This year, my birthday came with a very different kind of energy. A big life shift had just taken place — one that may prove to be for the best in the long run, even if it didn’t soften the immediate impact. But in the midst of that transition, my birthday gave me something unexpected: a sense of freedom and a night to truly remember.

The third show in the Grizzle Ridge Arenas High Point Series was packed full of action on May 31st, and the competition was nothing short of electrifying. Riders came ready to win, spurred on by the added money and the energy in the air almost got this photog rapher trampled! From start to finish, the arena buzzed with speed, skill, and a whole lot of heart.

As a photographer, one of the biggest challenges — and responsibilities — I carry is to keep pushing myself to grow beyond where I started.

Designing a crest for my business wasn’t something I took lightly. It wasn’t just about adding a graphic to a card or watermarking an image—it was about creating a symbol that represents who I am now, and who I’m becoming as an artist.

Some images don’t just live in our memory—they haunt it. They tug at something deeper than aesthetics. They remind us of a feeling, a time, a truth we thought we’d forgotten. As a photographer, I strive to create work that doesn’t just land on a wall but lingers in the soul. And when that kind of work is recognized in fine art competitions, it’s not just validating—it’s a sign I’m on the right path.

Every once in a while, nature pauses just long enough for us to see it breathe—and if you’re lucky, you capture that breath in a single frame. This 2024 macro image of a bee nestled into the curl of a pink dahlia isn’t just a photograph; it’s a story told in textures, hues, and instinct.

As a photographer who's juggled everything from natural light to strobe setups, I can say this: the Godox AD200 hits a sweet spot I didn’t know I needed. It’s powerful, compact, versatile, and honestly, kind of fun to shoot with.

Still, once I got the hang of it, the system was functional and straightforward. But as I prepared to dive in, I found myself pausing.

The truth is: I’ve decided to step away from licensing my work as stock—for now.

Last month, while scrolling through Facebook, I came across a post from a friend—an equestrian and performer—who had just wrapped up her annual creative photo shoot with her equine partner. She shared the results, but it was clear she wasn’t completely satisfied with the final outcome.

Here’s the thing: she had a fantastic concept and a solid base image to work from. The potential was absolutely there. She poured her heart into the final product, but the image needed a more practiced touch to truly bring her vision to life.