An extra log on the fire, another layer, top up another glass of wine, and a bit of candle light. I love winter. It means a lot of different things for me. In fact, just the heading towards the end of the year always has a significant effect on me.

It's been a massively busy year for Alexander Leaman Photography, and one of the most incredible things about photographing weddings is, perhaps obviously, meeting the people involved and jumping onto the ride even for just a brief moment. Most weddings, if not all, are a circus of events and preparations and excitement and celebration and new beginnings. And always super-charged with powerful stories, history and relationships. It's all of these things that draw me to weddings. It's a privilege to be invited into the private lives of others and it's fascinating to see these stories play out, to see the essence of love and intimacy expressed openly. It's honest and heartfelt. It chips away at cynicism.

I've learned a lot about myself this year. I've learned a lot about family. In the middle of everybody else's supernova, in June, the latest edition to my family was born. It's been the most fun having Ed around along with his twin sisters Martha and Rose. It's added an enormous amount of more busy to my life and stepping up a gear hasn't been so much an option as a requirement! Life has literally been beyond crazy.

Although my social diary has taken a huge hit, I've still managed to capitalise on this new energy with my photography. I'm always aware of how much things change and how far we can go, but in 2011 I have seen a seismic shift in my focus and delivery. The main thing for me has been that as I quietly go about improving technically as a photographer (there's always something to learn!) I've noticed my clients are 100% happy with my service. Some of the emails and texts I get are gushing with thanks and praise, and I know that I've done my job. It's massively satisfying knowing that I've contributed to people's life story, and this year it's had a huge impact on me. It's out of my hands, and I can only thank the people that I've met over the year for letting me share in the big stuff. It's humbling.

Next year is already looking to be something like the same, and I'm looking forward to finding those new gears, and introducing new products and services along the way. I'm very excited about pushing myself further photographically and there's also some new artistic projects on the roadmap which I can't wait to get started.

In the mean time, I'm focussed on shooting and completing the last weddings of 2011, and I'm also looking forward to spending some time with my beautiful wife and children over the Christmas break.

Thanks everyone, and here's to 2012! Here's to the new, and here's to the big stuff...I'll see you there x