Those California vibes.

I love this session I had with Deonte, and the time we could spend together!!! I always try to see him and his family when I'm back home, and this one is serious model material!!!

I love seeing his character and personality come to life in these photos!!! He remembered our last photo shoot together, a couple years back. So needless to say, he had a blast!!

He seriously has THE best hair!!! The night before I helped him take out his cornrows, since my idea was to have his hair exactly as you see it in these photos!!!

I grew up with his Mom, Sarah, so I have known Deonte and his siblings pretty much for forever!! We always have so much fun when I'm in town!

Deonte, thanks for keeping it real!! Until next time!!

Space Boy

This was such a fun photo shoot with J!!! He did such an amazing job, I love working with this kid!!

These photos were also featured on the magazine blog of Babiekins, which was an exciting opportunity!! 

Y O U T H F U L L N E S S

I love working with Elijah. I love the outcome of the photos we take. They are always more than I have imagined. To see my ideas in my head come to life, it’s amazing.

Youth in the sunshine

"It's a beautiful thing to mature into yourself - to accept the world that we live in and make it vibrant, colorful, and beautiful" - Hayden Byerly

This boy right here is growing up to one amazing kid!! He has an amazing heart, he's compassionate and thinks always of others, he's got amazing hair and he's a ninja boss!!

"It's up to you whether you have a good day or not - not anybody else. It's about saying; 'You're going to have an amazing day'. Self-Confidence goes a long way. Be confident in who you are." Gavin Casalegno

"I try every day to make a little difference in someone's life. Not something catastrophic, but just simple tokens of gratitude." Brandon Larracuente 

"When you're a boy and you're young, the world is a wonderful place." Montell Martin

the retro kid

This session with J was so much fun!! I had come across this old abandoned general store in Franklin. I wanted his clothing and props to have a bit of a retro 80s vibe.

the cool senior of Franklin.

I had the privilege to work with this beauty again last week. I took some photos of her a few months back, and she contacted me again to take her senior photos. 

And again, I had a blast working with her!!

I love it when my clients let me also add my creative flare to the photos. The photo above, I held a pair of sunglasses up to the lens. The photo below, I had a piece of brown paper, full of holes up to the lens. I love playing around with different things, holding them up to the lens, getting a different look or feel for certain photos. 

This photo above was another cool shot with the sunglasses in front of the lens. 

The above shot I think is one of my favorites from this session. This was taken in a tight spot, next to this old storage building, and a tree. I used the tree for my advantage though, holding one of the branches with leaves up to the lens. 

Maya, stay cool, stay cool!! You are unique, beautiful and amazing!! I'm so glad I have had the chance to photograph you twice this year and I hope we can work together again in the near future!! You rock!

T R A C K

I had this idea for Elijah for a while and was happy to accomplish it. I thought he would be perfect for this session, since he’s been on a track team for the past couple of years. 

The day we planned to do this session was a beautiful day. We packed the car up and we were about to head to the location spot, and all of a sudden it started to rain really hard.  

We waited a while to see if it would let up, but ended up having to wait around one hour. We ended up going to plan b for location, away from the rain. This location worked out just fine for us. It’s always good to have a plan b with your location, when you never know what the weather is going to be like. The weather app said it was sunny and warm, but when we looked outside, seeing the dark clouds and the raining falling, we knew we had to think of another idea, or wait until another day. 

The light was pretty good too, right after the rain. But…..we were attacked, literally attacked, by mosquitoes like crazy!!! We were fighting them off left and right. I would snap a few shots and than have to smack my arm, to get them away. We got some good shots…but we had bites on our arms and legs.

I can’t say it enough, I love working with this kid!! He always enjoys being my model in many of my shoots, and helping me see my ideas and creativity come to life in the photos.

Thank you again E for helping out, even if you had to fight off the mosquitos!!! You’re awesome, kid!!

Lazy Jane // Part II

I had the privilege last week to photograph this amazing duo, Lazy Jane!!! I’ve been working with them for a couple years now. They always love my photography style and together with their amazing style, it always works great together!!

"There are many people out there who will tell you that you can’t. What you’ve got to do is turn around and say, ‘Watch Me’”.  Jack White

If you haven’t checked out their music, look them up!! You can find them their latest single on iTunes!!

“It’s not out of frustration and desperation that I say ‘I don’t give up’. I don’t give up because I don’t give up. I don’t believe in it.” Johnny Cash

I always love it when my clients love my creative side of things and let my ideas run wild!

