Goodbye to 2017, Hello to the Future

This has been an incredible year. As I'm writing this blog post, I'm thinking back to a little over a year ago when I bought my camera. At that moment, I still didn't think I would become a photographer. Yet in this crazy year, I found a passion I didn't expect.

In 2017, I took risks and dove head-first in doing crazy things to find something. I made the decision to start a photography business, take my health seriously, move across the country and live two months in Wisconsin, embrace my insecurities, move forward, and - most importantly - live. This year, things started making sense to me as to where my future would lead: wherever creativity and happiness brings me. I know that seems more vague than anything (ironic for a realization of clarity)! But I've come to accept whatever my future will bring. I'll be okay with it as long as I'm doing what I love!

That is my hope for you. As we say goodbye to another year, push forward in 2018 embracing the things that bring you happiness! Before you dive in head first, make sure you have a plan. That's right! Make those New Year's Resolutions that no one ever achieves! Why? Because it's something! Every day is a new start and a new chance to turn a new page. Even when you fail, you can start again.

So here are my New Year's Resolutions! Feel free to help me stay accountable!

1. Shoot and write more. I want to become a better photographer for my clients and share my work more. The only way I will be able to do that is to PRACTICE!

2. Embrace a healthier lifestyle. Y'all let me be honest. . . I am a poor graduate student and I live like one. If I can start eating healthier and sleeping more, I know that I'll be in a better place (trying not to gag at how Hallmark this sounds, but I'm serious!).

3. Take time for me. I am a Class A workaholic, which is obvious if you look at my Instagram stories of me editing pictures at 2am. I'm even writing this blog at 3am...ON VACATION! I want to be committed to taking time to relax and recharge. Whether it's an hour reading book or an evening grabbing drinks with friends, this is a must!

Before I officially say goodbye to 2017, I want to share a few of my favorite photos from 2017. Not going to lie. . . I cringed a little as I looked at some of my early work. But I'm embracing the fact that I am always learning. Thank you so much to every amazing client I have had this year. I am eternally grateful that you believed in me enough to invest in me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Aidan

"Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire."

Meet Aiden, a graduating high school senior with a passion for expressing herself through art. I have known Aiden for a few years now and have gotten to watch her grow into the bright and talented young woman she is today. When it came to planning this shoot, I knew I wanted to make sure that I showcased the style and personality that is "Aidan".

We began our shoot in Downtown Lafayette, one of my new favorite shooting locations, because of the artistic culture the area embodies. It's so rare to find someone who is an absolute natural in front of the camera! I was honored to get to capture someone who was so unashamed to be themselves.

As an artist, it only makes sense that I get a few shots of her in her element...painting! On the low hills of Moncus Park in late afternoon where the sun was shining just right, I got to see someone enter their happy place. While I got down on the ground to get just the right angle, she soaked up the sun and planned her next creation.

My hope is that Aiden enters this next stage of life with a determination and passion for achieving her dreams - as cheesy as that sounds. Starting a new chapter is exciting and the possibilities are endless! We should always approach the next new journey without fear, but rather with a fire for accomplishing greatness.

Jeremy

One of my favorite parts about being a photographer is helping capture a side of someone that they don't get to see themselves. Most people I have met do not care for how they look behind a camera. They seem to think of every imperfection they have. What they don't see is how great they truly are! What I see behind the camera is everything about them that makes the picture amazing. The way they smile, the natural way they hold themselves, the unique style they have. These are all the things that I see.

My last senior portrait session of the semester helped remind me of how much I love working with other people. Jeremy's session was special because it helped me show him how great he is. Alright, I'm a little biased...Jeremy is one of my closest friends. But sometimes you need something in life that shows all the great things about you. That was my goal for this shoot.

The best part of this shoot was easily Jeremy showing unique parts of his personality. From making goofy side comments to wearing a Star Wars tie, this shoot was 100% Jeremy. 

Matthew

On the home page of my website, I post three words: Creative, Unconventional, and Fun. Working with Matthew on his senior portrait session, I felt like I was really able to tap into all three of these promises that I make.

But I certainly can't take all the credit for that! When I had my phone conversation with Matthew before the shoot to get an idea of some of the shots he wanted, he had some unique and personal ideas that reflect his personality perfectly.

First, he told me that he wanted to take a "Clark Kent" style picture of him opening a button-down shirt with a Ragin' Cajuns shirt underneath. I immediately freaked out and said we HAD to do it. If you were to meet Matthew, you would understand how perfect this shot is for him and his quirky, yet lovable personality.

Second, he told me he wanted a shot of him fishing in Cypress Lake, the swamp in the middle of campus. I was excited to do this shot because I am always looking for new poses to do around this area. It's just a beautiful spot in Lafayette. This is where "creative" and "unconventional" came into play because I had to straddle a brick wall hanging over the swamp to get this picture! Completely worth it.

I really enjoyed working with Matthew and helping capture his memories at UL. As his fraternity brother and friend, I am so proud of everything he has accomplished and can't wait to see him succeed in his next great adventure. Thanks for the memories, Matt!

Connor

This is probably the most special photo shoot I will get to do this year: my brother's. Connor is vivacious and energetic. He does everything 100% because he's the type of guy that is super passionate about the things he does, which is why we absolutely had to incorporate some of the memorable things Connor has done in his photo shoot. Connor is a graduating senior at Louisiana State University and has recently been recognized as one of the Tiger Twelve - the top 12 graduating student leaders on LSU's campus. He has been so engaged on his campus and come into his own at LSU, which is why we needed to pay tribute to the various beautiful locations Louisiana's flagship had to offer.

In my opinion, the lighting for the day was incredible. Overcast skies for the majority of the shoot meant really convenient lighting situations with the sun coming out just in time for some fun sunset shots. This shot was more than about giving another client a great experience...it was about giving my brother something special we could share for the rest of our lives! I'm very proud of my brother and all he has accomplished so getting to help him capture the memories he has made on the campus of LSU was an absolute pleasure.