September 21, 2025
Obviously, I took a break from writing. I kind of took a break from a lot of things. I was struggling with an intense amount of pain in my knee. Turns out, I needed a new one. So, the last 6 months have been filled with me surviving the end of last school year (teaching is my full-time gig), preparing for surgery, having surgery, managing a long recovery with PT, and starting a new school year. Photography was not even on my radar for much of that time.
Mentally, this was one of the toughest times in my life. I felt helpless and utterly dependent on other people to take care of so many things that I used to do. Not to mention the effect that having no creative spark or energy had on my spirit. But I made it through, and now I’m ready to get moving again (literally and figuratively).
I recently was asked to shoot a reception for a couple who eloped back in May. I was nervous, as event photography isn’t my usual game. Ultimately, I decided it was a sign that I was ready to jump back into photography with both feet. It was physically challenging, but I’m glad I stepped up and said yes. The night was full of smiles and laughter and joy – just what I needed. I’m so thankful to feel my spark returning.
March 8, 2025
I worry a lot about my photographic process. Am I doing it as well as others? Do I do the right steps? Do I know enough? Am I good enough?
I think all artists go through these wonderings. I’m trying to navigate this in a different way now – a healthier way. I’m working on a different set of questions to ask myself. Do I like what I created? Am I aligned with this project? Do I feel confident about what I created? Because, at the end of the day, these are the answers that matter. I’m trying to get to the heart of why I do what I do. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t care what other people thought of my work – or if I said I didn’t care if it was never seen. I do care about both of those. But I’m working on making those manageable and not overwhelming thoughts.
I have a need to create. That has nothing to do with what happens to the creation when I’m done. It’s just an internal fact for my soul. Sometimes that’s related to photography. Sometimes it’s other mediums. But when it comes to photography, I’m realizing more and more how much I enjoy working with a single subject. One person in front of my lens. Me capturing their truth, their energy, their spirit. It’s hard to admit that, honestly. I want to be able to say that I’m an all-around everything photographer. Families, events, whatever! But I’m not really. And that’s ok. I will still work with multiple people and families, but that’s not my main focus.
I’m not really sure if I’ve made any sense, but thanks for reading my rambling thoughts.
February 17, 2025
I added some nature shots – digital and film. Gosh this world is amazing. The tiny little flowers are just as magical as the enormous rivers and the tallest trees. I hope we don’t destroy it all with urban expansions. If I ever won a large lottery, I would buy land to put into conservation easements for eternity. I would buy a farm and plant native plants for the pollinators. I would invest in this planet. So if you ever hear that I won – hold me to that promise.
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February 13, 2025
Updating a website is an interesting task. I’ve enjoyed revisiting my images and deciding to update what’s included on my site. Making what might seem like mundane choices is, to me, quite important. I want to show all my subjects. Not because I feel boastful about the images. Rather, I so appreciate those who have stepped in front of my lens. I want to honor them all and show their humanity and power. I may still add more, but I’m trying to keep my most current projects in the forefront. I also realized how much I prefer black and white images. I’m working through my thoughts to discover why that is. I have a few ideas, but I’m not sure I’m able to put them into words quite yet. I would also like to add some of my film work and some of my nature shots in the future. For now, all is good and updated. Thanks for visiting.
February 12, 2025
The world is on fire. Why not update my website? So I am. Give me a little grace while I iron out the wrinkles. I’m a one-woman show.
i'm so glad you're here 