Humans
Being a photographer is to catch a still moment of human life.
I have narrowed down what I like to take photos of and that is humans interacting and experiencing life.
Ever since I can remember humans have fascinated me. People watching and creating stories for them has been my favorite pastime. I was taught when someone does something wrong, there is something usually going on in their lives.
The kid making fun of others maybe struggles to feel seen and validated at home.
This way of interacting with others has been a motif throughout my whole life.
I have a strong sense of empathy and can genuinely feel others pain, which can be a curse and a blessing.
I remember holding my best friend's hand as she wept over a boy, praying that I could shoulder her pain.
Holding her hand and begging God to let me take her pain off of her, even if it was just for a second.
It was hard to feel everything around me, feel other's pain, take everything personally, and be responsible for all who I love.
I have grown and realized I can not fix others' pain and I can not always shoulder it, but my empathy and understanding for humans have never changed.
I remember on road trips seeing people in cars and creating whole backstories to their entire lives. It would be 5-10 minutes of seeing how far my creativity could take me while painting a picture of a stranger's life.
ACCURATE DEPICTION
When I took photos of my parents, there was one picture of my mother laughing as my dad held her and the sun peaked through.
This picture embodied my parent's relationship, and I know this because I know them.
I have grown up watching their love and being in awe of the fun and light they are.
Now how do I capture people's unique spirits when I do not know them and I do not know their love as deeply?
OBSERVING & LET BE
When photographing people's love stories, I try to create the most comfortable and safe space I can. I enjoy photographing all types of life and interactions.
I will play music, I will make sure you are comfortable in front of the camera. I will be the most embarrassing person there, do not worry.
I will make you laugh, we will chat, and I will do my best to keep you at ease. I want you to be yourselves so that I capture that authenticity.
Each photo shoot is different, every couple has different dynamics and I am here as an observer in your life.
I want you to look back and see your true self and authentic love.
Through Barriers
I have been lucky enough to travel a lot in my 21 years of life, and through this, I found a true passion for it.
Traveling and connection go hand in hand, while traveling you meet the most phenomenal people.
One of the most life-altering shifts happened while I was aboard in Chaing Mai, Thailand.
Almost every morning of our two-week stay I would go to the local market and buy the most amazing fruits from a little lady and her stand.
I had learned a few sayings in Thai, I would greet her and say thank you each day and she would just beam in a happy glow.
One day on a walk I stumbled upon her house, it was barely liveable
At 18 this was the first time I was taken out of the American greed cycle and saw that money does not equal unwavering happiness. The mango lady at the market was full of joy and had nothing.
Just observing taught me this.
The day before we left I told her to thank you in Thai and she turned and said you're welcome in English.
I have now incorporated traveling into my business
The pictures that are my favorite are candid and fun.
The pictures aren't always the ones that are the most in focus or technically perfect, but the ones that evoke emotion.
Pictures I love because of the emotion
(a theme of this is that I cried at all of these photoshoots)
A Glowing Mama
In this shoot I had the soon-to-be dad (Spencer) give his wife kisses all over her cheeks and forehead.
He was so gentle and was just taking it all in and focusing on her beauty. It was such a romantic and peaceful thing to capture.
He was just so in awe of his lovely wife, I truly teared up.
Beaming Bride
We pulled her and the groom away from the reception to squeeze in a few photos.
As she was laughing her eyelashes started to fly off, but I had to get this picture, which made us giggle even more.
Her beauty was astonishing even if her eyelashes were coming off, her earrings shining, her dress sparkling, and with the lighting, she was just spectacular.
College Sweethearts
This was one of the most touching ceremonies I have ever seen.
The sweet groom started his vows but was so choked up, the bride had to wipe his tears and read hers first.
They had been together for years and to see him so in love to the point of tears was such a sweet moment to bear witness to.
Thank you for hearing my story<3
Maxine
