Escaping Reality

Living in a crazy world, that is constantly throwing us information and busy schedules, it tends to make it difficult to unplug and find peace. The " I need to", " I should do", " I must do" compete with our ever so frantic lives and soon creates stress.

When I was young my most enjoyable days were being outside. Nothing greater than riding my bike, walking to the local corner store for slurpees, and climbing olive trees until the street lights turned on. Even then I was able to find peace.

As I grew older and became an adult it turned into a struggle to find use of the simple activities that are truly enjoyable. Even simple things like going for a run on some local trails didn't prevent me from "hurry up and get back to"... the email, the missed calls, social media accounts, or whatever else was waiting for me.

So after some thought, I have come to an answer to find this peace, which was to explore things I have never done before. In order to find quiet and peace is to venture out to the edge, the place that allows me to release all the "human" thoughts and concentrate on simply just "being".

This weekend I made time to make peace with Yosemite Valley. I was able to look up and stand in complete awe of the soaring peaks that brought a sense of calm. It was breathtaking and emotionally stirring to know that there is something greater.

Hiking 6 miles on the mountain trails, splashing in a Tuolumne River, and driving through the rolling hills just outside of a hectic environment was so relaxing. This was the place to pause, reflect and gain a sense of perspective again.

After hiking a couple miles it was time to refuel with some nutritious food. Nothing better than a packed picnic lunch. 

Pirate Booty does the body good!

Maybe some day in my lifetime I will have the privilege of calling myself an Ahwahnee Hotel guest. Oh how nice that would be. Good food, nice people, and a spectacular atmosphere. While stopping for a bite to eat at the hotel, I cheated a little and had a beer. Ahwahnee Amber Ale that is. 

Before heading back somehow getting across the river was a must. Guess crossing with our shoes on wouldn't hurt. 

Where is the jaw dropping, eye opening, place that you enjoy? Where is the magic for you and more importantly, where do you find peace?

-Natalie

Save the Date :: Mary + Korey

I had the privilege of taking my first engagement session for one of my best friends. These two are remarkable and so fun to be around. It's never a dull moment with them, that's for sure.

Aren't they cute or what? I barely had to do anything just a snap here and there. They totally fit the part for their rustic themed wedding too. Loved

Mary's swede boots and ivory dress.

For a hot and gusty day I think this shoot turned out pretty good. It's not hard with good models either!

 I take pictures for fun and do not use photoshop :)

Let me know what you think and maybe some photography tips, friends!

-Natalie

Country Girl at Heart

Last week as I was hustling out of church a couple stopped me and asked me a question. It took me a minute to respond. I stood in silence for a second, felt the butterflies building up inside and then agreed to help.

The question was to take their engagement pictures. 

I quickly warned them that I do have some experience taking pictures of food, but not people, ah! Not to mention, she's a photographer herself. (insert: high pitched squeal).

I decided to take my camera and a friend of mine out to an area that I love. 

Country.

I dream of a home on a ton of land, that requires a ton of maintenance (sarcasm). No but really, I would love to live on acres of dry, long, dead grass that sway in the wind as I look out my kitchen window. Beautiful. 

There's only 1 problem. I hate rodents. Mice, lizards, ground squirrels, you name it. I don't like them and they don't like me. I haven't figured out how living in a country home on a ton of land would not have rodent issues. What I do know is, I don't have to worry about it right now. (thats another post coming up)

I have the greatest friends, always willing to help a sister out. Miss Mary was kind enough to be my model for the day. It was nothing but fun, sweat, apricot ale, and giggles. The day was complete. 

For a rookie photographer like myself, I think they turned out pretty good. I'm still fresh with picture taking let alone editing, yikes! This gal's photos didn't need much. A little brightening here, a little contrast there.   

Needless to say, in a few weeks I will be taking pictures of two lovely people who will be tying the knot next year. Pictures are a beautiful thing and capture life's greatest moments. I'm feeling humbled that I get to share this with them.  Until then, I will have my fair share of practicing.