The End of a Season

Flagstaff, Arizona Photography

The end of a season and the beginning of another. It could sound profound, but I mean the end of our camp season and the beginning of the monsoon season. They collided this year for a bit, giving us a reason to smile even as we returned home. The rain makes us all rejoice, the staff, the kids, and the animals too as I noticed. After the first storm rolled in and away from camp I began to see more and more creatures venture out to play. And I mean play! The hummingbirds dove after each other trying to ensure they were the only one humming by their feeder of choice. The cows daringly stood by the side of the road, waiting for a car to drive by so they could gallop away, but then quickly return to wait for the next car/playmate (they are so cute). The horses, who are always so patient with our kids, grew even more gentle. And I observed the strangest fly I've ever seen moonlighting as a bright orange bee! With a bit of internet sleuthing I learned these strange insects are long-nosed flies that drink nectar, much better than the terrorizing killer bees I imagined. 

Being out in nature, watching the campers grow and discover, are moments I'm always grateful for. At times it can be tiring to be away from your home (and your cute cat!), but breathing in the fresh air, waking up to the sun flooding your cabin, and realizing how much growth kids can make in a summer allows everything you put in for those few months to be worth it.

Dig Into: High Altitude Roller Derby

The H.A.R.D. Dark Sky Starlets vs. The AZRD Bad News Beaters - Flagstaff, Arizona Photography

There are two new things being introduced on my site today... First is Dig Into, a new series that will be popping up on this blog, highlighting people and organizations in the Flagstaff community. I've grown up in Arizona my whole life, and if you have too, then you've probably heard numerous times how boring family and friends think your home state is. I think people get tired of living in the same area, so I would guess it happens in every state... But I love AZ, including all the good, amazing things happening here and I want a place to share them! The second thing is the very first organization being introduced in this series! So without further ado, let's talk about H.A.R.D.

My introduction to roller derby was my mom reminiscing on her childhood days spent roller skating down her street pretending to be a derby girl. I thought it sounded cool, but since I was never able to see roller derby on the television like my mom had, my roller skating days were spent pretending to be figure skater, Michelle Kwan. Flash forward to my college years and I was finally at my first derby bout! It was so much fun to cheer on the teams and make up potential derby names for everyone. When I moved to Flagstaff, I was a little worried my derby watching days were over, but I quickly learned about Flagstaff's very own High Altitude Roller Derby.

I think roller derby is such an exciting sport to watch because of the strong women battling it out on the track. There's a fierce sense of empowerment in roller derby and it's an idea I was very eager to capture through photography. H.A.R.D. brings this strength and empowerment to the community, but they bring a little extra too.  While providing the fun and excitement of derby to Flagstaff, H.A.R.D. is also benefitting organizations through charitable donations and service, building their community in another aspect. Through these photographs I hope you can see the strength, empowerment, and community rooted in roller derby!

On Film Vol 2: Growing Wings

Mother's Day - A Photo Introduction - On Film Vol 2

"There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots; the other, wings."  - W. Hodding Carter II

A while ago someone mentioned to me that they could tell my parents really allowed me the freedom to be myself. I was kind of confused because, like, I'm not that out there so... But this person went on to talk about their own children. How they want them to be able to speak their minds and go after their dreams, which they thought I did. Usually, I like to take all the credit for who I am ;) but when I thought about this, it's true that my parents allowed me to be myself, giving me wings.

Neither of my parents batted an eye when I told them I was going to film school or when I decided I would support myself as a freelance photographer and filmmaker. Every time I have a new little scheme up my sleeve they tell me what a cool idea it is! Since it's Mother's Day, I thought I would introduce you (through photos of course) to the whimsical, dreamer of a mom who gave me wings. 

The girl in the middle being forced to smile... Yes, that is my mother!

Does anyone else's mom act like they weren't that pretty and you're like, "Huh, lady?"

V dramatic.

A Whisper of Pine Trees

The Wonder of Camp - Camp Photography, Northern Arizona

The soft whisper of pines trees and tall blades of grass. The warm silence of sun beams wrapping around your skin. Bright laughter and quick running footsteps as friendships grow. Soft chirps from above. The relentless question, "When is lunch?" The sounds of camp!

Last week I welcomed back the camp season as I worked at an educational camp, documenting students getting lost in the wonder of camp. And I've been getting lost too! I never went when I was younger, but working at camp, especially as a photographer and filmmaker, allows me to see all the affects such a place can have on youth.

Some of my favorite moments at camp are ones of discovery. Watching students collect invertebrates and marvel at the strange little organisms is a great way to start a morning. There's usually a horny toad near by that all the students want to hold, but the best is when they shout, "Shicheii! Grandpa!". When they stumble upon a plant they've yet to notice in their day to day life they want to show you everything about it. There's always a group of girls who realize they are surrounded by an endless amount of flowers to accessorize with and want all their friends to let them weave small petals into their hair. As kids climb through lava tubes, there is a soft glow of enchantment on their faces as they overcome their fears and trek through the dark hallways. That's when I realize it's not just discovery of nature that is exciting to watch, but the students' personal discovery of themselves and what they are capable of too. The opportunity to watch students develop and discover their potential leaves me in awe of the wonder of camp.

Spring in Tucson: Mountain Standard Time

Personal Storytelling: Visiting Barrio Viejo

I love spring time in the desert. Being up north, I didn't get the same flowery satisfaction in March, so I was super excited to head down south to Tucson. Everything was in full bloom and, if you saw my last post you'll know, I even got to visit the colorful Barrio Viejo for a photoshoot! If you haven't seen my last post, then head over here to view some photos from the day. Thanks for stopping by!