EB PHOTO // 2014 behind-the-scenes.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.

- Philippians 1:3

I look back in such thankfulness to the Lord for last year's photography opportunities! For the kind professionals who let me second-shoot for them. For the countless days of amazing weather and sunlight. For the amazing people who stepped in front of my lens and are oh-so-patient with me as I learn and grow. This year I learned more deeply that photography is so much more than capturing images. Photography also includes cultivating relationships with dear people, providing times for families to love + laugh together, sharpening communication/entrepreneurial skills. What a privilege it is to photograph and spend time with such dear people! I enjoy reading through others' recap posts of behind-the-scenes pictures and thought I'd gather up a rough collection of keeping-it-real pictures from photography adventures in 2014. :) All right, enough rambling, here we go!

Road-tripped to Chicago to second-shoot (actually more like fifth-shoot :)) Jordan + Olivia's wedding for Tim + Evy with Lauren and Amanda was one of the first photography opportunities last year! One of my main responsibilities was running the photobooth. :)

I was thrilled to meet Tim's sisters, Hannah (at left) and Elizabeth. They were throughly encouraging and it was wonderful to finally meet them! And of course Evy (at right) continually inspires me with her killer photography skills, love for people, attention to detail, gentle spirit. Super thankful to her and Tim for letting us tag along for the day!

Ordered a set of Moo business cards - it was great working with them and I love the matte finish!

Photography and decorating for Josh + Steffie's wedding reception.

Super grateful for Kelly letting me second-shoot for her! She's awesome...

...and SUPER flexible even when my camera broke down. :/ Though it definitely felt like a nightmare, I learned the importance of back-ups and it was good to re-evaluate/sort through some decisions before diving into photography again. I'm so thankful for the opportunities the Lord gave during the summer to upgrade to this buddy and have working gear again!

My first "styled shoot" with Ella + Soph was a fun way to ease back in - such a blast!

Love these girlies to pieces!

A behind-the-scenes shot from the M family's arboretum session.

My two youngest brothers brought me homemade lemonade one day during an editing session - thanks, guys! :)

A family gave me this adorable thank-you package of Whole Foods goodies! 

[side note: that coconut dark chocolate also helps with chemistry studying ;)]

Hannah Elise's photography workshop was incredible + such a huge jump-starter. Thank you, Hannah!!

A photobomb by Grandma. :)

So blessed to have so many (adorable) cousins to practice photography with! <3

Sometimes warm temperatures on photoshoot days call for icy treats for brother photog assistants...

...thankfully we weren't getting our picture taken, haha. :P

Culling/sorting/uploading = many unglamorous, usually uncaptured hours. :) Also opened this blog in 2014!

Stoked to photograph this colorful session with the awesome H trio!

[Something that made my day was when 2 cars held up traffic for us to cross a busy street. I was so blessed by their kindness!]

A little project for Sophie's birthday :)

Smiles with some of the H kiddos after their fun session!

Submitted pics to the state fair for the first time. It was a year of only black + white images (in honor of Ansel Adams), which created quite a challenge for me since my love is color. :) I didn't advance in the competition, but still enjoyed holding prints of my pictures.

Seriously. Flowers as a thank-you gift? Talk about thoughtfulness <3

 Yay for talking photography, life, lessons learned with these sweet friends. :)

Getting paid in chocolate is pretty yummy!
Haha, not exactly, but thanks to the people who gave me these thank-you goodies/editing fuel. ;)

Profile picture updates = warms my heart!

So glad + thankful for the many sessions at camp during family fall retreat! 

(Picture taken after Kenna + Leyla's fun besties session. :)) 

Grateful for this girl! 

Chipotle with mom after a session. (And thanks to mom for all the hours she spent driving + her fabulous location suggestions!)

Rick + Julie's family gave them this portrait for Christmas - made my day to see this picture of it in their home!

Experimenting with many new locations was one of my 2014 photography highlights. :)
These are a couple behind-the-scenes snapshots from the T family's session.

Second-shooting another wedding with Kelly!
[Caribou fueled the drinks of the pre-reception = yumminess <3]

Twins have joined the familia! [Pictures from their baby shower to come :)]

Seeing each of these = SUCH a day-maker. <3

Successfully identifying lighting that doesn't work so well ;) #outdoorlightingismyfavorite

Sadly, photoshoots/video projects with siblings are sometimes shoved until deadlines loom, but they are seriously some of the most memorable. I know their REAL smiles and much laughter is shared. Love my brother bears! <3

Dived into video projects a bit more this year - a collaboration with some friends on a surprise project, a couple auditions, and piecing together clips for some missionary friends. [and, yes, I did move a couch, tree, nails out of the wall, table, etc, to use a wall with better lighting #aspiringphotogproblems ;)]

Finishing up a surprise project - more to come on that later, Lord willing. :)
Client Gifts 2014

A shout-out to Emma, Jackson, Mom, Amanda, Hannah, Rick, Chelsy, Heather, strangers for many of these pictures! First-and-last pictures are by the talented Amanda - thanks, friend. :) And thanks to you all for your sweet comments - I realize I still have a TON of skills to sharpen, but am grateful for your encouragement along the way!

I am incredibly grateful to the Lord for such a vibrant year of photographing such amazing people and look forward in thankful anticipation to what He has planned for this year. :)

I hope you have a wonderful 2 0 1 5! Let's do this thing!