Photo Album

One of my favorite things about doing photography is seeing the artwork I create printed in books and albums, and framed on my client's walls.  I love knowing that they have a constant reminder of how much they love their families every time they look at their photos throughout their house. I can't imagine in ten years from now, all of us sitting around our computers looking at our family photos. 

This really hit home for me when I finally had photos of my three year old's first week after being born printed in a photo book.  I watch as he pulls the book off the end table and takes it to his dad. As he climbs into his lap he asks if he will look at the book with him. It just warms my heart (cheesy, I know!!) as I watch his face as his dad tells him about every photo and how much we love him. It is a beautiful reminder to all of us the love that grew in our family when he was born, and a reminder of that special and crazy season of our lives.

All this to say that I am thrilled to be offering this photo album to my clients so they can have the same experience that I have every time I watch my little guy climb into my husband's lap and peel open the book.

I love the timeless design of this album, knowing that over the years it will live beyond the trends of our time and will be a legacy that will be passed on for generations. This album is handmade so you know it is built to stand the test of time.  I love the thick sturdy pages that are coated for protection and will withstand the many years of tiny hands as the stories in the book are told. I love the lay flat pages and square format so nothing detracts from the images that tell your family's story.  But my most favorite thing about this album is the classic linen cover and I am in love with all the colors it comes in. It just takes me back to the days I spent at the book store with my dad. Something about holding that linen cover book just says "this is special" and that is what I want my clients and my own family to feel every time they hold their album, "you are special."

Run for Congo Women 2012

I feel a tiny bit bloggy right now...

Back in October (last year... yeah, LAST YEAR!) I was so privileged to photograph at Run for Congo Women 2012.  I've participated in events and volunteered in the past for Utah for Congo but this time I was able to just watch, observe, and document everything. It was pretty amazing and I feel very lucky I got to be a part of it. I'm so grateful to Lindsay Park and Missy Lambert for "roping" me into this. :) hehe I've learned so much about the conflict in the Congo and the cause these women fight for.

If you would like to learn more read this book, Half the Sky. It really opened my eyes!
You can learn more about Utah for Congo by visiting the blog or by joining the Utah for Congo facebook page

Here are just a few of my favorite photos. See more on their blog and facebook page. :)

  

"Let's Fix the Kids!"

This audio cd, "Let's Fix the Kids!" should have been called "Let's Fix the Parents!" If you've ever heard of, read or taken a class by  Love and Logic you will recognize a lot of similar principles in this audio cd as well. I recently listened to it and learned that a lot of the struggles I have with Sydney are "fixable" by me shifting my approach, changing my perspective, and letting go of controlling the results she experiences in her life. I learned that I simply get to accept her as the person she is and love her the way she is and allow her to make her choices (within reason that is) and live with the consequences.  This is such a hard thing for me sometimes, especially when it comes to homework, because so many times I have felt like she doesn't care enough about the consequences... But I had to do it. I had to do something.... So I let go....

I finally gave in and tried a "point system" that I have been resisting for so long, due to my own laziness, and pre-warned her teacher that, worst case scenario, Sydney might not be turning in her homework for while. Lucky for me her teacher was totally supportive and when I expressed my frustrations she said "time goes by too fast not to enjoy your kids." (I've been so blessed this year to have such a great teacher for Sydney.) Needless to say it's been working! Sydney does her own homework and her grades are better. It has allowed me to be the loving mom that she deserves and needs.

I am not going to sit here and say that everything is perfect and peachy because it's not. But it has improved many areas of our lives and I know that by shifting my energy and approach I can't shift the situation.

I would recommend this audio cd to anyone. I think there is a book too!

I stole this photo from amazon.com....

It's not currently in stock on amazon.com but the slc library system has it.

Half the Sky

So I know this is more of a photo blog..... But I recently read a book called "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide." (well I listened to the audiobook at work)
I am not much of an activist, nor am I very political but this book really touched me in such a profound way. Actually..... it's not really even a political book or anything like that.... But for some reason when I think about women's rights or "saving" countries in conflict I automatically think "oh those crazy liberals..."

Well I just so happen to have a dear friend who is one of those "crazy liberals" and I love her to death for it. She amazes me with how passionate she is and her drive to make a difference in this world. Well I have to admit I wasn't dying to read this book but I did it because she asked me to. :) And I did read it! And I was so touched by it's message.

It amazes me how blessed we are in this country and it amazes me that there is so much oppression in the world that we are not even aware of. After reading this book I learned that it is not a matter of women's rights but of human rights. I don't really want to go into what the book is about.......There's just too much to even do it justice. Just read it! Read it! Read it!

I can't say what you will get out of it, as I am sure everyone gets something different from it.  But your eyes will be opened to a new view of your own world and hopefully a different world that maybe you never considered before... and come to realize how connected we all are.