I have known the brides family since I was just a kid. So when I recieved Kristen's email that she was getting married and hoped I would photograph it, I was beyond touched. This is a family that has been down some tough roads, but always seems to hold strong. It was a privilege to be asked to document this day for Kristen and Andrew.

Their wedding took place at The Foundry in Seattle where they were joined by family and friends from the far reaches of Alaska, the East Coast, and even a few from Oregon.

What a day it was! These two and their family are vibrant and loud and joyous but have the biggest of hearts. Their dog even made his presence known by getting in on the portraits and the first dance. Everyone in attendance seemed as if they'd already known each other for years, laughing and sharing stories like old friends. It was a beautiful bringing together of families and celebration of love and life.

Congratulations Kristen and Andrew!

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Over the past couple months I have had the pleasure of working on a number of shoots with my friend of mine and fellow photographer, Jason Wasinger.

It has been such a fun and rewarding experience getting to collaborate with another creative on so many different projects. It truly pushes you to grow and evolve, yet, define who you are all at the same time.

I can't help but think that working and learning from other creatives is such an invaluable experience. Regardless of the "success" of a shoot or if we are just chatting about our craft over coffee, I always, always walk away with new perspective and a greater appreciation for the work of my fellow creative.

Far too often the photography world is viewed as a competition. Maybe in terms of business it is competition.

But I'm not too fond of this outlook.

It makes everything a dark secret that you have to hide away and cuts you off from bonding with someone that shares the same passion as you.

I believe that no matter who you are and what kind of success you have achieved, there is always something that each of us can learn from each other. Whether it be some kind of technique, a different way of viewing the light, or a creative composition we would have never thought of on our own.

There will always be something to learn. Something that pushes you to do more and be better. Something that allows you to evolve.

Thats what its all about, isn't it? We, as humans, are constantly forced to accept change and readjust to a new environment. It only seems natural that we should carry this same concept into our work.

We need to stop comparing and competing so much and appreciate the massive amount of opportunities there are to create something better. Together.

This is the first of more to come from my experience working and learning with Jason.