Hannah {Senior Session}

"Don't ask what the world needs.  Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it!  Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."                                                 - Howard Thurman

   I feel so incredibly blessed, largely because of my family and friends. They literally are the greatest support system, as well as the people who enable me to "come alive". Their support, encouragement, and belief in my work is a wonderful gift and without them I would be no where.
   This summer I have had the opportunity to photograph two of my cousins for a senior session. The first being my cousin Katelyn and this time my cousin Hannah!
   My cousin Hannah is going to be a senior at Mayo High School in Rochester, MN.  When Hannah asked if I would take her senior pictures I was thrilled.  Not only would I get to do something I love with someone I love, but I knew our day together would be a very memorable experience. And that it was! We had a day filled with laughter, adventure, and many smiles!
  Hannah, I am so excited for all the amazing experiences ahead of you! As you begin to make some of those tough decisions that come along with senior year, remember to choose the path that makes you "come alive".   If you remember to follow your heart, continue to dream big, and find purpose in all you do; I believe you will be one happy girl.

Katelyn {Senior Session}

I find it hard to believe that my cousin Katelyn will be a senior. It just doesn't seem right!!! She is one busy girl, so I am glad we found some time to take a few pictures. We had a great afternoon, despite the 95 degree weather! Thanks Katelyn for a fun afternoon and remember to enjoy your senior year, it flies by!

{Children}

    One of the many reasons I love photographing children is the fact that they are themselves.  They are able to ignore the camera and just go about playing. They are natural, playful, and carefree; something that is so authentically beautiful. 

 

Europe {Personal}

  It is so hard to believe that my Junior year of college has come to an end. It has been an unbelievable year full of many adventures and lots of memories! I never did get around to posting my pictures from my month abroad in January. So here are just a few pictures from my time in Europe .

Paris

Venice

Rome

Florence

Siena

Pisa

Nice

Do What Makes You Happy {Personal}

"If one advances confidently in the direction of their dreams, and endeavors to lead a life they have imagined thy will meet with a success expected in uncommon hours."
                                                                                         -Henry David Thoreau


What do you dream about? What lights a fire underneath you? What makes you happy? These are questions I ask you to ponder because they matter. They help you determine the things that make you, YOU!

 Everyday I ask myself what it is that makes me happy. The things that always stay constant include: my love for my family, friends, my everlasting faith, and photography. These wonderful elements are essential to who I am. My family, friends, and faith continue to challenge me and they help me explore who I am and what I want out of life.

I think as individuals we are often our own worst critic.  Why is that? We need to learn to be graceful with ourselves. We don't have to be perfect, we don't have to be the cookie cutter example, we just need to be the best version of ourselves.  Everyone has something wonderful to offer and each gift is unique and our own. Attempting to see the uniqueness in everything around us, we can expand our sensitivity and response to art. My love for photography stems from beautiful, authentic,creative individuals. That's what inspires me and keeps me searching for more in life.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is, do what makes you happy. For me photography is what lights a fire underneath me, it's what I dream about, it is an outlet for finding meaning and purpose in all I do. I plan to pursue my dream as scary as it is, but I know the risk will be worth it. I'd rather do something I love then wonder what would've, couldv'e been.  

Go out and live your dream; boldly,confidently and do it courageously!