Why you need a Boudoir shoot, NOW!
Valentine's Day is around the corner… A boudoir shoot is an empowering and unforgettable experience for a gift or yourself! Here’s why…
Boost Your Confidence – See yourself in a new light and celebrate your beauty exactly as you are.
Self-Love & Empowerment – A boudoir shoot is a powerful reminder of your strength and femininity.
A Unique & Personal Gift – Whether for yourself or a partner, these photos make an intimate and meaningful keepsake.
Mark a Milestone – Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, a personal transformation, or just because you deserve it!
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone – Embracing vulnerability in a safe and artistic setting can be life-changing. Don’t be nervous; all boudoir images are kept private unless I’m permitted to share them.
You Deserve to Feel Sexy & Beautiful – No matter your age or body type, you are worthy of feeling incredible in your own skin.
So why wait? Do it for you—you’ll be so glad you did! 💕✨
Capturing Your Senior Year
Now booking 2025 Seniors!
Senior year is a time of excitement, change, and new beginnings. Your senior photos are more than just pictures—they are a reflection of who you are at this milestone moment. Whether you're getting ready for your session or just starting to think about it, I’ve got you covered.
Every senior session includes a custom-designed graduation announcement using your favorite images.
Embracing Growth and Radiating Positivity in 2025
Happy New Year!
Life is a journey, not a destination. Each twist and turn offers an opportunity for growth, and every sunrise promises a fresh start. Growth and positivity are the twin engines that drive us forward, helping us navigate challenges and celebrate victories with grace and resilience.
Happy New Year!
Life is a journey, not a destination. Each twist and turn offers an opportunity for growth, and every sunrise promises a fresh start. Growth and positivity are the twin engines that drive us forward, helping us navigate challenges and celebrate victories with grace and resilience.
The Beauty of Growth
Growth isn’t always linear or easy. Sometimes, it looks like taking a step back to reassess our goals; other times, it’s leaping into the unknown. The key to embracing growth is understanding that it’s a process—an ongoing evolution of who we are and who we aspire to become.
Celebrate Small Wins
Growth is made up of small, consistent steps. Did you learn something new today? Did you approach a problem with a fresh perspective? These moments, though seemingly small, build the foundation for greater accomplishments.Learn from Setbacks
Every challenge holds a lesson. Instead of fearing failure, see it as a stepping stone. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” Adopting this mindset transforms obstacles into opportunities.Stay Curious
Curiosity fuels growth. Keep asking questions, exploring new ideas, and seeking knowledge. The more you learn, the more equipped you are to adapt and thrive.
The Power of Positivity
Positivity is a choice—a conscious decision to focus on what’s good in our lives, even when things feel tough. It’s not about ignoring hardships but about finding the silver lining and nurturing hope.
Practice Gratitude
Start each day by listing three things you’re grateful for. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in your life.Surround Yourself with Positivity
Energy is contagious. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Engage in activities that bring you joy and peace.Be Kind to Yourself
Self-talk matters. Speak to yourself with the same kindness and encouragement you’d offer a dear friend. Positive affirmations can reframe your mindset and build self-confidence.
Growth + Positivity = Transformation
When you combine a growth mindset with a positive outlook, the possibilities are endless. This powerful duo helps you adapt to change, pursue your dreams, and create a life filled with meaning and joy.
Here are a few ways to align growth and positivity in your daily life:
Set Intentions: Begin each day with a clear intention. Whether it’s “I will approach challenges with an open heart” or “I will take one step toward my goal,” intentions keep you focused and grounded.
Celebrate Others’ Successes: Supporting and cheering for others cultivates a mindset of abundance rather than competition.
Stay Present: Growth happens in the present moment. Embrace where you are right now while working toward where you want to be.
Your Journey Awaits
As you move through 2025 and beyond, remember that growth and positivity are daily choices. Embrace your journey with an open heart, and trust that each step leads you closer to the person you’re meant to become.
The best version of you is already within—waiting to bloom. Let’s celebrate growth, positivity, and endless potential today and every day. 🌟
Fun location ideas for your next photoshoot.
Fun location ideas for your next photoshoot.
Using an out-of-the-box location for your family photo can add a sense of adventure and creativity to your pictures, making them truly stand out. Here are some unconventional yet exciting ideas:
Abandoned Buildings or Factories
The contrast between decaying structures and lively family moments can create an edgy, artistic vibe. Just make sure it’s safe and legal to enter!
Carnivals or Fairs
Bright lights, colorful rides, and a playful atmosphere bring energy and spontaneity to family photos, making them vibrant and fun.
Laundromats
The quirky, retro look of a laundromat with washing machines and dryers as the backdrop brings a unique, playful, and vintage vibe to family photos.
