The Windy City

I am currently in Chicago preparing for Stephanie & Nick's wedding on Saturday, May 30... it will be a great week of capturing the journey to the alter. I feel honored as well as privileged to have a role in their big day. I will post an update of their wedding as soon as I am able. The weather is supposed to be lovely on Saturday which should make for amazing images. I got my first "sneak peek" of Steph's dress last night, absolutely stunning! We'll be sightseeing throughout the week, taking in a baseball game at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, barbecuing on Thursday evening, rehearsal & dinner on Friday and for the grand finale... celebrating the union of a couple who exude the true meaning of love.

truly inspired

If you have a creative mind and live your life passionately, following the road that it takes you down, you often find yourself meandering through other artists websites to find inspiration. Whether it be a photographer, a painter, a musician and the like, I am often inspired by others stories. I had the opportunity to shoot some photos of Scott Erickson (painter extraordinaire) while I was in DC for the WV Acting on Aids Summit.

Scott started, "The Transpire Project" which is a group of artists who are seeking to bring the making of art – the creative process – into public places. There is something that happens when one experiences art being made. The witnessing of such events communicates to the deepest parts of the heart. It’s an unveiling of that which is unseen. And it’s a wicked cool experience. We desire to translate that which words cannot define. We hope to inspire the human spirit. And we yearn to create authentic and unique experiences.

If you desire to be inspired as you create the medium of art in which you desire to express yourself, take a moment and visit his website - http://transpireproject.wordpress.com/

figuring it out

While writing this blog for my business it's often in the back of my mind about how personal I should allow myself to become, to truly let my vulnerable side be seen. I decided that in order to fully let my clients and those who may stumble upon this site into my real life, I had to be an open book. Last year was one of the toughest years of my life and has dramatically changed the person I am and the direction I am living my life in.

In March of 2008, I returned from a two month trek abroad and was trying to settle back into my normal life. Two weeks into being home, I started experiencing severe leg and chest pain. Three days into my symptoms I finally called the doctors office and within two hours had an ultrasound on my leg, multiple chest scans as well as x-rays and was admitted into the ER. The results were not something I thought I'd ever hear in my lifetime.

My leg and both of my lungs had multiple blood clots in them. The words, "you're lucky to be alive" and "you're lucky you came in when you did" became common place with every nurse and doctor that came into my room. I spent 8 days, bedridden in the hospital with a weakening body and spirit. I was in three different rooms with a variety of roommates to account for. My life has been changed. It has been a year of healing both physically and emotionally, but I sincerely believe that everything we go through in life is for a reason.

Internal scar tissue remains as a reminder that I am blessed. Blessed to not only be alive, but to know that each breath I take and day I am given will be lived to their fullest. Photography is my passion and joy. To be a part of another human beings journey, if only for a short time, is a miracle to me and I do not take my job for granted. I am thankful to each person who has allowed me the privilege to walk along side them to capture the vision of their life. We each have a story to tell and you have now glanced through a tiny window into a part of mine.

I live without regret, with immense hope, joy beyond belief, lofty goals, renewed passion and a sense that each day is a gift.

julia | senior picture session

This past Friday afternoon I had the opportunity to shoot Julia's Senior Picture Session. She is a beautiful young woman with such a kind spirit about her. We had a wonderful time, especially with the amazing weather that presented itself that day! After the shoot we dropped into a vintage clothing store, browsed a cupcake boutique and finally ended with dinner. I had a lovely evening with Julia and her mom, life is definitely about relationships and I value the fact that my career is based on just that. Here are a few of the images we got...

healthy living

This afternoon I met with two of my past wedding clients at their chiropractic office in Tacoma. We had planned to take pictures of their working space as well as the two of them, but due to the extremely rainy weather we've been experiencing decided to do half of our shoot today and the rest when the weather has redeemed itself. Laelle and Paul are entering their second year in business as a husband and wife chiropractic team. They care deeply about the health and well being of their patients as well as their family and friends. Laelle is expecting their first child, due in a few months, which is so exciting! At Brilliant Life Chiropractic, their mission is to empower and inspire the community to realize their incredible potential for optimal health. If you'd like additional information please take a moment to visit their website;

http://www.brilliantlifechiropractic.com/

monuments & memorials

I also spent time in DC at the Lincoln Memorial, Iwo Jima, the World War II Memorial, Washington Monument, Union Station, the Reflecting Pool, the White House and the Capital Building. It is humbling to see the many names on the war memorials as well as reading the words that surround the Lincoln Memorial. It brings you back to where our nation began and inspires you to play a role in the making of where we are going.

historic & moving

While in Washington DC this last week, I had the opportunity to visit a few of the monuments & memorials that help us remember those who have gone before us. One of the most moving memorials for me was the Arlington Cemetery. Upon arrival you are told that over 320,000 servicemen and their family members rest on the 624 acres of Virginia land across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial. About 27 burials are conducted every weekday.

Imagine standing on marble stairs among a handful of United States Veterans, as the changing of the guard is taking place. The silence and respect, absolutely take your breath away. While attending the timeless ritual of honor at the Tomb of the Unknowns, the sentinel paces 21 steps down the mat before the tomb, pauses 21 seconds, and returns. "Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God" reads the inscription on the sarcophagus of the World War I soldier entombed here in 1921. Joining their comrade, unknown servicemen from World War II and Korea, lie in crypts beneath slabs flush with the terrace paving.

It honestly took all I had within in me to hold back the many tears that wanted to find their way down my cheeks. To truly understand the sacrifice as you look upon the white headstones, it's a moment that will live within me forever.