Pure awesomeness in blog form.

5.12.12

A whole new love…

I really hope I am able to convey just how special this experience was to me. If I may wax philosophical for a moment…as I grow older I have realized that as human beings, and especially as women, we are so much more alike than different. For me, it is my own insecurities that drive me to compare myself to others and often find myself feeling totally inadequate. However, there are those individuals who, despite their insecurities, are able to use their talents to reach out and lift those around them. Briana Shuman is one such soul.

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I have known Briana for years, but we recently reconnected through our mutual love of photography. As her journey began she confided in me that her ultimate desire was to photograph adoptions. She shared with me a little bit about her personal experience adopting her own son and I could tell that this was much more than just a wish. Anyone who knows Briana, knows that a thought or an idea wastes little time in her head. She has a tenacity, drive, and enthusiasm that are unstoppable.

Fast-forward a year and her dreams have come to fruition. The Agape Project was launched May 10, 2012 as a tribute to those birthmoms who so selflessly placed their newborn babies with a family yearning for someone to love. I was asked to be part of this project and photograph those mothers. At first I was overwhelmed and a little hesitant. Adoption was foreign to me. I didn’t know anyone who had gone through the adoption process and I didn’t feel like I could connect. Briana reassured me that as a woman and a mother I have experienced similar emotions to them and that I would be able to relate. She was right. I felt so privileged be amongst a strong, beautiful group of women. I will be forever changed by their courage.

The following video was the result of Briana’s passion and vision along with an amazing team of talented people. I was honored to take part.

You can learn more about The Agape Project at www.theagapeproject.net

Please enjoy the images of the amazing young women involved:

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5.9.12

To Dance | St. George Utah Photographer

I won’t lie. I was a little bummed when we ran out of time last fall during Tavia’s first session, because HELLO, the sun goes down at like 5pm! But that just meant that we got to have another session and this time we almost ran out of time again, but it’s because we were just having too much fun. Tavia is such a sweet girl and I am so happy to have been able to meet her and work with her and her mom, Trisha. They were always up for any kind of adventure.

Tavia is an amazing dancer. She won the Sterling Scholar for dance at Desert Hills high and will be attending BYU this fall where she will dance as a Cougarette! GO Tavia! I can’t wait to watch you cheering at the games. You are going to have some much fun in college and that’s how it should be!

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5.6.12

Amanda | Dixie High Class of 2012 | St. George Utah Portrait Photography

Amanda’s mom talked to me first about doing her photos and I asked her a little bit about Amanda. She said she was a very “earthy soul”. I immediately knew that I wanted to pull together some kind of bohemian/hippie chic type of shoot. When I got to talk to Amanda she told me how much she likes to read and make jewelry and everything just worked out so perfectly. I brought my entourage over to their home and Amanda became a princess for the night. The hairstylist and makeup artist worked there magic and by the end we had Dad in tears telling her how beautiful she looked. We all trekked out into this swampy field and got some amazing shots, bit came at a price, because we literally were being eaten alive in the process. It was SO worth it Amanda! The light was amazing and I just love the peaceful feel of this session.

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4.28.12

Morgan | DHHS Class of 2012 | Utah Senior Photographer

So bright. So driven. So beautiful.

Morgan has the whole world ahead of her. She is graduating high school with her Associates degree, which I guess happens more than I know! Wow, times have changed since I went to school. What I would have given to have the first two years of college under my belt before I even left home! Morgan will be attending Brigham Young University in the fall to begin her studies in exercise science.

I had so much fun with Morgan and her mom. I had them trekking all over the place, but we found some amazing locations. Congratulations on graduating, Morgan and I wish only good things for you.

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3.30.12

Jandee Desert Hills Class of 2012 | St. George Utah Senior Photographer

Everytime I would take a shot, I would squeal like a little girl and have to show her the back of my camera because it was just so GORGEOUS! Not to mention I am so happy that spring is here and the world is coming back to life. I had such a good time with Jandee. She told me how much she loves playing softball and doing things outdoors down here in beautiful Southern Utah, but the minute we got her in front of the camera she transformed. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you, Jandee!

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