Welcome!!
Here you will find all sorts of things: tips and tricks, book reviews, stories of my adventures, client features, and so much more!
Karissa and Steven’s Wedding
This wedding may have been one of my most challenging to date, because Karissa and her mom have been close friends of mine for a number of years, and just six weeks before the wedding they unexpectedly lost Karissa’s dad. And, the loss was felt throughout the day by all of us.
Fall Mini Sessions in Los Lunas, NM
Each year, the Rio Grande River Valley begins to sparkle and shine with bright hues of red, orange, yellow, and even a little green mixed in. That’s how you know it’s October in New Mexico! And, each year around this time, I try to do family mini sessions for my clients. This year, however, I didn’t charge for my time and talent. Instead, I asked each family who signed up to bring in at least one cleaning supply to donate to our local children’s home, El Ranchito de Los Niños.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta- 2018!!
Guys, I love going to the Balloon Fiesta every year. I feel like a giddy little kid when all of the balloons start inflating and launching! I absolutely love to see all of the shapes and colors that pepper our beautiful New Mexico skies!
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
2018 was the second year that I had the pleasure of photographing the Albuquerque Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. This year was the 19th annual Making Strides for Breast Cancer event in Albuquerque, and over $270,000 was raised to fund research and treatment. Over a QUARTER MILLION DOLLARS!!! What an incredible amount of money from our small area!
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.
Alameda Open Space, Albuquerque, NM- Rebecca and Kyle's Family Portraits
After meeting several years ago in what could be termed a ‘Shady Cookie Deal’, I have had the sincere pleasure and honor of getting to know Rebecca, Kyle, and their two daughters.
New Mexico Tech Senior Portrait Session- Socorro, New Mexico
This post is LOOOOONNGG overdue, but I still wanted to share the photos with y’all!
I had the pleasure of photographing Daniel and Thomas’ Senior Portrait Sessions at New Mexico Technical University in Socorro, New Mexico this last April.
What is a Bridal Portrait Session and Why is it Important?
When it comes to weddings, no matter how much a couple plans or how organized they are, there are always some unknowns before the wedding.
Dorinda’s Maternity Portraits- Los Lunas, New Mexico
I honestly can’t recall how many years Dorinda and I have been friends now, but it’s been a long time. I watched as her and her husband Nick (also a good friend) became parents half way around the world (Nick was stationed in Japan with the Navy), and again after they’d been reassigned to Chicago. After they finally moved home a few years ago, I finally got to meet and cuddle their sweet kiddos. So when Nick and Dorinda announced they were expecting baby #3, I jumped at the chance to capture her pregnancy this time around!
What You Need to Know About Photography Business Models
I was recently watching a masterclass for photographers, and the speaker- another photographer by the name of Matt Kennedy- was teaching about pricing and business models for photographers. I realized right off that there is A LOT of confusion about business models for photographers, not only among photographers, but for our clients as well! If we can't event figure out what business model we follow, how can we explain it to y'all?! Well, I'm going to try to clear up some of the confusion for you.
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.
Perfect Wedding Guide's Diamond Dash Wedding Show- Hyatt Regency in Albuquerque, New Mexico
About a month ago, I had the opportunity to participate in the Perfect Wedding Guide's Diamond Dash Wedding Show at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The show itself was an amazing experience, allowing me to meet a lot of brides that were planning weddings in the Albuquerque area. But, it was a LOT of hard work before the show to get this booth ready!
Styled Wedding at Nature Pointe Wedding and Event Center in Tijeras, New Mexico
Nature Pointe Wedding and Event Center in Tijeras, New Mexico is definitely one of New Mexico’s hidden gems. Nature Pointe is a convenient 30 minute drive from Albuquerque, but with a definite feeling of being in the forest. I recently received the opportunity to work with them and some very amazing other vendors on a styled wedding session. Below are all the people that contributed to this collaboration:
How to Get a New Mexico Marriage License and Change Your Name
One of the many things couples have to worry about during the wedding planning process is how to obtain their marriage license and- if you’ve decided to- how to change your last name. Surprisingly, these are easy things to do, but they are oftentimes confusing or overwhelming to think about doing on top of all the wedding planning. So, here’s how to do it in New Mexico:
Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm- An Albuquerque, New Mexico Wedding Venue
Wedding photographers often have a secret list of places they’re DIEING to be asked to photograph weddings at. Today, I’m sharing one of the places on my list, in the hopes that, if I put it out there, someone will eventually ask me to photograph their wedding there.
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.
How To: Picking a Location for Your Family Portrait Session
One of the current trends that I love in photography is taking family portrait sessions out of the studio and into the community. So much more can be created when you’re outside- especially during the Golden Hour. But, you also need to be mindful of the safety of your location- especially with young kids are around.
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: