My muse by the seaside

Wow, how is it June 2019 already? I remember about this time last year, I felt something going very wonky with my health. Somehow I managed to work well into the fall before I started seeking help from doctors. And as I feel like I might be starting to finally turn the corner and get some relief, I have a very amazing photography blog story to share. The funny thing about autoimmune diseases, they aren't always an easy fix and I knew I had to take time off in order to heal right. But every second of not chasing the sun hurt my soul more and more each day. I was in a battle, me against my body. My passion for telling stories was raging inside me, but my body didn't want to give me that “medicine” yet. I prayed and I can be honest here, I had not really talked to God much when I was working that ol' rat race. There was just no time left for spirituality when I was working that struggle for a few dollars every day. But I feel different now that I have had time to feel my own life in a slowed-down season. It absolutely confirms to me that the little things are really so incredible. I wasn't sure how sick I was and if I would ever be able to create again, so I prepared for the worst. And you know what? It taught me so much about life and photography and why I am here. I guess I didn't entirely know who I was before I got sick. I wish I didn't have to feel so much pain in order to find my place in the world but I am thankful for the lessons I learned. I am not 100% or even close to being completely healthy, but my daughter came home from Pittsburgh after a long year of being away at school and I knew, even if I had to crawl, I would capture her at 20 years old. I have her whole life's story in pictures. The last time I photographed her, she was moving away for school so it has been a while. She loves the water. I always want to see her by the sea. They say saltwater heals everything. So I knew the exact story I would chase with her. And by “chase” I mean hobble, wobble and crawl. But I did it, my first location shoot in months! It felt so good in my creative soul to be shooting again. I was thinking about maybe offering these boat sessions if anyone might be dreaming of a story like this??? Anyhow, I know she's all grown up at 20 years old, but here's my “baby”. Parents, they grow up so much faster than you'll ever believe. I am just so glad I am starting to feel a little more like myself so I can capture more of everything.

A dramatic black and white photo sequence showing a figure in a flowing dress on a waterfront dock.
Black and white portrait of someone in a long dress posing elegantly on a wooden pier.
A flowing black dress catches the breeze on a coastal dock during a moody photoshoot.
Two-panel photo of a black dress silhouetted against a marsh landscape on wooden boardwalk.
Artistic portrait on wooden dock with marsh grasses and water in background.
Moody black and white photograph on weathered dock planks with industrial background.
Black and white portrait showing movement along wooden dock with marsh views.
Silhouette standing on yacht deck against waterfront backdrop at sunset.
Dark figure casting shadow against orange house siding under stormy sky.
Silhouetted figure standing on boat deck in golden evening light.
A black and white photo of a luxury yacht docked at a marina with someone standing on deck.
Two black and white photos of someone posing on a yacht deck in sunglasses.
A series of fashion photos taken on a luxury boat dock during golden hour.
Interior cabin shot of a luxury yacht with wood paneling and someone in a black dress.
View through white curtains on a boat showing a silhouette in dark clothing.
Black and white mirror reflection photos on a boat showing dramatic lighting and poses.
Side-by-side photos of someone posing on a boat dock at sunset.
Silhouette on the bow of a yacht during sunset on calm waters.
Side by side color and black and white photos of someone posing on a yacht deck.
Fashion photography series on a yacht deck during golden hour with water views.
Person lying on white surface in dramatic black dress with reflective creative photography.
Figure relaxing on bow of luxury yacht during sunset on calm waters.
Person resting on yacht deck with sunset reflection over tranquil water.
Black and white photos of person sitting on edge of boat at sunset.
Silhouette of person in flowing dress sitting on edge of boat during golden hour.
Artistic triptych of person sitting on boat edge during sunset.
Sunset portraits on wooden dock with flowing black dress.
Black and white artistic shots on wooden dock with dramatic poses.
Atmospheric waterfront portraits in black dress during golden hour.
Moody black and white portrait by water with dramatic lighting.
Silhouette of someone sitting on a wooden dock at sunset reflecting on calm waters.
Intimate close-up portrait in soft natural lighting near a window.
Silhouette on a dock at sunset with water views and wooden posts.
Black and white photo of someone resting on a weathered wooden dock over water.
Moody portrait on a lakeside dock with rippling water in background.
Someone relaxing on wooden dock during golden hour with water views.
Dramatic black and white silhouette portrait on dock at sunset.
Person in black outfit sitting on wooden dock beside moored boat at sunset.
Black and white diptych showing contemplative poses on a waterfront dock.
Golden hour portrait on wooden dock next to moored boat with water reflections.
A silhouette of a person relaxing on a wooden dock at sunset next to a boat.