One of the most flattering things to me is when an email appears from a fellow photographer asking for my session rates. Photographers are some of the pickiest people on the planet (at least…I am. haha.) so it’s soo affirming when they choose YOU to shoot them. Erica is a photographer at EMF Images, and Preston is her super supportive husband. They’re celebrating ten years of marriage this year and wanted to do a couples-only shoot – basically the engagement photos they never got.

This shoot was so inspiring to me for a couple reasons:
1) Erica was so aware of what works and what doesn’t. As a photographer, you learn how important the details are. She chose all our locations –  knowing how perfect the lighting would be, and she chose outfits she knew they could rock.
2) Their love is real, yall. There was a level of comfort that only 10 years together can bring. Oh, and there was heeeeat, let me tell ya! haha. I need to do an ‘outtakes’ post of all the times Preston took a peek down her shirt or was grabbing her butt. And if there’s ever a shot where Erica’s smiling and Preston’s whispering something in her ear you can be sure he’s saying something naughty. I’m glad I was shooting with their 85mm because I was just out of earshot. haha. But all jokes aside, I was so inspired by their marriage and by the fact that they are still in very much in love, and this shoot was just the amount of inspiration I needed to jumpstart these two weeks of photo craziness before Oregon.
I loved this idea. So perfect for anniversary photos.
The below photos are Preston’s idea. haha.

Seriously, Erica. I can only pray I look that good after three kids!Thanks again, guys, for hanging out!

And for those of you reading this who think the lovey dovey couple pictures are only for those youngin’ engaged folks, I hope this inspires you to think again

I’ve graduated and I don’t like it. haha.
It’s been super bittersweet. This week has been one of the best weeks of my life, and I’m super grateful for that. But being home is so weird. Granted, I’m only here for a couple of weeks before I leave for Oregon, so I cannot complain. And I know that the best is still ahead of me. So to all those things people usually say in response to my feelings, I know. I can still be a little sad that a season of my life has ended.Oh, and I got a tattoo. It’s the Hebrew word “dayenu” which means, “it would have been enough for us.” I went to a passover dinner over easter break, and we sang this song. It goes through the entire old testament and states the works of God in this structure:

If he would have give us the Torah, but not brought us into the land of Israel, dayenu.
It would have been enough for us.

The meaning hits spot on with where I’ve been this year through my struggles with doubt. By holding so tightly to the things I had been taught, my faith was crumbling as soon as one of those facts seemed to be disproven. That’s why this word resonates so deeply within me…even if God wouldn’t have done the things I think he has, would he still be enough for me? I love it.

AND NOW.

I’m excited to announce the winner of the photo session giveaway…

Ruth had asked me earlier this year to shoot their June 2 wedding, but because of the timing during my internship this summer, I unfortunately had to say no. She entered herself in the contest for a bridal session with me saying, “Let’s face it, I was SUPER bummed that it didn’t work out for you to shoot my wedding so it would be great to at least have you do those!!! I loveeee stalking your blog and it was be just so fun to maybe end up on it!!” I’m so glad it worked out for me to have a small, photographic part of their day

Let me just say a serious and HUGE thank you to everyone who entered or nominated someone. I had originally planned on hand picking a winner based off of entry details, but ohhh my gosh. There were TOO MANY amazing people and entries. So out of the 26 entries, I narrowed it down to ten and then used a random number generator to get the winner. You guys are all amazing people, and I’m so blessed by your desire to work with me. If you STILL have that desire even if you didn’t win, feel free to shoot me an email through the [CONTACT] page above and let’s work something out!

Today marks the start of my LAST week as a college student. I graduate in FIVE DAYS! That’s so insane and exciting.
I’m going to start with a little FAQ on my future plans.

1. I’m spending the summer in Bend, OR as an intern for Antioch Church to do art/photography, hang out, have deep conversations, etc. I’m leaving twice to shoot weddings for this couple and this couple, but other than that my plans are to figure out what life is supposed to look like post-grad.

2. I get this a lot: “You majored in art and spanish? So you’re going to teach?” The answer is…no thanks! If you’re wondering, what DOES that girl want to do with her life? The answer is, you’re looking at it! My goal right now is to keep shooting weddings until I don’t want to anymore. At the same time, I’m toying with ideas of getting an MFA to (eventuallymaybepossibly) teach in a university one day. But we’ll see. Right now, I just want to keep making art and taking pictures for the next whenever.

3. And that’s it. Yep. I have no five year plan other than to keep pursuing this business and be a nomad. I’m booking weddings, toying with some travel ideas, and slightly panicking about having to pay student loans. But this is a really freeing place to be, and I’m going to enjoy every second of it.

With all of THAT being said, it’s giveaway time!

CLICK HERE to ‘like’ my facebook fan page.

Remember, you can nominate anyone, including yourself! I’m looking for creativity, hilariousness, or someone in need.
Nominations end on Sunday, May 6, and by then, I’ll be a college graduate! Woohoo!

So here’s the first part of our lake day adventure. This first one kills me.

There’s a ton of Sarah. haha. She had to leave early to go to somethin’ somethin’ so the rest of the photos Amanda and I took afterward will be posted tomorroww. (Or today if I can’t wait. haha.)

Happy Wednesday!

You may remember these two from their engagements and wedding two years ago. Well now their little family is growing with the new addition of Camila Faith. I’m so excited to have a new niece

Brenna, I’m so excited to see where life takes you as you start your college career! Thanks for choosing me to take your senior pictures