Honoring Moms

A little personal vulnerability here — I've begun going through a structured process this year where I've gotten to peel back the layers of my life, all the way down to my childhood, reflecting on how the influence of people and happenings of my life have shaped me for the good and for the bad. I do this in a group-setting, hearing stories about how others have been shaped as well. It's a safe place, yet one in which you can't help but compare and draw conclusions about why we turned out healthy or broken in various areas of our lives. 

In this process, there is a lot of reflection about your parent's influence, especially in the first few years of your life. I won't get too deep into any of that, but in light of Mother's Day I'm feeling very grateful for the fact that my mom was nurturing and present during my formative years. While my dad was away working his job during the day, my mom juggled being a freelance graphic designer and running a daycare center out of our house so that she could raise me and my sister (um, technically that's 3 jobs...). My sister and I had the ideal set-up — being consistently socialized with kids of all ages (it felt like we had a huge collection of siblings to play with every day), yet the two of us got to have our parent's focused attention when all the kids went home with their own families. 

Our lives weren't perfect, but I now see how my mom structured her life so that we could be sufficiently provided and cared for. Being a mother is a big deal that I have so much respect for. If I hear anyone ever put the word "just" before "being a stay-at-home-mom", I want to remind you that you arguably have the most important job of all time. By bringing a child into this world, you are dropping a stone into the water, creating a ripple effect that will touch the world. 

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Additionally, in honor of Mother's Day, I want to highlight one of my long-time friends and soon-to-be mother of 2. Laura is one of those fully-devoted, hard working mommas that I regard highly. Below is a little shoot I did with her and her beautiful, expanding family. 

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Zahradka Engagement

Hopping back to the damp and dreary winter days of Portland from sunny California was made easier by way of these two, ready to venture out for a fun day of shooting — rain or shine. 

I will be covering Jeremy & Kate's wedding in April, they chose to shoot their engagement photos with me as well. I often encourage couples to use the same photographer for both of these events for a few reasons: 

1. Many photographers, including myself, offer a discounted rate if you book these events together. 

2. Doing an engagement session with your wedding day photographer allows a low-pressure avenue to get comfortable in front of the person who will be following you around on your important day. Also to get a feel for how your photographer operates. We each have our different approaches to shooting; my style is to make you comfortable, but also for me to be as invisible as possible. My primary goal is for you to be present — aware of the environment, the emotions, and the people/person you are with. I want you to remember your day, not your photographer. 

Please enjoy a few shots from our venture around Portland together, making a cozy time out of a wet day.

I want to offer a special thanks to Wildwood Bespoke for providing a stunning and warm place to shoot. If you are curious about their space and are looking to rent it for something special (a meeting, retreat, party, music event, photoshoot, video shoots, etc.) travel over to this link and inquire about reservations. If you are in need of a custom suit or are someone who enjoys high fashion and the finer things in life, visit their shop tucked away behind Barista in downtown Portland. They have an amazing collection of items (some local, including my amazing friend Lyle at Handforge) that will make your eyes happy and give you plenty of treasures to put on your Christmas list. 

You can thank me later! 

Joshua Tree, California

There has been a lot of whining from us Pacific Northwesterners about this year's winter, and I am not at all exempt. This season has been so brutal and exhausting! Yes, I hail from Colorado. But no, none of us are blasé about the inclement weather we've been having here in Portland. It has cost us much — major accidents and highway closures, shutting down the cities that are ill-equipped to operate under this form of winter. Lost business, lower paychecks, crunched cars, cancelled appointments, doleful demeanors, the inability to get a good bowl of ramen anywhere...I could whine on. I'll spare you. All that to say, an irresistible urge to seek the sun was bubbling to the surface for me, and so a styled shoot in the always enchanting Joshua Tree with a few of my most creative and lovely friends was a no-brainer. If you are in need of some sunshine, I hope that these images of warmth can transport your mind to a happier place, or inspire you to physically go to one. How the sun can heal a soggy soul... 

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DAY 1

DAY 2 & 3