Welcome!!
Here you will find all sorts of things: tips and tricks, book reviews, stories of my adventures, client features, and so much more!
Christmastime in a Small Town
As I type this, I’m sitting in my car waiting for traffic to clear out of Los Lunas’s McDonald’s parking lot after our town Twinkle Light Parade. Yes, the traffic sucks, but it is a small price to pay for this simple, small-town event.
Photography, and My Battle with Depression
In my mind, I’ve begun this post a million times, and in just as many ways, but now that I’m actually writing it, my mind’s gone blank so I’m winging it.
Rancho Rendezvous 2017
One of the things I look forward to every year is returning to my childhood Girl Scout camp for an Adults-Only weekend. There is a magic about the place than none of us can explain, nor do we even want to try.
My Family Reunion
When anyone mentions the phrase ‘family reunion’ most people think of the most boring, long, and hot day of their summer. You probably conjure images of almost-ancient distant relatives pinching your cheeks as a child, your parents reminding you to play quietly while the grown-ups talk, and cousins that you barely remember from the year before. But, have you gone to this same reunion as an adult? I have. And this is why I went.
Digital Images Are Important! Or, I’m Lucky to Have My Digital Images from MY Wedding!
Justin and I will be celebrating our 9th anniversary this April 24th, and every day I am reminded of a reason I’m grateful to have married my best friend. Our ceremony took place at the UNM Alumni Memorial Chapel, and our reception took place in Ballroom C of the College Union Building.
Books 1-6: A Book Review
This year, in addition to serving as your photographer, I’ve set myself the challenge of reading 36 NEW (well, at least new to me...) books. I have a habit of re-reading books I love multiple times- which is great- but, there are so many new books published every year, and so many on my to-be-read list, that I need to add new books! So, here are the first 6 I’ve finished:
Heirlooms, Antiques, and Genealogy: What do They Have to do With Photography?
I recently went through the re-branding process, and as part of that process, I had to define my purpose as a photographer. Why did I become a photographer? What did I want my goal with my clients to be? What was most important to me about photography?
Book Review: “Orphan Train”
There are some books that simply stick with you, no matter what. “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline is one that will stick with me for quite a while to come.
Planning Your Trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Every year Justin and I load up Christopher and Joshua really, really, really early on the first Saturday of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and take them to go see the balloons. In the five years (or so) that we've been doing this, we've learned a few lessons, tips, and tricks that I want to share with y'all today.
This Year's Goals
It is so hard to believe that it is time to write new dreams and set new goals. I fell a bit short on a few goals from last year, mainly those of photographing 40 family sessions (I made it to 33!) and running a 10K (that didn't happen at all!), but I actually accomplished my other two goals of reading 36 books, and photographing 5 weddings. It was awesome to realize that I'd achieved those! It was also awesome to look back and realize that I'd accomplished so much more. I was featured on another blog, I was recognized as one of the best photographers in Albuquerque, and I met so many incredible individuals while doing something I love. How do I top all of that? I don't know, but I'm gonna try!
What Serving YOU Means to Me
I recently had a conversation with another wedding friendor (a wedding vendor turned friend) about my commitment to customer service- or rather my over-commitment to it. It made me realize that I haven’t publicly shared something about myself and my business that I’ve been hoping y’all would just figure out (and some of you have!!!). What I need to share about myself and my business with y’all is that my commitment to service is not superficial or something that I know I should have because I’m providing a service to you guys. It is an ingrained part of my core being, and something I do, no matter what.
Books 25-36: A Book Review by a Photographic Bookworm
The final set of reviews for 2017! I made it, with a few days to spare. Well, let’s get to it:
A Bradshaw Family Christmas, And My Obsession with Hallmark Ornaments
One of Justin’s favorite Christmas movies is ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’, and he insists on watching it every time it’s on Freeform during their 35 Days of Christmas, and for those of you who don’t know, they show it A LOT. I usually sigh, roll my eyes and settle in to some task or another while listening to the movie with him (I listen to t.v. shows and movies more than I actually watch them). While I pretend not to like the movie, I actually really relate to Clark’s desire to have a ‘traditional family Christmas’.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer- Rio Rancho, New Mexico
At the end of October, I had the pleasure of photographing the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. This event celebrates the culmination of a fundraising season, in which the participants have committed to raise a specific amount of money to be donated via the American Cancer Society to support breast cancer research and support for those undergoing treatment.
Books 13-24: A Book Review by a Photographic Bookworm
Earlier this year, I wrote a blog post about my goal to read 36 books this year, and while I'm really close to accomplishing this goal (I'm reading books 34 and 35 right now), I wanted to update you on my progress. These are books 13-24, and my thoughts on them.
What Happens When a Photographer Takes Photos of Her Own Family- Los Lunas, New Mexico
On the day before Thanksgiving of all days, my mom asked me to take the guys in our family out and take portraits of them to send to all of my aunts and cousins in her Christmas cards. You would think that this would be one of the easiest photo sessions of my year- after all, it's my three boys, my dad, and my brother. You would be mistaken. Silliness ensues, chaos occurs, and yes- just like any other family- my kids need to be bribed to sit still and smile nicely.
'A Christmas Story' and Why it's My Favorite Christmas Movie
We've all seen the movie A Christmas Story- it's the one where Ralphie wants a Red Rider BB gun, and everyone keeps telling him that he'll shoot his eye out. It's one of those movies that has a cult following, meaning you probably either love it, or you hate it. I'm okay if you hate it; in fact most of my family can only stand one or two viewings a Christmas season before they're ready to move on to other Christmas movies (Home Alone 1 and 2, The Santa Clause, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming to Town are all some other favorites).
Happy Thanksgiving, Y’all!
As I sit here with my family, I can’t help but think of all that I have been blessed with. I am beyond grateful that I have a wonderful family and amazing friends, but I also have a wonderful group of friendors (other wedding vendors turned friends), and incredible clients-turned-friends. Seriously, y’all, I have the most marvelous people in all areas of my life.
My Top Five Favorite Books/Series
I’ve done a couple of blog posts about my reading goals, and books that I’ve read (those can be found here, and here, and here) , but I realized that I’ve never done a post about my favorite books. The problem with this is that asking me to pick a favorite book is like asking me to pick a favorite child; they’re all my favorites, but for very different reasons. So, here are my top five favorite books/series
Tuesdays Together, New Mexico Volunteers at Roadrunner Food Bank
I know it's late, but I had to share today's adventure with y'all. Today I took the time to volunteer at New Mexico's largest food bank with the Rising Tide Society's Tuesdays Together New Mexico group.