Sweet Additions

I am brimming with pride to introduce you to the family that is nearest and dearest to my heart. I had the absolute pleasure of photographing my brother's growing family right in their own backyard while I was in town for the baby shower! I truly hope to have a family this wonderful some day. I couldn't ask for better parenting examples, and their kids are simply amazing. Megan is girl genius who is kind enough to give me guitar lessons, and Zach's hugs melt my heart...I can't wait to watch him grow up! Sweet Eli is hidden here, but I got to meet him last weekend, and can't wait to spend more time with him! I hope you enjoy this precious family as much as I do. :)

New Life

Now, we all know how it's good to have good-looking friends. This benefit happened to be when a couple of my good-looking friends allowed me to take some photos of them before their little joy bundle arrived. In all seriousness though, they're very dear friends whom I have a ton of admiration and respect for, and have since welcomed a beautiful baby girl to this world! It's been a pleasure to walk through this season of growth and anticipation with them, and capturing it in photos was truly my pleasure. These were taken up in the woods toward Mt. Hood, which made for some really fun scenery! I hope you enjoy!

Full Bloom

Okay, about a week and a half ago, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing a couple of adorable friends in such an amazing season of their lives! Liisa is in full bloom with their little one, who should enter the world any day! Fall just suits her, everything coming full term :) They chose Mt. Tabor for their photos, and told me that years ago, that was the place they first said "I love you!" I love it!! We really hit our stride about halfway into the shoot, as the beautiful late afternoon light turned magical and they relaxed into their adorable selves. You can tell they are just savoring every second of their last moments as just the two of them. There were too many good ones to choose from, sorry for inundating you guys!

Little Hams

A few weeks ago my dear, dear co-worker asked if I would come over and take some fun photos of her family. I eagerly agreed because, first of all, I love her family, and second of all, I was excited to get some experience with kids! And boy did I learn, kids are a whole new ballgame! Their energy is amazing! I learned that they don't sit still for long though, and I should probably work on my bag of tricks! I hope you enjoy these silly girls as much as I did... :)

Wedding #2!

I know I'm way behind, but I wanted to share a few more opportunities I've had over the past few months! This one was the wedding of Kyle's soon-to-be step-brother and his fiance! They invited me to take pictures of her getting ready, and then I couldn't help but snap a few more of the ceremony and reception. It was a beautiful location, up in Mineral Lake, WA! Mineral Lake itself was the backdrop for the ceremony, and it was gorgeous! Happy viewing!
Her adorable red shoes!

Thanks for letting me be part of your special day, Chris and Ashley!

Action and Reflection

Life. It is composed of so many tiny decisions that we (often subconsciously) make. The decision I have been pondering as of late is how much time we spend reflecting, versus pouring more into our rapid-firing minds. The pace of life is something I often feel at tension with. I'm openly the world's worst multi-tasker. I am very aware of my inability to do two things at once, unless it is something I've done at least 8,347 times. Then it's safe. I also openly admit to loving down time, and have come to learn in my 28 years, that it is in the best interest of everyone around me that I get some frequently.

Life is something we soak in when we are ripe to do so. When we find ourselves over-stuffed, like a dirty, clogged air filter of our under-loved automobiles, rarely are we going to retain much of the essence of life. It is when we maintain a healthy pace, taking care of ourselves, and gaining the refreshment we need in order to be of service to others, that I believe we are most useful. However, I am, again, left with the thought that life is so rarely wrapped in this pristine bow-covered box I am painting the picture of. Sometimes, we truly shine when we find ourselves at the end of what we have to offer, and we give still, in faith, because there is need. There is beautiful magic that moves in those times. I love that about life, that math is not always the be-all, end-all. Sometimes 2+3=8, in this crazy life, we just must believe. But maybe, after that, it's okay to take a nap, because inevitably, another situation will come along and require you, and you best be fresh. I guess that is living in the moment, my friends. Pop up when called, but in those life-orchestrated breaks, I think sometimes it's okay and even healthy to reflect, instead of pulling ourselves to the busy-ness of all the distractions the world has to offer.

When You Feel Scared or Inadequate

I wrote this a month ago, and honestly didn't intend to publish it. Mostly, I didn't think it fit. But, I'm away at a hotel, far from most of the things I love, and definitely without photos, and I decided life is about capturing the lovely in the midst of all, not just the "beautiful" times, right? So here is the lovely that must be searched for, not so obvious to the eye.

8/14/11
This is not so much a photography blog, I just needed to write. You know those days you burst in tears from literally split second to split second? Even/especially when nobody is around? I have a hard time sometimes coming off a busy season, where I'm go-go-go, and then suddenly it's over and I have no idea what to do with myself. I forget who I am. I forget where I belong.

I think most of the lessons I learn end up being trust, just in a million different forms. I don't think it's possible to love without trusting. I would never have called myself an anxious person before, but lately I find myself more prone to it, and the more I examine it, it makes me realize my lack of trust. I, first of all, seem to think I can control not only the present, but the future as well, which is pretty hilarious. Then when said path veers from my "perfect" visions, I get this trapped, caged feeling in my chest that I believe is anxiety, and, I believe, the only thing that can rid it is a mind- and heart-shattering realization that I need to trust God. I need to trust that God loves me, wants the best for me (in the long run, which is not so straight-forward), and that I will be a lot better off if I just hop on board the "way it is meant to be" train. It is amazing all the things that are wrapped up in this, even when it comes to trusting other people. If somebody is seemingly trustworthy, in a way trusting them is also trusting in God. Nobody is completely trustworthy, I suppose, so we have to trust God that we can trust the people we love, and trust this thing called love that He created. I so easily can become overwhelmed by all my inadequacies, and so quickly fall into the trap of comparing myself to others, which is about the worst idea ever, for so many reasons I don't even have time to get into them. This trap is, again, such a slap in the face to our Creator. It makes me think of Isaiah 45, and the clay talking back to the potter; we were made with such intention and care, and to focus our energy on "flaws" instead of embracing the good things we are is such a shame. So hard though, I feel like I have to stubbornly learn this lesson every few days.

I think women do have a huge capacity to love. We also seem to be burdened with a huge capacity to question and need reassurance. But, I believe that if we ask for it, we will receive it. The second we admit our desire to be shown love, I think we will find it. In a gentle bud, a stranger's smile, a child's giggle, a puppy's wagging tail. We must just admit the desire, and trust enough to look for the response.