My husband is going to string me up when he finds out I am using him as a model. However, he is really handsome right? 

There are many ways to shoot a portrait picture. When most people think of portraiture I am scared to admit that there portrayal is similar to that of bad family photos and prom pictures. While this can still be true today, there are HUNDREDS of ways to take a straight on simple shot and make it slightly unique. You do not need to have a nice camera and you do not need to be a professional. 

6) Play with light. 

7) Use culture, nature and history for project ideas. More importantly...give your self projects.

8) Create your own style.

9) Dont buy equipment that you do not know anything about.

10) Enjoy it. 

No picture is a bad picture and too many pictures is not enough

I love animals. I went to the San Diego Zoo and loved it. I also love black and white because it takes away distraction. I know there are a lot of animals in the zoo but some are more unique then others (my opinion). Enjoy.

As most of you know I ride a great big black Friesian named Max. His girlfriend Yireka is also another amazing horse!! I am trying to work my magic and own her...I will keep you all posted on that one:) While Max has been in Martha Stewart Living and In-Style Magazine, Yireka is quite the model herself. I dont know what I would do without these horses?!

Awhile back my darling friend had her BEAUTIFUL baby! I snapped a few pictures of her in her little knit pumpkin outfit. During mommys pregnancy they did not know the sex of the baby so all of our friends decided to call the baby little pumpkin, hence the pumpkin outfit! I assure you the babys name is not pumpkin, but Violet (is that no the cutest name?). Anywho, I am at an age where ALL of my friends are having little ones so I thought that I would share the talented lady that makes these cute outfits! Click here to see the Violet in her pumpkin outfit or to purchase something from her Etsy shop. 

This past week I was able to scramble home back to Utah for Christmas. My sister McCall made my parents the most amazing 20 min video of images from past to present of all of us kids. After watching it I realized where my love of photography came from. My mother (hence why all of the pictures are of me and my dad). She is an amazing photographer. I went through my childhood photos and found a few that are my favorite. The composition, depth of field, color and balance are wonderful (in my opinion). She really knows how to catch a moment. If I ever need inspiration for a shoot I like to look back on my old photographs. It usually works. I was so grateful to come across these photos again. I am also grateful to have such an amazing family to share the memories with. Happy new year everybody. Cheers