Natural Beauty

Have you ever met someone who was just a naturally beautiful person? They just had that "thing," that inner beauty that couldn't help but ooze outward? Someone with a sweet face, and a sweet personality to match? Well, I had the pleasure of hanging out with just such a person a couple of weeks ago during my session with Tiffany.

She was sooo easy to shoot. No joke, from the very first frame I shot, she was working some kind of magic. I had a terrible time narrowing down the number of photos that I would show her - they were all so beautiful. It wouldn't surprise me if I opened a magazine in the near future and saw her face there.

Well, if a picture is worth a thousand words, let me stop yapping and let the photos speak for themselves. Allow me to present to you, Ms. Tiffany.



















Leave a comment & let me know what you think!

Live in Love,
}:{

5000 Miles at the Sound of My Voice

I had a dream last night. No, I'm not going to tell you about more random craziness like I did last time. But last night...I dreamed. I can't remember most of it, which doesn't surprise me, but the one thing that keeps replaying itself over and over is this: "5000 miles at the sound of my voice."

"The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences" (Proverbs 18:21).

How many times have you been disappointed in yourself and literally voiced your negative opinion to no one in particular? I can recall times (uh, how about last week?) that I have done something a bit less than perfect and before I could blink something like "you're so stupid" came flying out of my mouth. Can you relate? What I failed to realize in that moment is that my negative words to myself will only breed more negativity, whether that be in deeds, emotions or resulting circumstances.

If my words are so powerful that they can bring about life or death, good or bad - and I will "reap the consequences," why not make it my business to speak good things? The way I see it, whether I'm having a good day or not, I have unlimited potential. But if I'm so caught up in my imperfections that I can't see past them, how will I ever tap into that potential to reach and surpass my ideal?

Today, my realization is this:

I can go farther than I imagined if I dare to dream it, and dare to speak it.
"5000 miles at the sound of my voice." 
I can be better than I ever thought I could if I dare to dream it, and dare to speak it. 
"5000 miles at the sound of my voice."
I can achieve more than I thought possible if I dare to dream it, and dare to speak it. 
"5000 miles at the sound of my voice."
I can. I will. I am.

Five thousand miles is that thing in your head, in your heart that seems so impossible for you to achieve that you just shove it to the back of your mind. It's a heart desire that you dare not linger on too long because the thought of it becoming a reality is simply too wonderful. Your five-thousand miles may look different than mine, but I know your heart has one. I dare you to give voice to your dreams and see what happens. I DARE YOU. I double-dog dare you (ooooooooh!). Let's see where our dreams and our voices take us.

 Live in Love,
}:{

Care to share what your "5000 miles" is? I would love to hear from you!

Love: In Shades of Honey & Chocolate

What does love feel like? Perhaps it feels like a soft autumn breeze caressing your cheek while the sun shines kisses down on you.

What does love smell like? Perhaps it smells like the aroma of Jasmine & Lavender welcoming you into life's garden.

What does love sound like? Perhaps it sounds like the sweetest harmonies this side of heaven.

What does love look like? Perhaps it looks like shades of honey wrapped in chocolate. That was what it looked like to me when I had the pleasure of photographing Jamieko & Raynard.

This beautiful young couple embody love and joy. It is becoming more and more rare to see a couple who grow deeper in love as the years progress, but that is the reality for these two. A seasoned marriage and children has not cooled their fire for each other. It was truly a beautiful sight.

Jamieko & Raynard, thank you for allowing me to peek into your relationship and witness a love that is truly a treasure.

Now see their love, through my eyes...


Live in Love,
}:{

Friday Fun Pic

Happy Friday, everyone. I hope that you've had a week filled with beauty and as many hugs as your arms could stand (honestly, hugs are one of the best inventions EVER). This week has simultaneously crawled and sped by for me. Don't know how that happens, but it seems like when I'm in the middle of the week, I can't see the end of it. But by the time Friday comes around, I'm wondering where the time went. I've been editing photos from my last two sessions like a mad woman, plus I've embarked on yet ANOTHER 365 project. I call it Three Times A Charm, cuz darnit, I shall finish this time around. Gracious. So, if you have any ideas for a self portrait (or a series), let me know! I'd love a challenge!

Let me leave you with a shot of me and my Nikko. He saw me taking my daily self-portrait and wanted to play. As soon as he sees the camera he runs to me saying "KoKo's turn! KoKo's turn! Cheeeeeeeese!" I promise you, I've never asked that kid to say cheese in front of the camera. Is that just an instinct kids are born with these days? LOL. Until next time...

Live in Love,
}:{

That big grin on my face is from the unsolicited hug and "I Lah You" that I got right before the shutter clicked.