Hello 2026! A belated welcome to the New Year and to you…
It has been one heck of a start to the year….I’m trying to tip toe into the year slowly, to finish my wintering, and get my bearings on what I really want to focus on this year. And because of the whirlwind that was last year….I want to hit the ground running (tip toeingly of course) and implement some intentional stuff that is important to me.
As an artist and photographer, continuing to make authentic, meaningful artwork that celebrates and lifts up humans, and most importantly, women, stays first and foremost in my master plan. AND most importantly, doing so while also finding the JOY in doing it, in having fun, being silly, exploring new avenues and locations, and stepping out of my comfort zone. For me, a great way to do this and make sure I am constantly learning, growing, and evolving is by travelling.
I also want to revisit and re-flex my writing muscles….which have been dormant for quite a while. I miss expressing myself with words, so the easiest way to do this consistently is to blog consistently! Practice makes perfect! And this is a great avenue for me to share some thoughts, ideas, plans, birth related information and education, and of course artwork.
Another goal for me this year is to move more into photojournalism, which I think is what I am naturally good at, and to freelance write for some publications out there. I’ve already got one project I’m covering planned for March of this year….more on that later. So bear with me as I learn, grow, and evolve.
Nature Heals…
I noticed this past year that time and time again, what always grounds me, heals me, and helps me be a better artist (and human) is surrounding myself in nature. And I’ve learned I must be VERY DILLIGENT in finding pockets of time to make that happen and must plan trips early on in order to make sure this happens. And since I’m a birth worker….I need to plan WAY WAY in advance to make sure I work it all out so that I don’t have birth clients during that window.
Travel always shapes my creative, heart filled business. Whether I’m attending a photography retreat, workshop, visiting a fellow photographer and creating together for fun, or just travelling with my family, IT ALL FILLS MY CUP. But MAN OH MAN does it fill my cup most when I’m surrounded by glorious nature! I was blessed this year to get to go on a number of trips, one of which was life-changing (to the Pacific Northwest, Oregon and Washington specifically). I attended a wonderful photography workshop for a couple days, then spent the next week exploring the PNW coast. I don’t even have words to explain how magical this place is, so instead I’ll show you a few favorite moments…
I definitely learned that rocks+coast+mountains+fog= Happy Me
Things I learned while working on the Oregon Coast with models….
It will always be either raining, spittering, or overcast. Except for when it’s not. But the majority of the time it is. So, either wear contact lenses (not glasses that constantly get rain splottered, foggy, or just in the way), have weatherproof gear, always bring a rain jacket/waterproof jacket, and embrace the foggy/soft nature of the atmosphere.
After the “work”…we wandered and played along the PNW coast
Imagine telling your friend/travel partner/fellow photographer “I just want to wander in the forests, see the cool mossy trees, some cool waterfalls, and huge boulders in/near/on the ocean”…..and then she creates the perfect travel itinerary for you. And plans for an overnight in Forks, Washington, so you can geek out on your inner vampire/werewolf/Twilight passion.
I could go on and on….but I’ll stop here for today. And I guarantee, travelling and making all kinds of art makes me a better person, and a better birth photographer, newborn photographer, documentary family photographer, breastfeeding photographer, and maternity photographer. I incorporate everything I learn into the art I make with my clients, and I always want you to have a fantastic experience every step of the way, as well as of course LOVE the artwork I create for you.
I look forward to bringing you more amazing photos from then and now, client work AND creative work, in keeping you in the loop of what I’m working on and planning in the future, and providing education and BTS info on life, birth, photography, and all things motherhood.
Are you interested in working with me on some portraits, a creative session, or an updated family session? Let’s chat!
