I have always been fascinated by photography. I have spent countless hours studying photographs of people, while considering the angles, the lighting, and the editing the photographer used. I love the fact that photography has the amazing ability to transport us to a different time, or place with one single shot.
It was not until I started blogging that I decided to take photography more seriously. With camera in hand, I started experimenting with photographs of my apartment, of friends, and family. It was after experimenting in this way that I realized my passion for photography. I have no formal training or background in this field, but I realize that passion can open your eyes to the impossible, so not only did I invest in the proper equipment I also spent the necessary time to learn everything I could to enhance the skill it takes to be proficient with this passion.
I enjoy, and appreciate the opportunity to photograph bloggers, couples, influencers who make an impact in their profession, families, and also lifestyle type setting. I take an individual approach to each person I photograph. I make every effort to embrace and highlight the focus of what they are trying to convey to their audience with each session.
I look forward to working together and capturing the potential magnificence of your moments through my eyes and the lens of my camera.
Changing it up here today! Since one of the best and biggest sales of the season starts today, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I thought I would share a few looks that are inspiring me right now. Sticking with my Parisian trend that seems to be the trend this week, I have shared a few of my favorite french looks. If you have a chance to break away from your work load today or need to nurse a hangover this weekend, be sure to take some time to check out the sale! It will surely not disappoint!
Happy Birthday America. You beautiful thing, you! I proudly celebrate this holiday almost like my own birthday. My family is extremely patriotic and have always instilled the grave importance of giving thanks to those who fought for our independence. I love and respect my mom for many different reasons but one of the reasons I look up to her most is her unwavering support for our soldiers. In 2005 my mom met a soldier on the golf course who mentioned to her he was going to Iraq to fight in Iraqi Freedom. The soldier was around my brothers age and thinking of her own son having to fight a war really got to her. She went to bed that night, still thinking of this encounter, and prayed that if there was something she could do, to let her know. At this time in 2005 she also ran a cookie/gift basket business. That night, she got hit with an idea that changed her life!
When she was in college her grandmother used to send her chocolate chip cookies. She used to love receiving those packages and every time she opened a box she always felt like she was back at home eating them in her kitchen. If there is one thing that will immediately take you “home” it is the power of scent. Putting two and two together she decided to create, Grammy’s Cookie Convoy, as a way to remind the soldiers that there were still people at home thinking of them. She decided to call them “hugs from Grammy” to not only send them a “hug from home” but also to honor her grandmother. Nine years later, thousands and thousands of cookies shipped, and many thankful letters she has inspired me and others beyond what she could imagine. When a soldier writes her or calls letting her know they received the cookies and it brought tears to their eyes or the cookies boosted the moral of the entire platoon, it is a feeling I can’t explain (read what they say here). The words these grown men say to my mother are so powerful. I am beyond honored to know a women who can touch so many different and important peoples lives.
This July 4th will be a bit different than others in the past. I will actually be spending a few days after the 4th in one very powerful and heartbreaking place – the Normandy American Cemetery. I have been once and have never forgotten the overall feeling of gratitude, exhaustion, and other emotion I can’t quite put into words but ones which brought me to my knees and tears to my eyes. I am happy to be going back, this time with my parents – the ones who instilled in me such American pride and gratefulness to those who serve. I am honored to have a mom who felt the need to do more, and did, as well as to live in this amazing country where people are willing to risk their lives to keep our freedom! This fourth I hope you spend it celebrating with your loved ones and also remembering the sacrifice others have given. We are so lucky!
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to learn more about my moms project you can visit Troops Project
Growing up I used to bask in the sun. Soaking in every ray – feeling the warmth and the tan set in. The lake was my backyard and I fully utilized every activity that entailed. Most of the days I would wake-up, eat, and run outside to go boating all day. The last thing on my mind was skincare or sunscreen. I just wanted to get on the water. My mother would harp on us time and time again about sunscreen and the importance of skincare but her words fell on deaf ears. The older I get the more I realize how I should have listened to my mom. Mother did always, “know best.” After years of enjoying every ounce of Vitamin D that fell my way, my skin has taken a beating. The tan, sun-kissed look I was accustomed to growing up is now riddled with sun spots, fine lines, and dryness. I am forever on the search for skincare products that are both nurishing and natural. I have turned to every moisturizer under the sun (no pun intended). Feeling defeated and waving the white flag to bad skin I read about Face Oil. I first heard about them from Bradley (Face Oil) and then again from Kathy (Fantastic Face Oil). Both wrote great posts on the benefits from face oils (I recommend you read). This is what I learned from reading: Oils prevent skin damage by acting as a liquid barrier protecting from outside forces or over-cleansing, they are full of necessary hydration, + they are one of the best anti-agers. They had me fully convinced to give them a go.
I now don’t go a day without using at least one oil for my skin. I always feel so moisturized and accomplished – like I did something really excellent for my skin. My most used oil would be the Caudalie Divine Oil – given to my by one of my clients, Laura! I use it not only on my body and face, but also on the ends of my hair when I feel like it could use a pick me up! I am not trying to guilt you in to throwing away every moisturizer you have to go out and buy face oil but I did want you to be informed! If all of these women swear by it, there must be something to it! Trust me – I am now a believer! Need more convincing? Check out these articles – 9 Best Oils For A Perfect Complexion and Why You Should Be Using Face Oil – Even On Oily Skin. Excerpt – “face oil products contain the essential fatty acids your skin requires to stay properly hydrated, but your body can’t produce them on its own. Cream moisturizers are usually water based, or a mix of oil and water. They’re great for keeping problem-free skin balanced and moisturized. Face oils, however, contain a more powerful, purer, and often more expensive form of nutrients that are the perfect solution for skin in distress. And that lipid barrier we mentioned helps skin heal and repair itself much more quickly. They also lock in hydration better than water-based creams.”
