Courage / Personal / Salem OR Photographer

Today I had the pleasure of visiting with Jim & Lisa Bair, along with sons Ryan & Chris. I'm so thankful I was able to do family portraits for them as part of my Giving Is Awesome give-away (previews here), I've thoroughly enjoyed our time together. They've taught me so much about courage, and I left today feeling inspired. Jim has been battling cancer now for about 3 years, and to be as happy, thankful, and hopeful as he is takes more courage than you and I may understand.

As a business owner I often forfeit the comfortable easy route for one that will push me forward and make me succeed. It's tiring, intimidating, and often scary. There's a hundred reasons why I'm not cut out for this, why I won't ever make this succeed, and I would be lying if I said I didn't question my ambitions at times. There's an easy job waiting for me to clock in and out and leave all these headaches behind. But then I think of people like Jim who keep fighting because he's had a good taste of life and all it has to offer, and refuses to take the easy route. I think of the athletes in the Olympics, how they dedicate their whole life to train for that coveted gold medal. Can you imagine the kind of passion that must take? I'm no Olympian, but I do have a drive that I attribute to God and my Grandma. God for creating me with the giftings I have, and my grandma for her intense drive and go-getter mindset. Call me obsessive, you might be right, but I've got this fire to pursue my dreams and not back down. Every good photograph, every smile, every person I meet keeps the flame burning and solidifies why I am pursuing my dream for portrait photography.

Today I feel courageous, perhaps an ounce of what keeps Jim going wore off on me. : ) I found a few quotes that put wind to my sails, I hope you feel as encouraged and empowered as I did after reading them!

"Courage is the power to let go of the familiar."
~ Raymond Lindquist

"A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for."
~William Shedd

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow'."
~Mary Anne Radmacher

"Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged man who kept working."
~Unknown

Rei Rei - Salem, OR Senior Photographer

Take in the glorious previews from Rei Rei's senior sesh last weekend!

So pretty!

Carli Previews - Salem, Oregon Maternity Photographer

This is Carli, my super-hero big sister. Last night at 6:59 she gave birth the the most scrumptious little girl, Sofia Ella Grace. These I took about a week and a half ago, crazy to think she was just waiting to come out. I'll post some pictures of her soon.

Here's a few Previews from Carli's 2nd Maternity Shoot!

Can't stand how gorgeous she is!

Tobey Family - Salem, OR Family Photographer

When I got the call From Cecelia Tobey requesting to do family photos at the beach I knew I was in for a ride. I've known the Tobeys for quite some time, have been close to Dot Tobey, in fact, it was Dot who introduced me to Ryan, my boyfriend. Lots of character and plenty of quirks, the Tobey's were both a challenge and a joy to capture on camera!

Kevin and Cecelia are parents to four beautiful daughters, Sarah, Amy, Dot (short for Dorothy) and Natalie (how's a linguistics specialist in the Navy). Sarah, the oldest is married to Sam and they've got two boys, Daniel & Kaden...So cute!

Amy flew in for a visit from Oklahoma and Natalie from her Navy base (??? I can't remember where) to spend some much needed time together. Sitting at the table with them for Sarah's homemade fajitas after the shoot the camaraderie, and laughs were as plentiful as fresh salsa.

Meet the Tobeys.

Ashli & Lexi - Salem, OR Photographer

Meet my dear friend, Ashli Sprinkel, or as my nephew Isaiah calls her, Sprinkel-Face-Head.

She's been such an amazing girl that's been there for numerous adventures, mishaps, and other outings.

For her birthday I gave her a gift certificate... to do photos with her little wiener dog Lexi, who's such a cutie! Take a look!

Paakki Family - Salem, OR Family Photographer

Travis. Brianna. Molly. Kiley.

Meet Travis, fun, loving, sweet father to these three beautiful girls. Each of them had unique personalities from one another, and it took moments to see each one's little quirks shine through. The Paakki family was so lots of fun to spend the evening with, and boy did they keep my on my toes!

I met with them in Bush park and in spite of our constant battle to keep little miss Kiley happy, we kept it fresh!

My Fourth Of July

Alright, time for a little slice of my life. It's crazy to think that a year ago I had recently arrived back from my schooling in Mass. I remember cause it was the day before the Fourth of July, and my life was somewhat of a whirlwind.

To make a long story extremely short, a lot has changed; bored is now busy, regrets are now past, lonely is now loved.

I cherish my family, tremendously. Perhaps that's why I love holidays so much, perhaps the amazing spread of food we put out. I love my two nephews 'Saiah & Zeeky, my dad for his strange humor and strong political views, Michael for singing words, Sally for her intense sounds affects, my mom for her presentation. Usually an element of chaos, (two more on the way).

I'm rambling, so here's a few fun photos from the day. Oh, and I shot some video for the first time with my Canon Mark II, someday I'll figure out how to edit that and put it up here!