Chase the Light: A 48 Hour Photography Celebration

Every year, the Photographic Center Northwest hosts a 48 hour celebration of photography that culminates in a pop-up gallery. While I’m no longer in Seattle, I still wanted to participate because it’s the perfect opportunity to go stretch those creative muscles and photograph something just for me.

Ever my willing model and muse, my friend Soyun (you’ll recognize her from many a previous blog post) joined in the fun. Together, we wandered around Atlanta, Cedartown, and Rome to capture funky, creative photos. I think she knocked it out of the park, and that dancer’s background certainly came in handy.

I hope you enjoy this little exercise in creativity! I know I did.

Alpharetta Pet Photo Session

Mondays, amiright?

If you think you might need a little serotonin to make it to Friday, have I got a treat for you!

Crystal and Scott’s furry and scaly babies are just what the doctor ordered to get you through another week. I thoroughly enjoyed photographing their kitties, bunny, and gecko. Who wouldn’t??? Their little personalities absolutely shine through in the photos, and I left that session with fur on my clothes and a full heart.

Madeleine and Ralph: Atlanta Lifestyle Engagement

Madeleine and Ralph invited me to their home in Atlanta for the sweetest lifestyle engagement session. I have to say, while I don’t photograph them often, I love lifestyle sessions because they’re so cozy and cuddly.

Photographing couples in their own home brings out a side of them that maybe you wouldn’t necessarily see in public. I mean where do you feel most comfortable and relaxed? At home, right? So it figures that this would translate on camera.

Of course, Queso had to get in on the action and very nearly stole the show, as cats do. His siblings were a little less inclined to pose for me, but I did catch them indulging their curiosity once or twice.

Congratulations on your engagement, you two! I can’t wait to capture your wedding day!

Natalie: Atlanta Branding Session

Meet Natalie!

This vibrant soul just published her first book and celebrated with a colorful, quirky photoshoot.

As we walked around from mural to mural, I had the pleasure of getting to know more about her. We all chose different coping mechanisms to get through the pandemic. Some of us found solace in sourdough. Others tried their hands at nurturing house plants. But Natalie has us all beat; she decided to crank out a whole book reflecting on her own life and encouraging readers to fan the flames of their curiosity to effect change in their own lives.

It was an honor to capture her message and brand in photos, and I look forward to watching her meteoric rise to fame and fortune.

Stay awesome, Natalie!

Lilith: One Year Cake Smash

This post is embarrassingly late; Miss Lilith turned 1 and celebrated with this cake smash back in January!

Still, better late than never!

In light of COVID and in lieu of a birthday party, we decided to have a cake smash session with a cake from Robyn’s Killer Cakes. Even though winter was pretty mild, we opted for an indoor session in Woodstock.

Lilith wasn’t entirely sure what to think about having a cake all to herself, but she did eventually take a tentative fistful of icing.

And of course, we had to get some shots with big sister! Look at that grin! I swear she’s losing teeth almost as fast as the other is growing new ones. The tooth fairy is going broke.

Alesia and Josh: A Georgia Wedding

With vaccines rolling out pretty quickly, it seems wedding season is back in full swing!

Alesia and Josh tied the knot near Macon, Georgia last month, and I was honored to be part of their big day. Better yet, one of my college friends was maid of honor. We hadn’t seen each other in person since we were bridesmaids at another wedding in 2018, so it was especially nice to see her again!

After getting all dolled up, Alesia met Josh by the wisteria for the sweetest first look reveal; then it was off to a ceremony full of laughter, happy tears, and Star Trek references.

The evening was a delightful blur of tacos, cake, awesome friends, and even a tiny photographer in the making. In fact, it’s safe to say that he took my favorite shot of the evening (it’s the very last photo in this little sneak peek, if you’re wondering). Keep it up, little man!

Congratulations again, Alesia and Josh!

Captured by the young man in the photo above this one. Future photographer for sure!

Claire and Andrés: An Atlanta Engagement Session

I never dreamed I’d one day photograph my baby brother’s engagement session, but here we are! It feels like just yesterday we were fighting like cats and dogs in the backseat of the family Volvo on a 6 hour road trip to Florida, and now…now he’s engaged to one of the loveliest souls I’ve had the fortune to meet.

Andrés and his lovely fiancée Claire came down from DC and let me drag them all over the state of Georgia to take their engagement photos. We checked out some iconic street art, showed off for the Ministry of Silly Walks, and explored hiking trails in the rain. I’ve never seen a better suited pair of goofballs, and I can’t wait to ugly cry when they tie the knot in September next year.

