Marisa + James | Engagements

When Marisa mentioned wanting some romantic, candid shots on the beach to announce her recent engagement, I instantly knew the perfect spot in San Diego. These bluffs along an empty beach during the off-season are ideal for couples or families looking for a colorful, intimate photo session. I love how we were able to capture both timeless portraits and those soft, romantic, candid moments of them dancing and moving together as the sunset.

If you’re in the Southern California area or visiting San Diego and want to create some oceanside magic, I’d love to shoot here again!

Jonny + Hallie | Engagements

Jonny and Hallie wanted to capture the beauty of late spring in Millcreek Canyon for their engagement photos. Nestled in this picturesque canyon, we explored a meadow and winding trail to create romantic, timeless images that truly reflect their love. With Jonny's hometown nearby, the session perfectly blends personal significance with the natural beauty of the area. The vibrant spring wildflowers, towering aspens, and soft light make these engagement portraits truly unforgettable. These photos, which the couple used for their wedding announcement, beautifully showcase the essence of spring in Millcreek Canyon.

If you are wanting to book in this same location please reach out, I will take any excuse to visit where I’m from to shoot in the Salt Lake City area.

Hadley + Sterling | Maternity

Hadley and Sterling’s love story started on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and we knew we had to capture their maternity photos in one of their favorite spots—Central Park. We spent the day at the iconic Bethesda Fountain and Lake, two of the park’s most picturesque locations. With its historic architecture and stunning seasonal foliage, Central Park is the perfect backdrop for engagement, family, or maternity photos. It’s such a joy to document this special moment in Hadley and Sterling's journey, just before they take the next step in growing their family.

If you're considering booking a session at Central Park, don’t hesitate to reach out! There are so many beautiful spots throughout the park that I’m excited to explore for portraits. These photos were taken in early October, just before the full fall magic of New York takes over the park, with its stunning foliage and crisp autumn vibes.

Jenny Williams | Headshots

Therapist, Jenny Williams has been supporting clients in Manhattan for years, so when I had the chance to visit her in her new neighborhood, Cold Spring, just north of the city, I totally understood why she hasn't looked back. This charming town gave us the perfect mix of historical architecture and her cozy, naturally lit home, which made it the ideal spot to update her website with some fresh headshots. We wanted these images to capture jenny’s warmth, professionalism, and with her modern style.

Huge thanks to Jenny for letting me pick her brain about what it's like to live a day in the life as a therapist while we created these warm, personal photos for her new site.

Martha Miller | Headshots

Actress Martha Miller reached out to update her headshots for her acting portfolio, and Park Slope Brooklyn gave us the perfect natural backdrop. I've lived in this neighborhood for just over a year, and I’m totally in love with the townhouses and the tree-lined streets. New York in the spring is just magical—it literally takes my breath away. And honestly, do I even need to mention that Martha glows no matter where you put her? It was such a fun session, especially getting to chat about her upcoming role in The Cleaning Lady, coming soon to Fox TV.

If you're an actress in the New York area looking to update your headshots, I can’t recommend a street shoot in Park Slope enough. The images are truly unforgettable!

The Taylor Family | Family Portraits

I came across these images the other day and I’m really loving how timeless they feel, not to mention the special moments we managed to capture of the Taylor family. If you’re on the fence about location because of the time of year, I definitely recommend going with a studio, especially when weather can be unpredictable in the winter. I also love how much the photos focus on the gestures and emotions—it really makes the shots come alive. This was taken at a natural light studio in downtown Provo, Utah— for anyone in the area looking to book a session!

Thank you to the Taylor family! I loved spending time with you and capturing your family in this stage of life. Life is fleeting, unknown, and beautiful all at the same time.

Jenn Blosil | Album Art

Back in October, Jenn and I wanted to create some laid-back, iconic album art for her upcoming music release. I’m so happy with how the photography captures Jenn’s effortless beauty. The Griffith Observatory gave us so much to work with, from its stunning lookouts to the unique archways—it was the perfect backdrop for what we were going for.

If you’re an artist in the Utah area looking to create content, LA is a quick trip and such a goldmine. There’s an endless variety of textures, parks, and spots to explore, no matter the season. Huge thanks to Jenn for making the trip out and for documenting such a memorable time in both her music and life.

Darley Family | Family Portraits

The Darley family were a delight to photograph this past October on the Foothills of Utah Valley. We wanted to set up a timeless fall shoot that used a pallet of colors they could hang in their home year round. I loved getting to know this family and I even got to meet another artist in my local community, John is an incredible figure painter. Thanks for allowing me to capture some images of your adorable family!

Seven people you need to know | Utah Creatives

To wrap up this winter I wanted to highlight local creatives, maybe warm your heart a little — or inspire you to keep on going through the cold of the last few winter weeks. Here are seven wonderful people who were nominated through my local social media followers. Utah is a funny place—sometimes we get the bad rap of being a homogenous crowd; people don’t realize that we have an abundance of uniquely individual creatives. Take a little peek into this underground community of incredibly diverse people that we are lucky to have here.