Underground Parking Garage
For a modern, industrial aesthetic, an underground garage can add a cool, minimalistic atmosphere. The lighting and shadows often create dramatic, artsy effects.
Art Installations or Sculpture Parks
Taking family photos among large sculptures or modern art installations adds an abstract, creative twist, making the photos feel like part of the artwork.
Empty Swimming Pool
An empty or drained pool can provide a stark, surreal background that plays with depth and angles, creating a very distinctive, almost futuristic look.
Bookstore or Library
Capture family moments surrounded by shelves of books. It adds a cozy, intellectual feel and is perfect for families who love reading or knowledge.
Amusement Arcades
Bright neon lights, vintage pinball machines, and buzzing energy can bring a nostalgic, fun, and playful element to family photos.
Junkyards or Scrap Yards
For an avant-garde look, junkyards full of metal and old cars provide an unusual, textured backdrop that can add a grungy, rebellious touch.
Public Transport (Subways, Buses, or Trams)
Using a moving train or bus as a setting can add a dynamic, city-life feel to the photos. The metal interiors, bright lights, and passing scenery make the setting unconventional but fun.
Rooftop of a Building
Capture wide-angle shots with the skyline or sunset behind you. It adds an urban, open-air vibe, with city lights or a scenic horizon creating a powerful backdrop.
Bowling Alley
Lanes, neon lights, and retro decor create a quirky and fun atmosphere. Plus, props like bowling balls and shoes can make for unique shots.
Greenhouse or Conservatory
If you’re into nature but want something more unconventional than a park, greenhouses or plant conservatories offer a lush, vibrant setting with unusual plants and striking architecture.
Empty Movie Theater
Capture your family in front of the big screen, among plush chairs and dim lights. This can create a cinematic, dreamlike atmosphere with a personal touch.
Aquariums
Large tanks of marine life can provide surreal lighting and fascinating backdrops, with colorful fish and deep blue water creating a captivating scene.
Rural Ruins or Ghost Towns
If you have access to abandoned settlements or rural ruins, these desolate but beautiful landscapes can add a mysterious, historic feel to your family photos.
Sports Stadium (Empty)
Whether it’s a soccer field or a baseball stadium, being in an empty sports arena offers grandeur and openness, creating a dramatic backdrop with a sense of space.
Theme Rooms or Quirky Hotels
Unconventional hotels, such as ones with unique, themed rooms (e.g., jungle, spaceship, etc.), provide both fun and unusual environments for family portraits.
Old Amusement Parks
If you have access to an old or abandoned amusement park, the vintage rides and faded colors provide a whimsical and eerie touch.
Flea Markets or Antique Shops
The eclectic and often chaotic mix of objects can create a quirky, colorful, and nostalgic atmosphere, perfect for families who love exploring and finding hidden treasures.
Under a Bridge
Use bridges' architectural lines and urban environment to create a moody, industrial backdrop. They often have exciting lighting and shadow play as well.
These unconventional spots can give your family photos a fresh and creative twist, making the experience memorable and the pictures truly one-of-a-kind. Keep everyone guessing where your next photos will be.
How to build your photography portfolio
Building a photography portfolio is a crucial step for any aspiring or professional photographer. It showcases your best work, demonstrates your skills, and helps attract clients or secure job opportunities. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build an impressive photography portfolio:
1. Define Your Purpose and Audience
Purpose: Identify whether your portfolio is for securing clients, applying for jobs, or showcasing your personal projects.
Audience: Understand who your audience is (potential clients, employers, art directors) and tailor your portfolio to their expectations and needs.
2. Select Your Best Work
Quality Over Quantity: Choose your best and most impactful images rather than including too many. A portfolio with 15-20 strong images is often sufficient.
Consistency: Ensure consistency in style, quality, and presentation. Your work should reflect your unique vision and style.
Diverse Range: While maintaining consistency, include a variety of subjects, compositions, and techniques to show versatility.
3. Organize Your Portfolio
Theme-Based Sections: If you work in multiple genres (e.g., portrait, landscape, product), organize your portfolio into sections.
Flow: Arrange your images to create a smooth and engaging visual flow. The first and last images should be particularly strong to make a lasting impression.
4. Choose the Right Format
Online Portfolio: Use platforms like Adobe Portfolio, Squarespace, Wix, or dedicated photography portfolio websites like 500px and SmugMug.
Printed Portfolio: A high-quality printed portfolio can be impressive for in-person meetings. Choose a professional print service and opt for high-quality materials.
5. Write Engaging Captions and Descriptions
Captions: Provide context for your images with concise and informative captions.
About Section: Include an "About" section with a brief biography, your experience, and your artistic philosophy.
Contact Information: Make it easy for potential clients or employers to contact you by including your email, phone number, and links to social media.
6. Optimize Your Online Portfolio
SEO: Use keywords in titles, descriptions, and metadata to improve search engine visibility.
Responsive Design: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly.
Navigation: Make sure your portfolio is easy to navigate with a clean and intuitive layout.
7. Seek Feedback and Revise
Peer Review: Ask fellow photographers or mentors to review your portfolio and provide constructive feedback.
Continuous Update: Regularly update your portfolio with new and improved work, and remove older or weaker images.
8. Promote Your Portfolio
Social Media: Share your portfolio on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Networking: Attend photography events, workshops, and exhibitions to network and share your portfolio.
Marketing: Consider creating business cards or promotional materials with your portfolio link and distributing them at relevant events.
Tools and Resources
Website Builders: Adobe Portfolio, Squarespace (what I use), Wix, Weebly.
Online Portfolio Sites: 500px, SmugMug, Flickr.
Printing Services: Mpix, Millers Lab, Proprints (use to be CGPro prints).
Photo Editing: Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop.
Building your portfolio to stand out in the crowd is essential when you are starting your photography career. I hope these tips help.
Mommy & Me studio session | Buckeye, AZ
Sometimes it’s nice to change things up. We went indoors for this set and it turned out so cute. I do offer a small studio setup if the summer heat of Arizona scares you. Shoot me a message, and we can plan an indoor shoot for you :)
3 things I would do if I were starting my photography journey today.
Starting a photography journey is an exciting endeavor! Here are three things you might consider doing:
Learn the Basics: Begin by familiarizing yourself with the fundamentals of photography, such as understanding exposure (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), composition techniques, and the use of light. There are plenty of online resources, tutorials, and courses available to help you grasp these concepts.
Practice Consistently: The key to improvement in photography is consistent practice. Take your camera with you wherever you go and experiment with different subjects, lighting conditions, and compositions. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; learning from them is part of the process.
Build Your Portfolio and Seek Feedback: As you progress, start building a portfolio of your best work. Share your photos on social media platforms or photography communities to receive feedback from fellow photographers. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your skills further.
Remember, photography is not just about capturing images; it's also about telling stories, expressing emotions, and sharing your unique perspective with the world. So, stay curious, be creative, and enjoy the journey!
100 photography topics for your blog.
Hey, guess what? Blogging is not dead. In addition to SEO and brand building, blogs allow you to make your content accessible 24/7. If you are a photographer, blogs are a great way to share your work and knowledge. Here are 100 blog post topics you can use to get your blog off the ground or keep it going.
Hey, guess what? Blogging is not dead. In addition to SEO and brand building, blogs allow you to make your content accessible 24/7. If you are a photographer, blogs are a great way to share your work and knowledge. Here are 100 blog post topics you can use to get your blog off the ground or keep it going.
Behind-the-Scenes of a Recent Photo Shoot
How to Choose the Right Camera for Your Needs
Exploring Different Types of Photography: A Beginner's Guide
Interview with a Professional Photographer: Insights and Advice
Essential Camera Accessories Every Photographer Should Own
The Art of Composition: Rule of Thirds and Beyond
Mastering Manual Mode: A Beginner's Guide
Creative Ideas for Using Natural Light in Your Photography
Review of the Latest Photography Gear and Equipment
How to Take Stunning Landscape Photos
Capturing Emotion: Tips for Better Portrait Photography
Exploring Black and White Photography: Techniques and Tips
Tips for Starting Your Own Photography Business
Understanding Exposure: Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO Explained
In-Depth Look at Different Camera Lenses and Their Uses
DIY Photography Projects to Try at Home
Travel Photography Tips: How to Capture Your Adventures
The Power of Post-Processing: Editing Tips and Techniques
Photography Composition Challenge: Weekly Photo Prompts
Exploring Street Photography: Tips and Techniques
How to Photograph Wildlife Like a Pro
Showcasing Your Photography Portfolio: Tips for Success
Creative Portrait Ideas for Your Next Photo Shoot
Exploring the World of Macro Photography
How to Overcome Creative Blocks and Find Inspiration
Understanding White Balance and Color Temperature
Tips for Taking Better Photos with Your Smartphone
Exploring Different Photography Styles: Documentary, Fine Art, and More
How to Build a Photography Portfolio That Stands Out
Photography Business Essentials: Contracts, Pricing, and Marketing
The Role of Photography in Visual Storytelling
Exploring Minimalist Photography: Less is More
Mastering the Art of Long-Exposure Photography
