Earlier this month, we traveled to Las Vegas for the largest photography conference of the year, WPPI ( Wedding & Portrait Photographers International).  I met some of my favorite photographers and learned so many ideas that I’m super excited to start implementing here at home.  The mountainous landscape outside of the city was my favorite area, but the city also offered its own beauty with its vibrant buildings and people.

During a spare afternoon, Beau and I ventured back to the mountains that captured our hearts on day one.  We hiked up a hill where we watched the sun begin to set between rolling peaks.  We took some personal photos of one another and below I’m sharing a few.

It’s kind of hard for me to share photos of myself sometimes because I still have my younger-self voice in my head saying I’m not skinny enough, good enough, etc.  While growing up, I was teased for being overweight numerous times from peers and even family a couple of times.  It’s still sometimes hard for me ‘put myself out there’ because of fear of being judged/not good enough.  Those old scars may be a part of my past, but growing up has taught me that everyone is created beautifully unique and has something amazing to offer.  I share my story in hopes of possibly bettering this world in some way, and to show others that they are beautiful and good enough just the way they are.

You belong among the wildflowers
You belong in a boat out at sea
Sail away, kill off the hours
You belong somewhere you feel free

Run away, find you a lover
Go away somewhere all bright and new
I have seen no other
Who compares with you

You belong among the wildflowers
You belong in a boat out at sea
You belong with your love on your arm
You belong somewhere you feel free

Run away, go find a lover
Run away, let your heart be your guide
You deserve the deepest of cover
You belong in that home by and by

You belong among the wildflowers
You belong somewhere close to me
Far away from your trouble and worry
You belong somewhere you feel free
You belong somewhere you feel free – Tom Petty

All shot on:

Contax 645, Kodak Portra 400

Canon EOS3, Kodak Portra 160

Film developed and scanned by: Indie Film Lab

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