Making Your Life Into BeYOUtiful Art

Jemez ~ Jessica’s Senior Session

This girl is already a world traveler. Wanderlust isn’t a thing she decided to be it found her and is her, in the most natural way there is. I grew up exploring this state and it created in me a deep love of all that is New Mexico. My childhood is why I have a continued passion for exploring New Mexico’s beauty and diversity. It bloomed into a love for making New Mexico the backdrop of my work. This isn’t about me, I just relate and find her fascinating. Her mom Teresa came along for the session, we all rode together and I enjoyed our time together so much. I learned so much about them and their experience living in India for 6 years. They exude so much calm, I don’t even know how to explain it, but they are just the sweetest, most kind people. I am truly blessed to get to know so many fascinating people.

Jess wanted to show her love of travel and pastries. Apparently, she is a great cook and baker, she really should have brought me a sample so I could vouch for her 😉

All the feels.

Santa Fe Mountains ~ Audrey

This girl has an uncommon beauty. She really has it all, she is gorgeous. I mean her eyes! What?! “What big eyes you have!” Her hair is flawless, it’s the stuff of dreams. And to top it all off this girl is a talented dancer, and artist, not to mention so sweet and fun. I might sound like a dork or like a principal, but she’s got an outstanding character, yep the cherry on top. It was a joy photographing this girl in one of the prettiest places in New Mexico, the Santa Fe Mountains or Sangre De Cristos Mountains, I go back and forth ha! It has been fun to photograph her and her family over the years and see her grow. I am excited to see what she does and happy she got into the college she wanted, go BYU!

Yea, this post just ended on an epic note.

Tent Rocks ~ Christensen’s

I was thinking about how each time I do a post I have to say something about each family, I mean I don’t have to, but you gotta say something haha! And really I have quite come to enjoy the chance to stop and ponder on what qualities and characteristics stand out for each family. I have gotten to know Ali through my kid’s school, she was my daughter’s 4th-grade teacher. She has the unique combo of fun and vibrant, but totally in charge, and loving and laid back all wrapped up in one beautiful package. I only met Justin the day of the shoot, but he was equally as laid back and it was fun to just see how they love their kids so hard but aren’t trying to force them into anything. Little man loved the sticks and rocks and could see nothing else, such a boy ❤ Little miss was the perfect balance of sugar and spice. Thak you for having me capture your family. They grow up so quick! I loved our time together! I hope you know you’re loved.

By beautiful humans!

Cerrillos ~ Stylized Elopement

Big weddings aren’t my jam. Getting to find a beautiful, meaningful location for a client and photograph a small group, no more then 20 people is my jam. Elopements are becoming bigger every day and I want to put myself out there and say that I am doing them! I asked for a model and was able to work with Erin and Dave. I am grateful for their willingness to work with my desired theme of southwestern.

I suggested the dress which I found on Amazon. I wanted a squash blossom and she either had one already or got one for this shoot, either way, she got it at boot barn. I made the bokeh from flowers in my yard and bought the velvet at JoAnn’s, I wanted the colors of the NM flag. I also made the boutonniere from Chamisa and a yucca pod. I made the floral grown from Chamisa and purple asters. She also bought stuff for her fiance, the suspenders, and booties.

Makeup and hair were done by Stormie Steen.

Thanks for stopping by lovely humans!

#lighttheworld < check it out on Instagram

Cerrillos ~ The M Family

How can one family be so perfect?! I know they would be modest and tell me all the reasons they aren’t but whateva this family rocks. They have such a calm, loving vibe. It was truly a joy to make photographs for this family. All the feels M family, ALL the feels in the whole whorld! Channeling a little Nacho there :)-

This mama wanted a strong New Mexico vibe and color so thanks Cerrillos for providing it all.

You just never know what will happen when you give directions and I LOVE it! Could there be a happier Mom face haha!? Thanks for taking a look. I hope things are gearing up for a most wonderful Christmas lovely friends. I hope you are finding joy in your life just like this little man is. A perfect note to end this post on.

❤

Sandia Crest ~ Firth Family

What do you say about a family that you have seen grow so much over the last year? Going from no kids to preggers to becoming parents of the cutest little babe. They clearly love each other and having a child together seems to have only strengthened it further. I love seeing how couples compliment each other in traits. Emilee is one of the most laid back and optimistic people I have ever met. I admire Jason’s upbringing on a farm and it’s clear he continues to work hard and make things happen. Their sweet girl is so blessed to have them as her parents. Families can be together forever and stuff you know?…It’s beautiful.

Ending on a perfect note…

Have a most wonderful day lovely humans.

San Pedro Mountains ~ Sophie 1 year

There is something really special about photographing the same family again and again. She is one loved little darling and is so blessed with a big family to bring her up. Life is so beautiful, and it’s so worth it to stop and have its beauty documented. These precious babes don’t stay small for long. Life just keeps pluggin’ along. Someday I will be able to express in words what I feel about making art of the life you are living. Just stop to capture the happy now, or the messy now, or the crazy now, because this now will soon be long forgotten without a purposeful way of collecting it. Now, go enjoy this little cuties photos and I’ll shut up already.

Thanks, lovely humans for coming by!

Kiwanis Cabin ~ Abbey

This woman is one of the best souls I have ever come across. We headed up to the top of the Sandia Mountains and hiked the mile over to the kiwanis cabin. I love that it is perched on the side of a cliff! It looks so neat from the tram and if you are just East of the cabin down the cliff a bit it feels very Inceptionish! The wind up there can be pretty narly and well it was on this day. It was so bad we couldn’t hear each other unless we were right next to one another. If you want my super insightful 😉 thoughts on wind and adversity then see Instagram and Facebook ha ha! I would be lying to you if I said this session wasn’t a challenge because of the gale force winds, but it was still a great time and it’s good to be pushed…at least I think so right now 😉 How could we not have fun, this chica is something special! The floral dress really suites her personality, bright, happy, and optimistic! Oh, and we found out she looks amazing in hats ha!

MUA Leah Tatom of Rad Cat Designs

Thanks for stopping by! ❤

Mt. Taylor ~ Mel & Rollin Engagement

This was my first time photographing in this epic spot. Me and my family went camping up there this summer and I knew I had to do a session up there! I will admit my list of places to shoot is long, but this one made it to the top of the list! I hope there will be many more sessions to come in this magical place. I am so glad this gorgeous couple was up for an adventure. You need a 4×4 to get up to the top of Mt. Taylor. These two met as teenagers and have been together since then and are now both going to school at UNM. Their personalities compliment each other so perfectly. I had a wonderful time chatting with them on the way to and from the shoot, I can’t say enough good things about this couple. They are both going to rattle the stars! I truly wish them all the joy this life has to offer.

Thanks you two lovely humans, for having me make your engagement photos!