Under Construction

Still tweaking the blog. I don't think I'll ever be satisfied with a blog look...even if I paid someone a million dollars to do it.

random.

I'm currently getting over a twenty-four hour flu-like virus (no worries, it wasn't the swine flu...). In between naps, I messed around with my camera and a book that I'm reading. (The book is called "It" by Craig Groeschel in case you're curious.)


yours truly



my brother's prized watermelon creation. he said it was a piece of art that needed to debut in the MOMA. I was kinda thinking the trash can...but everyone has their own ideas.

Meet Neil

This is my friend Neil. He recently earned his black belt in taekwando and watching him do his "taekwando thing" is awesome. Recently, he let me snap a few photos. Enjoy!

Summertime

When you think of the word "summertime", what activities, objects, sights or smells come to mind? Comment and let me know; I'm working on a cool project!

Meet Josh

I am the oldest of six children and of all my siblings, my brother Josh is probably the least photographed. He's not camera shy...but he's just rarely in front of the camera when I have it with me. But that all changed this afternoon. Josh loves his violin and practices an average of five hours a day and next year, he will be playing with the University of Michigan youth symphony. He performs with another local symphony currently and his concert is this coming Tuesday. I couldn't resist sharing a few photos!

Headers and other random things

I am in the process of tweaking a few things here, including the header, so please bear with me.

I also have a busy weekend ahead of me as my cousin is graduating from high school. I was privileged to shoot her senior pictures, so this is special for me. It'll be a fun time to see my other cousins and of course, I will be carrying my camera. (Note to self: don't forget your camera batteries.) You don't even want to know the story behind that...

I'll leave with a few images to enjoy from a band shoot I did two weeks ago.

Happy Friday!

lily of the valley

Yes, I need a macro lens. donations are being taken up for this. if you are interested in helping, please let me know ;)

Why I love Photography

Brandon Heath is a wonderful musician and I recently came across a song of his titled Beauty Divine. You can read through the entire song here if you'd like; however, I'd like to draw your attention to the first couple of lines:

Does it ever catch your eye
Beauty divine
In an old man's tears
A little girl's smile

For me, these lines sum up the purpose of my photography. In our world today, life is rushed. We prod people here and there trying to be the first to accomplish something. This isn't necessarily bad but because of this, we oftentimes we miss the moments in life that also matter. A child's first toothless smile. The joy on a grandmother's face as she is surrounded by her grandchildren. That jump for joy as a child makes a touchdown or goal. There are so many small moments to capture. And that's why I love photography. It causes me to dramatically slow down and capture details I would normally ignore. I want to take pictures for others so that they can get a peek at the beauty of those unforgettable moments.

Meet Sarah

She probably will shoot me for doing this, but I love her and she's one of my closest friends. (Oh, and I think she's the prettiest...I love her red hair!) This is my friend Sarah who lives in "that state just south of Michigan" (aka Ohio). We initially met online, but because of the short distance between us, we have been able to meet halfway several times (major props to Paneras for putting up with our jabber). She is a music major at the University of Toledo and can play the harp like it's no one's business. She also composes her own piano music that is just amazing (very jealous of that musical skill right there). She has even recorded her own album. Talk about talent! I just wanted to share one picture that I took of her :)

(Please don't kill me, Sarah!)

Happy 1st day of June

June is my favorite month. I'm not sure why...I've just liked this time of year for some reason. When I was younger and before I really understood birthdays, I would always plot to force my parents to celebrate my birthday in June. Never worked. Anyways. Since today is the first day of my favorite month, I have to celebrate :)

Why June is my most favorite month:

• The month of May is usually chaotically busy for me and June is always less hectic. I get to kick back and relax a bit more.
• Nannying starts in June
• The weather is absolutely delightful. Sunshine. Green grass. Trees with leaves. Sunshine. Warm temperatures. Flowers. Did I mention Sunshine?
• The first day of summer (my favorite season) - June 21.
• And summertime means spending time at my grandparent's lake.
• Summertime also means iced tea. (My apologies to all of you southerners out there...I like my tea without sugar!)
  
• Graduation parties. Well, this doesn't really apply to me anymore as all of my friends graduated two or more years ago. However, it is nice to see my cousins and family friends grow up and graduate.
  
• Family reunions. Both sides of my immediate family are quite large which always make gatherings like this....interesting ;)
  

So, those are just some of the reasons I love June. I have crazy obsessions over silly things and this is just one of them. I'm looking forward to getting outside more and taking pictures! Stay tuned!