Comfort Zone

This morning I took a spin class at the gym. With the holidays and all, it has been a while since I've stepped foot inside the gym - or as a good friend of mine likes to say when it has been some time since he worked out - "The gym has been closed for renovations." The instructor started off by telling us that we needed to push past our comfort zone in order to get a good workout.

Well, we've all heard that before right? I mean in one form or another - push past your comfort zones, think "outside of the box", etc...and I have accomplished both of those things in spurts and glimpses and moments in my life - but I've yet to accomplish sustaining them for myself on any life changing level. I love a good motivational quote or an uplifting article or book - and I am the all time sucker for old movies where everything turns out "just right" in the end. I'm a dreamer and an optimist and a fabulous cheerleader for people and causes that I believe in...but what I'm finally putting out there is that I haven't done the best job, in my adult life, of being those things for me.

No matter the outcome of the scholarship that I applied for, It's time to do something about that.

"Be not the slave of your own past - plunge into the sublime seas. Dive deep, and swim far, so you shall come back with self-respect, with new power, with an advanced experience, that shall explain and overlook the old." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Mama Bliss

Right before Christmas I went to visit with my friend Allison and the newest member of her family - sweet Emma. Allison answered the door holding the sleeping girl and it was obvious at first glance how content and happy she was. I have to say, I'm so envious of all my friends who have had that experience right after giving birth.

I gotta say - Emma was pretty calm herself and fairly laid back even in the midst of my picture taking and being undressed all in the name of capturing her newborn yumminess. I'm thinking this is a personality trait that will continue- just another reason for this family to count their blessings.

So ladylike and pink - all GIRL

Is it just me? Don't you just want to hold her?

Already a true beauty

A New Path!

When I started this blog back in April, it was for the purpose of showing sneak peeks of my photo shoots as I was building my portfolio. I'm still going to do that, but something (and a lot of someones!) have inspired me to do more...

Okay - so over the weekend, I went beyond my comfort zone and applied for a scholarship with SOAR! for an awesome opportunity to grow and expand my photography business. In order to complete the application you had to submit a video. Now, those of you who know my acting background may think that wouldn't be hard for me...but it was! SCARY hard! First - I had only a few days to complete it (The deadline was Dec. 21st and I found out about it on Dec. 16), Second - I had no idea how to make/edit a video and upload/send it and finally - I had to speak in the video and share something of myself - EEEK!

Well, I got the application and video in before the deadline...was it perfect? - no - but I did it! As of today, there are over 200 videos sumitted. I've watched many of the videos (and I plan to honor everyone by watching all of them)...these women are creative, funny, genuine and out and out AMAZING! and they have inspired me to go out on a limb in the coming year (no matter the outcome of the scholarship competition) and put myself out there.

So this blog will now be a place to document my journey as an artist, a photographer, a wife, a mom and a human being making my way in this world. I know this is crucial to the overall success of my life. It feels vulnerable and exposed and a bit awkward - but I'm ready.

"Everything is sweetned by risk." - Alexander Smith

Jack and Thatcher

Ladies this is the order of the layout for your photographs. I'll place the order first thing in the morning. Sleep tight!

Jack is Two!!!

I photographed this beautiful boy and his family during his birthday party today. Here is a sneak peek.

Mom's Club

I had the pleasure of talking with a local mom's club (in two different sessions!) Here are a few of the pics I took of your beautiful children while we were playing with our cameras...

The Mitchell Family

With the snow coming down outside, I had a mini-session with the Mitchell's yesterday afternoon in their lovely home, using the last available light of the day. Here is the sneak peek. I'll have the gallery up tomorrow!!

mom and dad

family

family lovin'

the boy

Bestest Pals

We visited today with some of our best pals - the Beadles and we also did a photo session while we were there. Such a goodlookin' family! Here is the sneak peek...

out in their wonderful backyard

sweet girls

and a beautiful couple

Here Comes The Sun!

The first time I photographed this family we had terrible rain and were only able to get a limited amount of shots without the benefit of natural light. Finally after weeks of trying - we landed a day where dad was free and there was sun!! Hooray! Here is a sneak peek of today's session - I'll post your gallery on line soon.

beautiful family

father and son

and another one...

mommy and son

and full on face!

Sweet Baby Boy

After three days of rain, this little boy was a bright spot. Below is a sneak peak. More photos to come!!

Magic!

I photographed sweet Maggie and her family today in the park. Maggie was dressed in her best fairy princess finery and she spread her magic everywhere! Below are just a few of my favorites . The rest will be on the website soon!

Senior Pics

I took pictures yesterday and today of a lovely young lady. She comes from a great family and she was so relaxed and easy to work with.

It was difficult to choose only a few photos for a sneak peek - so MANY jumped out at me as being good. Enjoy these and I'll have the gallery on the website very soon.

Nelson Family

I photographed the Nelson family last Friday, August 7. They were really lovely and it was especially meaningful because dad was deploying to Iraq the following Monday. Their baby boy was quite the ham in front of the camera and it was a lot of fun to shoot them. Blessings for the many man and women who serve our country overseas. May they return home safely.

Here are just a few of my favorites: