Portland

Oh Portland, how I love thee. 

Portland is one of those places we visit every year. Usually when the Phoenix heat is getting to be a bit extra (like in August/September). But last year we went for a visit in December! (um. brrr.)

Our friends who live there thought it would be good for us to see the more dreary weather of the PNW (because summer is pretty dang great and my husband would totally move there). But... as cold as it was... and gosh it was cold. It was sunny. Every. Single. Day. No rain the whole week we were there! Our friends were kinda amazed that it was literally raining until we got there and then started back up when we left.

It's like the place is luring us in I swear. 

Here are some snaps of our winter time in Portland. 

At least we got ONE family photo;) (Thanks Jess!) And yes, I wore slippers. They're really comfy, and I'M PREGNANT, OKAY!

that "it's late and it's cold and I'm hungry" melt down.

Portraits: Melody

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. 

My word for 2017... an update | + my 2018 goals

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!

What Makes An Image "Frame Worthy"?

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. 

Marco Island | Hurricane Irma

This last week was a crazy one. Especially for my Florida family.

With hurricane Irma shifting projections everyday, although a pretty normal thing to happen, I was a bit stressed about the safety of my family and friends. I was calling everyday, multiple times. Probably being so annoying, repeating things they were all most likely hearing from newscasters non-stop. But I didn't care. I wanted them to be prepared for the worst. 

Thankfully in the end, the storm shifted just enough to not hit the Tampa Bay area (where my family lives) as badly as predicted. However, the Naples/Marco Island area (where some of my husbands family live) took a pretty direct hit. So crazy to think that just last month we were at the J W Marriott in Marco Island. 

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If you'd like to donate to those impacted by Irma, here are just a few places to do so:

American Red Cross
Global Giving
Go Fund Me

Other ways to help:

- if you have supplies, food, or water you didn't need/use, donate it those who could use it. 

- if you're in the areas affected, help your neighbors with clean up, it's definitely appreciated.

-  love on those who've experienced loss

- love on those who haven't.

Another year older...

I celebrated my birthday over Labor Day weekend, and gosh it sure seems like the years are going by faster and faster.

As crazy as this last year was, I've actually had more headspace to really think on what I want to do more of, and work on in this next year of life.

A few things:

Shoot more personal work. 
When I'm shooting during the week it's almost always for a job. I'd love to create more photographs just for the heck of it! 

Music.
Start playing the piano again. Even if it's just once a week. 

Hobbies.
I really love to paint. I'm no pro (it's mostly just moody sketches), but it's nice to work on something creative, just for fun, and that's out of my normal photography zone. 

And finally,
That one really crazy dream. 
A dream that (for me) is the scariest thing, and something I NEVER (ever ever) thought I'd do. It's currently in the works, and I'll hopefully share more on it soon!

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A few snaps from a low key birthday weekend up north. It was filled with family, cooler weather, antique shopping, and probably too many baked goods (if there ever was such a thing). 

Indian Rocks Beach

We spent a few chill days on Indian Rocks Beach.

Paddle boarding, bike riding, relaxing, and exploring. Oh and taking refreshing (make-shift) outdoor showers. It was a nice little trip to hang with some of our Florida friends, and embrace the beach life.

I love the beach life. Forever and ever amen. 

Baby Wells

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.

Project Free Time | Jade Bavishi

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

(see more project: free time here and here)

The Ringling Museum | Ca'D'Zan

We spent the day at the Ringling Museum a few weeks back and boy was it pretty. 

A few years ago my sister told me about this place and that we "had" to go. Well, we finally got to it, and I'm glad we did. The whole property was so beautiful. The trees. The flowers. The water. Oh, and the house. If you ever find yourself in Sarasota you should definitely make a stop here. There's so much inspiration to be found in The Ca'd'zan.