Madison and Tristen, thank you again for reaching out to me and trusting me with your photos!!! Look forward to working with you again in the future!! All the best to the both of you!!

the cool kid of Franklin.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to work with Maya. I had been wanting to collaborate with her for a while now, and we finally had some time. 
I have known her and her family for a number of years now. And I’ve taken photos of them in the past, but it’s been a while. 

I started scouting locations for this session a while back. I wanted to find some new cool places in Franklin, TN. that I’ve never shot at before. It’s always good to find new and fun spots to have your sessions at. I have a few regular places I go to, but for yesterday, I wanted to find new places. 
Some of the places we ventured to yesterday will be added to my list of future session locations! And I’m sure I will find more  down the line. 

One of my favorite places we found was this cool old general store, Davis General Merchandise. About a month ago I drove around and found all these cool old general stores in the area. All were still up and running, except for this one, it had closed down a couple months prior to our visit. It wasn’t until later that I realized, this would be an awesome place for photos. 

Another place I found was this white wall, with cool old windows and vines growing all around. It totally makes for an awesome backdrop!

And if you are familiar with my photography, I tend to enjoy shooting through things or holding things up to my lens….pieces of plastic, a piece of broken crystal, a prism, pieces of colored cellophane, etc. I love adding texture to photos this way, I love getting these unique looks shadows in some of my photos. 

Maya, thank you again for hanging out with me and getting some amazing photos!! You’re awesome!!! Can’t wait to work together again in the future!!

T R U M P E T / B O Y

I loved working with this kid again, using my Dad’s old trumpet!!

let go.

I’ve been going through some personal stuff lately. God has really been teaching me about letting go of things. Things I tend to hold onto that I shouldn’t. Things I think I need in my life, but really, I don’t. I have been struggling off and on with bad anxiety and at times, fear. These are two of the things I am learning to let go of. I don’t need fear in my life, I need to let it go. I don’t need anxiety in my life, I need to let it go. I need to continue to trust God for my future, for my family, for the plans He has for me, but not to let the fear or anxiety cripple me, or stop me from doing what God has for me. 

This letting go, it’s not easy, and yes, it needs to be done on a daily basis, but when I start to let these things go, when I start to say out loud, ‘I let go of all my fears’, than I start to feel God’s peace upon me. 

I believe that God has some awesome things in store for me this year. And I know that the enemy is trying to attack me. The enemy is trying to pull me down, put fear in me. I have a choice though, and my choice is to fight this fear, to fight this anxiety, because I am a child of God! I will not let the enemy pull me down, or discourage me, or stop me from what God has in store for my future. 

Over the past weeks, there have been a number of worship songs that have pretty much been on repeat. Actually, most of Lauren Daigle’s album has been on repeat on my phone. I can’t really think of one song that has helped me, but all of them have been so uplifting and encouraging to me. God speaks to me through these songs. Bringing peace, comfort and life. They help me focus on what is true. 

Another song that has encouraged me recently is one of Kim Walker-Smith’s new ones, called ‘On my Side’. One part says, “You tell my fear to run…”. I will not let fear control my life, it has to run in Jesus name. I will not let anxiety control my life, it has to run in Jesus name. 

All of this though is a process. It’s a daily battle and struggle at times, but I will fight, I will get through this, I will become stronger, because God is on my side. 

If you are reading this, and going through something similar, don’t give up. It’s not easy, but it get easier and it gets better! Keep fighting, keep praying, keep praising Him! He is on your side!

Wild and Free

I spent some time over the weekend up on my friends mountain. I usually always see them whenever I'm in California, but I don't always get up to their place. This time, I wanted to make sure that I went up to the mountain!!

These two cousins are best friends!! If you find one you, you will always find the other one close by. I had this photo session in my before coming, and was glad to have the chance to accomplish it. 

The boys, along with some other cousins, built this really cool hidden fort. It was made out of mostly dead manzanita trees. 

Theron's reaction to this photo: "This. Is. Awesome. He loved it!!

My family and I have known them for over 20 years now, maybe close to 25. We cherish our time together since we don't get out here too often, but always make sure we spend some time hanging out and catching up on life!

Thank you guys for letting me hang out with you over the weekend! Thanks for all the fun together and hope to still see you this week!! Love you guys!

A boy in black and white

Once again, another session with this kid. I seriously love this kid and working with him, he's the best!! 