Congratulations, you two! And welcome to the family, Claire! <3

Carson and Liz: A Georgia Wedding

Weddings may look a little different these days. COVID precautions are becoming commonplace as we all do our part to protect our friends and family.

But love isn’t cancelled. Love endures through anything you can throw at it.

Carson and Liz tied the knot at The Farm at Silver Creek, and it was an honor to capture their beautiful day. The hand sanitizer was plentiful, the masks were required, and we all maintained as much distance as possible while still celebrating their love. Even the weather wanted to join in the fun, and we were treated to a rumbly summer thunderstorm and spectacular lightning show. Eat your heart out, Alanis Morissette. Because rain on your wedding day is actually dreamy.

Congratulations, you two! I wish you all the happiness in the world.

Dark Fae: A Fantasy Cosplay Session

Before 2020 decided to hurtle headlong into unchecked chaos, I stumbled upon a fairy ring as I wandered the nearby woods. Fairy lore is quite clear on the subject, warning mortals against stepping inside, but curiosity got the better of me. After all, curiosity may have killed the cat, but satisfaction brought him back.

And that’s how I ended up in the Unseelie Court, face to face with the faerie queen and her subjects. Pixies and pucks and brownies and gnomes. All gathered around their queen in a surreal blur of horns, wings, and feathers.

Had I known what 2020 had in store, perhaps I would have remained among the fae. But alas, I did not. I’m not saying I’m actively seeking out fairy rings to flee this timeline and disappear among the fair folk…but if I chance upon another one, you can bet I’ll enthusiastically leap into it without a second thought.

Chelsea and Tony: A (Socially Distanced) Wedding

When Chelsea and Tony booked me to photograph their Atlanta wedding, none of us could have imagined what the future had in store. COVID-19 arrived and with it, a slew of CDC guidelines to minimize risk of exposure. Chelsea and Tony took it in stride, adapting their wedding plans to fit the new requirements. A new outdoor venue, a smaller guest list, and we were all set to celebrate their big day.

Honestly, in spite of all the last minute changes, their day could not have been more perfect. The setting was magical and intimate, and they exchanged heartfelt vows in front of (socially distanced) friends and family. The love and joy was palpable, and I am thrilled to have been a part of it.

Congratulations to you both!

Alice: Florida Beach Session

This is it.

The last photo session before you ceded your place as baby of the family.

I’m simultaneously elated and heartbroken. You’ve been my one and only for so long. You made me a mother. From the months you spent molding and stretching me from the inside out, to the five beautiful years that followed. You pushed my boundaries, stretched the limits of my patience, showed me what love really is, and taught me so many lessons about motherhood while I watched you grow and change by leaps and bounds.

It’s been the most wonderful roller coaster ride, and I know you’re more than ready to step into your new role as the older sister.

Here’s to new beginnings.

Kinzie + Cliff: Glamorous Georgia Wedding

I’m so excited to share a sneak peek from Kinzie and Cliff’s glamorous Tate House wedding in North Georgia! In spite of unrelenting rain, these two self-proclaimed geeks created a magical wedding day with touches of geekery including Harry Potter and Star Trek references and a good old fashioned Storm Trooper battle.

When they weren’t showing off their sweet moves on the dance floor, guests had no shortage of entertainment and enjoyed a s’mores station in addition to King of Pops and a psychic reading. I honestly couldn’t imagine a more fun group.

Congratulations again, you two! I’m honored to have been part of your wedding day.

Venue: Tate House

Planner: Weddings by Epic

Video: Enjoy Wedding Films

Daisy + Antonio: Rustic Georgia Wedding

After weeks of unbearable temperatures, it seems Georgia decided to take a chill pill just in time for Daisy and Antonio’s wedding. The sky was gloriously overcast, and we were graced with the most amazing breeze from start to finish.

This wedding was absolutely gorgeous. From the bride’s first look with her bridesmaids to the couple’s private moment of prayer before the ceremony, every shot brimmed with emotion and love.

Congratulations to you both! I hope you enjoy this sneak peek.

Alice: A Magical Birthday

I don’t often write about my personal life or the wonderful people in it, but…

Happy birthday, my darling. It’s hard to believe five years have just flown by. Wasn’t it just yesterday we were blearily stumbling through your newborn days, exhausted, elated, and woefully underprepared?

Your only-child status is coming to an end, and I just want to savor these last few months before that transition. Don’t get me wrong. I’m excited, and I can’t wait to see you blossom into an amazing big sister, but for now you’re still my baby, and I will cling to that for as long as I can.

