The Power Of Simplicity

Sometimes simplicity speaks volumes....

Simplicity is something that I am always aiming for as a photographer. 

I don't always get there. 

Sometimes I miss the mark. 

But its the ultimate goal. 

I'm not sure what in society has taught us that art must be hard. 

That it must be complicated

or busy. 

While that may be true, 

For me, art is simplicity.

Its easy. 

It expresses truth. 

Art is the small things. 

Its the breath of love.

The power of truth.

The voice of the mind, heart and soul

And the beauty of liberation that comes with all those things. 

I believe, Art, at its core is the beauty of simplicity. 

For this image, I wanted to challenge myself. 

I used my old camera, and my kit lens because they are nothing fancy. 

When it comes down to it, its not about the gear of what was used, 

but the feel, the mood and the message of the final piece. 

I took three separate images. 

One of my model, Taylor. 

And another one for both pieces of fabric. 

(Which are actually sheer curtains, I might add) 

Then blended the three shots together. 

All the elements of this photograph were simple. 

So simple was the finished product.

However, because of the simplicity of it all...

This image speaks.

It's powerful. 

I love it. 

It's dark...

Mysterious

Beautiful. 

When you leave art to its own devices,

you are left with nothing more than emotion. These emotions are what makes art. 

They are what tell the story. 

Never underestimate the power held within the simple things. 

For the simple things are the big things. 

SENIOR PORTRAITS: Cara

Over Thanksgiving I got to spend a week with Cara and her wonderful family.  We managed to shoot some senior photographs in the woods where we were camping. 

Cara and I have been friends since we were babies. I am grateful that I have made a true friend in her! She has a kind heart and her love for others is obvious! I LOVE the shots we got together. I think her confidence, beauty and strength all shine through clearly. Thanks for letting me photograph you! So beautiful, right?!?!

Seriously, how cool is she?!?!

Thanks to Cara's awesome brother for grabbing this shot of us. 

Quest For Beauty...

"I have a compulsion to capture, to hold moments in my hand for future examination to make stories out of them. Perhaps, this is what it means to be an artist- the desire to create beauty and stories out of all the threads of our lives" - Andrea Scher

Almost always, what drives my adventure of photography

is the quest for beauty.

There is something within me that is so naturally

drawn to the miracle that is lines,

shapes,

proportions,

textures,

and colors.

Often this involves frolicking in the woods.

Spending time in nature is a gift.

It’s a time to refresh,
reenergize,

refuel

and remember.

When time is cherished, nature manages to nurture-

nurture my sense of wonder

and my humility.

I know I am in the presence of the ancient forces;

I am in the company of magic.

And that, just might be the most potent gifts of all. ;)

While spending a week in the woods,

I found this perfect and breath-taking tree.

These photographs do not do it justice!

Portraits: Kayla

You know those people who light up the room when they walk in? Kayla is one of those people.She always has a smile on her face. She always encourages and builds up the people around her. Kayla has such a kind and caring personality and a servant’s heart. Kayla has a fun personality and is truly beautiful on the inside and outside!

She wants to do hair AND own her own salon, travel but live in the country, be a mom, have horses, AND do missions work.  She will be busy women, but I have full faith that she can do all these things and more. She will take this world by storm!

Kayla, I had lots of fun photographing you. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together!  I am thrilled for you as you enter this stage in your life. ;)

MY SUPER, AWESOME, EXCITING, WONDERFUL, JOYOUS ANNOUNCEMENT

You could say I’m an adventure driven person.

I always have been.

I love everything about an adventure-

the mystery,

the excitement,

the wonder,

the uncertainly,

the revelations,

and everything else that comes with that.

Its incredible to me…

the way adventure changes you.

You never end the same person you were when you started.

You change….

You learn….

You grow…

All for the better.

I have never been interested

in staying with in the comfort zone of my own culture

or community.

What’s the fun in that?

I have always believed that,

while staying in your comfort zone is

Well, comfortable,

And easy,

It’s not where the magic happens.

Nothing extraordinary ever happens

in the confines of your own comfort.

There is so much to see,

experience,

and so many adventures to take.

I’m so excited to travel the world

and photograph people of other cultures

and their different kind of beauty.

SO….

It is with GREAT pleasure that I am here to announce that……

DRUM ROLL PLEASE……

IM GOING TO AFRICA!

Kenya,

to be more accurate.

I have the opportunity to travel to Kenya next summer with a dear friend who is opening a drug rehab center and I’m coming along to photograph its building.

(O.k. the two day Safari through the African plains might have something to do with it as well)

I am completely blown away that I have this amazing opportunity.

I could not be more excited

Or overjoyed.

This is a dream come true for me

And I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

But I am also overwhelmed by the fact that I need to raise 4000 bucks

In the next ten months….

So if you can

AND

would like to help me out.

PLEASE let me know.

I will need all the finical help I can get.

Every cent will help.

But I’m not writing this to ask for money.

Anyway, that’s my news and I’m overjoyed to finally share it.

You have no idea how hard it was for me to keep it a secret for this long. ;)

Thanks for listening to me babble over the internet.;)

EEPPP!

Have I mentioned I'm excited! ;)

What's been going on in your life, person of the internet?

I’d love to here! ;)