Monday, January 5, 2015

Best of 2014

     2014 was very kind to me. After being stuck in a sea of excuses that kept me from taking pictures ("I'm just too busy with work and school..." "I don't have time to market myself..." "If I bring my camera to that event, I'll have even MORE editing to do...") I saw The Secret Life of Walter Mitty at the beginning of the year, and it gave me a push that I had needed desperately in order to move forward with my photography. The theme of the movie is this: "To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel - that is the purpose of life."

     As cheesy as it sounds, Walter inspired me to make a goal. I had to do at least one photo shoot per week, whether it was a new profile picture for Facebook, an engagement session, or a creative shoot with friends in a new place. Once I started, I couldn't stop. I invested in new equipment, learned how to master studio lighting, and kept coming up with more and more ideas. I'm so thankful for all of the friends and clients that have helped me to push myself this year. I feel blessed to witness so much love up close,  whether from glowing brides and grooms, or heroic mothers of small children. Each year has brought so much growth for me, and I'm so excited to keep learning, experimenting and improving!



     These are just a few of the moments I treasure from this year. Thanks to all of those who were a part of it. 























Happy New Year, everybody!







Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Rylie and Cody's Christmas Proposal

     Rylie is my first high school senior to get engaged! And she couldn't have made a better choice. I've known Cody for years, and these two go together like Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly if I may be so bold. A couple of weeks ago, I got a message from Cody that said, "I have a proposal to make: it's about a proposal." Christmas is Rylie's favorite holiday, and Cody had talked to the owner of Beck Tree Farm in Alpine and asked if he could come in on a day when they were closed and decorate a tree. His close friend Alan did so much work finding the best decorations, making ornaments with song lyrics inside and glittering the letters for the "Marry Me" sign. It came together beautifully! The lady that let us in locked the gates 15 mins earlier than she said she would, which meant that when it was time to leave, Rylie had to climb over a 10-ft high fence in that dress! She was too happy to care though.