For me, 2013 will always be regarded as monumental. It is, after all, the year my nephew, Miles, was born; the year Cliff and I took the trip of a lifetime to Iceland; and the year I launched jh Photography and this website. I have so much to be thankful for. Below are some of my personal best and personal favorite photos from 2013. [don't forget to scroll down to see the geyser slideshow!]

FEBRUARY | PHILLY

APRIL | WASHINGTON, DC + CHERRY BLOSSOMS

JULY | CONNECTICUT + MEETING MY NEPHEW

AUGUST | ICELAND

OCTOBER | LAUNCH OF JHPHOTOGRAPHY

DECEMBER | MT VERNON

Christmas is always a joyous time of year at the Huseman-Starkey household, in part because of the traditions Cliff and I have started for our family.

Most folks might say they have children--or animals--together. But Cliff and I, we're different. We have a Christmas tree together. I'll never forget the first Christmas we celebrated as a couple living under the same roof. It was romantic and magical, but what made it so special was that time-honored tradition of picking out our very first Christmas tree. Each year when we pull out our tree, those same giddy feelings return.

Lights. We can't forget the lights. So what if we live 15 stories up in the air? It just isn't Christmas without Christmas lights and each year, we make it a point to deck out our floor-to-ceiling windows with rainbow-colored LEDs.

My favorite Christmas tradition is one I've been following my entire life. Each year that I've celebrated Christmas, my mother has presented me with a daughter ornament. It's a simple thing that always brings with it so much joy--and so many fond memories. I now live nearly 2,000 miles from where I grew up, but hanging the daughter ornaments on my tree makes it feel as though I haven't even left.

This year I started a new holiday tradition. I visited a friend who lives in Del Ray, Virginia, a quaint, artsy neighborhood just off of Old Towne's main drag. Despite the blustery air, we strolled up and down The Avenue chatting as we window shopped. The night was so laid back and relaxed that it almost felt as if we had taken a step back in time.  Between the lights and kids and decadent smell of baked goods, you could practically feel the holiday spirit permeating the air.

Share your favorite Christmas traditions below!

What photography blog would be complete without photos of Louie?

Those who know me know I'm crazy about my four-footed feline baby. He came into my life six years ago, and neither of us has ever looked back.

Louie is an exceptionally social cat who loves to play, but also delights in a good nap. He's picky about his toys, but not his food, and he never passes up the opportunity to be mischievous. Yup. I'm pretty sure we were made for each other.

This may be the first posting about Lou Cat, but I suspect it wont be the last. I mean, how can you not love that face?

Not long ago my mom reached out to me for some photography pointers. Not for herself, but for a class of eighth grade photography students she is subbing for.

Having spent 40 years in the classroom as a full-time educator, my mother is an exceptionally creative person. She can cook, sew, draw, paint, and sketch. But as she said to me in her email, "I am totally not sure about this photography stuff."

3. Don’t be afraid to try new things
Following the rule of thirds and always keeping a light source at your back are great tips that often produce great photos. But don’t be afraid to break those rules. Experimenting with your camera may lead to unexpected but fabulous results.

4. Photoshop does not fix all
As a photographer, you may often hear people joke about Photoshop and all the ways a photo can be altered using this program. Photoshop is a marvelous tool that, if used properly, can greatly enhance good photos. But Photoshop isn’t magic. A bad photo is a bad photo. Don’t assume you can rely on fancy programs to adjust your photos. Always try your best to produce quality work you are comfortable with and proud of.

They say the best things in life are free. Often, I've found that those things are also simple.

That was certainly the case for a family photo session featuring friends Jen, Jake and Micky. We spent a sunny, Sunday afternoon in Rock Creek Park sipping home-made hot cocoa and eating home-made marshmallows. Yup. You read it that right. Jen spent the previous evening mixing gelatin and sugar until she had created a jar full of the perfectly plump, spongy treats.

The end product came together beautifully. We enjoyed the best the season has to offer, all captured here in these simple but cozy winter photos. Happy Holidays, everyone!