My name is Annie Tao. I am a photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I specialize in lifestyle photography where you get to play, hang out, and be yourself. I capture the moments, real emotions and stories that occur during our time together. Check here often or subscribe to my blog (RSS feed) to see what I am up to or get creative inspiration. Thanks for visiting! 
Alas. My new branding is ready for its debut. And my blogsite (my 4th baby for the past few months) is now up and running!
“Hello, World!!!” (That’s my blogsite and brand talking!)
I’d like to thank Kim from Madilu Designs for putting up with my self-professed Perfectionism disease, my husband for coding my beautiful blogsite… and I’d like to thank the Academy. heh heh.
Out with the OLD:
In with the NEW:
The reason why creating my new brand took so long was because I wanted something that was fresh, clean, modern and sophisticated. It had to be something that would match all aspects of my business — from lifestyle photography of children/families to commercial and event photography. That’s quite a tall order!
For my logo, I wanted an icon that represented my creative style — emotive and natural — yet also symbolized my reason for starting my photography business. (If you want to read about how I started, it’s in the first part of my feature in the September 2011 issue of Kodak Exposure.)
In the icon, there are 2 sets of leaves, one representing me and one representing my dad. Together, they form the shape of a blossomed flower.
It has been almost 11 years since my dad unexpectedly passed and I had to plan his funeral with my brother. He never met any of my 3 children or got to attend my wedding or even met my husband. He didn’t get to witness my career change into an Art field, something he encouraged me to pursue since I was a child.
I think about him every time I am sad and when something great happens to me… and a million moments in-between. Thing is, I also realize that it was because of his passing that pushed me to pursue my dreams. So I feel blessed to be able to take something positive away from something sad and tragic.
When I look at my logo icon, I see life and love. It reminds me that happiness is what I make of my life, not what happens to me. So I am proud to present my new blogsite and branding to you all.
Do something you love every day, my friends! It doesn’t have to be your career; the “small” things are just as important.
xo,
annie
Looks like the results are in for the Most Delicious Light of 2011 and Funniest Photos of 2011. Thank you to those who voted on Facebook!
Though the number of votes may vary over time since voting is open, the favorites were abundantly clear… though some were a surprise. 
(If you haven’t seen all my favorites that made it into the albums or you want to cast your vote, go to my Facebook business page.)
BEST OF 2011: THE MOST DELICIOUS LIGHT
#1
#2
#3
Tied for #4
Since I love to laugh, it is imperative to show my favorite FUNNY photos of the year.
The image that received the most number of votes was astonishing!
WHAT THE?!!! It’s the shot of my own kids?!!
BEST OF 2011: FUNNIEST PHOTOS
#1
#2
3-Way Tie for #3
Capturing a moment means the image wouldn’t have the same appeal it if was taken a second later or a second earlier.
It could also capture an emotion or the essence of a relationship. Or tell a page of a story.
Below are the Best Moments of 2011, based on viewers’ votes in Facebook (as of today*).
If you’d like to cast your vote or wanted to see ALL of my favorite moments of 2011, go to my Facebook page!
*Votes can be added any time, so the Best Of images may change. The voting process is open to all and with no deadline. This is just a way for me to see what people liked! For all those who participated, thank you!!!
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
Triple Tie for #10
I will be posting more “Best Of” albums on Facebook, so make sure you “Like” my page to stay in touch. I wanna know YOUR favorites!
I really do.
