The Magic of Community

The 10th Annual Kahtoola Uphill - Flagstaff Event Film

Last month’s Kahtoola Uphill event felt like a big, fun party. Community members had gathered and were having fun as they cheered on the runners. However, when I stepped back I realized this was, truly, all for the future of society and I was struck by the magic of community. Although everyone was enjoying their time, the runners were ultimately supporting Camp Colton, which supports environmental education in Flagstaff. It's important that students get the opportunity to learn about the environment, to connect to nature, and grow in new ways, especially for them to grow into caring citizens. And I think that's the real reason everyone comes out to the Kahtoola Uphill, not for a fun party, but to ensure that more kids have the chance to grow into all their potential as caring and vital citizens of society. I hope you get that sense of community when you watch the video below!

Family Time in the Mountains

The Mertel Family Portraits - Scottsdale, Arizona: 

A few years back I was put in touch with a pair of women, Carrie and Zenobia, looking to connect generations of women through the question, "What would you tell your younger self?" I loved their ideas and decided it was one of those projects to really invest in because I felt connected to the concept. Throughout the years they've brought me on to work with Take the Lead and Girls in Tech, two wonderful non-profits, and I'm continuously grateful for meeting both women. Eventually, Zenobia asked me to take her personal family portraits, a real compliment in my world!

I knew the family would look amazing, but at the same time the pressure was really on. I would find myself thinking, "Okay, Ali, they're going to look stellar. The location is gorgeous. There's no reason these photos shouldn't look magazine worthy!" Well, like I said, the Mertel family looked amazing and have a sweet mix of personalities, which came across great in our photos. I loved getting to capture their family portraits and pieces of their personalities too.