I have always said that my heart is in photographing weddings. I don't think that will ever change, but I do want to branch out. Try different things. Explore photography. I've set out a list of goals for myself. A major one is to do more personal work. Work that I would not normally do at a wedding. Work that stretches the bounds of my creativity and style.

The first personal shoot I've started has become less of a shoot and more of a project. I decided that I wanted to take couples and individuals underwater for a portrait session.

I rented the underwater housing for my camera and other necessary equipment and did a quick camera test underwater last Friday. You don't realize HOW SCARY it is to put your camera-baby underwater until you actually do it. I was sweating bullets and checked every 10 seconds or so for any leaks.

Saturday, I had the most wonderful Anna and Lucas over for a all out test run. (You can see their AMAZINGLY gorgeous wedding here.) A lot of this session was all about trial and error. I wanted to really get to know the equipment and understand its pitfalls. Even though it was a COMPLETELY new experience for me, we got some really amazing photographs.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Since the test run was a complete success, I'm having an all out underwater session marathon this weekend with some AMAZING couples. I can't wait to show you those photos!

-Becca

So I'm going to start off with some words of advice: DO NOT drink tea that is caffeinated (no matter how utterly delicious it is) anytime before bed. I did this tonight, and this is why I'm writing this at 3AM.

I keep on looking at this photo that I took in Sonoma this weekend. Every time I do, I remind myself where I want to be in the future. I want to have my own studio space eventually (not necessarily in the city). Someplace with a cozy lounge area, a room or two for taking photos, etc. This is the path I've started to lay foundation for.

Somewhere down the thought process, I start thinking about how everything did a 180 for me just as summer was staring in '09. Everything changed. Key word: everything. I caught everyone off guard, including myself. I ended up taking that hard way through things, and there were days where it was hard see to the light at the end. But I made it through... and I landed to where I am right now.

Was it hard? Absolutely. Do I regret any of it? No. I'm doing what I am meant to do while helping others remember that one moment where they were surrounded by so much love.

-Bec