This is the family of one of my Ironwood students. After a few re-schedules due to a sick baby then very rare rainy weather in Arizona; we were finally able to meet up for their family session. Jaelyn is a beautiful and energetic toddler; that became more interested in playing in the dirt and smiling when the camera wasn't pointed at her as the session went on. This is a beautiful family that was even beautifully dressed. I am glad that I got the opportunity to photograph them on such a rare, beautiful Arizona day! 

I did a senior session with Jacqueline a couple of months ago, but they did not have their cap and gowns in yet. After a re-scheduled session due to rain, we squeezed in some pictures of her cap and gown literally the day before graduation!! This girl holds a special place in my heart. I've had the privilege of watching her grow into this beautiful, smart, confident young woman. Even as I was editing I would look at her images and just think, man she has changed! I got to be a witness to that! On Thursday May 21, I had the privilege of watching this beautiful girl walk across the stage, turn and smile, and receive her diploma. In the Fall she will attend Grand Canyon University, where she will study something crazy!! Every time I speak to her it changes, but I tell you what...watch out this girl is going to change lives! I am so proud of you Jacqueline and so happy that I got to be in your life the last few years! Congratulations! 

Catherine is a 2015 Ironwood senior. She is a fun outgoing girl who had been involved in a number of clubs and activities during her high school career. After taking her friend Iman's senior pictures a few weeks ago, Catherine approached me about taking hers! We did a combo-senior session, because her brother Dylan also graduated this year from ASU. Sharing your graduation year with another sibling is something that I totally understand. In 2005 I graduated from high school and my sister graduated from college as well. We met up at a park in Glendale in the morning for a time-line sensitive photo shoot. I love sessions where there is a lot of laughter and with her and her brother there was a lot of smiles to be had. She took some beautiful pictures; and I was lucky enough to watch her walk across the stage just yesterday to receive her diploma. At the time of her session she wasn't sure what school she was going to attend next year, but I know that whatever she decides she will do it wholeheartedly and with her contagious smile and personality! Congratulations Catherine! 

A fabulous friend and fellow photographer took the time to re-design my logo for me!! Suzanne Marie was my wedding photographer as well as a childhood friend. When I got engaged a little over a year ago she was the first phone call that I made. I LOVE her work (check her out, she's in Colorado) and was so excited that she made the trip from Colorado back to Phoenix just for our wedding day. I am a bit of a traditionalist so I wanted to take my husbands last name. I thought if I'm diving in and starting fresh and exploring a new adventure with, taking his last name, why not take the time to rebrand my business with my new name? I love my husband and photography, what better way to showcase that! 

I wanted this change to really reflect who I am at this time of my life. In the last year there has been so much change; I have grown so much, had wonderful new opportunities, been creating wonderful memories, and building new relationships. The other day, a student of mine asked me if teal was my "power" color. I had no idea what they were talking about, but as I sat surrounded by a teal phone case, laptop case, mouse and mousepad I realized that yea; I guess it is! So of course that the is hue of my new logo! Suzi wanted to know if I had any ideas of an image to go along with my name. Images are tough for me, I wasn't sure what would be a good image that really reflected who I am. After many ideas, I decided to go with a feather. When I think of a feather I can't help but also think of birds. I think of birds as having the ultimate freedom. To me, a feather represents simplicity and being free. That was photography does for me, even though I'm incredibly hard on myself as a critic, I find freedom when I get behind the camera, getting to work with new people and being able to bring out their uniqueness through my creativity. 

I am really happy with my new logo. I am also so in love with my new blog design! I wanted something classy, simple, but elegant. I feel that this design gives me all three of these things! I can't wait to see what God has in store for my business as I start on a new adventure with a new image...I can only pray that it will wonderful things!!