Tips for Better Food Photography: Capturing Delicious Moments
Exploring Portrait Lighting Techniques: Natural vs. Artificial Light
The Psychology of Color in Photography
How to Capture Stunning Sunsets and Sunrises
Tips for Photographing Children and Pets
Exploring Drone Photography: Tips and Techniques
Capturing Urban Landscapes: Tips for City Photography
Understanding Depth of Field: Creating Depth and Dimension
The Art of Still Life Photography: Tips and Ideas
Tips for Better Composition in Wildlife Photography
Exploring High-Key and Low-Key Photography Techniques
How to Photograph Events: Weddings, Parties, and More
Tips for Photographing Architecture and Cityscapes
Exploring Infrared Photography: A Unique Perspective
How to Create Stunning Silhouette Photos
Exploring Astrophotography: Capturing the Night Sky
Photography Gear Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Equipment Clean and Functional
Tips for Shooting in Challenging Lighting Conditions
How to Create Stunning Double-Exposure Photos
Exploring Fashion Photography: Tips and Trends
Tips for Better Candid Photography: Capturing Authentic Moments
How to Find Your Photography Style and Voice
Exploring Conceptual Photography: Telling Stories Through Images
Tips for Better Wildlife Photography: Patience and Persistence
How to Photograph Fast-Moving Subjects: Sports and Action Photography
Exploring Drone Photography: Aerial Perspectives and Techniques
Tips for Better Travel Photography: Capturing the Essence of a Place
Exploring Surreal Photography: Pushing the Boundaries of Reality
How to Create Stunning Bokeh Effects in Your Photos
Tips for Better Night Photography: Capturing the Magic of the Night
Exploring Documentary Photography: Capturing Life as it Happens
How to Photograph Water: Tips for Capturing Motion and Texture
Tips for Better Bird Photography: Patience and Preparation
Exploring Portrait Photography: Tips for Connecting with Your Subject
How to Create Stunning Panoramic Photos
Tips for Better Automotive Photography: Capturing Speed and Style
Exploring Wildlife Photography: Tips for Getting Up Close and Personal
How to Photograph Flowers and Plants: Capturing Nature's Beauty
Tips for Better Food Styling in Food Photography
Exploring Underwater Photography: Capturing the Mysteries of the Deep
How to Create Stunning Light Painting Photos
Tips for Better Product Photography: Showcasing Your Products in the Best Light
Exploring Time-Lapse Photography: Capturing the Passage of Time
How to Photograph Fireworks: Tips for Capturing Explosive Moments
Tips for Better Portrait Editing: Enhancing Your Subjects' Natural Beauty
Exploring Architectural Photography: Capturing the Beauty of Buildings
How to Create Stunning High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photos
Tips for Better Wildlife Editing: Enhancing Details and Colors
Exploring Fine Art Photography: Creating Images with Meaning and Depth
How to Photograph Birds in Flight: Capturing Dynamic Moments
Tips for Better Landscape Editing: Enhancing Colors and Textures
Exploring Abstract Photography: Finding Beauty in the Ordinary
How to Create Stunning Reflection Photos
Tips for Better Wildlife Post-Processing: Enhancing Details and Clarity
Exploring Portrait Editing: Enhancing Skin Tones and Textures
How to Photograph Lightning: Capturing Nature's Light Show
Tips for Better Black and White Editing: Enhancing Contrast and Tone
Exploring Macro Editing: Enhancing Details and Textures
How to Photograph Rain: Capturing Mood and Atmosphere
Tips for Better Night Editing: Enhancing Colors and Contrast
Exploring Portrait Retouching: Enhancing Features and Expressions
How to Photograph Fog: Creating Atmospheric Images
Tips for Better Landscape Composition: Creating Balance and Harmony
Exploring Composite Photography: Combining Images for Creative Effects
How to Photograph Fall Foliage: Capturing Autumn's Vibrant Colors
Tips for Better Sunset Editing: Enhancing Warmth and Depth
Top 10 photography tips for beginners
Surprise Proposal.
Cody contacted me very short notice about proposing to his girlfriend Hannah while they were on vacation here in Hawaii. We made a plan, told a few white lies, and got the job done. I am so very excited for them, they are the sweetest couple. Here is the video I made of their special moment.
Motherhood Sessions.
Let’s talk about how moms are always the one behind the camera. I am even afraid to say that understanding the importance of being in front of the camera with my kiddo slips my own mind pretty often. There are so many reasons for the lack of photos of us. Maybe you don’t feel good in front of the camera, maybe you don’t have a partner to take the photos, or maybe you simply just forget. Whatever the reason is lets change that. Lets make it a thing to get in front of the camera more.
Before I leave Hawaii I am offering Motherhood sessions. These are small, very limited sessions, but they are the most important.
Here are some of my favorite photos of moms with their kids I have taken over the years. I hope these inspire you to get in front of the camera with your kiddos.
Leaving Hawaii.
We are leaving Hawaii this summer.
It is time for us to leave Hawaii, well later this summer. We are headed to Texas for a short time and then we are off on another adventure just 10 months after that.