“When subject matter is forced to fit into preconceived patterns, there can

be no freshness of vision.” -Edward Weston-

Last week, a reader left a comment on one of my engagement session posts.  It read, “In a sea of sameness, your work definitely stands out.”.   I must have read that comment 20 times.  I honestly didn’t feel worthy of that kind comment;  however, it validated my vision and my intuition as to what changes I need to make as an artist.

As photographers, we are constantly being influenced by what is being featured.  Whether it’s wedding blogs, Pinterest, magazines, and Facebook.  Back in the day, the Master photographers did not have anything influencing their vision…they were able to create what was in their minds eye.  I have found myself feeling insecure and deflated more times than not throughout these past few years, comparing.  We ALL do it.  Comparing our work or our style to everyone else is will for sure extinguish that flame of confidence and creativity.

 I know my work isn’t anything new or groundbreaking by ANY means, and I think it’s important to be inspired by those we admire.  But I am challenging myself to step back more…to take a break from the constant visual influences and taking those unmerited compliments for what they are worth.  I challenge you to do the same.  You have no idea what lies within you when you go out and just shoot what YOU SEE, not what you have already SEEN.

Part two of this session (in case you missed part 1) is exactly what I envisioned in my head on that long drive home.  Actually, it’s better than I hoped for.  All the elements came together for this shoot.  The light, the location, the model, the crew, and the wardrobe. I feel so blessed.

I am so grateful to Danielle of Simple Marie Styling for going above and beyond on this project. This session would NOT be what it became without your talent and vision. Can you believe she MADE this black wedding dress with TWO weeks notice??

Thank you Taylor Darby for being my willing and beautiful model.  I look forward to photographing you when you are a real bride someday!

HUGE thank you to Laura Nelson of Laura Nelson Photography for being my assistant for this shoot.  I look forward to the many adventures we have in store this year!

Thank you Amanda Messing for your amazing hair skills and for being such a willing participant in helping with props!!!

XO