Those Who Wander...

"Not all those who wander are lost." --JRR Tolkien

This quote really speaks to me for some reason. Perhaps it's because I've always been one of those who people that walks a slightly different path.

I look for the unique things in life and make them part of my own. Anything that is intriguing or mysterious--that's what I like. From the way I dress, to the way I think/speak--even how I act--I sometimes feel a little out of the norm. Some people think I'm weird, I know. But I accept that. I am who I am.

I'm a reader. A writer. An artist.

That probably accounts for those faraway looks I often get. Why I get quiet and thoughtful at times.

I'm a Christian. A God lover.

Because of this, I think before I speak and I care about what others think. I don't get angered easily, and I love everyone I meet. God makes everyone different. He just so happened to make me the quiet, thought-filled girl that often gets lost in her daydreams.

I'm eccentric. Unique.

I'm Hogan.

The First Dandelion of Spring

Spring. A time of new beginning. Rebirth. Colors splash, rains quench the thirst of the land.

This year, the budding springtime only reminds me that my own life is about to begin anew. I'm nearly an adult, and before long I'll be heading off the college and starting to walk the path set out for me. Though the thought is a little (okay, a lot) scary, it's also a little refreshing as well. Who knows what God has in store for me? I'm excited to find out.

Today I think I'll leave you with another song. This one speaks to my heart.

The Well.

Spring! It's here!

Hopefully.

The weather has been absolutely wonderful this past week. Today was so lovely that I kept hoping I would have to park a few orders at work so that I might get a chance to walk outside for a moment. ;)

With this great weather comes all sorts of great opportunities for me as a photographer. I'm really itching to have a new shoot. I'm also itching because I have a bad sunburn, but that is neither here nor there.

Well, to have a shoot, I'd need a subject. And as of right now I am lacking in that department.

To compensate, have some random pictures of my nephews:

Look! Look into their sweet faces...and ignore the fact that I forgot to insert my logo. ;)

Editing is going nicely. I've finally fallen into a nice rhythm, so I no longer want to throw my work across the room. No,  I'm actually having fun! *gasp* And I'm also seriously thinking about putting up an excerpt...What do you think? Should I?

Amy and Daniel's Wedding

I had the wonderful privelege of shooting a wedding here a couple of week's back, and now I've finally gotten the chance to show some of my favorites!

The beautiful flower girls.

The groom and his father. I really liked this one.

Walking down the aisle...Can't miss her lovely smile!

They were such a wonderful couple, and I had a great time! Lots of blessings and thanks to Amy and Daniel. :)

Photo Shoot in the Backyard

That's right! I had a photo shoot last week with my mom in our very own backyard. Personally, I wasn't sure the pictures would be very captivating since it was a usual windy day and all I had to work with was a rusty red barn (thingy) as a backdrop. I snapped a hand-full of photos and we headed back inside after just 15 minutes or so.

Surprisingly, I was more than happy with how the pictures turned out, especially after I got them edited and tweaked. It also helps that my mother is wonderfully photogenic.

About two weeks ago, I bought a new editing software based on the fact that I am scheduled to shoot my first wedding the end of this month--yay! I fell in love with the new software within the first few minutes of using it, and thankfully, it's very easy to use. With just a few simple adjustments it can make any photo brighter and more appealing to the eye. I think I'm in photoshop heaven.

Aren't I lucky to have such a gorgeous model?

Oh, notice the logo? I am sort of proud of myself for figuring that one out (even though it was really easy to do...shhh). Now it almost feels like a kind of business, especially since the wedding shoot is coming up soon. I really am thankful for all of my friends and family that are helping make this possible. It seems like I am getting closer and closer to fulfilling my dream.

And on that note, I think I'll leave you with one of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite movies:

Click here--I've Got a Dream

Go, live your dream. <3