This lovey gal (my baby sis) turned 18 last week!
Whaaaaa!!
So, I'm showing off her pretty face.
Mel needed some senior pictures, and sometimes having a photographer for a sister is a blessing and a curse. She definitely didn't get my "full service experience" (sorry Mel). We took these fairly quick all while I had my little 2 year old in tow. And to be honest, I'm pretty happy with at least getting a hand full of portraits for her.
Woah. Woah. Woah.
So, it's been a hot second (ok, like 6 months) since I've shared a Project: Free Time. I mean, this lovely lady has both moved and gone brunette since I shot this!
Anyway, Meet Kelsey...
Vegan, runner, and plant mama (and fur mama to her cute doggy, Leila). Kelsey has a heart as sweet as her face, and is one of those people who doesn't need an once of make up but is pretty much a queen when it comes to doing it (find out more here). A true gem this one.
Subject: Kelsey White | Free Time: watering, caring for, and rearranging her plant babies.
Last January I shared with you my word for 2017... Fearless. This was my first year ever doing this and I said I'd give an update, so here it is!
Now this word definitely affected my year, but not in the way I ever thought. It of course reminded me to try things even if they seemed scary, but it also inspired me to work on a side project that I had been thinking about for a while but NEVER thought I'd actually do. A project that has NOTHING to do with photography *gasp*. I know that's pretty vague, but that's all I'll be getting into on that, for now.
Overall, I felt having a word for 2017 to be a fun and simple way to give the year focus. Although I'm not sure it to be necessary to actually achieve your goals. I personally like to reevaluate goals quarterly (if not monthly) to stay on track.
This year I've set a few intentions, but am honestly keeping goals simple. We're expecting a baby in June, so that will be a big focus for us as we adjust to life as a family of four! Whaaaa?!
A few goals for 2018:
+ Simplify - stuff, food, organization, everything.
+ Practice Gratitude - this is something I already do, but I'd like to take it to the next level by journaling daily.
+ Read More - I was never much of a reader, or so I convinced myself. But after finishing a book the first week of this year (a speed record for me for sure!), I'm inspired to keep going.
+ Outsource - Besides having assistants on jobs, I'm pretty much a one woman show. I'd like to learn to let go of some tasks that I know can be done really well by someone else. (aka: stop being such a control freak;) And with baby #2 on the way it's a good time to start letting go.
+ Self Care - develop a simple self care routine for mind, body, and soul.
p.s. Sorry I've been MIA! Pregnancy is kicking my butt this time around. But the morning sickness is finally lightning up. FINALLY!!
I have lots of work to share from last year, and will do so here in a bit!
Wishing you a beautiful 2018!
What are your methods for tracking and achieving goals?
I'd love to hear!
When it comes to photographs (or anything really) it's not about perfection.
This image is blurry and grainy and you can't see their faces. It was snapped as my daughter was running and laughing with her Aunt on a sunset walk back to the car. We had just finished up a family dinner by the ocean on our first night in Marco. The mood was happy and relaxed, and it was a moment I wanted to remember.
I often get asked by clients on what makes an image "frame worthy".... and to be honest the first few times I wasn't so sure on my answer. Is it when everyone is looking at the camera? Nope. Is it when the lighting is oh-so-perfect? Not necessarily.
So what makes an image "frame worthy"? Emotion.
How you feel when you look at it.
And when selecting a photograph for a room, think of how you want the room to feel. Do you want it to feel happy, calm, romantic, or moody? I believe what we surround ourselves with, affects us. Whether that's for the good or bad. People, objects, art, these all contribute to how we will feel in a space.
This photo sparks a sense of happiness and mystery. And I love that.
Might be blowing this one up soon.
I have to be honest, I rarely photograph newborns anymore. But when your best friends little sis (so, like basically your little sis;) has a baby, you make an exception.
Welcome to the world Wells Peter! You are so loved, and so so cute.
Meet Jade...
Jade is a gentle soul with a love for people and veggies. She is a full time medical student and the founder of Project Somalia. Her happy spirit is contagious, and I loved photographing her in her beautiful, modern bungalow that she shares with her husband in the heart of phoenix.
Subject: Jade Bavishi | Free time: reading (studying) on her hammock + tea time
Last month B and I celebrated our anniversary. I can't believe we've been married 5 years already, because it honestly doesn't feel like it. Time flies, but I'm beyond thankful I get to fly through life with him.
