Top 10 from Winter '18
The thing I love most about what I do is the diversity of projects. I have this insatiable interest in trying new things, finding new angles and playing with new looks. Some people say I need to stick to a channel or style and become an "expert" in that area. I say take it as it comes at me.
I have a bit of a spontaneous personality. I've realized in the last couple years I go out of my way to make myself uncomfortable. I literally have no idea why I do this except for acknowledging I'm constantly curious and excited to grow. And growth comes with being uncomfortable at first. Guess what though. The next time it happens it's not as uncomfortable!
This winter I've gotten to really challenge myself and try new styles, new locations and new types of shoots. It's been all over the map and I'm stoked about it. From working with musicians to Microsoft, maternity to boudoir, there has never been a dull moment. I thought I'd share some of my favorite images from some of my favorite shoots so far this year.
Enjoy!
Top 10 from Winter '18
#1
Maddie and Connor - This couple wanted a snowy engagement shoot. I honestly had never shot at Snoqualmie before this shoot, but went up the weekend prior to scope out some locations. The day ended up being a total snowstorm, getting about 4 inches in a few hours, but the brightness and airy clean light it created made me obsessed. I love this photo because of their energy and the depth. They were so natural with each other and me and the snow added so much depth to every picture.
#2
Susan G Music - Susan is a local Seattle singer/songwriter looking for new content to support her upcoming album release. We talked about her vision before the shoot and decided to go for an urban, edgy vibe with really moody light and a whole lot of attitude. This shot came out of the shoot and I'm absolutely in love. She was up against a yellow wall, it was golden hour and the shadows make for so much drama.
#3
Ashley - I've had so much fun shooting friends this spring! Ashley is a good friend and expecting her first child. It's funny how only a few of my closest friends have had children so far, but getting to walk through life with them and capture these huge milestones is so fun. I can't wait to meet sweet Mila and watch Ashley become the best mom in the world to her.
#4
Ives and Christina - These girls know what does a body good. I loved this shoot because of the energy and chemistry they have together, and the common passion they share. Fitness. I was an athlete my entire life until the last few years. It's not that I don't work out anymore, it's just after multiple surgeries I just ain't what I once was. Y'all feel me? Back in the day (I'm talking like I'm 80) my favorite thing was to work out with people. Running buddies were my absolute favorite. Not only did they keep me accountable, but those people ended up being my best friends at the time. It's amazing how much life you share when you're running 15 miles a week together. I can tell Christina and Ives are the same. They push each other, they laugh a ton and their perfect bodies are a result of their incredible dedication to fitness. I'm not jealous at all.
#5
FarmBeats - Alright. This was a fun one. Not because I captured the most artistic photos on the planet, but because the cause behind this photo is inspiring. Ranveer Chandra is a researcher at Microsoft Research working on a project called FarmBeats. The project is focused on bringing AI to farms so famers can be more productive, put more money in their pockets (farmers currently get screwed by regulations and politics) and increase food supply for a world whose demand is out pacing supply. His work has caught the ears of the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation and inspired substantial interest in India and other developing countries desperate to increase food supply.
#6
Claire - This girl is a powerhouse of ideas, enthusiasm and love. I have never been more inspired to be real with myself, accept the current stage I'm in and just drive forward with my crazy ideas! This girl does just that. And she doesn't just do it for herself, but she is a cheerleader for literally everyone in her life. Not to mention she has this infectious smile that captures beautifully on camera. I can't wait to see what she does next and Claire, if you're reading this, thank you so much for supporting me as much as you have this last year.
#7
Blanca* - I like this photo because of the smile on her face. Boudoir is a funny and often taboo idea. But the positive energy and increase in self-esteem that I have seen come out of these shoots, justifies 100+ more to come. EVERY. SINGLE. WOMAN. is self conscious of her body. I don't care if she's skinny, fat, tone or soft she has a problem area that is multiplied in her head. However, something about the magic of being vulnerable, showing up to a hotel to get your hair and make up done, and putting on something that makes you feel like a fierce vixen is confidence boosting. The cards and texts and GIFTS (GIFTS!) I have received from clients after a shoot thanking me for making them feel the way I did and portraying them in a way they thought was only possible in their imagination makes my heart explode. That is literally all I could dream to do for them and at the end of the day, I want them to leave with this smile.
*All boudoir photos I post or share have the consent of the individual. Peoples privacy and security is my number one priority and I'd never compromise that.
#8
Erica & Nate - This couple I hold near and dear to my heart. Not only have I known Erica since she was 3, but she has found a love that keeps her giggling, happy and cared for. They are getting married this Summer and I think we both were equally excited to shoot with each other. She has been a huge supporter in my life and spending the day with them was not work. It was fun. And watching them interact in front of the camera was like seeing another glimpse into their love. They LAUGH. A LOT. Their energy is already on the same wave length and their smiles are infectious. Ah it was such a good day.
#9
Leah - Leah was fun for me because I got to take my show on the road. She was my first out of state boudoir shoot and I couldn't have asked for a better client. Back to my point on challenging myself, I had to do research for the best spot for this shoot in a city I have never even visited. It could have been scary, but it came together beautifully and we nailed this incredible master bedroom in Bend, Oregon. I love traveling, so being able to travel and shoot was something I've always wanted to do. BRING IT ON.
#10
Ben and Alyssa - I loved shooting this couples NYE wedding. Sodo Park was such an incredible venue, their friends were hilarious and they were the perfect models. The best thing about this job is it never feels like work and all I do is make friends. In my first year as a professional photographer, this couple took a chance on me and I'm so glad they did.
And that's it! There were so many people I didn't feature and not because I don't have incredible memories and shots of every one of them. It was honestly so hard to choose. I can not wait for the next three months and what's on the books. Spring is here, weather is sunnier, days are longer and it's gunna be so good.