Self Portrait Challenge

October Self Portrait Challenge hosted by Kas at The Humble Lion

Day 1 - Exhale, create an image of you exhaling

For this prompt, I was excited to start the challenge off with such a calming prompt. Typically, a challenge feels like something you’d need to get ready for, maintain energy and use a lot of momentum. I really enjoyed how this series was more slow paced, open ended and paired with journaling prompts. Because of the full moon later in the week, it felt aligned to begin the challenge by considering what I want to exhale, or release, and focus on presence.

Day 2 - Fear, create an image showing where fear comes up for you

For this prompt, I chose to portray my fear of being seen. Having my hair up always makes me feel vulnerable and exposed. Although these things are not inherently bad, I’ve been conditioned to believe that making myself small is the right thing to do. That being opinionated, outspoken, bold and taking up space is like bragging. I know in my mind that these things are not true, but often times, my body still believes they are. Lately, I’ve been considering cutting my hair short again to practice being seen.

Day 3 - Rituals, create an image of a favorite daily, weekly or monthly ritual that you have and look forward to.

Health has always been important to me. A lot of my views around exercise come from my mom who was a health teacher for over 20 years. I grew up knowing the importance of moving my body, getting sunlight and challenging my body on a weekly basis. I look forward to my morning and afternoon walks mainly for the mental benefits and part of my routine. I also enjoy exploring my neighborhood walking paths, seeing cute dogs and people watching haha

Day 4 - Comfort, create an image of you doing something that brings you comfort as the seasons change and get colder.

Making tea was not always a comfort of mine. I never really ever drank tea until I met one of my best friends, Amber, who drinks tea multiple times a day every day. She introduced me to herbal teas 5 years ago and I have been hooked ever since. I’ve never been a coffee drinker because the caffeine actually puts me to sleep haha, so my favorite teas are; bengal spice, decaf earl grey and raspberry hibiscus. Having a warm drink on a cold day is such a comforting ritual that helps me slow down, be present and patient as I wait for the temperature to be just right to drink. I especially love this comforting drink at night with all of my moody lights on, there are no overhead lights allowed past sunset in my house haha

Day 5 - Pathways

I spend a lot of time driving every week. I don’t necessarily enjoy it, but it offers me space and time to listen to my favorite podcasts and music.
If I’m driving somewhere, it usually means I have work. So I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to take photos and do work that I love.
These self portrait challenges are something I love to obsess over. Even when I have endless sessions to edit, I will always make time for this ♥️ thank you Kas for such an awesome and collaborative project

The Grand Tetons & Yellowstone National Park September 2024

This trip was a short 4 days, but we made the most of our time. Although once we got to Yellowstone, all I wanted to do was continue driving north to Glacier! We’ll have to make another trip in the future. All of the scenery was incredible. The jagged mountain peaks were unreal, we saw a lot of wildlife and I was consistently in awe of how impressive the earth can be.

Night 1 + Day 1 in the Tetons

Jenny Lake in the Tetons

Day 2 at Yellowstone National Park

Our first stop inside the park was a pull-off with a beautiful waterfall and a cobblestone bridge. Then we made our way to Old Faithful, Beehive Geyser, Grand Prismatic Hot Spring and the artist paint pots which were bubbling, clay pits. The geysers were hissing as they erupted, the ground rumbled a bit and we definitely felt an instinct that this was not safe. The geysers erupted punctually as usual apparently and it was incredible to witness. A bison was lying near Old Faithful just before it erupted as well as during its eruption. The heat from the hot springs, the rivers and the ground was noticeable on an otherwise cool day.

After the geysers, we visited the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone to see a huge waterfall and steep canyons. Finally, we went to our cabin next to Yellowstone Lake, took a sunset walk near the water and had a much warmer place to sleep than the nights we spent camping.

Final Day,

We spent the morning having breakfast at the lodge, then headed to Devil’s mouth volcano. This volcano had waves because of how big the cave is inside! We heard gurgling, rumbling and felt unsettled again, so the name seemed fitting. We stopped along the river on our way out of the park to throw rock and take photos. Some nice people from North Carolina took our photo in front of the park entrance sign just before we left.

Boulder, Colorado Documentary Small Wedding Photographer

Lena and Brendan - such a sweet and intentional couple. When I watched and photographed each of them interacting with their friends and family, it made me tear up a few times. Brendan gave everyone the most meaningful hugs. Being able to see the care Lena and Brendan have for each person and time they took to spread the love to each person was incredible. Lena and Brendan’s guests were as fun as they look!

*photographed as an associate for Indy Pop Photo

Documentary Wedding Photographer in Boulder, CO

Noah and Michaela’s wedding in Colorado was such a fun day. From Michaela’s first look with her dad to the ceremony where Noah and Michaela’s dogs were the ring bearers, there were lots of tears, but even more smiles and laughter. It was great to get out to this nature area for sunset photos after they had dinner. This time to capture couples photos is special.

*photographed with and for Indy Pop Photo

Boulder Event Photographer - 2026