On Film Vol 1: Butterfly Garden

Tucson Botanical Garden - Film Photography

When I bought my Nikkormat film camera I wanted it for the 50mm lens that came attached and not out of a big interest to shoot film. So, when I decided to start shooting film I was not prepared to really use my camera. Getting the right settings for the photos wasn't the issue, but unloading the film was... 

I was saving my film for a special occasion and when my friends and I decided to go to the Tucson Botanical Gardens I felt this was a trip meant for film. Between dodging butterflies diving at our heads and being afraid to move when one landed on us, I ended up coming to the end of my roll. Yet I didn't want the fun of film to end! I had another roll in my bag, so I went off to find a dark place to change out rolls. Since this was my first roll of film in a long time I was okay with my images not being perfect, so the lack of a completely dark room didn't bother me. My real problem began as I was rewinding the film and suddenly I couldn't wind back any further. I could tell the film was still half in the camera, but it was jammed. I kept pulling and pulling and... It ripped!

The bright side is I now know how to rewind a finished roll of film and honestly I find these prints to be really cute. I like the light leaks and the final torn photo. Imperfections can be very fun.

The Culprit, too excited to save her film, takes a cliche photo of herself... Complete with perforation light leaks.

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.

The Secrets of the Desert

Gate's Pass - Tucson, Arizona Nature Photography

When getting ready for a shoot, whether it's for photography or film, I love searching for a beautiful setting. Arizona does not lack beauty from the peculiar cacti, to the snowy mountaintops, to the red rocks, to the pink and purple sunsets. Often on plane rides, when landing back in Arizona I will hear other passengers comment on the continuous brown ugly dirt stretching out beneath us. But, it makes me smile, knowing they'll soon be surprised by the desert's secrets. 

Gate's Pass isn't necessarily a secret, especially if you are from Tucson, but in case you haven't been... Go! It's a great place to watch all the colors of an Arizonan sunset cast their light on spiky desert succulents. But maybe drive up before the sun gets too low in the sky or else you will be blinded by bright rays as you wind your way through the twisty roads!

Candid Moments

Jackie & Jeff - Arizona Wedding Photography

Jackie and Jeff got married!

While I was working at Camp Colton this fall I got a call for a last minute wedding. I had never met Jackie or Jeff before so I was a little nervous considering I get to meet wedding clients before and discuss ideas. Yet, there was no need to be nervous because Jackie and Jeff were both very welcoming and kind. And to top it all off their wedding reception was perfect: beautiful setting, loving friends, a gorgeous dress, and a mariachi band!

It's hard to narrow it down, but I think my favorite part of this wedding was that the bride and groom really only requested candids. I love getting to spot special moments and capture a time of emotion, so this request was exciting! Sometimes I feel like a bit of a creeper walking around, spying on people's interactions, but in the end I'm so happy with the photos it doesn't matter. Thanks for letting me capture your day, Jackie and Jeff!

Married in the Superstitions

Natalie & McKenzie - Arizona Wedding Film

Natalie & McKenzie Got Married!

I met Natalie while I was in film school and I just love her. She's funny, kind, and passionate. She loves to talk about politics, record shop, and check out new coffee places too. Also, she knew who I was talking about when I said I wanted to be Stacey Peralta for Halloween! Then, she introduced me to McKenzie, who is just as funny and kind and passionate. McKenzie has a very sweet soul and it seems like she somehow is always giving everyone in her life her full attention. Basically, I am awestruck with these two women!

When they asked me and our friend Bonnie to film their wedding I was so excited!! I knew it would be amazing, but it was so much more too. Both Natalie and McKenzie seemed so relaxed and calm, like how everyone should experience their wedding day, and it set a nice tone for everyone around them. Thanks for letting me capture such a wonderful day, you two!