Bridge and Burn - Jason

The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.
- M. Scott Peck

When it comes to my photography, I have always let my heart lead. While this may be ill-advised as far as business goes, I have never been able to create my work under any other circumstances. My approach in much of my work is tied to a very emotional place; a place where pieces of who I am can surface and show their light.  

Don't get me wrong, I'm not out there making irrational decisions purely based on the whim of my emotions. I often find myself trapped between the tug-of-war between the heart and mind, an emotional realist, always seeing two sides of a coin. I see the realities of the world, but I let my instincts guide me.

Recently I allowed myself to follow those instincts. I have felt a shift towards a new world of creation and it is not one I will allow myself to ignore. In turn, there has been a shedding of layers, layers that played out there roll and must provide the space for the new to grow.

As some of you may have already read, I have officially allowed myself to step down from photographing weddings. A decision that has been marinating for more time than I may be aware of. But the right decision all the same. There are still many corners of the photography world that I am creating in, but this one occupied more space than I could give it any longer. But it will not be released in vain. I will be moving forward working alongside businesses that are creating and providing products that represent strong ethical values and a belief in quality craftsmanship. This new path has already brought forth multiple collaborations with companies that I feel proud to have partnered with and have left my yearning for more, so much more. 

At that, I am happy to share with you the images created in my latest collaboration with Bridge and Burn out of Portland, OR. And a huge shout out to my dear friend and fellow photographer, Jason Wasinger, for being an excellent model, and always an amazing source of support. 

Cheers to you all for following along! I am forever grateful for all of you that continue to support my work, and I can't wait to share with you all that is to come along in this new venture. 

Alexandria & Emma | a mother-daughter session

Our task must be to free ourselves...by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beings. - Albert Einstein

There are people in this world that inspire us. They inspire us to widen our hearts, to see the good in the world, believe in ourselves and chase after the life we dream of. They inspire us to embrace the dark corners of ourselves and to use the weight of struggle to manifest love and creation.

Alexandria has become one of those people to me.

When I first met her you could feel her kindness, but there was a mystery to her. One I couldn't quite put my finger on. But as we got to know each other, I realized the otherness she carried was not the guardedness I initially perceived it to be. What was different was that she truly and whole heartedly is the kindness that she radiates. Her humbleness and compassion for others and the world around her is unique and refreshing in a time when so many seek to point out your weakness. 

I had the privilege to photograph Alexandria and her daughter, Emma. A daughter that is already so much like her mother in how she sees the world with a vivacious sense of curiosity. 

We spent the evening exploring the Ellwood Bluffs not far from their home in Santa Barbara. There were winding paths, discovering new flowers, climbing through tangles of tree branches and soaking up the energy of the sea as the sun darkened behind the clouds. The ocean held us close as the wind danced with our hair and the last bit of light gave way to the night. 

Capturing the electric connection between these two and their appetite for nature was so much more than an experience. It left me with a new understanding and joy for life.