This session was the first I shot after returning from an inspired week at WPPI in Las Vegas. Aside from a terrible cold & a STRONG desire for fresh air, I walked away from that week with a renewed sense of why I do what I do. I made a promise to myself to break boundaries this year, to allow creativity to lead the way, and to not be stifled by rules. As artists, we have to push ourselves to step outside of our comfort zones. We have to remember that the only failures are unrealized ideas, and our inability to try new things. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten a flash of an idea for an image ( usually requiring me to scale a 6 foot wall & hang from a tree…all while trying the get the shot ) and written it off as “crazy” & convinced myself its just not possible. The thing is…history proves that crazy ideas have the potential to be the most memorable, and the most brilliant. Consider Jackson Pollock & Andy Warhol…two famous artists who forged their own path despite negative reviews, and wowed the world with their originality. I’d be willing to bet they heard the world “crazy” a few times on their journey…but refused to be afraid of breaking the rules. My 6 year-old gave me the best advice as we were playing a game of monopoly recently. He said “don’t follow the rules mommy…lets make up our own.” I have a feeling he’s going to be an artist :)

So I don’t think it was an accident that Beatriz & Dwayne were the first session I had on the books last week. They are my photo soul mates in every way. Willing to climb through thorn bushes, sit on broken glass, and lay down in a field that…well, lets just say it didn’t smell like roses ;) Bea didn’t even bat an eye when I asked her to climb a crazy hill for the last silhouette shot. And I have to say I’ve never had a groom more willing to put the time & energy into turning an idea into an image… it made my day when he said “wow, that was fun” as we wrapped the shoot. We connected so much during this session that there was talk of planning a “Trash the Dress” shoot near their home on Jersey Island, off the coast of France.

Thanks to Bea & Dwayne for an inspiring session…see you guys in June!