I love our early morning cuddles before you get ready for school. You say and do things that will be stamped into my heart and mind forever. I love how you’re constantly kissing my pregnant belly, unprompted, so excited for the baby that you can’t help yourself. I love that you share my love of horses and Harry Potter. You’re a quick learner, bursting with a natural curiosity that I hope you’ll never lose.

It has been such a joy to watch you grow and change over the years.

You bring magic to my life every day, and I hope you know how much I love you.

Sleepy Mountain: Product Photography

I love photographing fun products like Sleepy Mountain’s line of laser-cut earrings.

When discussing the company’s vision for the shoot, we focused on color and fun.

And so, armed with my trusty camera, I set out to roam the streets of Atlanta with two talented models in search of funky street art and ice cream. Somewhat unrelated side note: the Thai Iced Tea flavor at Queen of Cream in Atlanta is DELICIOUS. Go try it. Now.

If you’re a fan of fun, quirky jewelry, definitely check out Sleepy Mountain’s site.

Earrings: Sleepy Mountain

Models: Soyun, Sachi

Britt | Atlanta Senior Photographer

18.

Such an exciting age. You stand at the edge of adolescence, eagerly leaning into adulthood and all its promised freedoms and privileges and responsibilities. It’s a time to stretch your wings and explore. And it’s very much a journey.

We decided to photograph Britt’s senior session at a local train museum near Atlanta as a nod to the idea of journeying forth into adulthood. But also, it’s a cool spot full of long-defunct buses and railway cars. Let’s be real: I love rusty, dusty antiques.

I absolutely love it when clients choose a creative location and trust me to give them something a little bit out of the ordinary. Britt’s senior session gave me exactly that with a sprinkling of edgy cool and a dash of dreamy boho romance. Every outfit choice was styled to perfection. She hardly needed any direction, but when I did give her weird poses to try, she didn’t hesitate. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised to see her on America’s Next Top Model, smizing her way to the final runway.

Of course, we wrapped the session with some cap and gown images. After all, it’s not every day you graduate high school!

Congratulations, Britt! I hope you enjoy this little sneak peek, and I can’t wait to finish editing your full senior photo gallery.

Ruby Beach: Seattle Photographer

I took the opportunity of extending my recent trip to Seattle for Veronica and Joshua’s karaoke wedding to go explore.

I’d long wanted to visit the Washington coast, so I put out a model call and found someone willing to go for a loooong drive for the sake of breathtaking scenery. Rachel was the definition of a good sport, and she rocked this session in spite of the cold and in spite of the unplanned sacrifice of her down jacket to Poseidon.

It’s always fun to get together with other creatives just for the sake of creating something beautiful. The wind whipped at Rachel’s hair, and I loved the wild, untamed beachy vibe of it all.

Model: Rachel Luoto

Veronica and Joshua: A Seattle Wedding Sneak Peek

I love any excuse to go back to Seattle, even for just a few days, and I had the pleasure of returning just last week to photograph Joshua and Veronica’s wedding in Maple Valley.

Now before I dive right into the photos, I have to say that Joshua and Veronica are some of the coolest, funniest, sweetest people I’ve ever had the fortune of meeting. From the first time I photographed their lifestyle engagement session at their apartment, I could tell that this was going to be a wonderful wedding.

I was right. Wedding day was full of happy tears, the floofiest dress, heartfelt toasts, endless laughter, and (mostly-on-key) karaoke. By the end of the night, my cheeks hurt from smiling.

Congratulations, you two! I hope you enjoy this little sneak peek of your first look, and I can’t wait to deliver your full gallery.

Also, if anyone has ever waffled on the idea of a first look, here’s a photographic argument in its favor:

Sleeping Beauty: A Child Portrait Session

Occasionally, I find myself needing to justify a weird purchase…. like, say, an old spinning wheel for instance.

What can I say? I love antiques.

Rather than learn a useful skill, like spinning fiber into yarn, I pulled together a dreamy, fairytale child portrait shoot in North Georgia centered around the tale of Sleeping Beauty.

But in this version, the princess saves her own damn self, and I get to keep my spinning wheel.

So, once upon a time….

Sweet Like Candy

It’s no secret that I have a major sweet tooth. In fact, I’m pretty sure Nutella runs through my veins, and I’m one bubble tea away from becoming a sentient tapioca ball.

So, when I heard that Candytopia was coming to Atlanta, I immediately snagged a couple of tickets and begged my bestie to model for me.

While it was surprisingly busy for a Monday, I have to say that it was everything I thought it would be! The candy sculptures were pretty neat, but let’s be honest, we were there for the free candy and photo ops.

At the end of the day, sometimes you just have to sit smugly in a pit of marshmallows, and I think my model excelled in this respect.

Model: Soyun Park