I’m going out of town this weekend and my daughter has a cheer competition. I made all the arrangements for her hair to be braided in preparation. He was disappointed I didn’t have confidence in his French braiding skills. He’s cute. 
"The goal of Sunday is to leave my home as little as possible." Mark Morris 
Happy baptism day, Sweet Naomi! I hope you had THE most special day. You were a beauty to photograph. And I love your shoes! 
Every family I photographed last season, or wedding I captured, was a big blessing to my business and also added value in the new friendships now formed. THANK YOU⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Not only did 4 of 5 of us have Covid-19 a week before Christmas, but I had some thoughts I needed to go through in my head and I had to quiet the noise. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Last week, my mother called me. It wasn't a usual time and it caught me off guard. But some of her comments were: "Doorly, you are such a good photographer. You have a gift. Your images are so real. Why don't you post more? I am so proud of you. Please share more of your talent."⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ With tears streaming down my eyes (and total shock) I was so grateful for a mother's intuition. She had no idea, the demons I was fighting. The imposter syndrome I was trying to diminish. At that time I was trying to find worth and purpose, and she had no idea about my journey. But she knew she loved me and wanted me to know that she believed in me.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I just need to believe in ME. Quite honestly, there are times that I don't. Then I get feedback and my heart swells, that maybe I have a fighting chance. And then I get passed over for a wedding, and my heart sinks again. But that is not why I am here.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I am here to provide my clients with images they can treasure for a lifetime. I want the images I provide to provoke nostalgia, joy, and cause you to print them and text me a picture of them on your walls. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So I have to forget myself and go to work. I LOVE documenting. I love what I do. I know that the Adversary doesn't want me to believe in myself, but I am tired of holding back. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I will try to be present as much as I can because family always first. But know that when that camera is in my hand, when I am going through your images, I am in my happy place and want to extend that joy in the galleries I deliver to you. 
My 8 year old completely surprised me a few minutes ago and asked if I was making pumpkin pie. Nope. It wasn’t on the lineup. But it is now. I only have 10 more thanksgivings with her. I better make sure it’s always on the menu. What desserts are you making? Anything non traditional?! Share!! 
My friend reminded me to be grateful for Uber Eats. So I took full advantage of it, ordered Chipotle for lunch, and spent the day staring at the most beautiful people. #givethanks I’m also grateful for Netflix. What shows should I binge while I edit?! 
I feel like 2020 couples deserve a medal. I also feel like despite all the hurdles they overcome, the heavens open on the day of and all you feel is peace and the fullness of the commitments they make to each other. Congratulations, Justin and Ashley! The best is yet to come. ✨ 
“The fact that you watch our little family grow, perfectly capture us in ways I could never imagine, and put together these gorgeous photos that remind me just how much we love and cherish each other--it just takes my breath away.” I’m so grateful for this beautiful family. I’m grateful for their trust, how genuine they are, and that they constantly welcome me into the most important moments of their lives.