"There are no ideas too wild and no dreams too big."

"Never stop doing your best just because someone doesn't give you credit"

"I promise if you keep searching for everything beautiful in this world, you will eventually become it." - Tyler Kent White

"And than I realized that to be more alive, I had to be less afraid, so I did it, I lost my fear and gained my whole life."

"Anybody with artistic ambitions is always trying to reconnect with the way they saw things as a child." - Tim Burton

The boy with the cool hair

I love this kids hair!!! I knew that I wanted to mess around with his hair and get some cool shots!

He is seriously a natural in front of the camera, and I'm never disappointed when working with him. 

J, you are one cool kid!! I'm so happy to know you, and have the opportunity to capture these moments for you!!

The boy in the red suspenders

I took these photos of J in the red suspenders a couple of weeks ago. I meant to get this blog up sooner. 

Some of these shots, I was playing and experimenting with different light techniques, and shooting through things, to give different texture, shadows and shapes on my subject. 

This shot had some paper with holes in it, on the flashes soft box, getting a different texture come through with the light. 

This shot had an old film slide up to the lens. 

This shot, as well as the one below, had a film negative held up to the lens. 

Thank you J for being so awesome and always up to work with me!

Elfin Forest and beach time.

My Mom and I got to hang out with our dear friend and her family, a couple of times, while in California. The first day we met up, we decided to go to the Elfin Forest in Los Osos, and than over to Morro Bay. 

I hadn't been to the Elfin Forest since I was a kid. I would walk through this area when I was kid. The Elfin Forest is pretty cool! It's around 90 acres of beautiful vegetation. Most California Live Oaks grow to be over 50 feet tall, but in the Elfin Forest, they are stunted due to the local environment. 

In the Elfin Forest, the oaks can be from 4ft to 20ft tall. We hound a spot to hang out and have a little picnic, underneath some of the stunted oaks. 

My Lego building buddy Theron!!

After exploring the Elfin Forest, we ventured over to Morro Bay, near the rock to check out the otters. The little ones also played in the cold ocean water!

Their awesome home! Shot on iPhone 6.

One of the days we were together, we went up to their place, up on a mountain. They seriously have an amazing view, especially at sunset!

View from their home, up on a mountain, in Paso Robles. Shot on iPhone 6.

Thank you so much Kaleen for taking us around, for letting us spend time with you and your family!! I had so much fun and can't wait to hang out again! Love you guys!

Brothers in black and white.

I love these boys! And I love to have the chance to document their lives. 

I take a lot of photos of them, but it's been a while since I have taken photos of them together. I was looking back through my photos, and it has actually been 2 years since I took some of them together. I thought it was about time!

J has the serious look down so well!! 

My favorite shot from this session...so much LOVE!

Thanks E and J for letting me take these photos of you brothers!! I hope you had fun!

Lazy Jane

I had the privilege of working again with Madison, along with her fiancé Tristen. Madison and I worked together for the first time last year, a few weeks before I left for Madagascar. I had a blast taking her photos last year and just as much fun last week with her and Tristen. 

They are working on some new music together, and I can't wait to hear it! 

Thanks again Madison and Tristen, (aka Lazy Jane!) I look forward to hearing your music!

Youth of Madagascar

I had this idea for a while now, to write up a blog all about the young adults that I know and love from Madagascar. These young adults are amazing! I have known most of them here since they were very little. It's been amazing to see them grow into such amazing young people. Now you have the chance to get to know them a little bit through this blog!

Sahaza - 18

Sahaza is in her second year of studying English and Law, at the local University. 

She loves classic movies (we watched some while I was there). Her English is amazing (it was so much fun to communicate in English with her)! She is an amazing singer! She has a huge love for her family, and helping to take care of her three younger brothers. 

Instagram account: @tsanta_sahaza

Languages: Malagasy, French, English

I have known Sahaza since she was around 1 or so. This last trip though, we really connected more and were able to have some amazing, long talks, mostly in English. Talks about life, America, photography, music, movies, etc. 

Fitahiana - 16

Fita is a senior in high school. 

He is a great artist, drawing sketches (he drew two for me that I love). He enjoys photography. He has an amazing sense of clothing style! He is Sahaza's younger brother. 

