Re-evaluation

This past few years so much has changed, not only for my own personal journey but also around the world. A year ago I went to the eye doctor for a routine examination. Little did I know he would tell me I have early stages of macular degeneration. At the beginning it was an overwhelming thought of potentially loosing my sight some day. That was a hard thing to process. What I know is I can’t stop doing what I love and I can’t stop living life even if I DO go blind someday. The effects at this point are not even noticeable, it’s step 1 of 1000. I will continue to do preventative measures to prolong this potentially debilitating disease.

Rising from the Ashes

Along the way I began paint more and more to work through the emotions that came. It has been very therapeutic and freeing. About 3 years ago the Lord gave me this step by step plan to paint out my emotions, first thinking of joy, then the hardship, then transformation and finishing with growth(and a whole lot of scripture too!!). I’ve taught a few classes locally and was blessed to teach the 4 step process with some rehabilitation centers in Mexico this past summer. WOW, what an experience to see people process their emotions without saying a word and finding freedom. My goal over the next 5 years is to open a gallery/studio where I can teach these classes to anyone willing to come and also sell my own illustrations. I’ve been approached by a local business that will soon be selling some of my originals and prints. I’ve learned so much on the illustration side of business in such a short amount of time on sales, authenticity and reproduction. I’m grateful for my journey in this art world whether it is photographing, designing or illustrating. It’s truly a blessing to capture life and express emotion, and help others find freedom among this crazy world we live in.

I still plan to focus on individual photo sessions while adding this new element to my business.

Thank you for your love and support and check out the new illustration gallery page on the website.

Summer/Fall Seniors 2019 – Kansas Photographer – Senior Photographer

What a great season for senior photos! Here are a few from the past few months of the upcoming graduating class of 2019 from across the state of Kansas!!!

Africa

This past June I was blessed with an amazing opportunity to serve alongside the organization ManUp and Go(www.manupandgo.org). On this trip we experience life in Korah Ethiopia, Jinja Uganda, Palasa Uganda, among many other cities and villages along the way. I decided I would share my experience through imagery on this website. You can head over to my blog (www.letstalktoughstuff.wordpress.com) to get the “words” of my experience as well. I hope this blesses you and opens eyes to the amazing world we live in. This was a missions trip, and we were blessed to work alongside many missionaries, ministries, organizations and children’s homes.

My lessons from this trip: God is everywhere, in the broken, in the beauty. It was a privilege to be a vessel for God’s love and hope. Stepping out of your comfort zone IS a beautiful thing, big things happen when we step out in faith. I left a part of my heart in Africa. I hope you enjoy.

Blessings.

 

Elliott Family – Kansas Photographer – Family Photographer

I was excited to try out a few ‘newer’ locations with the Elliott family. I’m always looking for a ‘newer’ place here in Abilene. We are blessed with so many beautiful places to take pictures, yet sometimes I get in a pattern of the same 1 or 2 and it’s nice to adventure into other locations 🙂 Thank you for the opportunity and your boys are so well behaved, what sweeties!! Again Thank you!

Blessings!

Rylee Senior 2018 – Kansas Photographer – Senior Photographer

The Konza did not disappoint! Wow Rylee, you are absolutely stunning! Your strength within is evident and I am humbled by the opportunity. Keep working hard and I hope you have the best senior year!

Blessings!