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The biggest news of all this year was and is my grandson Jaxson. Although he was technically born in 2010 his Christmas eve birth gave us little time to get to know him in 2010. He has been the greatest joy in my life and I am truly blessed to have such an amazing daughter and son-in-law that have included me in every single day of Jaxson’s miraculous life. He was born 2 months premature and it was a difficult start but he is doing great and he has made such giant leaps in life. Hugs and kisses to my sweet angel Jaxson xxoo.
Jaxson Daniel Laing
2011 started off with a huge bang for me. In January I released my first solo eBook “A Guide to Creative Filters and Effects“. It was published by BIRDSASART and edited by Arthur Morris. Sales of my filter guide were way beyond my expectations and they are still selling quite well. This opened up a new life for me. I started writing more and more and I have just released my 6th eBook! Not bad for a girl from Jersey with just a dream to start with. I do have to give so much credit and thanks to Arthur Morris. His continued support and mentoring has helped me in so many ways. He has helped me with my writing and has stood behind my dreams with encouraging words. Artie has been an inspiration to me, he always strives to create the very best image that he can in any given situation. His work ethic and time in the field is unmatched. So thank you Art Morris for all you have done for me 
.
Another big deal for me was having my fisheye tree image featured on Topaz Labs’ Blog under the heading “Pro Insights”. Followed by my Eastern State Penitentiary image that was featured on their blog under the heading “Get Inspired” for my work with their B&W Effects, Along with my other image which showed off some creative uses for their new Topaz Adjust 5.
Another highlight was meeting Art Wolfe this year in Manassas Virginia at the Nature Visions Expo where he was a keynote speaker and I was presenting my lecture “A Blend of Art and Nature”.
Don Rosenberger who coordinated the event asked me and Ellen Anon if we would like to go to dinner with Art Wolfe. Whoohooo! It was yet another highlight of the year having dinner with Art Wolfe. He is so kind and down to earth but most of all a fun person to be around. I will remember that night for a long time.
Nickerson Beach proved to be very productive for me this year. I had several firsts including my Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Red Knot and Juvenile Black Tern sightings and photos. I also created one of my favorite images of an Oystercatcher and chick, see below.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Image © 2011/Denise Ippolito Photography
Red Knot
Image © 2011/Denise Ippolito Photography
Juvenile Black Tern
Oystercatcher brooding several chicks. Hali Sowle was with me for this one. My ISO was 3200!
Image © 2011/Denise Ippolito Photography
One of my favorite images from Eastern State Penitentiary. I added some filters from Nik Color Efex along with a slight Photoshop zoom blur to the floor for some added flow. I finished it with a slight texture overlay free from Shadowhouse Creations.
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This year was the first time I ever visited Alaska and it certainly won’t be the last. The Eagles and the mountains will surely draw me back! Thank you Artie for inviting me on that trip. It was terrific. I can’t even begin to explain the rush you feel as you see these beautiful birds flying around over head. At one time I counted over 20 Eagles perched on the surrounding cliffs. The scenery alone is enough to keep a smile on your face. A great experience and a great way to top off the year!!
Harlequin Duck, drake ~ Barnegat Jetty, Barnegat Light NJ
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Purple Sandpiper ~ Barnegat Jetty, NJ
Above are two of my favorite Barnegat Jetty images to date. Both taken in the month of December 2011. The Barnegat Jetty continues to be one of my favorite shooting locations. I have met all levels of photographers out there and I have made lots of new friends and clients because of the jetty. Hope to see you out there this January!
My favorite Fractalius image for the year!
Tulip Revisited
My favorite high-key flower image for the year!
Brushstroke ~ Knock Out Rose
My favorite creative flower image for the year!
Homer Alaska ~ Glaucous-winged Gull
My favorite blur image for the year! Well one of them
Don’t forget to enter ~ THE BIRDS AS ART 1st International Bird Photography Competition
Many of you have seen the above Logo at the bottom of each of my posts. I am happy to let you know that BIRDS AS ART has announced THE BIRDS AS ART 1st International Bird Photography Competition, a contest that I urged Artie to start- never in my wildest dreams did I think he would go ahead with it! With eleven categories and a prize pool worth well over $20,000 it’s a no-brainer to enter. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!
______________________________________________________________ denise ippolito
Hey Denise-
What an awesome year! Congratulations on your personal and professional success…I expect even great achievements in ’12!!!
Happy, Prosperous, Fun New Year.
Alex, Meeting you has been a great addition to my year, I appreciate your friendship and professionalism.
denise
PS- HNY
Im glad I found your blog this year, you sure have posted some stunning images!
Happy new Year to you.
Marc, Your images have been very inspiring and beautiful to view. Happy New Year!
denise
Best wishes Denise! You have been an inspiration and a wonderful source of knowledge and support. (PS – Just became a grampa in Sept. It’s AMAZINGLY Wonderful!!!)