Instagram account: @tony_yzl

Languages: Malagasy, French

I remember when Fita was just a baby. And as he grew up, he would always follow me around. He loved hanging out with me, and having me play outside with him and his cousins. I enjoyed so much this last time with Fita. We did a lot of photography together. It was great to work with him because he also threw in some great ideas for photos, and his style is really awesome!

Hasina - 17 

Hasina just recently finished his senior year of high school.

Languages: Malagasy, French

He loves art, especially photography. The day we met, in Sahaza and Fita's family countryside (Hasina is their cousin), he loved watching me take photos, and had all kinds of questions. I could tell he was eager to learn. 

Jenny - 17

Jenny just recently finished her senior year of high school. 

She has an amazing love for the Lord. She is leading the children's club that I started back in 2003, which she attended. She has a big heart for little kids. She hopes to study abroad one day. She also enjoys playing the guitar and singing. 

Instagram account: @jen_hye_12

Languages: Malagasy, French, English

It really encourages me and makes my heart happy with seeing Jenny leading the kids club. I started it back in 2003, and she and her siblings and cousins would attend it every week. Now she, with the help of others, are leading other kids in their neighborhood. She has such a big heart for others and loves serving. 

Miandritiana - 19

He's looking into schools abroad, to further his studies. 

He is great musician, singing and playing the guitar. Has an amazing love for his little brother, loving on him and helping to take care of him. He loves football (soccer) and playing it with his brother and cousins. 

Instagram: @miandritiana 

Languages: Malagasy, French

Ranto - 20

Ranto is in his third year of studying Law at the local University.

He loves music, and enjoys photography. He has an amazing sense of style and a great smile!

I remember when he was little, and he would come over to Jenny and Miandritiana's house (he's their cousin), playing and running around!

Karen - 17

Karen is in her senior year of high school.

Karen's English is amazing! She loves classic movies, and has a great eye for photography. She has an amazing heart and love for her country and the children. 

Instagram: @karen_andrianaivo

Languages: Malagasy, French, English

I remember when Karen would attend the children's club I held back in 2003. It's fun to see her grow up and to spend more time with her, talking about the things we love...Madagascar and photography!

Nancy - 17

Nancy is studying her first year of Law at the local University.

She is a great musician! She loves playing the guitar and drums, especially with her brother Princy. 

Languages: Malagasy, French

I remember Nancy when she was just a little thing. She always loved playing with her cousins and singing!

Princy - 22

He is in his 6th year of studying Medicine at the local University, to become a doctor.

He is a great musician, playing the guitar and singing! Ever since I knew him at a young age, he always loved learning. He has a big heart for other people. 

Instagram: @pricnyadolf

Languages: Malagasy, French

I remember when I first started living in Madagascar. Princy would come to my room and visit me. At the time I didn't know any Malagasy or French. He would come though, and start speaking French to me, talking about all kinds of things. He would be there for a long time, though I didn't really say much, he still loved hanging out. 

Kezia - 22

She is working right now as a recruitment officer at a company in Tana, called OMT (OutreMer Telecom). 

Languages: Malagasy, French, English

I was able to visit and hang out a couple times with Kezia this last time I was there. She wanted to hang out and practice her English.

Kezia and her brothers would come to the children's club that I had started, when they were younger. 

The photo above was taken back in 2005, of Sahaza, Jenny and Fitahiana. I love this photo of them, and their adorable smiles! 

I first met these young adults back when they were babies and toddlers back in 1999. I love how we have been able to keep in touch and still have a good relationship. Since I moved back to the states, we have still been in touch often, more now than before. And I'm thankful for the time I was able to spend with all of them during my last trip. And I look forward to the day I get to hang out with them again. 

Misaotra betsaka ianaoreo t@ ny fotoana isika! Tena mahafinaritra be ianareo rehetra sady cool be! Tiako be ianaoreo!

the little princess.

I thought it was time to have a photo session with this adorable little one. I am always taking photos of her two big brothers, but now it was her time!

This little one is the most precious, adorable, loving and sweet girl. Form the first time I met her, she put her arms out for me to pick her up, and she gave me a big hug.

I asked her, 'why are you eating your hair?'. She replied, "because it tastes good". 

"The whole point of taking pictures is so that you don’t have to explain things with words" -Elliot Erwitt

Sweet child, you have the best smile ever!

Of course we had to change into a few different outfits, getting shots inside and outside as well. 

The portrait above is of course my favorite of all the photos. I love her look here in the window light. I'm not sure what she was looking at, but I love it!