A New Year

Hello everyone! I know it has been awhile. I miss you all and am so glad to be back! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and is having a great start to 2012. It's going to be an amazing year--I just know it!

I left 2011 behind feeling more refreshed and ready than ever for new changes and prospects in my life, and, in photography. Even though 2011 started off a bit shaky, it ended up being a great year! I started last year completely uncertain of myself (especially with only a year into photography). It was so difficult to throw myself out there without any previous knowledge, a mentor, or even knowing what my style was. The only thing I was certain of was 1) my love for photography and 2) the deep and profound desire I had to become better as a photographer. It truly was a very difficult time for me. So, without any guidance I started my journey, gauge on “lost”, trying to find “ME” imprinted in my work. As I have previously mentioned, it wasn’t until I joined the “I Heart Faces” forum and connected with other photographers that I eventually saw what I was looking for—through their eyes, I saw ME. My style was always there…present from day one—through the consistency in my editing and my own style of shooting. As crazy as it may sound, I was so focused on learning and getting better that I forgot to take a look and really see the work I’d been producing. The images I produced and have continued to produce—all incorporate the essence of what I’m drawn to naturally. After that epiphany, I went into my shoots with a clearer purpose and vision, editing with an actual understanding of what I was doing, and why. From then on, everything sort of just…fell into place. There’s that saying, when you do something with a purpose and with passion, people will take notice. I'm still in so much shock, and still so humbled by the exposure I've received through the “I Heart Faces” website. I am so thankful for it and for the people who graciously reached their hands out to me. You guys are amazing!

I am also extremely grateful for the warmth, love, and support from my family, friends, and fans (old and new). You were all a part of what helped to make 2011 better than I could have ever imagined. The experiences I had, through successes and failures, from 2011 has me feeling ready to tackle 2012, a better person and photographer. My goal for this year is to work on the side that has been quite a struggle for me, the dreaded business side (I am definitely all artist). I'm also going to continue to elevate my craft by trying new things and be okay with saying no (the latter has been a tough one for me as well).

With that said, here's to trying something new—my very first boudoir session with the incredibly beautiful Ellen! This shoot was crafted with my vision of what it means to be “sexy”…a little softness here, a touch of romance there, and the innocence of anticipation. Enjoy!

And do stay tuned for details of my very first giveaway on Facebook.  If you aren't already a fan, become one!  You don't want to miss it!