New Year's Resolution...

Fact is, I'm pretty good at writing in my journal everyday. Perhaps it's come from years of habit, but I am really consistent at it. As far as blogging everyday goes, I stink at it. But I want to do better.

I've realized lately that I need to start challenging myself everyday to look at things a little bit differently. Maybe it was an epiphany I received from watching the latest episode of Survivorman (of all places) and taking a tidbit of his good wisdom to heart. "By challenging yourself to look at things a little bit differently, and little bit of ingenuity, the possibilities are endless." This is the challenge I'm giving to myself this new year. Everyday I want to find subject matter to photograph. From things that are simple, to those that are wonderfully complex, and intricately beautiful. Everyday something different.

For me, it starts by stopping myself in my busy life to breathe, then challenging myself to see beyond what I saw at first glance to see how line, balance, texture and form work together to create art. It requires effort on my part. But I love being in that place where I see the world differently. It truly makes me happy.

Tell me, what things do you do to help yourself look at things differently? What do you do to stretch your mind creatively? I'd love to hear your responses...

Kracht Family Sneak Peak...

Whelp...I'm back in Texas. Let's just say the weather has been....well, gross. It's been a bit of a contrast coming from a place where it's VERY winter right now to 70 degrees and much like unto if I were living inside someone's mouth. I don't mean to be gross, but that's the only way I can think to describe it. Warm and wet. Sick. It was about the third day I was here and the weather had been consistently funky when my friends from up north left a fun message notifying me that they were all going to hit the 12 and 1/2 inches of new powder on the slopes. *sigh* At least I'm with family, getting fat off of all sorts of Christmas goodness.

While I've been here I took pictures of the Kracht family. Heather's family has been good friends with mine for years, and it was a blast hanging out with them. It's so fun to see all of us grown-up (Although I do have to say that she does seem so much more grown-up than I do....perhaps it's the THREE kids! Where did the time go anyways....sheesh!) Anyhow, they are all fantastic and absolutely adorable. Here are a few of my favorites!

Chelsea's Bridal Sneak Peak...

Hmmmm....let's see. How do you pick a favorite star in the sky? I don't know to tell the truth. It's a difficult task that's for sure. The fact is, I love them all. I feel the same way about Anthropologie's fall line, spicy molasses cookies, micro-fleece pajamas, and Chelsea's bridals to tell you the truth. I've stewed and stewed about it and couldn't quite narrow it down. Which is, tragic on one hand considering that I still haven't packed for my two week trip to Texas tomorrow morning. It's gonna be a late night for me. Eh...oh well, what do you do?

We shot Chelsea's bridals at a funky little hotel downtown. Loved it. She couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. It was one of those where everything just seemed to work out perfectly. It had been snowing all morning long, but stopped just in time for us to get some fun snow shots outside. Snaps to Chelsea for being brave enough to take her pictures in the snow!

Courtney & Matt's Wedding Day Sneak Peak...

I absolutely LOVED shooting this wedding! It was one of those that was just so much fun. My abs seriously got such a workout from laughing so hard. Matt and Courtney were so much fun to shoot. The most difficult part of the day was getting them to stop kissing for one minute so that they could hear my cues! It's always so great to see people so happy together and to be a part of their day. It's kind of weird to tell you the truth. As a photographer, you work at establishing a relationship with your clients so that they feel more natural and relaxed in front of the camera. Then, after you do, and the wedding is over you say goodbye. It's kind of sad to tell you the truth. I miss my friends. Regardless, I'm grateful to have gotten to know so many great people over the past few years. Here are a few of my favorites from the wedding day...

Warren Family Sneak Peak...

I love reflecting back on my college years. Although I would do some things differently, there is much I wouldn't have changed. I, for sure, wouldn't change many of the adventures I had while living with my sister. Rappelling off the roof of our apartment complex, Saturday morning pajama rides in my jeep wrangler, and other mischief (that can't be named here :) are some of my most favorite memories. Next, I wouldn't change my career path. Although it isn't what I do any more, I met some of the most killer-amazing kids, and I learned so much about myself. Lastly, I wouldn't change all of the places I lived. I moved around quite a bit, but consequently met some of the most stellar people.

Lauren lived in the first apartment complex I moved to from Texas in college. She has always seemed like she had it all together to me. It's hard to believe that enough years have gone by for her to have two kids of her own, but they have. Yet another testimony of "my personal worm-hole" I mentioned a few entries earlier. Her family is ADORABLE! We did their pictures at Wheeler Farm and it was FREEZING! But her kids were such troopers. Here are a few of my favorites!

Okay so....Day 5

I admit. I'm terrible. But just like everyone else I have an excuse. Not a great one, but nevertheless an excuse. I've just been SO busy. It's not something I can complain about, but as far as posting everyday like I've meant to....well, let's just say things got in the way. In any case....here is my Day #5 image. I love the colors during this season....they are just so rich.

Day 2...December Photo Challenge

It always seems like this time of year I'm fascinated by the leaves. I'm fascinated by their brilliance and color, by their persistence in holding on until they can't hold on to their branches any longer, but more than anything I'm fascinated by the fact that they just seem to I know what to do year after year. They live, and then they die, just to turn around and live again. To me they represent so much of what this season is all about.... I'm going to stop there before I start getting too philosophical. But it's really something to think about. Amazing really. Here is Day #2.