Steve, I’ve enjoyed your generous sharing on BPN. I look forward to another creative year of fun HNY! Being a grandma has been the greatest joy
denise
A beautiful compilation of images Denise, you are truly an elite photographer. I can’t believe that you are a grandmother, you look much too young. Only the best for you and your family.
Richard, Thank you for the kind words. It was a great year and seeing your smiling face at Nickerson has added to that. Have a Happy New Year!:)
denise
Wow quite a year. Your grandson is beautiful I love the shot of him that you’ve included. I have to say that the Tree Fisheye shot that was on the Topaz Labs site was my introduction to you and to this blog and I’m so happy I found you. Your images and posts have been an inspiration. You produce truly magnificent images Denise. I’m really hoping to sign up for one of your workshops and meet you in person. Congratulations on all the good things in 2011 and wishing you more of the same in 2012.
Edith, Thank you kindly. I’m glad you found me since it gave me the opportunity to find you! I love seeing your images especially your Italy posts. Have a Happy New Year!:)
denise
Denise, you are an exceptional photographer and teacher, and your images and writing inspire me to continue to push myself. Congratulations to you and your family on your grandson… it’s the young ones that see everything so clearly. Best to you as the New Year unfolds. I hope to see you in March in PA. Happy New Year friend!
Deb, You are so creative and talented. I have enjoyed seeing your images on your blog. Please come to PA! I’d love to shoot with you again! Have a Happy New Year!:)
denise
Denise:
Thanks for sharing the highlights of your year–truly spectacular!!!!
Thanks so much Anita, I appreciate it. Have a Happy New Year!:)
denise
You have had an amazing year! And I’m so glad I was able to observe your efforts and growth. You have helped mine as well and I thank you for that! Let’s hope 2012 is just as great for both of us
Thank you Andrea, It’s been nice getting to know you and I look forward to a great year for both of us too!!
denise
Denise, you have an adorable grandson! You have had a wonderful creative year. Many of your images, too numerous too count, inspire me to try new things with my own photography. Hope 2012 is even better for you. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Thanks Andrew, I appreciate your continued support. I look forward to meeting you in the near future. Happy New Year!
denise
Hey Denise,
Your grandson is Jaxson and my granddaughter is Jacksyn. Cool name, huh?
she is the joy of my life and i have another granddaughter, Zelda, on the way (April).
Your images and blog are very inspiring and i hope to one day meet you and take one of your workshops.
Happy New Year
Steve
Thank you Steve, I think it’s a beautiful name!! I look forward to meeting you soon. Happy New Year to you and your family
denise
Denise, your photography is such an inspiration to me. Congratulations on your grandson and all your accomplishments in 2011. I hope 2012 is just as wonderful.
Cheryl, You have been such an inspiration for so many on BPN including me, I hope to meet you in Florida this year. Happy New Year
denise
Fantastic compilation Denise. Thanks for your inspiring work. Wishing you the best for 2012.
Peter, Thanks again for all your help this year with the blog. I wish you all the best for 2012 too. Happy New Year
denise
Congrats on your achievements. Best wishes for the new year to you and yours. Hope the new year is even better….
Carl, Thank you and thank you for taking the time to comment throughout the year. I appreciate it. Happy New Year to you and your family. Hope this year we get together for a shoot. Maybe you’ll join us at Middlecreek?
denise
Hey Denise, hearty congratulations on all your achievements! Thanks for your help in moving me forward in my quest to embrace my creativity. I look forward to 2012 and learning more!
Kate
Kate, You are a very creative, energetic, fun person to be around. I hope to see you in PA so we can spend some more time together. Great job with your blurs you really embraced them so well
denise
Denise, this is a GREAT post! You’ve had quite a year. It was great to meet you and I agree, that dinner with Art Wolfe was a special evening that I too will long remember! Here’s to an even better 2012! – Ellen
Ellen, Thanks so much. It was nice to meet you at Nanpa but even nicer to spend a little time together in Viginia. I hope we can spend even more time together this year. Art Wolfe was a hoot and I can’t even believe we got to spend the evening with him!!:)
denise
Denise, Thanks so much for sharing!! Lots of great memories and achievements!! I’m glad we got to share some together! I hope you’ll find that 2011 is a stepping stone to even bigger things in 2012. All the best for 2012!! – Scott
Scott, I forgot to list you in the photo credits for the Manhattan Workshop group shots, fixed it. It was a fun year filled with lots of great memories. I hope this year is a great one for us both.
denise
What an awesome collection of images, Denise. These are certainly some of your best work and I love of them. A great year without doubt… wishing you an outstanding 2012 and looking forward to more such incredible images ~ Indranil
Thank you Indranil, You have quite a collection of beautiful images from the year too. I need to make it to Yosemite this year!
denise