{The Queen of Good Intentions} Nashville TN Portrait Photographer

{The Queen of Good Intentions} Nashville TN Portrait Photographer

That’s me. The Queen of Good Intentions. I have great ideas and wonderful dreams and lovely visions of creativity. I fall short with the follow through. I have no one to blame but myself and, while I’m putting myself in a vulnerable place by openly admitting this, I’m making some grand changes in my personal life as well as with my business so it seems fitting that I be upfront and lay it all out. If for no one else but ME.

Next Thursday, February 9, 2012, is my last day at my corporate job. The wheels are in motion for some exciting things to begin happening! Over the next week, or weeks, I’m going to be posting pictures of projects and ideas that I have had in my brain or in my sketchbook but, have never completed them for one reason or another. Yeah, it’s going to be sobering and eye opening for me to share the almost fruits of my incomplete labor. BUT, yes, it’s a big BUT…I’m putting that all behind me and I’m going to start living the life I know I was meant to live (yes, I think some of you have heard me say that before. This time I WILL follow through)

I have some great cheerleaders in my corner and I am so thankful for the days, weeks and years of support and encouragement! I’ve made some amazing new friends in the last few months who have inspired me beyond what I imagined I could be. There are some who I wish would come along with me on my new adventure but, I understand that it’s not logical or realistic to be liked by everyone. That’s okay, I can still support them and I can be their cheerleader!

Here I go…

 

this is important

this is important

I am prone to buyer’s remorse. I spend as much time in a store trying to talk myself out of purchases over $10 as I spend actually shopping for the item(s). It drives me crazy.

Tonight, I FINALLY bought my first backdrop stand. I have been talking (guilting) myself out of buying it for more than two years. There are so many other things I could put the money toward, and when I think about my already super tight and lean budget, I sigh. But, I finally did it. I CLICKED “buy” and then…I cried.

I’ll get over it and I have no doubt that when the package arrives next week, I will be smiling and so excited. I can’t wait to put it together! This is important. To me, my business and my family. This is an important year and I’m anxious to see who will join me a long the way!

 

 

A Whole Lotta Love!

A Whole Lotta Love!

I don’t usually do family sessions this big but, I’m glad I was able to photograph this family! There is a whole lotta love going on and I had the most fun with the kids! We shot this session on Christmas Eve since most of the family had come in from out of town and even though the weather was a little chilly, it was beautiful! Here are a few of my favorites…

 

 

taking the plunge – diving in head first, no fear allowed. true self screaming, how long will i let the fear win? i deserve much more, i deserve joy in creating. no more excuses. no more back-burner…

I will go before you…

I will go before you…

 

I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. (Isa. 45:2-3)

phasmid duo

phasmid duo

These ladies were found one morning clinging to my side view car mirror so we gently scooped them up into a tall jar to observe the odd insects. Not much activity during the day, which makes sense since they are nocturnal. This also explains their impressive red eyes. We also learned that they like to eat lettuce, most are female and don’t need a male to reproduce and they can vomit to deter predators! I only remember seeing them on a few occasions as a child but, after living in TN one year, these are the 5th and 6th we have seen. After three days, we decided to put them back outside – not much of a life cooped up in a jar with a stick and some lettuce.

Stryker

Stryker

This was a perfect weekend for pictures – beautiful weather, beautiful colors and the family…yeah, they were beautiful, too! I could have kept clicking the shutter long after we wrapped up our session but, kids get hungry and they eventually get tired of having their picture taken.

Cannot wait to get these edited and back to Erin…Oh, I’m excited!

To see more full-resolution photos, go  HERE

utah portrait photographer – washoe indian, lloyd – provo, utah

utah portrait photographer – washoe indian, lloyd – provo, utah

I had the awesome opportunity to photograph an american indian (washoe tribe) last week. my dear friend amber hobdy helped get the session set up and the weather was beautiful. lloyd is one of those rare spirits who says what’s on his mind and doesn’t apologize or brag or complain. he is completely genuine and is grateful for everything he has.

lloyd is a good friend of amber’s – like family – and he told her he wanted some pictures with some of his special tribal pieces before he passed on to the spirit world. i was so excited when she told me! not the typical session for me but, i grew up with navajo indians all around me so the american indian has a special place in my heart. lloyd had so many stories to share and a few times i caught myself just listening and the pictures paused for a minute or two.

the next morning lloyd had a heart attack. he is still with us and amber said his sense of humor wasn’t affected and he is still just as stubborn as the day before. he is now a little more anxious to share the photographs with those who mean the most to him. i am grateful i was able to help make this happen for him. thank you amber for pulling it all together – i love you girl!

utah photographer – naomi – park city, utah

utah photographer – naomi – park city, utah

naomi and her mom, karen, were referred to me by a dear friend, Jessica, and i knew as soon as i met them that we were going to have fun! time flies when you’re having fun and the new part hotel in park city, utah was the perfect location! thanks to karen for calling ahead and talking to the right person so we were able to spend so much time in and around the hotel. i definitely want to go back. naomi was incredible to work with – easy to pose and great energy! i’m so looking forward to working with both of them again.

i’m excited for our next shoot together and an upcoming shoot with karen as well! what a fabulous day – the weather was perfect and i am incredibly pleased with the outcome of the photos! check out more high resolution photos here.