summit on the hill

Currently, I am in Washington DC for the second annual World Vision - Acting on Aids, Summit on the Hill. Over the next few days I will be working to capture the emotion and real life atmosphere that surrounds the students as they join hundreds of other advocates through the historic Mobilization to End Poverty. It is a true honor to play a role in documenting the journey that so many have worked tirelessly to promote.

World Vision is a Christian Humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. They bring skills across many areas of expertise to each community where they work in nearly 100 countries, including the United States, enabling us to care for children's physical, social and emotional well-being. World Vision, along with many additional organizations are partnering with Sojourners in The Mobilization to End Poverty.

Please pray for the participants, organizers and those around the world who are currently suffering from poverty, malnutrition and disease. It only takes one person to make a difference in another's life, think about the global impact if we all step up.

stephanie & nick | engagement session

It was a normal rainy day in Seattle that turned into an extraordinary afternoon. My good friend Stephanie will be marrying Nick (who I got to meet today) at the end of May in Chicago. We spent most of the early afternoon traveling around Seattle to capture not only our hometown atmosphere at its best but also the personalities and love that define Steph & Nick. There was lots of laughter, scattered raindrops and smiles to last a lifetime. I really enjoyed spending the day creating memories of a couple whose love you can see all around them. It's not only shown in their eyes when they look at one another, but it's actually in the air that encircles them. I am privileged to also be their wedding photographer and will be spending the last week of May in Chicago. Congrats you two, can't wait to see and hear about your journey ahead!

senior picture session tips

Here are a few tips when getting ready for your session;

Nails - Be sure to have clean and filed nails, a clear, light pink, red or color that compliments your outfit works nicely. You fingers may show in some photos, as well as a few close up images, you will want to be sure that they are presentable.

Make-up - Use a fresh tube of mascara so you don't have clumps. Your eyelashes are going to show in closeups and mascara clumps will stand out. As for eyeshadow and liner, it is best to stick with neutral colors, such as grays and browns. Avoid light pastels, highly frosted shadows and any form of glitter. (glitter will show up as tiny white spots around your eyes or on your face depending on where it is located)

Hair - Don't use a lot of hairspray, gel or other product in your hair as it should move with you when you tilt your head and blow nicely in the breeze. Remember to bring a hairbrush or comb to your session. You can also bring hairspray or product with you to do any minor touch up's that may be needed.

Wardrobe - Short skirts or dresses really limit your posing options, please keep this in mind when choosing your clothes. The goal is for your face to be prominent, not the clothing. For this reason, it is discouraged to wear too busy of a pattern or extremely bright colors, as it tends to draw the eye to the clothes instead of you.

Please note: Having a basic outfit and using bright or patterned accessories works really well.

You want to create a time less look. Never wear a lighter color pant with a darker color top, as this will tend to make your lower half look bigger than your upeer half. Wrinkles will show in your portraits. If your eye can see the wrinkles, the camera will as well. Be sure to iron clothing if necessary and bring items that tend to wrinkle easily on a hanger. It is also recommended to check clothing for stains and be sure all clothing is clean.

alisha | senior picture session

April started out on a high note. Back in the day, I was Miss Auburn 2001 and during my time in competition had a little sister contestant that came to all of the events with me. At that time she was 10 years old and as the years have seemed to pass too quickly, she is now a senior in high school. I had the opportunity to do Alisha's senior picture session today! We had the most amazing weather, spent time recapturing old memories as well as comprehending the vision of who she is at this moment. Alisha is theatrical and enjoys spending time on the stage. On the way to our location, we encountered a few unexpected detours due to a parade but this actually become a blessing in disguise as I found a few new spots I'd never been to before. We found an old theater, a random wall and a variety of textures along the way. I believe that we were able to bring to life images that reflect the young woman she is and will become. Here are a few pictures from her session...thanks Alisha for this opportunity, you are lovely.

seeing stars | texas

Last week I spent some time in Texas visiting my brother and sister in law. It was wonderful to see them, enjoy a little sunshine (it is almost April and somehow it is still snowing in Seattle!) and an abundance of Texas cuisine. It was my first trip to the lone star state and it is a beautiful part of the country, that is for certain. I am a big fan of stars, so seeing the Texas Star everywhere was really fun. I took some pictures in the downtown Waco area that I felt were worth sharing.

A few of them are of Waco’s Historic Suspension Bridge that was the longest single-span suspension bridge west of the Mississippi when it was completed in 1870. The bridge was built with cable supplied by the John Roebling Co., who built the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. Crucial to traders and travelers for well over a century, the bridge stands as an icon of Waco history and is the centerpiece of many community festivals and events. It also contains nearly 3 million bricks.

michael & amy | london

In March, I had the opportunity to do a shoot with Michael & Amy in London, England. They are not only amazing individuals but when together you can sense the love they share in the air that surrounds them. We had a wonderful afternoon (although I will admit it was awfully cold that day) capturing the true essence of who they are. I am blessed by their friendship and wanted to share a few of the images we captured below.

hello world

During my recent travels through Europe, I not only experienced real life in the making but discovered once again this intense passion I have for capturing it. I have enjoyed taking pictures for some time now, but to really become a part of what you do, that is something I’ve been waiting for. A feeling of being complete, fully in the moment you are immersed in. I learn new things on a daily basis, believing that everyday is a gift I am unwrapping. To have something that pulls at your heartstrings, that is truly living. Welcome to a piece of my world as we explore life together, one miracle at a time.