where I have learned valuable lessons and what I can to better next year.

2010… wow, what a year! A lot of ups and downs but surely a year that I will never forget for the following reasons.

Most South African will remember 2010 for FIFA World Cup.  This was also one of my hightlights of the year (since I am a big football fan), but the best moment by far was the day that we’ve  bought our first house. It has been our desires for a long time to have a house where our little family could live and work from home. In May we moved into our new house in Boston and a new chapter started for us as a family. The renovations on the studio has just been completed and we will start working in the new premises from the beginning of next year.

I also helped my wife, Zani, and our friend, Erna, launced their bridal couture business, Lace Blossom. I am truly proud of the two of them.  Their dresses are beautiful and I know this is the beginning of great things. Don’t dispise the day of small beginnings.

On the photography side, there were a lot of new steps taken this year. My first wedding publication was published in the Nubian Bride Magazine, I won a bronze award at the Sony Pro Foto awards and a few of my photos were published in the book, “Wedding Photography: A Guide to Posing”. I also did two workshop this year. One was my own Workshop of 5 and the other one was “Taking Jake Out of His Box” that I presented with Sybrand Cillie. I realised how much I love teaching people and I hope to present more workshops in the future.

Workshop of 5 – Photo by Mitchell Wong Ho

Zani and I celebrated our 5th Wedding Anniversary and the 5th year of my photography business. As a dad, it was great to see little Amelie grow up from a baby to a little girl. I am so greatful to love what I am  doing and to have a wonderful family who supports me.

A valuable lesson that I have learn this year is the following: “Don’t give up. Push through even if it feel like everything is falling apart. The new level await you just beyond!”

To all the people out there a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. This goes out to all the couples, service providers, other photographers and anybody else who visits the blog. Now open up the bubbly and have a fantastic festive time. I can’t wait what lies ahead for all of us in 2011. Cheers!