The other night, I was going through old photos, getting ready to back them up so that I could sell my old laptop. I came across pictures that I had taken in Europe…in Malaysia…some in Costa Rica….

….and then it hit me. I remembered why I love to do what I do. Sometimes when people ask how I got into photography, I tell them that it started when I went overseas. And that is definitely the truth. I think it all started when I took my first trip out of the country at 15. I traveled to Europe and was able to meet so many amazing people, I was able to see so many new things. I wanted to capture that. On my 16th birthday I received my first DSLR (woohoo!!) The next year, I went to Malaysia and Costa Rica. The following year, Argentina. In these places while traveling, I was able to experience so much. I was able to hear stories from such beautiful people. The destitute, the rich, the old, and the young….such beautiful stories. And so naturally, I brought my camera along with me to these places. I took photos of the kids I talked to, of the elderly, the surroundings.

I would collect tons and tons of pictures on my computer from other countries…India, Cambodia, China. It was inspiring to me being able to see the way other people lived and how other photographers captured that. One of my favorite photo books of all time is “The Image of God: The Glory of Man” by Ric Ergenbright. In the book Ric talks about his travels and capturing people in their real-life circumstances that truly displays the glory of God. That is my desire in photography as well.

Honestly, I didn’t get into photography because it was the “in” thing or because it sounded cool. While others my age were out with friends during my oh so awesome teen years….I was having my younger brother and sister “model” for me. I would then take my camera on these trips and capture my experience in photos. Although I have a heart for other nations, it will be a while before I am able to travel overseas again. How I would love to take Leland overseas one day but at this time, financially it’s just not possible. Jay and I don’t feel led to be overseas at the moment. So for now, I am using what I have learned and capturing stories and beautiful moments in what I do everyday. In my son’s life, in moments day to day. I’m also capturing them in weddings.  And I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Although these are old, some from the time I was 15 (that’s like ancient! ;) haha!)..I want to share a few photos from my different travels (in no particular order)….