Where Am I?

I've done it. I've become the slacker blogger. I've broken the cardinal rule of blogging: always keep blogging. I would be lying if I didn't admit that wasn't the only rule I've broken now that our family has supersized to Mama, Daddy, Big Sis, two wee babes, and two crazy dogs. (And our home and my access to my computer have decreased exponentially to wading through a sea of baby bouncers, swings, car seats and dog hair to traverse a room on the rare occasion when everyone is happy, asleep or otherwise occupied and not begging for my undivided attention.)

So, here's what's up!

I am back to work. And it's marvelous. I love my boys infinitely, but I am just not cut out to stay at home. Yes, juggling three kids, work and life has brought everything to a whole new level of chaos, but in a way, I find it more peaceful, as being at work all day allows me to enjoy the quiet, miss my kiddos, and then head home with a happy heart to huge smiles that make every load of laundry, frantic morning, and dirty diaper more than worthwhile.

I am back behind the camera and lovin' every minute of it. God's timing is so perfect. Right before I got pregnant with the boys, I was teetering on the edge of a complete artistic burnout. I honestly wondered if I would even continue shooting at all in the coming year. Strangely enough, that is precisely what happened, although of course far beyond my original line of thinking. All that time, all of the amazing things that have happened in my life...they have all catapulted me to a higher plane of creativity, and I am just itching to shoot. I have been blessed to welcome two other little babes to this world through my work, have shared in the joy of a new engagement, and now look forward to returning to the wedding arena in just a few weeks to celebrate the love and charisma of an awesome pair as they embark on their lives together.

Other exciting things coming up...I plan to tackle a new group of at-risk kids and look forward to encouraging the opportunity to share their voices through the art of photography. My husband and I are looking at some major changes for our family that have us in prayer and thanksgiving that we can even consider these changes a possibility. And of course, I continue in my quest to figure out how to cook dinner at night. Baby steps.

Stay tuned for sneak peeks of what is sure to be a stunning wedding in just a few short weeks!

The Importance of You

There are quite a few things going on in my life today...my daughter starts 5th grade today (holy cow!), I head back to work after months and months away during a difficult pregnancy and subsequent amazing maternity leave, and my little boys are 10 weeks old and heading to day care in about 45 minutes...needless to say, wowsa! It's a big day.

The importance of you has several meanings for me. One being that as a mother I have come to an understanding that it is vitally important for me to take care of myself, spiritually, physically, mentally, etc. in order to be the best parent that I can be to my children. Going back to work was a no brainer for me for that very reason. I am a good mom when I get to recharge during the day, doing something I love, and then run home to my family that I have missed all day. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, as they say.

I also returned to my proper place behind the camera this past weekend to shoot an engagement session for a dear friend who has met her soul mate. The importance of you plays a vital role in photography, especially when it comes to portrait work. So many people get incredibly nervous (myself included) when stepping in front of the camera, and believe me, it shows! One of my greatest challenges as a photographer is softening the deer in the headlights look that often accompanies the first few minutes of a shoot.

Angela and Josh get the importance of you. They were so creative and really thought about who they are as a couple and what would share that with their friends and family as they announce such a happy step forward in their lives together. They aren't afraid to laugh, play and were such a blast to shoot. They came prepared with ideas and weren't afraid to try stuff on the spot. They also took time to go outside of the traditional portraits, or even the non-traditional portraits, to just play together. This is absolutely key to a successful shoot and frankly, it shows in the final product.

Anyone on the planet can see from these photos that these two love each other and enjoy every minute they spend together. There is nothing better as a photographer than getting to capture you being you. Congratulations Angela and Josh! I can't wait to share in your special day and am honored to be considered your friend and your photographer.