Being a photographer is an amazing dream come true. It's always exciting and fun to head to a shoot I've been hired for. When I get to shoot for pure pleasure, though, it takes it to a completely new level. Check out these blog posts for some projects that I did for the simple joy of it.
Photos from my town’s rally in response to the murder of George Floyd. Black lives matter.
It had been a long weekend, as they usually are. My soul was tired from reading the news, and when your soul is tired, your body follows. On Saturday, August 12th, a domestic terrorist drove his car into a crowd of people protesting the white nationalist rally happening in Charlottesville, VA. He killed a woman about my age. My small town planned an impromptu vigil against hate and bigotry and arranged for leaders of various religions to speak. I asked my husband if I should go to document the event. He looked at me and without hesitation said, "Yes, this is something people need to see." He was right.
I've heard before that people who have near-death experiences, when asked "So, who was right? Who did you see up there?" often say they're all right. It's all the same thing. Different groups just talk about it, feel it in different ways. Spending time with a person who has a profound spiritual connection is always moving. They don't have to share my beliefs. I don't have to understand or identify with their beliefs. Just talking with them, seeing them worship and connect in their way, it stirs something. I think it's probably the right answer. It's all the same.
Sometimes you just need to go shoot. This was an awesome, spontaneous shoot in the middle of the week in the middle of the woods. Shoutout to Johnny K for setting it up so we could knock it down.
It had recently snowed, and while I was driving down the highway and looking at the beautiful bright snow and the black branches all around, I was compelled (yeah, I'm using that dramatic of a word) to go shoot. I knew just who I needed to get in touch with, too. Scarlett's pale skin and dark hair were perfect for the setting. Let me tell you, I was fully bundled and freezing, so I am deeply impressed that she was able to pose so well in her costume. She was determined to brave the cold all in the name of art!
I saw the subject at a wedding I was working, and knew I had to do a shoot with her. She had the most incredible look. Between her hair and tattoos I was completely smitten. I couldn't help myself but find her during cocktail hour and ask her to do a shoot with me some time. This shoot took place at the tattoo shop where she is an artist. We had so much fun working together!
This shoot was months in the making, and so worth it! Had a blast shooting this gorgeous husband and wife with my partners, John and Maria, on a lovely autumn Sunday in Hoboken, NJ. I still look back on these photos and find myself smiling. I really feel like we got exactly what we were going for that day. #feelsgoodman
Every time I saw the beautiful patches of wildflowers on the sides of the parkway, I knew I had to find someone to stick in there and take pictures of. #lifegoals