Reflecting

The busy season is here! I'm booked solid for the next two months and closing in my last few openings for December. It's been an amazing year! This month marks exactly one year from my beginning here in Phoenix. I'd done shoots here and there before October of last year but this is the month that I got serious, buckled down and really kick started it all. I feel so honored to have had the opportunity to capture so many memories for so many families through out this year and I'm so excited to see what next year might hold for my growing business.

I have to tell you, even 6 months ago I was still so nervous before I set out to conduct a shoot, despite all of the experience and education already under my belt. I would spend hours studying poses and trying to imagine the session..... driving myself crazy essentially. I've since completely 86'ed that "preparation" process. With time, I've discovered that my sessions go SO much better when I allow myself to be inspired in the moment with my clients and the environment we've chosen. Before each shoot I pray for guidance and that God allows me to capture something unique and beautiful for each client I see. When I let go of the control, suddenly amazing things happen in my sessions; moments are captured that I know for a fact I couldn't have achieved on my own. I've also never let myself feel "comfortable" with my skill level, instead I'm constantly striving to improve, push for more and seeking to learn something new. That openess has brought me leaps and bounds from where I began and I can only imagine where it will take me from here.

Here's to the beginning of my second year in business and the countless beautiful moments yet to be captured!

 

 

Maternity at Papago Park

I had the wonderful pleasure of photographing a very sweet couple at a new location not too long ago. Papago Park is one of those hidden treasures in Phoenix that has so much to offer.
Funny story... this session was FULL of obstacles. I hit awful downtown traffic on the way and was late, I was still recovering from a crippling back injury that made most movement painful and when I arrived, I locked myself out of my RUNNING car. To make matters worse, the park closed as the sun set and AAA was unable to get up the path to reach me so I ended having to call DPS and two officers had to finally break me out of the park at 10PM.

LUCKILY, I at least had my camera in hand.... at it was totally worth all the trouble. :)

 

Just a few short weeks later I also had the pleasure of photographing their sweet newborn. She was the most beautiful little bundle! I just adore brand new littles!

 

 

Birthday Madness!

I LOVE Cake Smash sessions! I have quite a few of these lined up in the coming months and I'm so looking forward to our own in the next few weeks. Yes, my sweet Anna is turning ONE soon! I can't understand where the time has gone...

Anyway~ here are a few of my favorites from the recent sessions!

This little lady didn't waste any time with her yummy cake!

 

 

 

Haha this was so fun! I thought it would be cute to do a "baking of the cake" shot. His mommy is opening her own Smashable Sweets cake shop! Ooooh and let me tell you- the woman has skills! That cake was delicious!

 

I love that Mom & Dad joined in the smashing fun! So cute!

 

 

Ah this heart-breaker! He kills me! This little guy was on the GO! I actually enjoy the movers. It makes the shoot quite an experience and it allows me to practice catching more of the real moments and personalities than I could with posing alone. He made me work for those smiles but oh once we got them- golden!

 

 

As things slow down this summer I decided to jump on the opportunity to grab some "2 year" shots with my oldest. We didn't get a chance to do a full birthday shoot around her actual birthday and because I'm planning a fun session for Anna's 1st birthday I really wanted to have something special for Aubrie too. It was worth braving the heat and I think it turned out pretty wonderful!

Wedding daze!

I had the most wonderful honor of photographing my cousin's wedding in Oklahoma two weeks ago. She was the most beautiful bride!
I think my husband is regretting letting me fly off to the cooler, greener state because now I'm determined to leave the desert... lol

::sigh:: In due time. In the meantime here are a few beautiful wedding images.

 

 

 

 

I'm SO happy for you guys! Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Bugg!