Now, I'm no expert on marriage and I know being married 5 years isn't crazy, but with any relationship (and friendship) there are things you learn on the journey.
So here are 5 things I've learned after 5 years of marriage:
1. Spend the time
B and I don't always have a ton of time to spend with each other, so how we spend it matters. Between work and school and family and friends, time can be hard to come by... so making sure our relationship is at the top of the list is so important. And like many things in life, it's about quality over quantity.
2. Communicate.
This one is pretty obvious right? Don't stuff things. Get them out. Work them out, and come out the other side stronger. You don't have to agree on everything, but what you don't agree on should be worked through.
3. Compromise.
Which brings me to.... compromise. No one wants to think they'll have to do it, but they will. And will need to do it in love. Being bitter is for miserable people. And you don't want to be a miserable person, do you?
4. You CAN go to bed angry.
Despite the popular "never go to bed angry" quote that every bride will indeed hear before (and after) she gets married. I disagree. Now, this thought process could heavily depend on personalities, but for us? Sometimes it's late, and the argument isn't getting anywhere, and you're tired, and you know what? You should just go to bed. Have a little grace on each other and agree to get some sleep. Because you know what else? it will all look better in the morning. And you may even wake up realizing you were arguing over nothing! (um, what a waste of energy) And if you were arguing over something, you'll at least be rested, and the smart remarks *raises hand in guilt* will be less likely. ;)
5. Date each other.
Explore somewhere new. Go on hot dates. Plan a trip. Or even just go to the grocery store together! Whatever dating is to you, do it! I'm not sure why some people stop dating, but the whole point of "dating" is finding that someone you want to do it forever with, not get married and be all "mission accomplished" because that's definitely not the point and because... how boring!!!
So there you have it. 5 things I've learned over the past 5 years.
Photography by the lovely Lily Kweon.
Have a beautiful weekend!
xo
As you may have seen at the end of January I shared about my new series, Project: Free Time. Now, here's the thing about that project... it heavily relies on my (and others) free time to make it happen. Ha! Who knew!? Well, I'm happy to say that I'm here with the second entry!
Meet Elijah...
Elijah is a musician, entrepreneur, and all around cool guy. Something he likes to do with his free time? Hang with his adorable wife! And if you've ever had the pleasure of meeting Whit, you know what a gem she truly is. I'm in no way exaggerating when I say these two are the best of people.
Subject: Elijah Atkison | Free time: Bike rides around town (with his pretty gal:)
Find more about Eli's work at: Fosterson and Worship Support Network.
Hope you're all enjoying this beautiful spring!! With all the good weather and pretty colors lately, I don't want it to end!!
xo
I'm currently working on a little review of our cruise experience (should be up next week!), but today I thought I'd share some snaps I took of Mila on the boat. I found this sailor dress the week before our trip and had to get it. I mean, she was going to meet the captain after all so why not dress for the occasion? (so "mom" of me, I know.)
We went out on the deck right as the sun was sinking into the pacific. I wanted to get some nice portraits of her, but she was too excited, yelling "HI, OCEAN!!!" and was running around in circles. It was also pretty dang cold. So cold, we only lasted like 5 minutes. Maybe 10. Even still, these moments stuck with me. Maybe it was seeing Mila's face of pure joy, or seeing her handsome daddy all dressed up, or that being on the ocean at sunset is magical in itself. These pictures, as blurry and grainy as they are, are so beautiful to me mostly because of the memories they contain.
I'm really thankful to be her mama.
Upon meeting the captain Buddy told Mila to say " Aye Aye captain", so I think our absolute favorite moment of the trip was when she walked up to the captain and greeted him with a very confident "Hi Hi captain!!". That will forever make me laugh.
Have a beautiful week, friends!
xo
We were on a little road trip driving towards home. I looked over at B and couldn't help but feel lucky. Even though life can throw the weirdest curve balls, and things don't always go as planned, I get to have him by my side.
Here are some words that ran though my head during our drive, and some blurry pictures too.
Maybe it's all of the Dr. Suess books I'm reading these days... because honestly, I haven't written a poem (if that's what you call this?) since that one literature assignment in middle school.
I'm not sure why I decided to share this. Maybe it's because we celebrated our anniversary last week and I'm feelin' extra mushy? Or maybe it's because I feel like the world needs to share a little more love? Either way, I hope you didn't mind all the extra cheese in todays post. I'll be back to the normal amount next week. Promise.
Have a beautiful week friends.
xo