But seriously,


Have you ever stopped to think about what your favorite part of a photo is? Is it the way the colors move from left to right? Is it the small detail of twinkling lights in the background? Is it the natural elements within an industrial shot?


What makes for a good photo?


Do you love the lighting? Composition? The way shadows cast across the greenery in the background of your favorite garden setting?


For me, capturing candid photos is my absolute most treasured aspect of a photo. When a partner is emoting love as they look at their loved one. Seeing a client fall in absolutely love with themselves during a boudoir shoot. Snapping the exact moment the whole family breaks out in laughter over a silly joke. The shine in a parents eye as they adore their child. The wide-eyed expression of a child getting their own smash cake. The earnest look of undying love and gratitude a foster fail gives their new family during the holiday card shoot.


These are irreplaceable moments that I live for.


However, not all emotions are happy.


Catching a glimpse at a client's pain also is a valuable learning lesson. A lesson I learned recently. Grief is a normal emotion, and we often see it as we talk about lost loved ones. It is a sharp sting to think about those who are not with us, but I try to ask about the great memories, the example of those we have lost and the long lasting impressions that we are left with after our dearly loved move on to the next chapter.


Remember, emotion is what makes us human. Feeling are normal and acceptable. It's okay to not always feel well, but in life, we have to face hurt to experience fulfillment. Don't pass opportunities to share loving moments with those around you- say "I love you", say "I'm upset", say "let's unplug" and enjoy what time you have with those around you.


Cannot wait to continue being apart of these special moments, whether the beginning of a life time of memories, or the end of a long life filled with love and joy- I am here and I want to etch each emotion into permanence through my camera lens.