Spring + Shout

 I was taking my Monday walk, camera in tow (just in case a house collapsed in front of me or what not) thinking as I went. I think as I walk. Try it, they go together extremely well.  I didn't find any disasters, but I did find a few hopeful reminders.

With blazing audacity the flowers make their way through the frozen ground every January. Rain or shine, snow or frost, ready or not, here they come.  I'm going to mimic that approach I think. It seems to work for them.

Portland in Spring Macro

Clarity of Purpose.  Iris buds in Portland

Ardent Zeal. Creative Ingenuity. white crocus in Portland

Tireless Determination. Adaptable Perseverance.

Ready or not, here I go.  :)

Why I Love Curvy Curving Girls

I believe there is a significant section of the population that is grossly ignored by photographers. Everyone highlights their skinny, model-esque clients on their homepage forgetting that there are thousands of women out there waiting to be captured as they've always dreamed.

I know what it's like to look in the mirror and see only the extra baggage. I was one of the statistics, and berrated myself into an eating disorder. I know what it's like to loathe photos, the kind that stabs you to the quick, and want to bury. I know self-loathing and self-attack mode. Why do we allow ourselves to tolerate such depressing views of ourselves? It's time to examine it, and let it go.

Coming out of Bulimia, I want to give women a new perspective on their bodies. I want them to enjoy themselves as they are NOW. To see themselves as they are on the inside, to find glamor they didn't know they had. I want to give them that experience, and I believe,  after much practice, I can.

I want to tell every woman that has come to me with the words "I should have lost 15 pounds" that NOW is the time to tell your story.

I want to capture the real beauty of normal, next-door, women. To show them a finished product that makes them feel that finally, someone has connected with them, finally, they love what they see.

This is my anthem as a photographer.

Wedding Photos & Chipped Teeth

I have been married for nigh exactly 6 weeks. Just last night I chipped my tooth in celebration. Nevermind that it was mid-blow in a full-scale pillow fight with my husband. Yes. He is very big and very strong and one heck of a pillowfighter; not to mention the best husband in the world.

The great and fabulous Nate Perkes, of Idaho, was flown out to capture our wedding bliss. Never have I made a better decision in my life. Both the marriage and choosing Nate, that is. :P

For a ton more photos and the details of our wedding, visit Nate's Blog 

See his craftsmanship below as pictured in our photos...we think you're awesome Nate and Luisa. We really wish you lived closer! Such a wonderful team, we adore you guys!