I’m still here.  Been working hard.  I’ve always been a really hard worker; it’s certainly one of my better character traits.  People sometimes say my life is ideal … but they often have no idea how much determination, long hours, and preparation have gone into creating that illusion. Any success I’ve had is the result of getting my hands dirty every day, taking risks, failing, trying again, surrounding myself with people who push and inspire me, and staying 100% true to myself no matter what’s “expected” of wedding photographers or what anyone else is doing.  I wasn’t born into privilege; luck and money are not what got me here.  It was all hard work and over-the-top determination to never work another job that didn’t inspire or challenge me.

Launching my new branding was such a weight off my shoulders … almost a year of working 24/7 that has already proven to be the hugest return-on-time-investment.  Thank you so much for all the kind words here, on Facebook, on Twitter.  My heart was so overwhelmed and so full.  I couldn’t be happier or more at peace about it.

I have another huge project underway.  It has me tossing and turning at night and wishing sleep was never necessary.  I’ll be around … but a little more silent here for a week or so yet.

Until later…

I ran across the above quote in an interview with Nirrimi on some blog last week.  The interviewer was asking the young artist how she felt about being so successful so early on in her career.  And I love how she responded.  I want to make it my motto for the rest of my life.  When I was shooting Jenna the other night … even though it was only 30 minutes outside … I was really happy.  And in my element.

Thanks Jenna, for always being my muse on any type of shoot, even at the last minute.  You inspire me.

If you read my blog a lot, you know I’ve been wanting to get more into boudoir photography.  I think it’s so feminine, empowering, beautiful, and artistic.  I recently hung a new inspiration board in my office … filled with magazine tears I’ve collected over the past year.  What I noticed was that 98% of the images were artistic close-ups of women (either grainy B&Ws or dreamy color), very stylish, ethereal and oftentimes with wind-blown hair (wind has always been my muse).  Knowing that I’ve been collecting the same type of images over the course of an entire year … rather than over the course of one day or a week wherein my current mood dictated my inspiration … made me rethink my brand and the direction in which I want to steer my business.

To embark on my new endeavor I attended a boudoir workshop with the talented and lovely Jennifer Williams and Leah Aubrey.  We shot at the new Cosmopolitan Hotel and it was so gorgeous … I mean, really super gorgeous.  I’m staying there for WPPI next year for sure.  Jen and Leah demonstrated a few of their favorite poses and then for 3-4 hours we had time to direct and shoot the models alone with one other workshop attendee.  I was super inspired by some of the more dreamy Anthropologie/hippy looks my shooting partner and I styled the model in.  Here is a small handful of the shots I got while working 2 on 1 with the model (who rocked it out, btw).

I’m keeping it PG-13 (actually, probably closer to PG or G, even) and showing mainly beauty shots. Once I launch my boudoir business it will have it’s own special, private place on the web (basically, on a separate blog).

This girl is charming, cute and so fun to work with.  Victoria had the perfect look for a mini-shoot inspired by the bridal whimsy of j.crew and the like.  I’m loving how wedding and bridesmaids dresses are becoming shorter, more fun, and quirkier.  Brides are letting their bridesmaids choose what to wear more often and brides themselves are dressing less formally and with their own personal styles in-mind.  Two trends, that as a wedding photographer, I adore.

Thanks for being so fun to work with, Victoria.  You’re awesome!  And another huge thanks to Jennyface for her hair, makeup, and styling expertise.  I want to bring her along with me on every shoot :)

I am going to be OUT OF THE OFFICE (and state) for a photography conference until next week Friday (February 25th). I’ll be pretty busy while I’m away but I will try my best to respond to emails as I can.  Ciao for now!

I.am.so.excited.about.these.images.  The entire time I was shooting and editing them something pulled hard on my heart strings.  I love shooting stylish girls.  I love it.  I love shooting real girls who aren’t models … and showing them how insanely beautiful they are.  I’m just going to put this out into the universe now — this is my favorite thing.  I love shooting weddings but engagements, bridals and stylish portraits are what I thrive on.  The best decision I made this winter was to turn-down all paid work for 3 months and focus on learning, growing and shooting for myself.  The discoveries have been endless and I know exactly the direction in which I want to push my brand.

Sarah is so amazing and fun to shoot — such a natural beauty (enhanced for this shoot by Jennyface‘s makeup talent).  Sarah is one of my former brides and I adore her; I was very excited to have the opportunity to shoot her again.  Thank you, Sarah!!

No, these first two images are not tilted in-camera.  Sarah is actually bending that far backward!

I’ve been holding back (mainly because I’ve been so dang busy since starting my business), but I’m here to announce for real that I’m going to start offering way more stylish/fashionable (H.S. seniors and young women) portrait and boudoir photography (for now, boudoir is limited only to my brides).

Official announcements about the new extensions of my business are on the way in months to come.  But if you want to get on my calendar now, send me an email.  I’d love to hear from you and see if it’s a good match!