my 2011.

I remember a year ago sitting down to write this same post, reflecting on my 2010. Feels like yesterday. This year has flown by.  I spent this New Years Eve shooting a wedding.  It was an INCREDIBLE wedding where friends of mine came together to celebrate the marriage two wonderful people.  Because it was New Years Eve, I often heard the question "Was it a good year?" being asked during cocktail hour. It got me thinking.  Was it a good year?  Without hesitation I can say, "Yes."  There were many challenges this year.  Many situations that caused me to be stretched out of my comfort zone.  Many times I fell flat on my face and many learning experiences.  But each of these challenges are merely small threads to my life's story and pages to the chapter of my 2011 year.  So many wonderful things came out of 2011.  This past year was full of adventure.  I met so many incredible people between the weddings, portrait sessions, and travel photography.  I was given the amazing opportunity to partner with Not For Sale in Romania and California.  I traveled to Puerto Rico with my family this summer and witnessed the engagement and marriage of my younger brother.  Visited friends in various parts of the US. I also was blessed with the chance to travel back to Kenya where I used to live. So, when people ask the question, "Was it a good year?"  Its hard to respond with a simple, "yes."  It was a fantastic year.  And things keep getting better.  Here's to 2012, folks...let's make it a good one. Happy New Year!

love is here (video).

Here is the video that was produced from the photos in my last post.

Love is Here....let it be.

Love Is Here - Africa from Check The Gate Films on Vimeo.

Thanks Robb Major for your help in production...you rock.

love is here.

Merry Christmas!  I hope you have had a wonderful day celebrating with friends and family.  During the month of December, my church in Richmond, VA has been doing a series called "Love is Here."  I admire their bold approach to the Christmas season.  I adore the statement "Love is Here."  Christmas isn't about all the gifts and decorations...its about love.  And love isn't IN the gifts and the decorations.  Love is all around the world.  God is love.  Where God is, love is.  When I was in Kenya, I took photos for a video that was shown last night at the Christmas Eve service.  The simple message of the video: Love is Here.

Merry Christmas, weary world...rejoice because love has come and love is here.

Remembering Kenya

Sometimes its difficult for me to remember that I was just in Africa. I find myself sitting in my parent's home, staring at our Christmas tree and wondering if just ten days ago I was really walking around the streets of Nairobi, playing with children, drinking coffee, and soaking up every last minute with my friends.  These worlds are so different.  When I was in Kenya it felt like I had never left and now that I'm back in America, it feels like I never left.  This is why I'm thankful to have photos, to replay the trip and the memories in my mind.  To remind me of all I've seen, who I've met, and where I've gone...and then to be able to share it with you.   I've never taken a photo in Africa where I can't remember the moment my world collided with the one I was photographing...the moment I lift my camera to my eye and snap the beauty I see in them...the moment I show them that beauty and their face lights up.

Kenya | final day.

As always, I'm going to miss this place. Until next time...