Five years ago I walked the streets of Laguna Beach long before I lived here, feeling deeply inspired by this charming art town. I even posted on my Instagram stories dreaming of one day having an office/gallery here (last slide). At the start of this year I had no idea that dream was about to become a reality so quickly. The moment I stepped into this space, I just knew. It is perfect for me & better than I could have imagined.
1111 S Coast Highway in Laguna Beach is not just my dream office come true - it’s soon to be a petite gallery filled with creativity, inspiration & a few special surprises. This space has transformed my life reigniting my creativity & momentum at a time when I needed it most. It’s where I recently launched @thegrowthjournalpodcast & already I feel God’s presence here, a warm embrace that I hope to pass on to everyone who walks through my doors.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 ✨ This moment is a reminder that delayed gratification is always worth it. Every step, every season of patience, every lesson along the way - it all leads to something greater. The best part? This is only the beginning! As I take a leap of faith, I can’t wait to see what unfolds in this little slice of heaven.
I’ve been treasuring this quietly, but now it’s time to share the excitement. Huge thanks to my gal @livshawphoto for these incredible film photos 🎞️ I’ll cherish them always! Grateful for everyone who’s cheered me on as I approach my 10th year as a professional photographer & business owner. So, so grateful 🦋🙏🏼💌
#photographygallery #lagunabeach #dreamcometrue #lagunabeachphotographer
Over the past ten years of owning my business, photography has given me the greatest gift: freedom with location & my time. I’ve been able to create, travel, meet my best friends & capture moments while building a life full of purpose, joy, service & fulfillment.
When I first fell in love with film photography as a teenager, I never saw it as a career, let alone a sustainable one. But eventually, there was no other path or plan B for me. Even when my bank account ran low or hope felt distant, I stayed the course knowing we can create anything in this life… even against the odds. This kind of focus helped bring so many of my dreams to life.
Last month marks 10 YEARS as a professional photographer. I’ve learned more than I ever imagined, traveled to places I once only dreamed of & met the most incredible souls with a camera in hand. I am endlessly grateful for every person who trusted me, for the belief that kept me going & most of all for God’s provision. Approximately less than 15% of female business owners make it to 10 years. When challenges came my way & the road was hard, I still showed up. I hope this encourages you to keep going too. 💫
What a gift it is to be here, still creating & still dreaming. Here’s to whatever beauty comes next 🦋 xx
I almost didn’t launch my mentorship program this year. If I hadn’t, I would have been blocking people from achieving a new level in their photography, passion, business or life.
My point is this:
THE WORLD NEEDS YOU ☺️✨
Someone is waiting for you!
Even if you feel under qualified.
Even if you don’t feel ready.
Even if it seems hard.
Do “it” anyway.
People are waiting & even praying for your unique perspective, your talent, your experience, your resources, & your beautiful soul.
I’m thrilled to launch several tailored mentorship programs that offer personalized guidance on branding, photography, pricing, mindset, communication, leadership, systems, business practices & more. DM me with any questions! Can’t wait to connect!
Portraits by my wonderful friends Sabrina & Eric @sabrinaryanphoto in Mexico recently
#photographymentor #businessmentor
Sailing north time moves slow
Many thoughts come & go
The ocean holds a soft harmony
Reminding us all to be wild & free
An endless pallet of vibrant blue
Reflecting peace, deep & true
There is nowhere else I’d rather be
A part of me is always found at sea
Creating life is one of the most powerful things we will ever witness. Women are extraordinary. What strength it takes to grow, carry & prepare to bring a new soul into the world. Capturing this season of anticipation, transformation & quiet power is always an honor. Amber on medium format film & digital in Laguna Beach 🐚🎞️
Life unfolds like a chessboard spread
Where quiet moves are softly read
I observe the king, his stance grand
Many guess he’s the strongest hand
Yet there she stands in commanding grace
The freest soul upon the space
She crosses the board in every way
A tender force both night & day
She moves through ranks far & wide
With steady will & fearless stride
No force can rise to confine
Her path vast, her reach divine
I wish I knew in younger years
Before any doubts & many tears
The crowned piece upon the board
Was never meant to sheath her sword
I speak to those whose hope has swayed
When weary days have dimmed your gaze
You are the queen upon the square
With sovereign light beyond compare
Rise as the piece that claims the game
Do not forget your rightful name
The horizon is wide, the path ahead green
Remember always… you are queen
An original poem I wrote earlier this year titled: The Strongest Piece ♟️ paired with unforgettable moments bursting with color on film from across Indonesia 🎞️ @ojisanfilmlab photos of me by @baileyannoriginal xx
Christian & Grace
wind in their hair,
sunlight on the pavement,
& the quiet ease of two people
who simply belong together.
Grace was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Laguna Beach & I had met Christian before I even lived here! Life has a beautiful way of weaving people together long before we understand why.
Watching them now… playful, steady & completely themselves. Their love moves forward with trust, laughter & a bit of adventure. It might sound cliché, but It’s the kind of love that reminds you the road is always better, when you’re riding it together.
PSA: We did capture a riding shot, but they were going much slower than it appears (a little photographer magic). We are always pro-helmet, they were off just for photos.
Break it all off
Everything
Strip it all away
How can we really know our inner most thoughts
In a world where there isn’t a day we don’t go unplugged?
I am ridding what I can:
Distractions, relationships, fear, noise
Cleanse my mind
Cleanse my body
Cleanse my heart
Cleanse my soul
Burn it all down
So I can be reborn
I will do this a thousand times over
To receive to the purest form of truth
Stillness at @thesearanchlodge on film 🎞️ & a poem I wrote xx
Our planet is one of the greatest gifts God gave us! Let’s take better care of it ♻️🥺🌎🐝🌈💘🌺
I chose to call Laguna Beach home largely because of its deep dedication to nature, conservation, protected coastline & a community that values the land + sea.
Seeing trees recently removed on Forest Ave was a reminder that these places need our voices. I spent part of this Earth Day rallying for the beauty of this town & the nature that makes it so special.
Let’s keep both the Earth & Laguna thriving for generations to come 🌳🌿 EVERYDAY IS EARTH DAY
Sending so much love to you all xx
Childlike wonder is one of the keys to life!
Notice the miraculous details. See beauty everywhere.
Recognize the fingerprints of God’s design. Nothing is accidental.
Remember who you were before the world told you who to be.
Stay curious 🦋
The day after the vows in Big Sur, when everything settles & love feels grounded, quiet & anchored.
Day after sessions slow things down… no timeline & no pressure, just space to breathe it all in. Film holds Big Sur the way it actually feels: wild yet soft & timeless 🎞️ #bigsur #bigsurweddingphotographer #bigsurfilmphotographer
