I was on the A train headed downtown about three weeks ago when I see a post on Facebook from Omar Robles, one of my favorite dance photographers that I follow on social media. As an Official FujiFilm X-Photographer he would be hosting a "Dance InstaMeet." The first 30 photographers to sign up would have the opportunity of observing Omar photographing dancers and shoot along side him.

I'm reading this on the train and I'm freaking out- I HAVE TO BE A PART OF THIS! I notice that Omar had posted it 45 minutes earlier. "I hope the event isn't already full yet," I think to myself. Despite the spotty cell signal I had going through different subway stations, everything miraculously worked as I signed up and got accept for the InstaMeet! Wohoo!!!

Words cannot describe how excited I am to have been a part of this meet. Ever since I discovered Omar's work, I've become such a huge admirer of his. I'm constantly in awe of his use of light and shade, shapes, reflection, and perspective. He has such a distinct style, and I draw so much inspiration in my work from his images. Getting to meet Omar and learn from him at this InstaMeet was an extreme pleasure and education. If I were to name off every little piece of knowledge I gained from him that day this would be long (longer than it already is) however, I will share my favorite;

     (To paraphrase)
"Never give your dancers poses. Give them movement. When you give them a pose it creates a stagnant image, but if you think of a movement it will create the same energy and expression they project when they are performing."

It was a day I'll not soon forget.

Much thanks and gratitude to Omar, FujiFilm, and our beautiful dancing models, Eriko Sugimura and Eric Lehn.

Baby + Fresh Flowers= Perfect Photo Op!

I was honored to meet sweet little Hazel Mae on her 4th day of living for a Newborn Portrait Session! She was an absolute angel to photograph. I'm lucky enough to go to church with her crazy awesome parent and am so excited for them as they start this journey as parents!

Before Hazel's grand entrance, her mama sent me lots of inspiration ideas for her session, one of which was a photo of a baby in a flower frame. She asked, "Is the possible?" Having just photographed my new little niece in the same kind of way, it was ABSOLUTELY possible and it is now positively my favorite way to photograph newborns.

​Welcome to the world Baby Hazel!!

From the moment I met Veronica, I knew she was a cool cat. She and my husband, along with their siblings, were all childhood friends and recently reconnected when Veronica came to visit her sister who lives here in NYC. A few months ago after David popped the question, Veronica reached out to me about booking me for an Engagement Session on my next trip to TX. So last month on an incredibly warm and humid summer day, I met the happy couple in Galveston and we had a marvelous time!

So let me tell you about Veronica and David- I've never met a more giddy couple! Through the course of their session there was so much laughter and joy and it was plain to see how in love they were. There were many times that I would be trying to give them direction and they wouldn't even hear me because of how lost in their little world they were. It was perfectly romantic! I felt incredibly honored that they entrusted me in capturing these special photos, ones I hope they will treasure for many, many years to come. 

You know what's kind of weird? Meeting someone that knew you when you were a little kid and you have no memory of them at all. Well that was the case for Isabella and I however when I asked her if she remembered me she politely said, "Kind of, but mainly from pictures."

I think I met Isabella about 10 years ago when she was just a wee thing and have done a few shows with her very sweet and talented Mama over the years. I don't know where the time has gone but Isabella has now blossomed into a beautiful young lady and budding actress! During my recent trip to TX I was ecstatic to photograph some updated Headshots for her. She had such an ease in front of the camera, as if she had been modeling her whole life. I really don't think there was a bad photo in the set- her true glowing personality showed through in every shot! Excited to see where this young lady's life takes her and I'm overjoyed that my Headshots will be along for the ride.