Dakota at 1 week

Not all newborns are cute, sometimes I think they resemble alien like forms. Especially when they stretch their neck, there is something very E.T. about it. But, I believe this little guy is perfection, I may be partial seeing that he is my nephew and all. But, honestly, just take a look. This sleepy little cherub is such a little darling. His precious little face is fawned over by many, the family and friends that surround him are so filled with love and joy, he is in for such a sweet little life. He may even have a future as a male model if I can continue getting him in front of my lens. Dakota, prepare to have your life documented through my camera. 

Lisa and Jackson

Tis the season... very first request for christmas photos this holiday season. I could not be happier to have started the season off on such a high note. Lisa and her son Jackson were so great to have in my home studio. Lisa knew she definitely wanted a black back drop before the session began. As soon as she and her son arrived, I had it set up and ready to go, snapped a few shots, then headed outside to my back deck for some photos with natural daylight. I am not sure which I like better. They all came out great. With such beautiful, big, brown eyes like they have, you really can't go wrong. 

Book your family portrait session with me before my calendar fills up completely, only a few slots left. 

Buddha

We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world~

This is such a true quote from the Buddhist philosophy. I live by these words. Always seeing the light, staying positive, and optimistic. I find profound logic and reasoning up top in that great brain of mine. However, I have come to the realization that I am sometimes up in my head much too often. I need to release some of the power and control of my mind. Instead, react by sending the intuition I feel in my heart out into the world. React, and be completely engaged in the here and now. Stop. Feel. Live. Love. Breathe. Be Free.

power of the portrait

It amazes me what I am capable of when I am focused on the creative process of a photo shoot. My sweet little camera is a magical box. I am the magician with the power to transform people, to invoke a mood, emotion or a feeling. My goal was to take two completely different photographs of the same person. One portrait of what she looks like. The other was to create a sense of mystery using shadow. On this particular day I had the enchanting Kristelle in my clutches to preform my vision. The day ended up being so beautiful, a day  full of laughs, smiles, matcha, sunshine, rain, music, nuts, yoga, shadows, tears, love, and rainbows.

random household objects

Being forced to take photos of random everyday objects is really allowing me to see more beauty, form, pattern, and irony throughout my day. I was told to make a brown paper bag look visually stunning in a photograph. At first I thought to take a shit in it and light it on fire. That would be pretty visually stunning, no? But then I really started thinking about those little brown paper bags and what they really mean. I realized that they are a representation of consumerism. I lined them up. 27 of them. Like little soldiers ready to preform their duty. Just shuffling down the conveyer belt. To be stuffed, loaded, crammed and filled with all the odds and ends we want. In taking this photo I started to sympathize for the brown paper bags. I created a relationship with them. They came from the earth, in the form of a beautiful life giving tree. And will end up back in the earth in the form of trash. This assignment ended up being a reminder of the cycle we get caught up in. I went from wanting to light a load on fire in it to understanding and feeling compassion for brown paper bag. I always try to be, and most certainly will be much more mindful the next time I am asked 'paper or plastic'. I will whip out my canvas tote and say 'neither'.

I AM my own muse

I AM natural

I have been taking photos for over 10 years now, a bit more seriously in the last 5. In this time it has been very rare that I take photos of myself. I feel much more comfortable behind the camera rather than in front of it. Well, its is time to take a step out of my comfort zone...and apparently out of my clothes. Day one, class one at the Art Center we are given the assignment of a self portrait. one inside my home and the other outdoors. Both had to make a statement of how I communicate myself to the rest of the world.

I AM radiant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both assignments were fun and exploratory.