Courtney Kendrick | Writer

“A lot of people have asked ‘Why don’t you write a book?’ but the internet is my medium, just like some artists strictly use oil paint.” Courtney has been blogging since 2005. When asked ‘What’s next?’ she discussed closing the blog as a chapter of her life, and moving on to the next thing. Writing is her way of clearing her head “I go up into the foothills where it’s quiet and when I come back I’m able to write whatever needs to come out of my brain.” She often turns to walking in the mountains as a routine step before sitting down to write. “It’s one reason I haven’t left Utah, we are only a few steps away from nature; that and having so many connections to people that live here.” If the internet is Courtney’s medium, the mountains seem to be her muse.

Website: cjanekendrick.com

Jed Henry | Artist Entrepreneur

“I pitched the idea to a consultant in Tokyo, who didn’t think much of it. But I guess a couple assistants picked up some of my work, this classic Japanese styled Mario & Luigi, and flipped. He changed his mind and our first online presence went video game viral.” Jed now has a team of five people selling posters, pins, scrolls, & art subscriptions, making appearances at almost every comic book convention in the country. “I went from illustrating children’s books and hearing ‘no’ constantly from my editor. I realized some of these ideas weren’t bad, they just didn’t belong in children’s books.”

Website: ukiyoeheroes.com

Emma Hardyman | Singer/Songwriter

“This new album is about finding beauty in some of our most horrible moments. I’ve taken a melody that has lyrics about an unattractive moment in my life and brought emphasis to that. I think we’ve heard about the obvious beauty in people’s life. I want to look beyond that now.” Emma, who’s music goes by “Little Moon” releases an album this month. “I used to be so terrified of performing. My dad, who also is a musician, told me to think of it as practice. That’s helped me so much to be more comfortable and make it less about me, but about sharing something.”

Instagram: @little.moon.music

Jean Michelle | Collector & Species Specialist

“Beetles have always been fascinating to me, the variety, & the way their limbs move. Since then that fascination has grown, they have identified over three hundred and sixty thousand species of beetles alone. There are more different kinds of beetles than anything in the world. ‘It’s the survival of the fittest’— the ability to adapt to your environment.” Jean Michelle’s shop is incredible, he expressed his hesitation in switching from a furniture shop, to his most cherished hobby. “I had no idea who the customer would be here in Utah, it’s been surprising to connect to so many different types of people.” Jean Michelle, and his wife now run a successful business for unconventional framed art, carrying custom framed species, fossils, skeletons, & more.

Store Address: 92 West Center Street Midvale, UT 84047

Nanette Amis | Art Marketer/Representer

“I’ve tried my hand at a lot of different crafts knitting, cooking, sewing, stitchery… I constantly am in the middle of a project.” Nanette is the owner of Utah Art Market, which has been running for twenty five years. “It started with 20 friends and a few referrals once a year in the spring. I’d clear out my whole house and fill it with people’s art to sell. It’s grown since then to four times a year and a fine art show called 1 3 5.” But Nanette also admits to the challenge of what she does. “I wish the best artists that applied all got in, but unfortunately I’ve got to be careful of what original art will sell. People have a harder time selling figure paintings and abstracts. I know the audience and who is buying.” You can tell Nanette has a very sensitive heart, her home is filled with original paintings and other forms of beautiful unique crafts. “My biggest motivator is helping artists create a living. My goal is to get younger people hooked on buying smaller art. Then as they follow an artist and watch them grow they will continue to support our local artists.”

Website: utahartmarket.com

Matt Eckelmann | Chef

“My mom and dad are both great cooks. My mom is Italian and my dad is German, Irish, Cuban, & French. So even though Italian is the dominant culture in my home, I was exposed to a diverse cuisine as a child. My mom started teaching me how to cook at a young age— It took off from there. Matt grew up with a disease that required complete reconstructive surgery on his legs when he was a teenager. “I had to learn how to walk again, I was cooped up in my room for almost a year. The Food Network had just started coming out. I was mesmerized by it.” During our interview, Matt mapped out his plan for three dishes on the blackboard wall in his kitchen— even down to the plating and presentation. He says, “I love bringing ingredients together that people wouldn’t expect to go together.” He was right, I didn’t anticipate seared duck with black sesame charcoal pancakes, carrot pannacotta, and a pickled beet yogurt parfait to be delicious— but I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised.

Hilary Wolfley | Dancer & Choreographer

“My medium is my body; logistically it changes things. I just turned thirty, that’s very different than my body was when it was twenty. I’ve had a son, my body has new knowledge and therefore different ways of being in the world.” Hilary is currently pursuing an MFA in Dance in Virginia, New York, and Germany. She goes abroad during summers and teaches dance at a local university during the academic year. “I’ve often been turning to psychology and philosophy for inspiration in my choreography— creating movement based on ideas or ways of thinking.” Hilary began dancing, like most ballerinas, at a very young age. She describes her connection to the art form as freeing, while simultaneously exhausting. “There is something about being in constant motion that’s symbolic of life. It’s a way to celebrate and explore vitality, even when we’re resting or sleeping there are things that flow through us, our organs are in motion.”

Instagram: @hilarywolfley