I’m so glad that Seana asked me this…..but I have to admit… this is a HARD question!   But what I didn’t realize is how GOOD it was for me to just sit back, go through some photos, and really THINK about this.   Reflection is a powerful thing.

Seana wanted to know what helps me connect… is it the surroundings or the subject or what?

Here goes nothing…

Well I will start with the surroundings.   I love shooting anywhere, I love the element of surprise at a new location, I love the challenge.   BUT we all have a favorite.  And I must say, that there is something about tall wheat/weeds/grassy stuff that really speaks to me.   When the sun is hitting it just right I can’t even drive by with out picturing an image there.   The golden glow against the tall field just really makes me all excited and want to stop eveything I’m doing and get out my camera!

Next.. I love having full control of the subject and situation.  That is one reason I love working with couples and women/seniors.   I want to be able to paint my canvas just the way I want, even if it means moving the subject or myself an inch or two.  I love when women feel beautiful.  I really connect when I capture their beauty in the epic light that speaks to my heart.   It truly is art to me…

I love capturing PURE JOY, real emotion.   An actual personality caught in a split second.   The laughter, the goofyness, I love it.   When an image brings back my real emotions of working with people it is pretty awesome.

I love laughter, belly laughs, capturing couples truly just filled with laugher and love.   The nose scrunch, the way he looks at her.

Lastly, the un-expected moments.   Moments I didn’t plan or I didn’t set up, the random perfection caught on camera.   Beautiful people just being themselves and I was lucky enough to be there and catch it!

Oh and the un-expected moments that make me CRY!  I can’t forget those!   Ahhhh it just doesn’t get any better.    

So I guess it is really hard to narrow it down to my “favorite.”    That golden light, the glow from the sun touching someones skin REALLY gets my heart pumping.   But there are so many little joys along the way being a photographer.   I have many favorites:  Love, Beauty, Laughter and Sunlight.   I’d say that is my perfect idea of a shoot.